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.
Hi Mel,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you on this one. I found the subtle mind exercise to be must more helpful than the loving kindness exercise. I will probably use this more in my daily life in the future. I actually tried it in church today. It was really put to the test because I was at Notre Dame in Paris. The mass was taking place and there was also about a thousand vistors. Normally, it would have been useless for me to even try to get to my real focus, but with the help from the subtle mind exercise, I was able to bring myself back to my prayers. It may have not been perfect, but I would have never been able to pray otherwise because of the confusion.
Hi Mel,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that these mind-body exercises are beneficial to our physical health as well as spiritually. I too have noticed a huge change this winter in my health as far how little colds/illnesses I have gotten as compared to previous years. I really believe it has a lot to do with where I am spiritually in my life right now as to why I have been so physically healthy this winter. The power of positive emotions and gratitude are indeed the keys to a quality life! Thank you, Beth
Mel,
ReplyDeleteYou have a positive energy and attitude which is where we have to start. If we can not see things in light and with positive affirmations we can not embrace and our healing power and the control we harness over our bodies is limited. If we can not let go of all then we will never truly gain that power of control. I think you are a force and a great power to yourself. I hope your journey brings you much love, strength, bliss, and enlightenment.