Unit 5 Subtle Mind

I found I did better on the Subtle mind exercise without the CD. I went through it once to get what I was supposed to do. I did it while I was driving because there were such long pauses in it. I did find as I drove I was able to let may thoughts ebb and flow. Of course there was the awareness of the road. I don’t recommend this as a way to get still but it helped me relax as I drove and not let the traffic get to me.

I have since done the practice in a less stimulating setting. It flowed better than the Loving kind exercise. Part of that is because I us breathing a lot to get quiet.

I consider myself a spiritual person. I feel I have a power greater than myself directing me. I have found that when I use my gifts for others I receive many gifts in return. I get strength and courage when I need it. I have an on-going dialog with God/Jesus. I share my thoughts and feelings. I say “thank you” for the little things that cross my path each day like a green light or a beautiful sunrise.

I have intestinal problems that are usually caused by something I have encountered rather than what I have eaten. Instead of taking medicine and going to bed. I go back over the last day or so to see what could be causing this stress. Sometimes it is as simple as doing something that brings me joy or some calm mental images.

I am determined to get exercise back into my routine. This class have been a constant reminder which is what I need sometimes. We will see how far I progress by week 10.

The exercise on Loving-kindness has been hard for me to focus on. I really have to schedule the quiet time to do this. I cannot do it right after work when I get home because my mind is too busy still.

Mental workout is needed to expand our consciousness and healing. I have to be persistent to benefit from these practices. The loving kindness practice brought images of my mother and her gentle spirit. She is able to take what life has brought her and be successful at what she does. Her home is open to everyone; they feel welcomed. I want to have that serenity to love people just as they are.

I also encounter my partner, Bien, that passed away 4 years ago. She went out of her way to help others. She was aware of her surroundings and was a Good Samaritan no matter how others treated her, which sometimes was not very nice. This is the place that I want to be to bring tranquility into my life.

Focusing on a loved one that is suffering was a little harder to choose. There are many that are experiencing suffering of some type. My roommate is unemployed, my mom has heart problems, my friend has diverticulitis, others have physical and mental problems. I found the next stepped helped. It brought in a “circle of strangers”. This was easier to bring in those that are suffering. I could bring in their suffering and help dissolve it.

I don’t find myself to be self-centered. I look out for others and their needs. This exercise was a natural extension. I have got to make time to enjoy quiet time to help keep this peaceful experience.

Goals - physical, spiritual, psychological

After our seminar last night, I had some idea of goals I can set for myself.

Physical- I need to exercise. I am currently walking 1.5 miles 5 days a week.

I will start exercising 3 days a week for 30 mins. By end of the class I will be up to 1 hour 3 days a week.

My ideal weight is 160. I feel better at this weight and have less aches.

This will start me on a program to get to this.

Spiritual – I have a strong faith. It is what guides me everyday. I will find 10 minutes everyday to be still either through meditation or relaxation.

Psychological – My current education path has will be completed at end of January. I will stay on track and not rush my work. I am on a sharp learning curve at work. I will stay in the moment on what I am working on. I get sidetracked and don’t get things done.

This week’s relaxation exercise worked well for me. I was able to relax and not fall asleep. I found the colors of the rainbow a good image to recall. When my mind has wandered I close my eyes and see the red going to ground. This gets me grounded and in the moment. I am finding it hard to find quiet space. I have 4 indoor cats that seem to want my attention when I lay down. If I close the door they meow and scratch at it. I am going to have to figure out their nap time.

I want to record these exercises on my iPod. Anyone have an idea how to do this. There is no link that I can find on the screen. Being chained at the computer to do these gets awkward.

Relaxation Exercise Unit 2

The relaxation exercise worked well. I fell asleep. I think I got through most of it. I needed that. I have had very busy week at work. Roommate is gone this week so I have to tend all 7 cats myself. Decided to have company over tomorrow, Sunday, so that means I need to clean up a little. Oh ya, I have homework to do.

I do this to myself frequently. I don’t give myself time to relax and just be. That is one of the reasons I am taking this class. I need to take care of me. Now that I have had my power nap I am ready to tackle my class work. I will see if I feel more refreshed as I head into the rest of the day.

I had fed all the cats and went outside. It has been over 100’ all week and I wanted to get a few things done before it got too hot. I spent from 8-9 out there. By the time I came back in the cats were all curled up sleeping so I could do the relaxation exercise uninterrupted. It worked.