The two exercises that I chose as being the most beneficial
were the crime of the century (which I still have no idea why they called it
that) and meeting aesclipius. I think
that guided meditation was my favorite because it was easier for me. I liked that it didn’t really have long
breaks and pauses for my mind to wander.
Being a novice to meditation, it makes it easier to have the
guidance. I also liked the visualization
exercise meeting aeslipius. It felt like
having time to visit with an old friend.
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I’ve been trying to start incorporating meditation into my
daily schedule, but I don’t normally have a lot of time. I know that it’s important to start devoting
more time to myself and my own mental health, but life is pretty chaotic right
now with kids, work, and school. The
time that I do have, I am spending praying more than meditating. I think that by working on my spiritual
health it will in turn provide benefit to my mental health.
Hi Sandra,
ReplyDeleteLOL about the title "Crime of the Century" - I don't get it either! I actually forgot about that exercise, was that the one where the voice guide wanted us to picture the variously colored beams of light protruding from different areas of our bodies, head, chest, back, etc? If so i enjoyed that exercise a lot as well, and overall it gave me a feeling of wholeness and warmth. Meeting Aesclepius, on the other hand, was not very easy for me, because although I enjoyed and benefited from the regular Visualization exercise on page 145, I could not conjure up the image of another person embodying all those qualities. I think I will try it again and see if my imagination and perceptions have broadened enough so that I can be successful at it this time around. It is great that you have made time to pray, and I agree with you 100% that strengthening your spirituality will help to strengthen your mind and make the challenges Life brings easier to address.
I am also new to meditation; I have been trying to work at it when I can but I think to have get more practice in to get a better connection. Like you said, having the time to really relax and practice is tough. I see your point on improving your spiritual health to provide benefit to your mental health. I think it's great that your practicing an aspect of your health to improve! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI find it sort of crazy that we take this class and can see the benefits and how it can improve our life and reduce stress, yet it can be so hard to really make time for it! I completely understand have too much on your plate and it being difficult to make the time for yourself. I have such a problem thinking....I will do it tomorrow....and of course it doesn't happen. This is something I hope to change as we all have learned, meditation has some great benefits!
ReplyDeleteI like the meditative exercises as well. As you indicate that you spend more time in prayer, I imagine when you first started it wasn't as involved. So it is kinda similar in development. How long does prayer take? I'm not one that prays much so when I do I keep it short.
ReplyDeleteSandra,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about "the crime of the century!" I mean, really? It has nothing to do with crime, and is actually very relaxing and not at all like the title! You mentioned that you spend more time in prayer than meditation, but I think that prayer can be like meditation, and have some of the same qualities. You stop your racing mind, and focus on other things. You might prayer for the health of a loved one to improve, or you may pray for the patience to get through a difficult time. Either way, I think it is beneficial, just like a guided meditation. Thanks for sharing!
~Catherine
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to the things you said about the benefits of guided meditation vs unguided. I am not even a novice first of all. I can relate with the troubles that you speak of when you describe your efforts to take part in unguided meditation. I think this is why so many people do not put a lot of stock in the benefits of meditation. Great job this term. I really enjoyed reading your blog.
Sandra, love the word “beYOUtiful”, how did you come with it?
ReplyDeleteI agree that guided meditation is the best way to start because it keeps your focus on the instructions. To me this was the easiest way to begin a meditation routine. Most of us don’t have the time to meditate but it is important for all of us to set a side a least 15 minutes daily. Getting up earlier helped me set a morning routine for my meditation.