I will admit that I did not expect the Loving Kindness meditation to have the impact that it did on me! First, I began the exercise completely focused on myself and how it would make me feel more relaxed and at ease with my struggles. I realized that the transition from focusing on my own problems to focusing on the problems faced by others, really allowed me to empathize. When I repeated the phrase in my mind for 10 minutes, I truly began to realize that my problems are minimal compared to the collective faced by the general population.
The integral assessment was really helpful in identifying areas of my life which need focus and attention. This assessment directs all attention toward personal concerns and stressors, then gradually peels them back until your are left to focus on the problem you do not want to face. The good thing about this assessment is it makes you feel as though addressing the issue (s) gives you a sense of control over them. It helped me to understand what my goals are in diminshing the stressor and what I can do to reach those goals. One of the exercises that I will continue to implement, long after I am through with this class is meditation. I honestly had no idea of the sense of awareness to be gained from it. After these exercises and meditation, I do not feel trapped under my problems, I realize that if there is a way to resolve them, a clear mind is the first step in doing so.
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you are enjoying the meditation exercises. I think they are great as well. For me it helps me with clarity as I feel each day is an opportunity to start a new page. The fact that I am a seasoned adult, I have long ago learned to release what I cannot change, embrace what I can, and be smart enough to understand the difference. Much blessings to you!