For this practice I had to sit quietly and focus on my breaths. I chose to focus on the rise and fall of my chest with each breath. This practice was different from the Loving Kindness exercise because it was about paying attention to yourself and your own silence and peace. Loving Kindness was about loving yourself and giving that love out to others. In the beginning, this exercise was easy but as I sat in silence longer I began to grow restless. I was able to witness my mind fairly well which surprised me because I am always thinking about something and analyzing those thoughts, but the silence for so long was a bit much for me.
Spiritual wellness is connected to mental and physical wellness because all things are connected. In order for you to be mentally and physically healthy you must have a clear and healthy spiritual connection. For me that means noticing nature and life around me and acknowledging the gratitude I have for whomever has given it to us. I do not go to church or believe in one specific God but I do believe in a higher power and know that we are all bound together at some point or another.
~Tamara
Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is natural to grow restless when beginning a meditation like this. May I suggest that when your mind wanders and the thoughts start creeping in, that you refocus on your breathing. If the thoughts continue to come try to just observe the thoughts without forming opinions or judgments on them. For instance, If you begin thinking about your work, just simply say that is an interesting thought. My mind is thinking about work right now. Then try to return to your breathing. Practice makes perfect!
Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI also had some trouble with restlessness with this exercise at first. After listening for a while I became so relaxed I fell asleep!!
I agree with you that gratitude is so important! We should be thankful for all that we have instead of taking it for granted.