Loving Kindness opens our hearts to others. It gradually diminishes self-centeredness, preparing our minds for further development. It means that we will get back what we give (Dacher, 2006).
This week our exercise was to practice Loving Kindness, through a guided practice. As with most of these guided "meditations", I really feel like a person needs to be in the mood to receive. I have to admit, that I found it difficult to concentrate and truly do what was asked of me. I simply could not quiet my mind enough to really focus on the exercise and allow it to work within me. This was the same with the last exercise that we were asked to do, so I have to admit, I realize that I actually need this more than I thought. Logically, I can definitely appreciate and understand how beneficial practicing Loving Kindness can be. I can see how this guided exercise could really help getting a person on the track to achieving this. I liked the part where I was asked to turn all of the feelings towards myself, but this is also where I lost it. I found it difficult to let go and be at peace with my sensations, feelings and thoughts.
I guess this is where the concept of a "mental workout" comes into play. According to Elliot Dacher, this is the belief that one can evolve or enhance his or her psycho spiritual life by simply practicing this type of exercise on a daily basis. If we practice on a daily basis, we may experience human flourishing, which is what happens when one achieves a life of positive health, happiness, and wholeness (Dacher, 2006). For those just starting out, like myself, an exercise like the one I just listened to is recommended at two times daily for the first week, and then at regular intervals in the future. This will help "train" the mind, which is similar to a physical workout, or anything else you want to achieve. It takes time and practice.
Personally, I can't imagine doing this two times a day. I understand the concept of Loving Kindness and really want to practice it in my life. I think that I do.....the "you get back what you give" concept is one that I try to live by. The "human flourishing" aspect is one that will probably take me awhile to achieve. To live these principles, 100%, really would take practice for me. To an extent, I do live a positive life with health and happiness...the wholeness is a different story, and I realize that the way I live is not TRULY healthy or happy (in the way that is meant for human flourishing). All I can do is the best I can, and if I don't achieve "human flourishing" as it's defined, I will work to achieve it to the best of my understanding and ability.
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health: the Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA:
Basic Health Publications, Inc.
I have to agree with you that a person needs to be in the mood to do exercises like these. Or at least they need to actually want to do it. Someone who is feeling rushed or is frustrated for example would have a hard time focusing on something like this. That was me this week and last week! LOL. I also don't see myself doing this twice a day. I already have so many things that I need to fit into my routine like a physical workout and Bible study/prayer time. I think the latter has a similar affect anyway. : )
ReplyDeleteI agree that you need to be in the mood for these sort of exercises, because if you are not focused enough to listen which I often have to wait for a certain point in the day where I can it won't do you any good. On the other hand I feel the loving-kindess and the subtle mind approach can be applied to my life or anyone's if you take a step back and pick out what isn't bringing you what you need in your life or what is just not important to keep doing. This way you can free up your time for things like these exercises, but I do have to admit this is hard to do and I really need more practice with it so I can keep my mind from wandering all the time.
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