When I did the loving kindness meditation I sat outside comfortably with my eyes closed until I was relaxed. Then I started to recite the following
- May all individuals gain freedom from suffering
-May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness
-May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering
-May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness
After a couple of times of reciting this I started to feel empowered, and connected with myself. This exercise was easy for me because I always think of other first and put them before my needs. It was easy to picture my loved one and wanting only the best for them. With that being said I have begun to realize that I have to also address my needs. If I am not healthy and in good spirits then I cannot begin to help other to my best abilities.
When doing the Integral assessment I focused on my life and what are my day to day struggles and difficulties. I excel when it comes to fitness and nutrition, but I really struggle with interpersonal. I have a hard time with relationships whether that be at work or romantic or friends. I am not a good communicator and I tend to put up walls. I am working on this everyday and sometimes I think I am making progress and then I take 10 steps back. I tend to let my thoughts consume me and think the worst without even talking it out. This is not healthy and it can start to wear on me and cause un-needed stress. Usually I will go run and it clears my thought into logical thinking but at times that is not convenient. So I start to breathing techniques and calm my thoughts. I am a work in progress.
I, too, am a work in progress. I think most of us are, but most cannot or do not assess where they are lacking. Making concerted efforts each day will take us down the right path in life and possibly bring happiness to the people in come in contact with in our life. Stay the course!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Kisha,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I think we all are a work in press until the day we die. If nothing more, these exercises really force us to think and focus on the areas of our lives that may be in need of some guidance, then in turn showing us that we need to also focus our thoughts on others. I think this unit has been a extremely helpful to me!
Kisha,
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!!! I am having a lot of struggles in my life, I feel like I start to step forward, and get things together in my life, the next thing I know I am back in square one and not sure what to do anymore. The mediation I really liked that one.
Sally
Hello Kishad,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more on putting everyone first and my needs last. I too have that problem and just haven't figured out how to stop. I take very little time out for myself and then when I have the chance there is something that is always in my way. It seems to me like in my daily life and family that I am not sure whether they will ever learn how to do for themselves and so it ends up being the good wife and mommy that gets the things done and then that leaves no time for me to do what I really want to do until I am pushed or forced to by my husband. I don't know when the last time I really felt like taking a little walk outside just for me. My time lately has only been in the evenings when I can just sit and relax and even then I still need to help with homework or this and that. For me, I just need to take a few minutes a day and really appreciate myself more and make myself understand that this is my time and to make the most of it.
Jennifer Cosgrove
Great post! We all have work to do in a variety of areas; none of which are ever perfect. Try not to be so hard on yourself! It's great that you are aware of aspects that could use your attention though. These are great opportunities rather than shortcomings. I'm looking forward to hearing more about what kind of activities you're going to undertake as you work in these areas!
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