Describe your experience. (Did you find it beneficial? Difficult?) Why or Why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or Why not?
I enjoyed many aspects of the loving-kindness relaxation exercise. By the end of it, I was in a very relaxed state and was feeling positive about sending out good energy. The one part I did not like about the exercise was when it asked breath in the suffering of others. I had a very difficult time doing this and don't feel it is my proper role to absorb others pain. I reserve that role for some high power. I haven't done this exercise enough to know if I would recommend it to others.
What is the concept of “Mental Workout? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a Mental Work Out? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
A "Mental Workout" aids in developing our inner world. By doing these workouts we enter higher states of awareness and are able to access subtle levels of the mind. Research indicates mental workouts "transform the mind by reducing disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt while enhancing positive emotions such as patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness" (Dacher, 2006, p. 63). Mental workouts help us transform within. Since I'm new to mental training, the best way for me to implement these workouts is through short 5 to 10 minute sessions throughout the day. It would be best for me to have the sessions in the same quiet place every time to prevent distractions, until I become more comfortable with this training.
I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Janelle
Reference
Dacher, Elliott S. (2006). Integral Health. The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you spoke up and said that you did not feel comfortable breathing in someone else's pain, and that you leave that for a higher power. May I just say that the mortal man, I, Chris, would feel much the same way; but the immortal part of me, Chris' soul, would gladly help heal another, were it all right to do so (I believe we have to ask the patient if it is all right with them to aid in their healing)...If you are in a close relationship with someone, say a husband/wife, or parent/child relationship, you may know that we often "pull" negativity and pain out of them and take it upon ourselves, because we do not want to see them suffering. I think the love that we have for our partners/children gives us the reason for why we do this, but I still think that a little asking wouldn'y hurt. Due to my chronic back pain, I have to "keep my shields up", as it were, because my fiance' hates seeing me in this much pain and tries to pull it from me, but I don't want her to take it, because then she would be the one suffering....Cheers on a good post!
Chris
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for sharing such a personal experience with us. I also respect that you did not feel comfortable breathing in others suffering. I realize that this practice is new for you. When I began, there were many aspects that at first were difficult for me to participate in. However, over time, as I began to practice and became more comfortable I was able to begin releasing hold on certain worldly aspect and embraced the spiritual.
For me, I just took my foundation that we must forgive others despite their trespasses on us. As I began to learn more about my spiritual being, a sense of enlightenment took hold and forgiving and taking in others sufferings was a natural progression.
Bottom line, Janelle, you need to find the spiritual balance that is yours. But I would say that I have deep respect for you for opening your mind and trying to not only try it, but to try to understand it. That act opens whole worlds and empathy within you. You are an amazing individual. I am so honored to share in your experiences.
Later,
Naomi
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. There seems to be a common theme on 'breathing in" the suffering of others as I have been reading others posts. I am currently indifferent to the concept. I think that its because I feel like we do this when we grieve with others or allow others to share their feelings with us. Aren't we during those times sort of doing the same thing? I don't know I will have to continue this practice and see what I think in a few more weeks.
Thanks again for sharing