I have to admit that the first time I tried to complete this activity I was not in the right frame of mind to try to relax or take in someone else's suffering. I literally had to get up and walk away from the computer and do something else. I waited until the next day to listen to the exercise again, this time I was actually able to really take in what the speaker was saying and put the thoughts I was having through the mental process necessary for me to benefit from the actions. I would recommend this exercise to others but do suggest that they reach a level of calm before trying to internalize others suffering. That was the hardest part of the exercise and I actually felt a pressure in my chest on the in-breath, and a release on the out-breath. I think that the more times I do this exercise it will become easier for me to accept others suffering and be able to genuinely send love, and wholeness to them, at least in my mind. This mental repetition is what we read about called the mental workout. That basically means that exercising our minds will increase our ability to actualize our feelings about ourselves and others. I agree that the mental workout may be one of the most important workouts we do in our daily lives. I am re-working my daily schedule to include more mental workout time through out the day, and I agree that starting with 5 minutes and working my way up to a hour each day is the right way improve my mental wellness and strength.
Dina
Dina,
ReplyDeleteYes, the relaxation exercise was a little tough, especially during the suffering part! It was hard for me to really concentrate to take the pain away. I bet if you (as well as me) keep practicing, as you mentioned, it will become easier.
Mental workouts are truly important (I never thought I would ever say that!). I think your goal of working out your mind everyday is a great idea. 5 minutes each time and working your way up will definitely start getting your mind and health where it needs to be.
Great blog!!
-Natasja
I loved opening your blog this week. The black and white picture of you with your eyes closed and the black and white lightning, water, and mountains in tne back ground is stunning. It can take on so many meanings on so many levels....
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I did not do the loving-kindness exericse. I listen to it and read the words from the text, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It went against my religious beliefs as a believer in Jesus Christ and His atonement.
I found it interesting that you descibed the experience as putting "pressure on your chest". Interesting. That brought to my mind the thought that that was one of the things the Savior must have felt in Gethsemane when he took on all suffering of the world.
I agree that taking on someone else's suffering was extremely difficult. There can be so much of it happening all around us and it is hard to not feel emotionally overwhelmed. I am hopeful that it just keeps getting easier with time and will take away some of the suffering my loved ones are feeling. I find comfort in the thought of having the ability to ease their pain if they can't.
ReplyDeleteI struggled with dealing with my enemies. The pain I have felt from them over the years really surfaced and made me angry. I guess hiding the true feelings of what they did made it worse.
I did learn from your blog to keep trying and eventually the pain and fear will get less and less each time. Thank you.
Stacy