Hi there!
Ok, so I did the exercise and for some reason had a really hard time connecting with it. I got put on a blood pressure medicine to help me with my hyperness. Unfortunately, I already have low blood pressure and it lowered it too much today. I almost passed out earlier. I talked to my doctor and she assured me I would be ok. I just need to drink water and eat small meals today. It was really hard for me to concentrate, so I am going to try the exercise again later. I just could not shut off the negative feelings like I usually can.
The mental workout concept asks us to practice loving-kindness and subtle mind. Loving-kindness asks us to open our hearts to others and make a transition of being selfish to the needs of others. This will result in less suffering. This practice is also reciprocal. The more that we give, the more we will receive. The subtle mind asks us to explore our minds to a deeper level. It helps us to focus on the distracting thoughts that keep us from what our goal is. This allows us to achieve a higher level of peace. There have been several studies that indicate that, like physical body, if we do not maintain it, it becomes diminished. This is why it is suggested to be practiced daily. Start off slow and then increase the increments. The goal is one hour each day. The beginning phase is to do a couple sessions a day at smaller sessions. Then, increase it over time. I try and do this everyday. The best time for me to do this is prior to bedtime. I like to have a good routine starting about an hour prior to bedtime of just complete calmness and quietness, getting my body and mind ready for sleep. I usually take a warm shower to start with. I then lie in bed for a while and give myself positive self talk. I have been slacking on this lately and have noticed I am getting out of "mental" shape. I am going to start it back up again today.
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can be very hard to relax and think positive. I find that when I have really 'bad' days, I cannot do these activites which is when I need them most. Maybe if you try doing something relaxing (reading, bath, walk, etc.) before the exercise, you may be able to start thinking positive.
Greetings:
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Sorry to hear about your blood pressure....
I enjoyed reading your post. Just a suggestion.....don't beat yourself up over "bad days". Everyone has them, it gives you a chance to realize that tomorrow will be better. Keep smiling!
Thx Lucy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of that. I am way too hard on myself. I always have been. I am looking for a middle ground between being perfect and a total slack off. That jsut made my day!
Ok, after trying the exercise throguh the week it got a little easier. It is just really hard to concentrate during the summer when the kids are at home. Luckily, I was able to send them upstairs so I could have some quiet.
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteI love your post. I am sorry that your blood pressure medicine is interferring with your mental thought process. I think that you made a positive statment when you address to us that even though your are going through mental issues due to your medicine, you are still doing what it takes to accomplish balance in your life. Peace be unto your body in Jesus name. Your classmate and friend--angie