Mental Inventory

The Loving-Kindness meditation exercise prompts the taking of a mental inventory.  By picking a single quadrant a person can zero onto one specific imperfection at a time.  The idea is to be in a relaxed state, which usually requires the eyes to be closed; closing the eyes blocks out the interference of your environment, which enhances the single thought process. 

I have done similar process as this one with self-improvement groups.  We would write down what we wanted to improve before starting the contemplating step. At one conference I heard a motivational speaker, Jim Rohn.  It was the first time I heard of applying the S.M.A.R.T. goals to personal development. 

S = Specific 

M = Measurable

A = Attainable

R = Realistic

T = Timely

Choosing one specific flaw is the easy part. Improved outlook in life and healthier emotions can be measured in the quality of life and bodily health.  Making sure the change is attainable and realistic can trip a person up and set up for failure.  For example: choosing to never get angry again.  That goal is unrealistic as anger is part of the human emotions and in some cases, can be healthy.  Timely is also one a to take seriously.  Setting a goal with too little time can cause stress, however, one with too long of time will can dilute the progress. 

As for the chant on page 93, I can only do it if I change a few of the words.  I leave it up to God to STOP ALL suffering and GIVE ALL health.  I only have a small part in the equation.

Here is one of my all-time favorite quotes:

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Aristotle

Deb C

D carter hw420_unit 5_presentation from debcarter1952

Subtle Mind

I enjoyed the subtle mind more than the Loving Kindness only because I use deep diaphragm breathing already.  The Loving-Kindness was more a guided imagery, whereas subtle mind audio was more physical using breathing exercises.  It is also easier to visualize the environment than it is to embrace strangers into the mind and let go of a pain not yet experienced.  Subtle mind exercise observing beauty, increases oxygen to the brain which can cause a euphoria feeling; the mind and body have a chance to unite in a relaxed state of being.

The spiritual body is on a higher plain after growing and connecting the body and mind.  Mr. Dacher uses the example of Lamaze being used in child labor.  The soon to be mother must concentrate on her breathing to ease the pain and help with the delivery of the child.  The pain is lessened mentally and physically during the Lamaze experience, placing the mother at a higher level of consciousness. Childbirth is less traumatizing event for both the mother and the baby.

Deb C

Loving-Kindness

I just listened to the Loving-kindness mp3; it was okay.  I prefer to journal my feelings about specific things.  Abstract thinking doesn’t do much for me.  I do believe that feeling loving-kindness for others, including the self into the equation, will make a person look at a positive and healthier side of life.  In addition, the practice will put others needs first so it will eliminate the self-centered outlook.  There are some I would recommend listen to the mp3 but there are others I would not.  I know some of my friends like the audio type of learning and experiences but some are like me; would rather write about a particular thought process.

Exercising the brain gives it a mental workout.  Thinking, meditating and processing information gives the brain exercise just as aerobics gives the body exercise; which should be done daily to get the most benefits.   Reflective thinking is a practice that expands perception and the brains ability to heal. Two types of meditative practices that promote human flourishing are Loving-Kindness (positive behavior toward others) and Sublet Mind (observation, calmness and unity).  Mental self-improvement creates change in attitude which affects the health. 

 Deb C

Optimal Well-Being

Hello Everyone,

After much thought on my physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being, the conclusion is that I am in the middle ground (about 5-6 rating) for all three; improvements can be made in all areas.  Physically I am in pretty good health, despite having asbestosis (pleural thickening of the lungs) and not on any prescriptions for any physiological problems.  I contribute this state from positive thinking, and believing laughter is the best medicine; which ties into my psychological health.  Mentally looking at the glass as half full instead of half empty lets me see the positive of most situations, instead of the negative.  Negativity saps my strength.  As for the spiritual health (not to be confused with my religious belief system) this is the one I need to work on the most.  I sometimes let my emotions sway my mood.  Finding the assertive line instead of tipping over onto the aggressive side; can sometimes become a challenge when things do not change or get corrected in what I think is a timely manner.  Patience is a virtue, and is my weakest attribute. 

My first goal is to improve my patience level and keep it closer to my positive thinking.  I truly believe there is a silver lining to every cloud; I just have to find it.  A physical goal is to keep doing what the doc says for my lungs and to believe that my mind can assist in slowing down the disease. 

Walking with my buddy gives me accountability for part of the physical goal.  Using my journal as a tool for the mental improvements; I like using the pros/con column for decision making.  Journaling can also let me vent and then take a step back and get to the patience side of the problem. Loving-kindness lessens the “me” thinking; intentionally including others that are not in my immediate family opens the heart to more positive emotions. 

While listening to The Crime of the Century I kept thinking about what all I had to do and could not really relax.  Just to sit and meditate is okay but not something I would look forward to; I would much prefer to let my mind wonder on thoughts that pertain to do with my life, without judgment, while doing a menial task.  For example, while gardening, I get very relaxed playing in the dirt, taking care of the plants and think outside the box on anything and everything.  For me, to sit and listen to someone telling me to breathe and tell myself I have a meaningful purpose is not relaxing.

What is your favorite way to relax the mind/body?

Deb C