I have done better with the Loving Kindness exercise and the Visualizations. I have a hard time quieting my mind in the other 2. I am going to keep on practicing. The loving kindness exercise always brings my mom to mind. She is a great lady. She has a way to make everyone feel welcome. She has a sense to know what people need. She is very thoughtful. She has always been my model.
This exercise has helped me to bring about different emotions and work on my reactions to them. I absorb the loving feelings. With the suffering of loved ones, I work at not trying to become stressed by their circumstances. I need to work on sending out the loving sensations that I have been working to build up. These can help in healing loved ones.
The Visualizaitons exercise is something I had already been doing in a way. My partner, Bien, was killed 4 years ago by a hit and run driver. We had been together 14 years. In my quiet moments, I visualize our happy times. I remember the feelings,,smells and tastes. These bring me peace. With life being cut short, I find that I share special moments with Bien. It can be a beautiful sunrise or ride through the mountains. This type of visualization helps turn grief into joy. I try to look for the positive in life.
Wow Barb,
ReplyDeleteNice visualizations. It amazes me that taste and smell can be so vivid. Looking at the positive in life is so important, what a blessing that you are able to do that. Sounds like your mother is very special to you as well, that too is a beautiful blessing.
You know, I found many of the same sensations when I was envisioning my grandfather, the doctor. I remembger the smell of cigarette smoke on his clothes, the crinkle of this whiskers and the softness of his voice.
ReplyDeleteHaving a soft place in your memories for your mother is very important. It can give you strength to face anything.
I must say... I always enjoy reading your blog. You are an inspiration. Looking for the positive in life can be exhausting, but it is so worth it. You have suffered such a huge heartbreak in your life, but to continue your positive outlook says so much about your character. With an attitude like yours, the world better watch out. You have some wonderful things coming your way. I am glad you have shared your deepest feelings. You never know who's life you may touch! Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteI have not always been so good about meditating on a regular basis. When I started meditating 5 years ago I would practice at least 3x per week (sometimes more often). This class has helped me to realize that I needed to make a timeslot for meditation, just like physical exercise. I must admit that I feel more grounded since I have made this practice part of my daily routine.
Barb,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your visualizations and loving kindness exercises can bring you to a point of "peace". It's great that you feel you can send out those loving sensations to try and help your family members. Remembering the good times with a lost loved one can bring in those positive feelings that help you cope with the tragedy and release all the fear and tension. I'm glad your putting yourself in a better place. It shows that every exercise is different for different people, and you have to find the ones that work for you. Keep up the good work! :)
Barb,
ReplyDeleteI, too, have enjoyed reading your post over the past eight weeks. I am sorry for your lost and can truly relate to your desire to receive inner comfort and well-being. Just like anything else, it takes time to incorporate new ideas and techniques into our lives. What's important is that we find what works best for us! Keep up the good work, Barb! Best wishes to you!