The Loving Kindness exercise that we participated in last week was very beneficial in finally opening up my mind to these relaxation activities. I was so close minded about the whole idea of sitting and breathing and trying to let my mind go and think happy thoughts. The Loving Kindness audio however was very relaxing with the crashing ocean waves in the background and the intermittent non-irritating voice helping you to drift off. I also liked the fact that it helped you to open up to other people and love those around you. I think many people have lost sight of the importance of positive human interaction. The Subtle Mind on the other hand was an exercise meant to release the mind completely. It was a way to focus on breathing and nothing else. I appreciated that because my mind is constantly racing during the day thinking about all of the things that I have to accomplish. Full time job, full time school, plus trying to find time for my family is a large task and can be overwhelming. It's nice to take a time out and just let all the stress and thoughts of the day float away and be at peace, if only for a few minutes.
The connection between the physical and spiritual wellness is a vital one. In order to be a well rounded happy person you must be physically and spiritually fit. One of the best ways to do this is to practice some form of mind-body exercise such as yoga or tai chi. These activities teach you how to breathe and refocus your mind on something other than your everyday life and stressors. They also stretch your muscles and keep you in shape.
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI always thought that I had it hard with working, trying to build my business(rather my name in RI) for clients to come, as well as school, seeing my family, and boyfriend. I always think that there is no time in the day, but yet I feel bad that I think I have a lot on my plate, when others have a lot more. With things getting done it makes you feel more accomplished! I am glad I am not the only one that is stressed and anxious to get everything done.
Congrats on being just about done with your Bachelor's Degree! Big accomplishment.
Best of Luck, Bridget
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this exercise was much more beneficial. I have a hard time getting into the idea of clearing my mind and breathing and trying to relax myself...I get more uptight because my home is rarely ever quiet enough for me to focus! My kids can go hours ignoring me, but as soon as I put on headphones, they suddenly remember everything they've ever wanted to tell me :)
I would like to start participating more in yoga. I think it would be a more effective way for me to get into the idea of relaxation exercises and I think the stretching would be very beneficial as well!
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteTime is definitely something that has prevented me from really getting into these exercises. The good thing about these exercises though is that when I do them my mind doesn't worry about all of my problems and lack of time preventing me from a stress free life. These exercises are great at letting your mind go and pretty much forgetting about your problems if only for a few minutes and thinking nothing but happy thoughts. Going back to school is a challenge for many of us being we have jobs and a family and I wish you nothing but the best and I hope your journey to accomplishing your goals is a smooth one!
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that the title of your blog caught my attention with being a working student with a family as well. From what I understand is that you see both contemplative practices beneficial, each influencing positive experiences. This is the way I see them to with all that I having going on as you describe as well.
I work in retail. I’m a manager of a store and the crew I have is wonderful. However, our environment has joined the mainstream of do more with less. There are times when someone from the crew will remind me to breathe when things get hectic. That’s how busy I become. How crazy is it just maybe ten weeks or so ago I discovered the benefits of deep breathing and structured breathing and it has continued into these contemplative practices. Also, isn’t it funny that something we always have with us everywhere we go has become an even bigger part of our lives that what we expected?
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteUpon reading your post it is clear that you have benefited from both the loving-kindness and subtle mind exercises. You point out that the loving-kindness exercise was about loving others. This is something, in our dog eat dog world that has gotten lost. The subtle mind exercise is primarily about controlling your thought process and utilizing the calming effects of the mind to benefit the body. Our lives are very similar with job, school, family, and all the other activities that pop up throughout the course of the day. These exercises will definitely help with maintaining our sanity. Great choice of mind/body exercises, although I have not tried it yet, I am told Yoga is a great method for controlling stress and calming the mind.
Ed Busche
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts. I agree with you; it is essential to incorporate mind-body exercises in order to be balanced. As a runner and triathlete, I used to be very weary of yoga. That was until I tried it. Now I can clearly see the benefits of yoga and other mind-body exercises, and I need to make a better effort of incorporating these on a regular basis. As you know, one can actually get a great mind and body workout from yoga, which is an excellent way to keep the mind and body in shape.