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.
I am glad that you were able to make it work. I have not yet been able to get past the part of loving yourself to make it possible to love others. I was never real close to my mother as she could never find anything right with what I did. She also tried to talk me out of getting into nursing as she felt I wasn't smart enough. My father however, was very supportive of what i was doing and encouraged me to do my best. It was the only thing that kept me following out his last wish, to make sure at the end of his disease process that the girls (my daughters) not see him that sick. I was able to care for him long distance via my brother but wasn't there when he died.
ReplyDeleteI think that may be why I work homecare-it is my way to return the gift my dad gave me if only by proxy.
Barb
ReplyDeleteFinding the right time to focus is some great insight about yourself. Even though I consider myself to be experienced with meditation and try to put aside a specific block of time sometimes I cannot clear my head. Sounds to me like the features about your mother and your partner Bien that you admire are qualities you already have. As I understand it,we are attracted to the qualities in others that we actually have ourselves only we are usually not aware of it.
Hi Barb!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is important to find the time to focus on you and only you. I can tell by your blog that you are genuine and well liked by those that surround you. It's great to have a mother that represent herself as a loving, caring and giving individual. I love being around people with that type of inspiration towards others.
It is so important not to get stressed over the relaxation exercises! I am with you...I have to schedule this time. However, it is nice to be "forced" to make some me time. I admire Bien. I am trying to not worry about how others act. I want to be Maggie no matter what. I do very well most of the time by being there even for those who kick me when I am down. My dad always says, never let anyone change who you are. I love that quote and try to live by it. This class has also helped a lot.
ReplyDeleteBarb,
ReplyDeleteI like the way you were able to describe you experience. Even if you weren't able to focus clearly, it sounds like you have found the people you needed to for this exercise. I'd like to hear how this experience goes when you are able to focus clearly. I think you may have some beautiful results!