I am not sure if it was because I chose the 2nd question on the discussion board this week, or because I am a very visual learner. What I am sure of is that throughout the past eight weeks, I have found a new softer, strength within in me through each of the exercises we have been blessed to practice.
It was through the Loving-Kindness exercise, the realization that thoughts produce feelings, and feelings have a way of creating events (negative or positive). I have never had a problem with holding great love for others. But, when I feel threatened, betrayed, or hurt, I can hold feelings of resentment, anger and sometimes hate. It is through this Loving-Kindness experience that I have somehow gotten softer. I have learned that I have no control on what others choose to do with their thoughts, words and actions. I have learned to take time to act instead of re-act to situations. It is my belief that what we send out, we get back. I am not saying that I no longer “fight the fight.” I am saying that I choose my battles based on what the price of the battle (create change or give pay-back)is. Loving kindness has brought about less judging of others and more judging of myself. I take time to hold gratefulness in my heart, and am more willing to wear my heart on my sleeve to let others in as well as maybe learn from my experiences. Loving-Kindness was the first step to cleaning the closet of my mind and heart. The best part of this exercise is that people are actually seeing a change in me. Share ♥
Calm-Abiding is the next practice that has had a great impact on who I choose to be, and where I choose to live in my mind. It was by practicing the subtle-mind exercise; I was able to find calm in unusual places. It was the gift I found when I turned off the radio in my car on the way to work each day, where I was able to enter what I consider a negative space, without those negative feelings that I had attached to it for so long. This exercise allows me to set the pace for my day. Instead of waiting for the negative atmosphere to encompass me, I now use the tools we have been given in the class to get me through the work day without latching onto the surrounding negativity. I wake each day to the realization that this day is my own. I can choose the three levels of the subtle mind; 1.)Witnessing mind- in order to stay in the moment, and block out negative chatter. 2.) Calm-abiding exercise has allowed me to soften my mind, thoughts and actions; surrender myself to peace instead of chaos. It is my goal to practice these two in order to reach the 3rd level -Unity Consciousness. I am not even close to this yet, but I have a map. What a goal to see everything with such focus and clarity, and be able to choose what we want to keep in our minds closet, and what we choose to let go!
Peace
Deb
Deb:
ReplyDeleteYou are so right there is so much in this class that has given us the opportunity to learn about our selves and be able to control and give back. As we work forward within this process toward integral health we will only find more quietness, peace and loving kindness to be able to share with those that are put in our path. I am one to think that I do not pick those that I might be fortunate to help they are put before me for a reason and if I do not have my wits together I will miss the opportunity. Oh how it is such a bad feeling to realize you missed an opportunity to be able to reach out to someone that God has put in your path and it was only because you were not doing what is need of you or called of you to be ready for the moment. I know my self I have gotten so busy in life that I am not taking the time for myself so that I am ready for those moments. So I really have to get back to doing what it takes and meditation is one of those tools that it will take to get me back on track. So believe me I am going to take all the things we have learned in this class and go aback and reread the book and work through the process so that I can be able to be prepared for the precious moments that are put before me.
You are an Awesome keep up the GREAT work
Jackie
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteWhat an action packed insight, fruitful and wisdom you bestowed to all of us following your blogs.
It is amazing how you are witnessing in others the changes that they see in that you have progressed through. You are absolutely right, it boils down to the choices we make whether we decide to hold (Grasp) onto the negativity, or just let it go.
Warm regards,
Mark
Deb it seems like you are well on your way and that this class has been very helpful to you. It has been helpful for me as well. While I think that our friends, family, etc may change as a result of how we treat them, sometimes I think that in the past maybe we only saw the bad; we weren't looking for the good so we didn't see it.
ReplyDeleteTake care!!!
Great Post! I like the success you have gotten with the calm-abiding exercise. I think out of so many of them, this one is one of the most useful. My reason for saying that is because so many of our lives are hectic day in and day out. This helps us find a bit of peace in an otherwise crazy world.
ReplyDeleteI have just got to say that you have a wonderful way with words! I have been reading your posts, and I have enjoyed every single one of them. You make all of us who read your blog feel what you are feeling. I feel like I can visualize and feel everything that you are explaining. It's just incredible! I think that if you're not a writer, you need to be! :D You have inspired me.
ReplyDeleteHello Deb,
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting the results you could get with the practices we had in this course. For me one of the remarkable practices was loving-kindness as well. Love is the greatest feeling we can ever have. I think that love can help people in their overall health. In today’s world, we are living many wars, people depressed, with anger, and bad mood. Love could be an excellent solution for these problems; it can help people with their own experiences, and help us all to have a better world.
Best wishes,
~Yesica Gonzalez.