The exercises were both difficult for me because I am still having an issue with being able to ‘calm’ my mind long enough to focus on the exercises. I did however take something away from the exercises just by reading them. In particular, the loving-kindness exercise brings to light that there are many people in this world who are suffering, have poor health, or lack happiness. The reading of this exercise has allowed me to think about these situations as I go through out my day. I was not able to concentrate on the universal Loving Kindness exercise for the entire 10 minutes but it really had put life into perspective for me.
I have discovered that I need to be thankful for my health, the health of my family and my life. These exercises made me realize that there are many less fortunate people in this world. I have decided to finally commit to a date and volunteer. I have a full plate and have wanted to give back, but just never put a date on the calendar. I will be volunteering this Friday at Feed the Children, a local charity in my community. I will be packing humanitarian boxes for those in need.
I have chosen to focus on trying not to be so reactive and complain about people. I am trying to make steps by ‘letting’ the little things go that would normally annoy me. This is a difficult task but I am trying to make a difference. I am learning that by getting stressed and aggregated doesn’t change or improve the situation. The only thing that happens is that I get myself stressed out. I am also trying not to let other people stress affect me. This is the hardest by far! My husband is just too much when it comes to complaining. I am almost at the end of my rope with his constant complaining. It is very challenging to keep myself in check and try and ‘shut him out’ or try and not get myself worked up because of his issues. The exercises that I am trying to incorporate are to take deep breaths when I have a situation that affects me negatively. I am also trying to look at a positive side of the situation versus focusing on the negative.
Jessica
ReplyDeleteIt is funny because my husband complains a lot also. He will complain about the dumbest things. But honestly even when I am at the end of the rope with him also I tell him to be quiet and be thankful for what he does have, two healthy children, a loving wife and a paying job..Some people are not even lucky enough to have that! Sometimes it sinks in and sometimes it doesn't. He worries everyday about money and I saw well at least you have a job. I guess its because I am a stay at home mom right now still doing school but I am going to be substitute teaching now so I hope he loosens up a little.
This exercise was a little better for me because my kids were at school and I just kept repeating and I found myself lost in the exercise with the pictures of people in my head of who I was thinking of as I said this. It was awesome I really enjoyed it. Maybe you just need to find what activity is the best for you to get some alone and quiet time and relax your mind. Find some nice guided imagery about a beach! lol
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI can empathize with most of your sentiments. I enjoyed this week exercises. This meditation promotes interconnectedness loving-kindness to the world. I also overreact to situations and also become aggravated with nagging or negative people. I have noticed an increase level of negativity and pessimist behaviors in many people. I contribute this problem to the bad economy and lack of direction in life. I also need to detach from that negativity and observe instead of becoming aggravated. Congratulations on your volunteer work definitely will bring you happiness and peace. Good luck