1.
Describe your experience. Did you find it
beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why
or why not?
This week’s exercise,
Loving Kindness, was much more beneficial to me than last week’s exercise. I
appreciated the pauses in between instructions to allow time for focus and
reflection. This exercise felt less demanding. The symbolism of breathing in
the suffering of others to dissolve it, then breathing out positive feelings to
replace the negative feelings felt like an effective strategy, similar to
praying for someone. Each step was executed with ease, instructions were clear,
and the extra time of calming waves crashing made this exercise easy. In fact,
I listened to it two times. I would definitely recommend this type of exercise
to friends and family members who would be willing to try it. Because it left
me feeling a sense of calm and peace, I would want to share that with others.
2.
What is the concept of "mental
workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a
mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your
psychological health?
Dacher (2006) noted that
mental workouts are a necessary component to human flourishing because “it is
not possible for us to evolve our psychospiritual life and access its
capacities and resources without daily practice” (p. 64). Put simply, mental
workouts are contemplative practice, such as the Loving Kindness exercise.
Mental workouts develop and expand the mind, leading to an expansion of
consciousness. When we gain access to
the deeper levels of our own mind, we tap into our own healing resources. This
contributes to the connection of the mind and body. Research shows
contemplative practice can contribute to improving skills, like memory,
perception, and attention. Contemplative practice can also help to reduce
negative feelings and the effects they have on the body while improving the
effects of positive emotions. Mental workouts can be easily incorporated into a
daily routine. Scheduling a small block of time in a quiet and comfortable
place to practice is great start. Gradually reaching for a goal of one hour of
practice per day, the positive effects of mental workouts will begin to surface
in daily life (Dacher, 2006) .
References
References
Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path
to Human Flourishing. (S. Davis, Ed.) Laguna Beach, California, United
States of America: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Hello Breezy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I as well enjoyed this week's assignment like you it left me feeling calm and at peace with myself and would also want to share this experience with others. My day is already busy as it is with work, school work, working out, or working in the yard (work, work, work) I think that maybe listening to exercises like we did for this week's assignment, would benefit someone like me if I were to start my day off with a 10 - 15 minute session, which would probably help with putting me at ease before going to work and not dislike having to go so often. I honestly feel that one hour could be too long and I would just take naps, the 15 minutes is just enough to make a difference for now.
Evening Breezy,
ReplyDeleteI first wanted to start by saying I really liked your picture of the brain lifting weights! It really puts a true meaning to working out the mind lol. After reading a couple of post, I would say that many of us preferred the exercise over the previous one we had. The sound of the waves, a woman's voice that was neutral in tone and space in between words and instruction was definitely a positive aspect in this exercise. Being new to the meditative world, I must say that it has been a struggle for me to get into a state of relaxation, but as I am reading more regarding integral health, I am learning that one of the major keys of success is continual practice.
Be Well,
Desiree Stroder
I could see how the time between would allow for you to relax. However I just wanted her to get on with what she wanted. ( I am impatient)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you explained the mental workout. What are your thoughts about exercise such as Luminosity rather that relaxation techniques?
Hi Breezy, I like your name by the way. I like your blog. I too found this exercise easier than last weeks.exercises. What other exercises do you to calm the mind? do you have a favorite mental workout that you practice? Are you enjoying the set up of this class and having to blog about your experiences?
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
Breezy, I felt the same way about the exercise. I loved the pauses as well. I think that first thing in the morning would be my best time. If I tried to do before bed, I would probably be too distracted.
ReplyDelete