The subtle mind exercise was very interesting to me. It gave me the ability to focus all of my business onto my breathing. I think the loving kindness exercise was more focused on the heart with feeling and emotions. I had a difficult time control my mind to be calm. Just as the exercise mentioned, every time I let go of my busy mind, it came right back quickly. Although it seemed to be a little effective, I guess this is an exercise that takes much more practice and patience.
The mind is the focal point of energy that connects to the spirit. Mind body and spirit are all connected. A good example is when a runner is getting prepared to run a long distance. Many athletes tend to pray or meditate on the goal. Whether the goal is to finish, finish in first place, or to just participate in a run, it takes a higher energy to give the strength to run. This strength then channels the mind. It tells the mind what techniques would be needed to run. Should I stretch before running?, how long to stretch?, what should I eat or drink to prepare for the run? The mind state tells the body what is needed to run. The mind also sends signals to each individual body organ, function, and system, in order to run. The body then responds with signals from the mind and execute. All of these mind body spirit events are what I use when I run 4 days a week. This in return will help me keep a healthier heart, body, and spirit.
Thanks
Tony P
Tony, I think this exercise teaches us patience, as well. Consistent repetition of these mental exercises is just as effective as building muscle and strength from physical activity. We know that it takes weeks, months, and sometime a year to attain our physical fitness goals; the same applies for our mental and spiritual fitness.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that visualizing your run, during meditation, before running, would improve your outcome? Perhaps you could see yourself completing a run faster and with less effort. Try it and let me know the results.
Lola L
I found myself being too unfocused tonight for the subtle mind exercise. There was too much open silence and white noise. I got lost in the waves crashing and not enough talking/instruction from the speaker (like there was last week).. I tried to get focused on my breathing, but it got lost in translation this week and my busy mind kept butting in with thoughts. I found last weeks exercise to be much easier.
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