This was a pretty difficult exercise for me. I immediately felt the first pause in the exercise was too long and I became distracted quickly. The introduction was not long enough to place me in the right kind of mind to fully experience what the exercise was calling for. I was able to think of a person and instantly fond memories came to mind, but after a while I found myself wondering how long the pause would last and my mind wandered on to other thoughts. The second section asked me to turn the loving kindness to myself and since I already felt disjointed in the exercise from the first pause I found it difficult and actually impossible to get back into the exercise. I was able to feel relaxed and comfortable sitting with my eyes closed, listening to the waves in the background, but found it near impossible to connect with the activity. This exercise was even more difficult than the unit 3 exercise and unit has been the easiest by far for me to connect with.
One hour daily of practice in loving-kindness and subtle mind can make a difference and also create a "mental workout". Loving-kindness opens individuals to each other and take the attention away from the first person, placing onto another. Subtle mind is a technique that learns to quiet the hectic and careless movements of thoughts, feelings and/or images.
I agree that these exercises are difficult, I think I need to practice in order to get the most out of them. I see them really as an idea, a framework and we can and should make adjustments to fit into our own needs. I like the idea behind the exercise and will try to use it in my own life, may not be exactly like he describes.
ReplyDeleteHI Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI am finding that many are being challenged with these exercises. I am also finding comfort in that!!! I have to giggle at myself. These are exercises. I really hate those people that breeze through exercise workout and barely break a sweat.I remember as I was training for a 5 K a few years ago. My trainer looked like a Barbie Doll. Actually she still does!! I would be huffing and puffing as she was mindlessly rattling off about the beautiful colors in the evening sky!! She runs full marathons for fun...She once told me not to worry that the pain will stop after the first few hours!! Are you kidding me!!! Really??!!! I am struggling with 20 minutes, who said anything about HOURS !!!
Do you think that is us?? By the end of this class we will see the beauty in our exercise??
I am really looking forward to the journey!!!
Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue the first few times but when I did it more it got a little easier for me to do. Did you try doing them twice a day for a week like it suggested? I was having issues with the amount of the pause they had also. On some of the times that I did it I ended up falling to sleep. It did have a good thought of sharing love and kindness to those we love and others that need the kindness shared with them.
I hope that the next few exercises are going to be a little easier to do. I do find meditation to be helpful and if I could meditate and help others that would be great. Thank so much for your thoughts.
Jodi
Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem staying focused the first time I did this exercise but I realized that I had to use the restroom and that put a strain on everything that I was trying to do. When I did the exercise the second time I made sure that all my physical needs were met before I started this time I was able to keep my focus on what I was doing. Sometimes We need to make sure that we have met all our physical distractions and we may need to do it more than once to become more comfortable with the practice.
Often, meditations have background music mixed with some kind of natural calming noise. In this exercise it was the beach, which happens often in other meditations as well. However, I have lived by the beach so the only thing I do in these long pauses is start thinking of memories of my family at the beach. They are not always good, such as the time I was stung by a stingray or the time I got a horrible sunburn. I can't concentrate in these long pauses and, like you, become distracted. Oh well, maybe the next one will reel us back in.
ReplyDeleteHannah,
ReplyDeleteI tend to enjoy the pauses, time to let my mind "play back" what I just experienced, but these pauses did seem to last a while. I have been using meditation in my daily life for years, usually in the mornings, and it helps me set the tone for the day, especially when I know I have a lot to get done, or a big assignment due. I tend not to panic as much as I see others doing.