Subtle Mind...

The "Subtle Mind" is supposedly one of a timeless, silent space...to get to the place of the Subtle Mind, breath plays a key role.  For this week's exercise we were to take a journey to the "Subtle Mind".  We were supposed to compare this to last week's exercise of "Loving Kindness".  I really like the Subtle Mind exercise because it involves breath; there is a direct relationship between breath and mind with this practice.  Dacher claims that that "peaceful breathing patterns lead to a peaceful mind".  I often find myself holding my breath...that can't be good!  This exercise seemed like more of a mindful meditation to me.  I did appreciate that the "Loving Kindness" exercise had guiding help.  I have previously stated that I often have difficulty "shutting off" my mind; so to have guided imagery and meditation was helpful to me.  I feel like this is a natural progression from the "Loving Kindness" exercise, and I like that it's recommended to revisit the "Loving Kindness" exercise throughout the week, and it's not about substituting one for the other.  While I struggled with the "Loving Kindness" exercise at the time, I can definitely see the benefits of making it a regular life practice.  I also like how the "Subtle Mind" exercise is also a guided practice.  Ten deep breaths in, and ten deep breaths out...then settle into your body's natural rhythm....whatever comes to mind, focus on the breath.  "This is a highly intentional, mindful, and maybe even forceful practice", says Elliot Dacher.  I personally like that it is not made out to be "easy" to accomplish at first, because for most people I don't think that it would be.  I know that practice and patience are key, but it always comes back to the breath.  Eventually it should become less forceful and more natural, until hopefully I will be able to release my mind and "let it float free".  This is not something that I am able to do right now, but it is something that I need and will work on.