The Loving Kindness practice has been very beneficial in my quest to forgive. I immediately feel a sense of peace as I reside in the special place I've created for meditation, a corner of the room where my medicinal herbs grow during the winter and where they dry during the summer...a quiet spot where I feel connected to the Earth and its healing possibilities. I always light a candle to begin, when I have trouble focusing, I can focus on the flame. This particular practice is important for fostering a love of self, and by focusing on this aspect first, I find it much easier to release selfish thoughts, and to recognize the inadequacies of others that may cause conflict. The focus of assisting a loved one who is suffering always fosters a sense of self-worth. Finally, while visualizing strangers and enemies, it's almost impossible not to extend these loving feelings towards them. This practice has kept me grounded through many trying encounters since I began practicing, and I'll depend on it in the future.
The Subtle Mind practice is difficult, but is the basis for needed progression. Mental chatter has always been a problem for me. It interferes with my sleep and the ability to concentrate. Focusing on breathing, while observing mental chatter, has helped me quiet my mind. Since I began this practice, my ability to sleep peacefully has improved, and I remember more of my dreams. This practice has also helped me to recognize recurring thoughts that are the cause of discontent. With this knowledge, I can move forward by letting go of these feelings and thoughts, progressing towards the stillness of mind needed for unity consciousness. I certainly don't expect this to happen anytime soon, but I will reach this milestone on my path to human flourishing!
Hi Ami, I liked the loving-kindness exercise but when it came to loving those who have done wrong to me, that was hard! I have learned to forgive but it is still hard to have any type of loving feeling towards this person..more like I feel sorry for them and pray they become better people. I wonder if that is what the exercise is suppose to help me do? I found that meditation worked best for me. It helps me refocus my thoughts on positive things and release the negative feelings and situations from the day.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that the Subtle Mind exercise helps you sleep better. I wish I would have thought to try that last week-had three days in a row of tossing and turning.
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