The Subtle Mind... learning how to be still and
silence this girl's really FULL mind
This weeks MP3 exercise was much easier for me to
participate and remain engaged in. I continued to have various times of
necessary redirection with my thoughts but it really helped me to have the
image of one thing to focus on while I concentrated on my breathing. I felt my
muscles begin to relax. Probably the hardest thing for me was slowing down the
mental TO DO list I have this evening regarding schoolwork running through my
mind. With that said, I probably did not choose the best time to do this exercise
and complete my blog. Next time... right?!?!
I felt I could complete this exercise with more enthusiasm
compared to the Loving Kindness exercise. I appreciated the first exercise
having the time to focus on others and extend prayers of hope and healing for
them but this exercise centering my mind was great. I see the benefits of both
but I feel like it is important to be at a place of peace and rest like The
Subtle Mind exercise hopes to accomplish and then we are able to intercede and
extend loving kindness in a more effective way.
This is going to take dedication on my part. I need
to put action to my words and actually implement this into my week, whether it
is twice a week and then three times a week. My level of stress lately has been
pretty high. I find myself tense 90% of the time. Accountability folks... I
need it! :)
My spiritual wellness is probably more important to
me than my physical and mental wellness. I know the importance of each and I'm
sure this sounds strange to most. I see the value in taking care of each aspect
of our life: physical, mental, and spiritual. I guess I just feel like if my
spirit is off then my thoughts and mental process will be in a much more
unhealthy state. When my mental health is off then this will then begin to have
an effect on my physical wellness causing fatigue, muscle tension/pain,
headaches, and depression, ect.
Does this mean I keep my spiritual wellness in
check always? No way! Do I watch my diet each day and exercise on a consistent
basis? Nope. Do I respond rather than react to issues of my day that provoke
anger, frustration, or emotional upset... unfortunately not always. But it is a
process. Improvement is a step at a time and I can see myself taking these
small steps in hopes of being healthier in each aspect I've shared about.
Hello Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely enjoyed our exercise today. I use this breathing technique on a near daily basis. It has helped me to ease my mind and relieve my stress level. I think that you will find this very beneficial in your daily life. You can use this technique even if you are around a bunch of different people. The only thing you need in this practice is the ability to focus on your breath long enough to slow down your thoughts. I wish you the best in this practice.
Hi Ashley
ReplyDeleteOne of the hardest things for me to do this term is to relax. I feel like there is so much homework to be done in this class it is difficult to relax and participate in the exercises without becoming distracted. Between the blogging, discussion, exercises and special projects its over whelming at times. I am also taking a public health nursing class that I am not enjoying. While I have learned a great deal about myself during this course I wish there wasn't so many small tasks to be accomplished.I sometimes feel like my brain is saying concentrate on being peaceful and calm damn it...Just do it now.
My spiritual wellness seems to be getting burried by school work. I am trying to improve my emotional reactions to situations and to have a more positive outlook and approach to various problems. I feel that I do look at life much different after taking this class and learning about the different studies related to prayer and wellness.
Julie Pierce
Hey Julie!
DeleteI hear ya.... you and I both are taking Public Health Nursing and the two together is a lot! I can almost hear myself saying many similar things you just shared. Thanks letting me know I'm not the only one. We WILL make it! Half-way done and moving along. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, frustrations, and experience with centered breathing. I'll get it eventually if I practice. Lord knows, I need some calm over here as well. Good luck!!
Ashley
I also have a hard time relaxing and focusing. Once I start to focus on something, my mind goes blank.This weeks exercise I may need to try again. I did not feel as whole as last weeks. I sit quiet a lot... praying sometimes to stay sane. Maybe, I too, should find the right time to do it. But it never seems to be the right time.
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies for your feedback. 1 day at a time.... hard for me to apply but that thought goes through my mind a lot. I appreciate the tools we are getting in this class but this girl HAS to practice to see some results. Good luck with the next unit coming up!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving.... :0)