Recently in my creating wellness class, I had the opportunity to take part in two different psychological exercises. Was was called the subtle mind exercise and the other was loving kindness exercise. The two exercises were similar. They both had a calming effect, which allowed for relaxation. To be honest, neither exercise worked well for me. The first one, which was the subtle mind exercise, did an okay job at relaxing me, but did not garner the results that were intended. The second exercise fell completely flat. the pacing of the second exercise known as the loving kindness exercise was completely off and created a disconnect with me. I could never get on board with it. Perhaps if given a few more tries and a little more effort, there would be some effect, but the first attempt was certainly a failure.
Although these exercises did not deliver on their claims, I have had plenty of success with other methods of mental exercise. Meditation is something that I enjoy. Sometimes through yoga, I will concentrate on nothing but my breathing. It help me focus and rid myself of any stress that has accumulated throughout the day.
I believe that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. In fact, I believe the two go hand in hand. I think one is difficult to obtain without the other, nearly impossible even. I believe that more people should invest and getting their mental focus in tune with their physical preparedness.
Spirituality and metal fitness also go hand and hand. To me, spirituality is almost an extension of mental fitness. It is all about truly understanding the point of life. Gaining knowledge and using that knowledge for the betterment of the world.
Hi Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI am finding it quite interesting that as we journey in this class, we expect to "feel" something each and every time we meditate. For me, this is a new practice. Like you, I don't "get it" the first time I do it. However, I do find if I take the guidelines and then apply them to my own version of the meditation, I get the desire feelings that are described in our text. Have you tried you own form of Loving-Kindness or Subtle mind meditation without the guided one give in class?? I love the connection you made with the physical and mental training. Very education post!!