Loving-Kindness vs. Subtle Mind Practice

I really enjoyed both meditations but found the Subtle Mind more interesting. I think this is because I have learned about the chatter (committee) always talking in my mind and I love this meditation as it gets me away from listening to it! I really did concentrate on my breath. I like to think of myself as sitting up on a cloud watching the committee chatter on and on but I can not hear them! This is a great way to stop worrying about the future and thinking back on the past with regret. The Subtle Mind meditation kept me in the present, in the now and that gave me relief from the anxiety I seem to always have. What a great tool. I have this downloaded in i-Tunes on my lap top so it is mine and I will put it on my phone and a CD!

Cindy

Contemplative Practice

Dr. Elliott Dacher tells us in his book “Integral Health: A Path to Human Flourishing” that to invest in our inner life we must first become psychologically literate and healthy. During a mental workout, we focus on identifying destructive emotions and dysfunctional patterns in our life. We replace these with healthy attitudes and behaviors. During a mental workout we develop, a level of conscious termed witnessing consciousness were we make intentional choices and stop reacting to life but become proactive.

Just as a piano student must practice daily to develop the skills to play the piano so must we practice daily the skill of witness consciousness. This is done during a mental workout. Another term for mental workout is contemplative practice. It is a tool to explore our inner world but first we must quiet the endless mental chatter that goes on in our minds. We learn to still the mind. Dasher tells us that this is done my daily practice and he recommends several short 15 minute sessions. Preparation for a mental workout requires that a quiet, safe, and comfortable place be designated as well as a calm part of the day (he suggests early morning). Dasher tells us to sit in an upright noble posture with our gaze fixed a few feet in front of you. The eyes can be open or closed and the main goal is to be comfortable and relaxed. Listening to the guided imagery called “Loving Kindness” to an excellent mental workout.

Research studies tell us that a mental workout can transform the mind by reducing negative emotions the give birth to jealousy, fear, anger, and worry. Instead, positive emotions such as acceptance, patience, happiness, and loving kindness are instilled. This enhances resistance to mental and physical disease, enables the healing process, and promotes well-being.

Cindy

Loving Kindess

What a peaceful experience this way! First I read the practice in our text by Dacher and then I listened at 3am using my best headphones. It was so quiet and calm. I had a few tears as I thought of my sister with loving kindness. She passed away at the age of 50. Embracing all individuals and picturing them in front of me with the sound of the flute playing in the back ground was amazing. We were all on the beach watching the sunrise! I felt warm, relaxed, calm, and then kept seeing my mom's face (she died in 2008).

I did find it beneficial as I could relax without the use of anything except my mind. I would recommend this anyone seeking relaxation and a connection with their soul. This would also be good for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one....

Results of Job Interview

The interview itself went really well. I know the clinical director and operations manager as I attended that treatment center myself and now I am applying to work there...however, it is a non-profit organization with a lengthly application process and full background check. Due to my past history of active drug addiction I do have 2 drug possession felon charges from 1999 and 2002 and this could serve to be a barrier. Now to wait and see....I am still applying for jobs but hard with my past haunting me...

Cindy

Relaxation Exercise Unit 3

I loved this relaxation exercise and I was able to use my daughter's MAC lap top with her really good ear buds lying down in the dark at 3am! I really got into it and loved the idea of the spectrum of lights. I just melted into the sofa. I could get use to doing one of these daily! Losing my job has my mental status shaky and I am working hard on keeping an even keel. My thoughts keep wandering to "what if"...my car will be repossessed, homeless, etc....So something like this relaxation exercise was welcomed.

Cindy

Personal Goals

I have not had to rush around these past few days not working and it has been like taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowing and just being still. I do believe that everything happens for a reason! As I look for work and let outcomes be in God's hands (I will do the footwork) I have time to set some goals for my own integral health.


Physical health- get enough sleep, nap when my body is tired, cook at home fresh food sitting to enjoy it and not rushing, eating 3 healthy meals a day, now that summer is here adding more salad and fresh fruit, and walking. I took my granddaughters on a walk this evening around 7:30p in the coolness of the evening pulling them in the wagon.


Psychological health--going back to my AA/NA meetings and sharing more my emotions, thoughts, and fears (as well as joys), taking my psychotropic medication as prescribed, journaling more, and connecting with my sober supports more (less isolating).


Spiritual health--returning to daily reading of my meditation books, sitting still and quiet in the morning with Nature or taking walks of the beach (I live 5 min from the Atlantic Ocean), praying more, and practicing faith. Also, reaching out and helping others seeking Recovery!


Cindy

Job Interview Tomorrow

Exciting news to share on my blog is that I have a job interview tomorrow at the treatment center that I actually graduated from in 2009! I am telling my story to the client's first and then interviewing! So maybe when God closes one door then another really does open!! Wish me luck1

Cindy