In reading the Loving Kindness exercise and listening to the CD describes how the exercise helps us” to diminish our self -centeredness and opens our hearts and minds to others” (Dacher, 2006). This exercise made me really concentrate on myself and others. I liked the quote in the book “loving-kindness attracts loving-kindness. We get back what we give” (Dacher, 2006, p. 65). While doing the exercise I made myself aware of all of my thoughts and feelings, good and bad, and it actually made me feel more aware and at peace with my inner feelings. My heart felt open but in a more deeper-psychospiritual way. It was really moving. I definitely think this exercise is great and beneficial. I would recommend it to others because this exercise is all about opening up and benefiting from that practice towards a more healthy and integral well-being.
The concept of Mental Workout is basically like physical conditioning but with your mind. “The most meaningful aim of contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation, but rather the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities” (Dacher, 2006, p. 65). The main goal of the mental work out is to fully understand and evolve our psychological health and well-being with daily conditioning. Everyone’s path towards human flourishing is different but yet similar in how they get there. Mental training goes hand in hand with “effort, discipline, and perseverance” (Dacher, 2006, p. 66). Research shows that having a training program “helps develop a healthy inner life and can immediately and for months afterward enhance their level of emotional and physical well-being and their capacity for health” (Dacher, 2006, p. 21). I myself can implement my mental workouts throughout the day. On my lunch break and when I get home from work are ways to start for me and then eventually I can do them more often throughout the day when I get better at the exercise process. I really enjoyed this exercise and look forward to further developing my inner consciousness.
Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
3 comments:
Wow Michele! That is a fantastic post!. I think that you are right about the mental workout. We do have to practice everyday to become mentally fit and we have to continue practicing to keep in shape mentally. This is really hard to do. I have a long way to go because I need so much practice. I'm hoping to get there some day though.
Michele,
You on the right track with comtemplative practice. I felt like you on the exercise of attracting kindness, but it is the same biblical principle of love ye one another (my personal opinion). This particular exercise will take continue practice in keeping racing thoughts in check. So as in workouts for the body,there is the mind too.
Best in Health,
Ms. G
I love that quote too! It is so true and "loving-kindness" can be replaced by any emotion or act in life. Anything we do, can attract the same in the people around us. I know this exercise is supposed to be practiced daily, but I think if people just tried it once, they would have a deeper appreciation for their inner feelings.
It is great that you have found time to work on your mental fitness. I have a very busy schedule, but even when I get a few minutes to myself I try to clear my mind and wipe the slate clean. Whether its that five minute ride we have to the store and that two minute bathroom break you somehow managed to squeeze in, its time for you to be alone with your mind and rearrange your thoughts!
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