After reviewing the exercises and practice sessions I have decided that the “Subtle Mind” exercise has been the most beneficial in helping me relax, clear my thoughts, and find inner peace while attempting to achieve a state of calm-abiding consciousness. The guided imagery and long pauses of silence where there are only peaceful sounds of waves breaking on the shore and sometimes the soothing effect of the Peruvian flute puts my mind into a trance like state. The practice helps to achieve mental fitness by extinguishing unwanted thoughts and has helped me to perceive how my mind works. From this lesson I have come to understand that the breath can help me reduce stress whenever the need arises during the day. The other exercise, which I feel is of importance to me in achieving mental fitness is “Meeting Aesclepius.” This exercise is a guided mental imagery, which helps me to visualize a better person that is within my inner being. After practicing it for about a week I have found my daily thoughts, at times focus on me, as a wise healer. When these thoughts come I’ll visualize that I am a good person capable of wise words, with an open heart, and compassion for others. Visualization with positive affirmations during the day has changed my demeanor. I’ve witnessed that my frustrations and anger are dealt with rational thought. It has been a shortcoming of mine to allow my emotions to dictate regretful actions like lashing out at someone you love when angered or frustrated. But the inner healer changes these shortcomings and helps me to foster emotional intelligence and mental fitness (Dacher, 2006).
Reference;
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: the path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA.
Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Hello Howell,
ReplyDeleteI like the visualization exercise too. I found it to be "comforting" as well. I like that you can visualize something positive. That is always a good way to start the day. I like what you said about being in nature. I find comfort in being outside, with my horses. They give me a lot of support and love in hard times.
Take care,
Karin
It is great that you have found such success in these exercises. I stated to another classmate that the more we practice these things the more we will see our angry thoughts and upset moments start to lessen and lessen. It seems that you have already experienced this.
ReplyDeleteWow! These exercises have surely had an impact on you! Now that we have been doing these exercises for the past several weeks, do you ever feel like you can hear your own heartbeat in your ears because you are so in tune with your body? Can you feel the blood flow through your body? I have been combining the exercises from this class with the breathing techniques from our Stress Management class and I swear I can hear my own heartbeat. It is an odd sensation. I loved the Meeting Asclepius exercise. It was really personal for me. I like how you included positive affirmations in your daily regimen and how you have taken control of your inner being to avoid hurting loved ones. I have to work more on this area myself. I think I will try your method to see how that works for me. Thanks for the idea!
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