1. I found the subtle mind exercise easier because the difference from the loving kindness exercise is the subtle mind exercise is simpler. In the subtle mind exercise you concentrate breath and ignore thoughts as they come in. The loving kindness exercise is more difficult because you have to concentrate on loving kind thoughts of others in your life instead of just clearing your mind of any thoughts and concentrating on your breath which I find is less frustrating, maybe because that is what I am used to doing. It's more difficult to think about things and to take the negative thoughts out. I found more benefit for me to do the subtle mind exercise. It was more calming and peaceful to just concentrate on my breathing pattern to clear my mind.
2. The connection between spirit, mind, and body is all interconnected. In order for total wellness you need to be in touch with all 3. You need to be connected to some type of spiritual belief to connect on a higher level and to be well physically and mentally. The spiritual self needs to be healthy.
I agree with you that the subtle mind exercise is easier because you are concentrating on something that just comes natural to us as human beings and with the loving-kindness exercise, we are challenged to do something that we do not always want to do. I think trying to dig deep and show our feelings towards others can be hard, especially our enemies, but I think it does good for us when we are able to express those feelings and put ourselves in others shoes. I found both exercises very useful and helpful within my life but everyone has their own thoughts. Thank you for sharing yours!
ReplyDeleteI agree that this exercise is easier and takes less effort to remain focused on breathing. It is an easy exercise that can be practiced anywhere. This exercise was very relaxing and I could feel my whole body relaxing with every breath. It is great way to reduce stress and clears the mind allowing for the process of the witnessing mind then leading to the calm abiding mind. It is a great way to learn about our real self and to find inner peace. It is much easier to practice loving kindness as well so doing the two exercises is an important part as I feel they each offer something on the path to integral health. It makes it much clearer the connection between mind/body/spirit.
ReplyDeleteI am also in agreement that the subtle mind exercise was much easier to work with. I have a hard time trying to listenand be ale to do what is instructed to my, while trying to relax. There is so much in this world that we think about, and just having those moments of peace helps lower blood pressure and stress levels to a good state. I really enjoyed this exercise the most so far. The connections on mind, body and spirit are very important if we want to be able to keep our lives in focus. It is important to remember what our priorities are so that we can maintain better health and wellness.
ReplyDeleteI found the exercise a bit harder because my mind was racing out of control. The breathing elements were good but I had a hard time just letting thoughts pass by. I am going to try this one again and see if I have a better outcome.
ReplyDeleteThe mind body connection is great but your spiritual well being should be as well. They are all three connected and one without the others does not work.
Great Post.
I also thought the subtle mind exercise was easier. I like the way I was so relaxed after doing the exercise. I have actually used this technique many times but never hear it called this before. I just knew it as a relaxation technique that worked. Did you find this one easy to do? It was so peaceful to just lie there and calm my my mind.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your final paper I had to go back through some of your older post, your writing style is incredible. With this exercise did you find yourself falling asleep in it?
ReplyDeleteRob