All the exercises I have completed in this course were beneficial in some way, even though I have found some to be too long or distracting. My top two favorites and the ones I have found to be most beneficial would have to be The Subtle Mind exercise and the Universal Loving Kindness meditation in Dacher (p. 93). The Subtle Mind exercise focused on my breath, which had a relaxing effect on my mind, along with the sound of ocean waves. The Universal Loving Kindness meditation was a great meditation exercise because it was much different than listening to the audio exercises. The Universal Loving Kindness exercise involved repeating the phrases which made me feel love for others close to me. I think these types of meditation exercises work best for me because I'm the one doing the talking which makes it easier to focus my attention.
I am definitely going to implement these practices in my personal life to foster mental fitness because of all the benefits it has on health. I'm going to begin by waking up an extra 10 minutes early each morning so I can do at least one meditative exercise before I begin my day.
Kayla, I liked the Subtle Mind exercise as well. I was more in tune with my inner self with that one more so than the others. I had a bit of a hard time with the Loving Kindness exercise--the first half, I was fine with, until it got to the part about taking in a loved one's suffering--it was at that point I got lost, and had to try and redirect myself back into the exercise. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHey. I liked the Subtle Mind exercise because using the breath always helps me to focus. I also think you are correct in saying all of these activities have benefits. I believe it really comes down to having options! It's great to have a variety of things to choose from or to offer a client. I think it's awesome you are going to get up 10-minutes earlier to do something so good for yourself. Nice job!!!
ReplyDeleteI can say that I did appreciate how the two exercise that you mention seem to coincide. It is immensely important to accept yourself and heal from within, but it is equally important to be more accepting of others in order to help them heal as well. I admit that "Meeting Aesclepius" was one of my favorites because I needed the guidance more than anything. Great post!
ReplyDeleteKayla,
ReplyDeleteThe subtle mind was mine also. I am now always using the breathing to de-stress! It's also very healthy and beneficial for us all. Its great that you are taking some special time for yourself each morning to start your day.