I sat here and really thought about which of the exercises really worked for me and which did not. I can honestly say that they all have worked for me over the last 7 weeks, of course there were some that I had to do numerous times to get the full effect. I would have to say that meditation has been the most beneficial exercise that I have practiced this term. Through meditation I have been able to make some positive life changes and dramatically decrease my stress level. On the days that I felt like I was going to explode, I was able to come to my laptop, listen to some music I saved in my favorites from YouTube, that the professor shared during seminar, and relax myself before I attempted to work on my mental workouts. I did realize that I was so stressed and distracted that I needed a pre-exercise to the exercise that would strengthen my mind. Now that I have had a taste of inner peace through meditation, I will not go back to the way I was. I crave inner peace and seek it everyday, it is almost like my body knows when I need to chill and begins deep breathing without me, and when I finally catch on to what is happening I am well on my way to being calm.
The other exercise that I have found very beneficial to my mental fitness is the subtle mind practice discussed in the Dacher text and on the CD. As I sit here typing this I have just finished listening to that particular practice for the day. I have also found that not only can I calm my mind with the mental workout, but when I am reading the course material for this class I retain more information if my mind is still before I begin. Again, this is a practice that I will continue to work on for my mind-body-spirit benefit and wellness. When I get to work with clients in the future, I want to be able to describe to them the person I was before I was changed, how stressed, unhealthy, worried, hurried, and tired I was before I took control of my life. I will be that teacher that has walked the walk.
Dina
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications, Inc.
It’s great to see that you found that all of the exercises did work even though some more than others. I know for me not all of them worked but when they did I thought the experience was quite beneficial. Meditation has many benefits that we have learned about so that is good to see it worked for you. You even mention how you have been able to make positive changes in your life already which I haven’t done yet but hope to soon. Keep up the great work and good luck in the future with your various exercises you try.
ReplyDeleteDina,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be such an amazing woman, even though I only know you through posts and seminar; I absolutely love reading your blog! You are so inspiring and you make me want to meditate more and more. I just find it so hard to do it everyday and I think it is great you can! Meditation does have many great benefits, as you mentioned, and I'm glad you are getting some!
-Natasja
I often find myself needing a pre-mind workout so I can better focus during the exercises. I have a hard time focusing for long periods of time. Therefore, if I chill before and relax my attention span gets better. The mental fitness is like physical fitness, your body craves it. As long as we stick to it, we will see the benefits as if we were losing weight doing physical activities. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI loved the meditation also. I am happy to hear that it works so well for you. I find that music helps me to concentrate and relax better also. That is why I have music on my blog. I turn it on when I am blogging and even when I am doing my course homework exercises.
ReplyDeleteGood for you to be doimg this for the sake of your clients as well as yourself. I think I must need do more at meditation because I am still doing it just for myself. Selfish?
I realize that this journey of meditation we have ventured on has become life changing. A life style change that we should not deviate from. The realization that you had concerning stress is parallel to my own thoughts. For so long I thought I was this boulder...ready to shatter at any time. No more, there is a place in the shadows of life where we can take refuge for the raging storms. I am so glad to have taken this ride; a ride that doesn't cost anything but time and a little space.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Hello Dina!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are so much alike! I also found all of the exercises to be beneficial and enjoyable. I do need to practice some of them more to be proficient at them, just like you. I also like the meditation best, or at least I think I'm the best at it. :-) I really hope that I can improve the skills I've learned. My personal goal is to be able to reach a meditative state at will and my mind will go to the deepest level possible. Isn't it awesome how great the mind is and the way it works for our health and wellness??