1. Describe your experience. (Did you find it beneficial? Difficult?) Why or Why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or Why not?
The simplest part was keeping my level of concentration. The most difficult part was the breathing in of a loved one’s suffering and other people’s suffering and dissolving their sufferings in my heart. As a practicing Christian, I can pray for them and help them in every way I can. I do not buy in to the idea though that I can help them by breathing in and out their sufferings. In this regard, I would not recommend this practice to anyone because I do not believe in it.
2. What is the concept of “Mental Workout? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a Mental Work Out? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
The concept of a mental workout is committing to exercise our mind daily to “. . . evolve our psychospiritual life and access its capacities and resources” (Dacher, 2006) . According to Dacher, the proven benefits of contemplative practice are the “. . . progressive development of an expanded consciousness and healing” (Dacher, 2006) .
I engage in mental work out regularly every morning through prayer and meditation. I practice loving-kindness by praying for other people. I also maintain selflessness throughout the rest of my prayer by keeping my mind on God. As I continue to worship and praise, I can feel his abiding presence and peace all over me. As I contemplate on God’s goodness and mercy toward me, I feel renewed each day. My mind is free of clutter and my awareness of his presence strengthens me each day.
I really didn't like the exercise either. I did the exercise several times and I am not sure why I did not have any reaction to it. I thought that it was the woman's voice. After reading your post, I also had the same feeling when it came to breathing out the suffering of another person. Even though I love that person dearly, I could not seem to do this. It just did not seem like I was feeling anything. The other exercises that we have done in this class produced dramatic results in me. This one did not and maybe it is because I am a Christian, as well. I don't know.
ReplyDeleteCarol