Unit 8 - Implementing Subtle Mind and Meditation into Daily Life

I have learned quite a bit about the subtle mind and meditation.  Both aspects can offer clarity and calmness to my mental state and allow all negativity to be released.  The subtle mind practice makes me aware of my thought process, how I react to certain situations and can bring me back, emotionally and mentally, to a calmer state.

I can continue to practice these forms of exercise and incorporate them into my daily routine to ensure I can foster mental fitness.  Just like any form of physical exercise, it is essential to continue a healthy lifestyle each and every day.  Practicing forms of mental and emotional clarity will also allow me to reach my mental fitness goals.

"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself".....

The meditation practice for this week, "Meeting Aesclepius", I thought was very intense.  Thinking of another individual that has impacted my life and focused on that being for the entire time was quite emotional.  The practice itself required full concentration and focus without any distractions.  Being encouraged to visualize the person and the light upon that person was helpful.

The saying, 'one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself', in my opinion refers to one human being's inability to encourage another to act, behave, or live in a manner that has not yet been experienced by them.  I don't believe I can teach or share certain things with other people that I have not experienced myself.  Words are just words without any solid experiences to allow someone else to believe me and my intentions.

As a health and wellness professional, I think it applies greatly in many ways.  In order to encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle, I must be living one myself.  I do feel I have an obligation to my clients to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically because it is one way to reach optimal health and well-being.  If I can be an example to my clients, they will most likely jump on board and start incorporating ways to focus on themselves psychologically, spiritually, and physically.

Loving Kindess / Subtle Mind Exercise

In comparison, these two exercises varied in some ways.  The loving kindness exercise is all about demonstrating love and kindness to individuals you meet.  It's your ability to project kindness no matter what because you come from a point of subtlety and calmness.

The subtle mind exercise, I think, was more difficult for me because I have trouble when it comes to a quiet mind.  I can focus on breathing and opening the mind to positive thoughts without allowing any distracting, negative thoughts and emotions to take over; however, my mind tends to wander.  I should continue this exercise because, with practice, I will eventually be able to behave in a more productive manner in every situation I face.

There is a huge connection between physical wellness and spiritual wellness.  They both go hand in hand; when one is limited, the other will suffer.  The mind, body, and soul is connected and their ability to face life calmly and positively has everything to do with each other.

Loving Kindness Meditation Exercise

The repetition of the four sentences allows the mind to focus on how I have the ability to expand my mind and heart.  The meditation consisted on repeating sentences that will allow me to help others find health, happiness, and wholeness.  I may not succeed at helping everyone but if I change my thinking and behaving, I will most likely gain universal loving-kindness.

I learned that I needed to be more open to what I have the power to do.  I have the ability to help others by encouragement and providing a sound mind and spirit.  The behavior I exude will hopefully have a positive reflection on others.  I will try to incorporate more meditation in my daily life in order to stay calm and balanced.  Ultimately, this will provide a lifestyle of greater wellness.

Unit 3 - Loving Kindness

The Loving Kindness exercise was partially beneficial to me.  It was simple to focus on a loved one that needed positive thoughts; however, the part about focusing on myself was difficult.  I have loved ones that are facing struggles and for me to take in their pain and the weight on their shoulders was easy to do.  Sending happy, healthy thoughts back to them was also simple and did not take much effort.  The breathing in and exhaling was also beneficial.  There aren't many moments in my daily routine where I can sit and meditate and focus on aspects that can ground me and help my mind, body and spirit.

A "mental workout" is when an individual focus on their thoughts and behaviors to make good, healthy choices.  It is basically how a person chooses to make themselves aware of their choices without initially reacting.  I think this type of practice is beneficial to many people.  It keeps them truly focused on their mind and bodies constantly.  It will ultimately allow for a more peaceful life and the ability to make sound decisions.

Reference:

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourshing. Laguna Beach, CA; Basic Health Publications