Hello All. I chose The Subtle Mind as one of the techniques that I have been experimenting with. It remains a challenge, however, it is getting easier. Witnessing rather than being dragged in when images come into my mind, especially those that are worriesome to me. Because my mind stays busy sometimes long after my body goes to sleep or tries to rest, I have to really work at this. It has helped me practice this at work or whenever I find myself being dragged around by thoughts.
The exercise I chose to post is the one where we visualize a "wise person" whose light flows from their head, heart and mouth. Positive thoughts, words and feelings eminating from within--warmth radiating from inside. Thinking of how they might handle a given situaition allowed me to take a step back and look inside myself a little deeper.
I would incorporate the use of both of these exercises to help clients in trying to still their minds so that they can be open to looking at things differently and to assist them with their stress management, or to teach them to get the most from their mind and body connection.
I think that after this class I really won't be using any of these to be honest. However, the wise person exercise I had the most trouble with. It was very "out there" in my opinion and I could not take it seriously. With that being said, I am a very sarcastic person which had a lot to do with it. I'm glad that you getting something out of these exercises. In a way I wish I did too.
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI have trouble with the witnessing mind as well, but feel that each time I practice it I get a little more out of it. However, like you, I really like the "wise person" exercise. This is difficult in some ways too, but I practice it more because I bring to mind my grandmother, who although she has been gone for about 20 years now, I still find myself wanting to "be just like her when I grow up". Definitely thinking about her helps me to feel the warmth, positive thoughts, and feelings being brought in and radiating within.
I see where you are coming from that you could use these exercises to help your clients. I took this class as one of my electives because it sounded interesting, to gain a better understanding and so came into it with a very open mind, which is key to its success. Definitely I can use some of these practices to help the people I work with, even though I am not in a health related field.
Sandy
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteThe Subtle Mind was one of my top two, also. I agree that it would be useful in steering clients toward self-management of stress because, even though it's not easy to master, it's not difficult to understand how to do. It would be an exercise that we could introduce them to that would not only help with the stress, but be something that they could tell they were making progress with. That quality of being able to show growth, itself, might actually contribute to stress reduction, too, now that I think about it, because it can be so frustrating to work at something and not see a change, whereas knowing you're improving can have the opposite effect, and that sense of accomplishment might benefit overall mood and temperament.
Great job as always,
Rheyn
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteThe Subtle Mind exercise has been beneficial to me, as well. I have found that it makes it easier for me to make decisions if I take a deep breath and use what I have learned from this exercise to push aside doubt and unnecessary thoughts. Instead of feeling overwhelmed I can then easily look at the decision, the options, and come to a conclusion.
I had a very hard time imagining a kind, wise person and really feeling the benefits. I did feel a warmth, but I'm not certain I was able to get the desired results.
I commend you on your ability to grasp the Subtle Mind mental experience. I have tried various times to stop the mental chatter that goes throughout my mind but I can not accomplish this during the Subtle Mind exercise. However, during the visualization and meditation exercise I found that peacefullness and quite within my mind that I have been looking for throughout this class. Congratulations on your achievement within these mental exercises.
ReplyDeleteCaroline,
ReplyDeleteI have gained much more control over the way I deal with everyday distress by employing meditative practices and mind/body exercises. The subtle mind practice has enabled me to diffuse unwanted thoughts that stick around longer than I would like, and when the distress is too high I find I can tune it all out by coming back to my breath and harnessing loving-kindness for myself and others. By doing so I feel it empowers me and allows me to take back control of the situation. I admit that life is still very overwhelming at times, and all we can do is come back to our mind/body tool set for support. It is our daily practice that makes us stronger and more efficient at the contemplative practices.
Yoga and exercise combined with visualizations has had a very beneficial effect on my emotions and personal vibe that I give off. I am thankful for the opportunity to discover these amazing tools and witness how they fortify our integral health first hand. Daily meditative practices have become a lifestyle for me- giving me new insight into the person I wish to be, and shedding light on the power of my daily intentions. Best of luck adhering to the daily practice!