My Favorite Mental Exercises

My two favorite mental exercises are the Subtle Mind and the Visualization.  Since learning these mental exercises, I have incorporated them in my daily regimen.  

I relate the importance of practicing the Subtle Mind when I think of someone who is “scatter-brained.”  The Subtle Mind trains the mind to focus and yet conscious of all the other activities that are happening in the periphery.  As the text suggests, I use my breath as the focal point. 

I do not necessarily find this exercise relaxing this time because there is quite a bit of effort required to keep the mind still.  Perhaps, as I develop a calm-abiding mind, I will gain the relaxation benefit of this mental workout. 

I enjoy the visualization exercise because I am able to integrate it into my daily worship.  The practice that I get from the Subtle Mind helps me to focus on the person or being I am visualizing.  The practice of visualization has revolutionized my worship time.  Both the Subtle Mind and the Visualization have increased my psychospiritual consciousness. 

On the Path to Human Flourishing

I started practicing Meeting Asclepius after completing the Powerpoint presentation project. It has become my favorite meditative practice because I am able to express my faith with it. It has revolutionized my psychospiritual wellness because I am able to experience the person of Christ in my mind. Each time, I feel a stronger sense of peace, wisdom, compassion, love and joy. As I see his light shine upon me, I feel whole.


To date, I have shared the practice with two friends. My husband has also expressed interest in this meditative practice. Since my faith is integrated into this meditative practice makes it simpler for me to continue with it. It is very meaningful to me because it deepens my relationship with Christ, the source of my well-being.


The statement, “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself,” has to do with integrity. In order for me to show someone the path to human flourishing, I ought to be on that path. Otherwise, I would be considered a fraud or a hypocrite

My Integral Practice

I find the Loving Kindness exercise impersonal.  First, reciting scripted sentences is just too robotic for me.  Second, I felt it was similar to a memorized prayer without any meaning to it.  Third, since I am wishing no one particular person, the formal feels so uninvolved.

After examining the four quadrants and their lines of development against my present situation, I discovered that I need to focus more on the interpersonal aspect, specifically the community line.  I realize that because of my busy schedule, I have neglected to build relationships and reach out to people outside of my immediate family and close friends.  

Dacher proposes two ways to approach integral practice. The first approach is referred to as an Integral Practice Program (Dacher, 2006). The other approach is called life-as-practice.  I believe the second approach is most suitable in my case.  By being intentional, I will be able to develop some interpersonal relationships in my community.  For example, I will take the time to introduce myself to my neighbors.  Another is, I will offer an hour or two of my time weekly to help a cause I believe in.  

Reference

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications Inc. .

Promoting Mental Fitness Presentation

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B1keyNGbnFt-N2YwNDdmNDMtYWM5Yy00ZjQ2LTk3YTktNzdlMGJmNzQ5NTlh&hl=en

The Subtle Mind Exercise & The Power of the Spirit/Mind Over Body

In comparing the Loving Kindness exercise to the Subtle Mind exercise, I found the Subtle Mind much more fascinating and meaningful.  In particular, using breathing to keep the mind from wandering was such an appropriate focal point to anchor the mind.  Interestingly, I witnessed how my mind drifted to some other random thoughts every so often.  During these moments, I had to force my mind to return to watching my breaths.

I must admit however, that the Subtle Mind exercise, like the Loving Kindness exercise was not all that relaxing.  Although the peaceful breathing helped to still my mind, it required work as I tried to keep runaway thoughts from happening. Regardless, I can imagine the benefits of the Subtle Mind exercise, if done regularly, to tame and stabilize the mind.   

While these exercises appear strictly for the mind/spirit, they are nonetheless benefiting the body as well.   As I consider the human body as a vessel that houses the mind and spirit, thus whatever the condition of the mind and spirit will greatly affect the body.  Dacher describes this connection in his statement, “Our hardwired nervous system and our mobile messenger molecules manage the informational flow that goes form mind to body and back again” (Dacher, 2006).  In this regard, if the messages that are coming in from our mind to our body are anger, resentment, etc.  These messages are translated to various body systems which generally result in some form of psychosomatic disease.

Understanding this connection, I have learned to divest my stress and other negative emotions to my God who can handle them all.  Looking back now, I see the ravages of stress in my life.  I had chronic active colitis and bouts of alopecia.  Today, I am a living proof that we can have quality life by relinquishing all these negative emotions and replacing them with positive ones, such as love, forgiveness and gratefulness. 

Reference

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, Inc.