These practices have definitely proved to be somewhat difficult to implement into my life. I just don't feel there is enough time in a day to incorporate everything I need to do. However, I do need to find a balance. In order to create balance, I know these practices need to be incorporated.
I found the Subtle Mind practice to be the most beneficial. Learning to quiet the mind, focus on my breathing, and allow myself to acknowledge each though entered my mind will be very helpful in my daily life. I feel that many times I am out of balance in a day, then the week. Allowing myself to create this time to sit and focus on my breathing will truly be a way for to bring balance into my life. I can't say today that this will happen each and everyday. But as time goes on, I think it will be easier to incorporate on a more regular basis, with hopes of it becoming a daily practice. The goal for this practice would be to generate a more quiet mind that allows me to reflect and balance my life.
I like the idea behind Loving - Kindness. I did not like the practices though. I do sit and ponder loving - kindness. I like that when I realize someone is not acting a certain way (like I want them to), all I say is "Loving Kindness" with a hand gesture that implies I have now bestowed loving kindness on them. I am sure this seems a little unconventional, however, it really brings me back to the present, allowing me to know that I cannot help the way they are behaving and putting me at peace. It also makes me laugh to myself, putting a smile on my face.
Enjoy.
Melanie Davis
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI love your story about loving kindness. You are so right, we can not control how others act but we can control how we react to them. Loving kindness helps me stay positive and look for the good in life instead of the bad or the disappointing.
The subtle mind like meditation can be practiced in very short periods of time. I think that if you think of the few minutes here and there, you will fit it in. I get to work a few minutes early just to sit in my truck and clear my mind. Some days it is 10 minutes other days only 5, but I love that quiet time. My other place right now is in the shower. I work a lot of hours and I have to fit it in otherwise I will go crazy. As you do it and you start to feel the benefits in your body, you will crave that quiet time to rejoice your brain and your body.
All the best and keep trying,
Christine Faust
Hello Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post. My dad and grandmother always said "you can get more flies with honey than you can with vinegar". I think that this quote can be applied here. How I act and react, has an affect on others. I have found that by watching my reactions has made my relationships with my husband, son, dad and others much more peaceful, easy going, and light feeling. I have to find time to do these exercises and I find time is really becoming hard to hold on to because before I know it the day is done. Baby steps are what work for me. I got an XBOX game to kill two birds with one stone. It has zen, yoga, meditation and deep breathing AND exercise programs and is super fun :)
Best of Luck,
Sara G
Melanie, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, we have to find the best meditation practice for us as they are not one size fits all. It is difficult to implement these practices into our lives because it is not something that we have been taught to do, especially if you are a wife or mother, you are often so busy taking care of everyone else and not yourself.
ReplyDeleteI greatly appreciate the "catch 22" that you point out here. I know I need these exercises in order t create that calm and balance in my life, yet I already feel bogged down and overwhelmed with activities and responsibilities that to even consider taking on another task or project just seems a bit counterproductive to my mental state and feelings of being rushed constantly. I think of the times I go out early in the morning, like 4:30 or so and just go get a cup of coffee in peace and silence, or when I choose to go out to complete a paper that I am working on. Initially I feel selfish and guilty for leaving my family, but ultimately by doing for myself I am bettering myself and in essence giving back to them. This is how I equate these exercises, by truly devoting the time to them I am actually freeing up more time because I will not be as bothered by random ideas or stressors.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your journey, know you are in good company :)
Christine M. Campanella Dixon
Your post made me giggle. I could see you in my mind doing the hand gesture. (These are not the droids you are looking for...) I have to say I do that sometimes too, especially when I am driving. I guess it has more of an impact if we feel ourselves "throwing" our love at them. Reacting with love and intention seems to knock people off of their gait. Sometimes it works well, sometimes it makes them more negative.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to find time during the day to do the exercises. I have set up times to do them and something happens and I have to reschedule this appointment with myself. I remind myself to do it because it does make me feel better. Life is a busy job. I hope that you can find time for yourself and be able to do these exercises more regularly.
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI really liked you take on the loving kindness practice. It was interesting to see your way of doing things. I also really enjoyed the subtle mind practice as well.