1. Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.
From my experience, both exercises were relaxing, in different ways. The Loving Kindness exercise calls for deep reflection and the search for the Self while trying to consciously awaken the subconscious mind. I did find the Subtle mind exercise to be more relaxing, probably because I focused on nature and its soothing effects. The calming and gentle sound of the music and water splashing negative thoughts away was a great combination to relax and liberate my mind from stress and mental clutter.
2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.
According to Dacher (2006), the mind/body connection is a critical component in healing and well-being. However, that connection is really difficult to activate. Dacher (2006) explains that although practices like yoga, tai chi, reiki, and various types of meditation relate to and promote that connection, in themselves, they do not produce the qualitative shift needed for the higher level of extraordinary, integral health. Therefore, rather that looking outside ourselves for new remedies, techniques, and programs, we have to redirect our vision from outside to inside. "To transform health and life we must shift our gaze inward, where we will find the ever-present source of exceptional health and healing."
Born with a marked type A personality, I do apply Dacher’s theoretical and practical views mind/body connection. I follow all of the practices she mentions and although I am a major fitness fan, (that’s my absolute favorite thing to do) when I face highly stressful situations, I “gently force myself” to relax, meditate, and/or practice yoga until I find and maintain that crucial connection that invariable transcends from spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness.
Reference
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
I also found the second audio more relaxing. I too am a type A personality and find your methods of mind/body connection to be very helpful. I can't wait to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteHi Daisy and Lauri- Well it sounds like this class has its share of Type A's- yours truly included. I too found the Subtle Mind Practice more relaxing and beneficial, although the Loving Kindness Exercise is a good one to help stay on top of relationship issues.
ReplyDeleteAll my life I have been looking outward as well to find that perfect modality or technique or program. I learned pretty quickly that there is no perfect remedy. I never realized how developing my inner self would bring so much clarity and healing. I had a real break through in an area this week where I stopped and made an intentional decision - one where I chose loving kindness in a situation when everything inside of me was screaming to react not so lovingly. After I made the decision, a great peace and release came over me and I felt such a victory!I hope this is the first of other such victories :)Thanks for sharing Dasiy...
Hello Daisy, I enjoyed your blog this week! I had a hard time relaxing with both exercises. This one was especially hard because I have a really hard time clearing my mind, it is always racing. I think that with practice maybe I can accomplish this exercise and be relaxed and able to clear my mind. I think it is great that you love fitness and enjoy exercising!
ReplyDeleteHi Daisy Pino, after reading your post I see that you had a better interest in the subtle exercise. However, I found Loving Kindness to be more relaxing for my mind. This was because I thought of a love one that really means a lot to me. I really did enjoy your post and thank you for sharing.
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