For some reason I had great difficulty staying focused during the "Meeting Asciepius" meditation. I was able to envision the light coming from the various body parts mentioned (head, neck, and heart); but in between those instructions my mind was either wandering or beginning to fall asleep. Every time the woman spoke I awoke or became focused on what she was asking but then I would always revert back to a wandering or sleeping mind. I think doing this exercise outside in the sun had a lot to do with my wandering/sleeping mind and next time I'll try this exercise indoors.
Engaging in mindfulness and meditative practices has increased my psychological and spiritual wellness. I think spending time just being enables me to develop a better sense of self. I then carry what I have learned through the meditation and mindfulness practices into my daily life; so my daily life because my place of practice. These exercises have significantly given more meaning to my life.
The saying "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" (p. 477) give meaning behind a similar saying "practice what you preach." How can a health professional advise another individual to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and expand their consciousness if they have not done so themselves. Without actively participating in what you preach, the health professional is minimizing the validity and importance of their advice as well as missing out on the knowledge they could gain through practicing what they preach. Actually engaging in whatever advice may be given promotes first hand knowledge about the hurdles their patients/clients may face and methods to overcome them. As a health and wellness professional, you have an obligation to your clients to develop your own health: spiritually, psychologically and physically. You are their role model and they look to your for advice. By continuing meditation and practicing mindfulness in my everyday life, I will continue psychological and spiritual growth in my personal life. My fiance and I are also going to do some couples meditation with me, which I think will be a great addition!
HI Janelle, I found that this practice was a little bit easier than the loving-kindness practice. But I do see what you mean by your mind wandering and falling asleep. I actually jumped a little bit when she started talking again. But, I think that it makes it a little easier when you can actually see that person that you admire or see as a wise person.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I completely agree with you that a person must first practice these methods of human flourishing along with external health. Even if a particular method does not work for you, at least you have the knowledge of what it is like and can talk about it to a client. I think that even just the little things that we take notice in each day helps and I would recommend that to a client as well. Before this class what did you do to practice meditation or did you? As for this units practice it might be better if you did it indoors. Sometimes the fresh air does make you sleepy to begin with. Perhaps in a quiet room with the door shut and no distractions. Sometimes it is hard to find that room but, time of day matters as well. They say it is better to practice in the morning when you are fully rested and alert whereas in the afternoon or at night you are more apt to fall asleep or your mind has much chatter from the days events. I hope you keep practicing different methods that works best for you.
Cheryl
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteGreat post :) It is good to practice (or at least try) all different meditation techniques so that you can know what works best, where and for whom. Some days are better than others and I may be feeling stronger or weaker. With so many daily differences in life, one practice may be more effective or useful than another on that particular day. Its nice to have a meditation arsenal at your finger tips!
Hey Janelle, great post. It's always best to try new things such as the couple meditation. That will be a great experience. I especially love your connection to practice what you preach. A lot of people these days want to influence other peoples life but can't improve their own. Also, it's much better to do the exercise indoors because the sun will get to you after a while. Continue with the great posts.
ReplyDeleteBeverly
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteI can see what you are saying about falling asleep and I am a little sorry for you that it didn't go as well as you would have wanted it too. That's a shame because I really enjoyed it and yes the first time I did it I started to doze off but then fount myself really enjoying the exercise.
On the second question, you are dead on "Practice what you Preach" is a great way to sum this up. I also like if you're to talk the talk you have to walk the walk. We have too many people, just look at DC as a whole, who really want to tell you what to do yet they refuse to lead by example and then get upset when what they want you to do is not done. I know this is not the same thing as integral health but the principle is the same.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Janelle,
ReplyDeleteI do see how this exercise could be difficult. It is very easy to wonder off. For me I really wasn't interested in it but once I made myself get focused I was okay with it.
I agree with your explanation of the statement "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself". It is impossible for me to even listen to someone if I know they have not experienced what I am dealing with. I never attempt to direct anyone down a path that I have never traveled. I have to relate this statement to married couples. I do not take marital advice from a person that has never been married. How can they tell me how to correct anything in my marriage if they have never been in a marriage.