The exercise is about teaching ourselves how to love. One can expand their mind and heart by repeating over and over for 10 straight minutes, “may all individuals gain freedom from suffering; may all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness; may i assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering; and may i assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness.” This exercise is based on the hope that one can have universal love.
The assessment is trying to help one figure out their source of difficulty and suffering and try to help fix it. In order to do this exercise one must first relax their mind. When quiet ask yourself,” what aspect of life is the source of difficulty and suffering?” then ask yourself, “what line of development is most essential for me at this time? And what is my current level of development and what can i aim for?” After accomplishing that, the next step is focusing on promoting integral development. To do this, ask yourself, “what area of my life is ready for growth and development?, Is it the same area that also needs healing or is it another area?, And what would the next level of development look like?”
I never really discovered anything new about myself; I pretty much know who I am. I may be stressed out and be suffering all the time but I know why and my problems can’t be fixed with exercises like these. When it comes to loving people I have always been the type of guy that will give the shirt off my back if someone needed it. I have given my last $5 to a homeless man before when I was hungry because I knew he was hungrier.
The areas I have chosen to focus on is just waiting out time because I know by the first half of next year everything will go back to the way they use to be and I will once again be stress free. So until then I just have to keep reminding myself that this stress is just temporary and things will get better.
In order to keep myself sane until this time arrives I can do activities to keep my mind off of things such as work some puzzles, watch some movies, Christmas shop, and spend time with my newborn. I know how to keep my mind off of my problems and so far I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job.
Reference:
Dacher, Elliott S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications.
I really enjoyed reading your assessment of yourself and the loving kindness exercise. I also know that I am a loving and caring person, I know where my problems are coming from, and they are only temporary. I believe I need a different form of meditation, or a combination of activities that will help me to relax. Then maybe I would be able to better deal with the temporary issues.
ReplyDeleteLaVenus
I like how you utilize things that will keep you in an upbeat mood to keep your focus on while you wait out the time. Many times it is hard to focus on good when things are haywire all around us. It is these meditation exercises that help us to learn how to channel other energy within. Very good post.
ReplyDeleteIn getting to know you through your posts, like the previous poster said - you do come across as having an upbeat state of mind. You are aware of the stress - and that is something many people deny. You are a better person for acknowledging it and working on ways to improve yourself. I have always appreciated your honesty on your blog. I too have struggle to find success with these exercises. My stresses and thoughts go beyond what these meditations are for.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
Hi craig,
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best in life and I do hope you over come those obstacles that you are endeavoring. It is not easy to get back in tippy top shape but we can always try. you have done an excellent job on your post on blogger. Wishing you success in your future.