Unit 4: Loving Kindness Exercise
- Describe your experience. Did you find it
beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others?
Why or why not?
My experience during this exercise was very moving. Initially, I found it difficult to get in the
zone, but as my thoughts became restful and at ease, so did my mind and inner
being. This was a very beneficial
exercise for me because I was truly able to let go and felt a calmness come
over me. In addition, I felt my inner
burdens subside and a feeling of comfort and peace filled me. My mind clearly became more positive and my
mood heightened. I would recommend this
exercise to others. I think we can all
use loving kindness in our lives to make us not only love ourselves, but be an
overall better person. My religious
beliefs teach me “love others as ourselves.”
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?
Just as the body needs physical activity for optimal health and well-being,
so does our brain. The most significant
purpose of reflective practice is the continuous growth of an enlarged
awareness and its healing ability (Dacher, 2006).
Research has shown that when people stop worrying so much about themselves
and their lives and actually spend that energy on helping, accepting and loving
others, they are happier and more fulfilled.
Dacher stated, “We give back what we give” (2006) and when we give and
receive loving kindness our minds are calmer and it puts on a path of human
flourishing.
Proven benefits of a mental workout are the ability to train the mind. Once you find peace within, harmony and
oneness will find you. Dacher states “an
hour a day of mental practice will execute good health, promote enjoyment, and
completeness” (2006). The proper mental
workouts can notably cultivate one's intellectual behavior. There are many methods a person can implement
to foster psychological health to include: regular physical activity, crossword
puzzles, Suduko, board games, memory games, or simply reading a book.
-Angela
Angela,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the exercise also, although I did want to hurry it along in a couple of places. My mind did feel clear and calm when I was finished.
I do think our minds need to be fed just as our body. If we provide both with quality "nutrients" we will function at a higher capacity. I think five to ten minutes are doable, but I am not quite ready for the hour a day Dacher recommends.
Cynthia
Hello Angie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your experience for this week’s unit exercise. It was so nice to see that your experience was a positive one and that you were able to relax. I can totally relate to what you experienced as well. You mentioned a “heightened” mood and mental clarity. I was so happy to see that you had that same experience because while I was working on this I could not believe the way that I was feeling so it was nice to see that you too were feeling the same way. How awesome it really is huh? I thought it was amazing and I am so excited to continue to practice this. I have committed to doing this exercise 1 or 2 times a day because it made me feel so alive. I suggest that everyone keep doing this and document their experience for a while I loved what you said about loving kindness and how we all can use a little bit of this in our lives, so true and your words speak volumes. I learned through your post that we have the same views on this subject and I agree with the statement that you made in saying that “love others as ourselves” Thank you for your thoughtful words and sharing your experience. I hope that your day is a wonderful one!
-Megan Bohlman
Hi Angie,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed this exercise once I could still my mind. It seems as though you have quite a spiritual presence when attempting these exercises. That is great. There are also so many things a person can do to enhance their mental fitness, you hit on some very good exercises to implement into a daily routine to make sure one keeps their cognitive function alive and well far into their future.
~ Cyndie ~
Angie,
ReplyDeleteAs usual I enjoyed your response to your interpretation and experience for the unit 4 Loving-Kindness exercise. Keep up the good work in being an inspiration to some of us that are not quiet there yet.
Angela,
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you were able to really connect with this exercise and it worked for you. I couldn't agree more with you about not only getting our body active, but our minds as well! Training the mind is such an interesting topic and your post was a great read!
Beth Bjorkgren
Hi Angela-
ReplyDeleteI knew without a doubt that I would enjoy and agree with what you wrote for this week. I keep going back to yours, knowing that I will not be disappointed. Your faith has put you in a good place and allowed you to add to it with our lessons. I myself need to keep these "sessions" to rather small time frames yet or I get lost somewhere and any benefit I was experiencing I lose. But I figure as long as I am heading in the right direction, I am good. Not everyone is at the same spot and we all progress at different rates. Have a good week!
susan
Angela,
ReplyDeletethat is great that you are able to relax enough to complete the exercises, that shows a great ability to release stress. I have a difficult time with these exercises primarily because they require well relaxation;lol and sitting still. ;)I agree with you in that the mind should be worked out and taken care of just like our bodies.
Tammy
Angela,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, I too felt the same way when I completed the exercise. People should absolutely have more loving kindness in their lives, at least out here on the east coast lol, people out here are not as friendly as the south or the west coast. Since you are a personal trainer you know it takes a lot of work to keep the body in shape, so it's like a mental workout just being able to push yourself to that breaking point.
Jr,