For this exercise we were supposed to look within and take some time to quiet our minds by first focusing on our breathing. This allows for there to be a slowing down of one's self and to help with blocking out the external distractions. This was to replace the exercise of Loving Kindness that was discussed in earlier posts. I will admit that after the breathing part and when the guide stopped talking and all that was happening was the sounds of the ocean my mind wandered and I really had to focus. I went back to thinking about my breathing and about half way through the exercise I fell asleep.
I do think that there is a definite connection between a persons physical wellbeing and their mental wellbeing. Being able to meditate and take time out to slow down will have huge positive gains for a lot of people. I do however struggle with the spiritual aspect of these exercises. They are based in a lot of Eastern philosophy which speaks to finding your own salvation on the inside or reaching your own perfection. There were many examples given in the reading. As a Christian I struggle with this belief and have had to not let my own beliefs interfere with experiencing the class. My salvation comes from the change in my life that took place when I put my faith in Jesus Christ. I understand that when I feel struggles and do not fully want to love another person this is my opportunity to pray and ask for strength to give what is needed to help further the kingdom of God and to lead by example. Practice is very important in being able to find calm and to show loving kindness yet I do not believe that it completely comes from within. It starts with the change that knowing Jesus Christ can bring.
I strongly believe that the physical aspect of exercise such as running, practicing yoga or playing a sport can increase your awareness about yourself and how you fit into this world. Being able to express yourself through activity helps to calm the mind and get yourself ready for a time of quiet and reflection that these exercises can help you to accomplish. The key component is practice.
Jonathan.
Hi Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated your blog post. I thought it was interesting that you tried to separate your beliefs so it wouldn't interfere with the class. In a way, I think that the subject matter of the class coincides with your beliefs. Because you find it difficult to forgive or love another person, you rely on God by asking him for help in prayer. These concepts affect us spiritually and I believe that if this helps you, then you are following the concepts discussed in class. You're trying to allow traits such as love and forgiveness influence your physical and mental state. And through that you ask for help from a higher power. That's a healthy, spiritual approach that will benefit your mental and physical health in the long run, which is what this class is trying to get us to achieve. Good luck with everything!
Leslie
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI busted out laughing when i read the first part of blog when you said you focused on your breathing an fell asleep. It just something about that water in the background that is so calming. You are a very big person to be able to separate ur beliefs from the things you learn in class. For some people that can be really hard because they ave believed something for so long that it is hard to open their minds to new things. I too believe that God will help you with all the answers you are searching for. I know I am really looking towards him for answers now to things goin on in my life.