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
Hi Deb! For some reason yet again, especially this week's exercise was not a success for me. I'm so use to listening rather than being on my own doing something like this. I couldn't even keep my eyes closed, let alone relax. That's amazing that you've done similar exercises like this, so you have experience in it. Was it hard for you at first? I'm going to try to have a more open mind next time around. The self-assessment I noticed that I need to work on. Enjoyed your post and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany,
DeleteI am just the oppostie. I don't want someone guiding me through the process as I think it is disrupted. When my girls were little, I had a daughter who was very active and did not like to sleep. I would sit by her bed and have my hand on her back, sometimes rubbing it, and speak very softly. I'd tell her to breathe and shuss her if she tried to speak. It would not take long and she would be asleep. Then I started using a modified version on myself when I could not sleep. Have a great week. Deb C
I know for me I have to learn to be SMART about my goals there for the longest time I would just throw a goal out and if I reached it great but if I didn't then I was very disappointed in myself. I do love the quote too, I have heard it many times and i know in my mind I have formed too many bad habits and need to break them and it takes a minimum of 21 days of doing the same thing to make are break that goal. Keep up the great work the end it almost near.
ReplyDeleteJacque
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!, I definitely agree with you I also want to improve my outlook in life and with healthier emotions that can be measured in the quality of life and bodily health. Practicing the exercises that we are taught would really make a big change in our life and at least bring some healthy mental state to our life. Good luck!