So I decided to start this weeks blog activities a little early because me and my family are going to the Lake of the Ozarks for the weekend for some rest and relaxation and I don't know if there will be internet connection there or not. I figured I would do the exercise a couple of days and post about it and then do the exercises over the weekend (if I can) and then post again when I get home. We will see how it goes. I actually started this Monday night instead of Wednesday and while the exercise speaks of doing it twice daily, this is impractical because I work 2 jobs so I'll have to do what I can.
Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?
Night number two, which because of a crazy schedule ended up being on Wednesday, went slightly better. It's hard to get into a good meditative state when your kids keep walking in to talk to you, waiting until they go to bed means it's bedtime for me so once again I had a hard time staying focused though I am finding that I can get into the exercise a little better.
Night number three, Thursday, success! I was able to get into a meditative state and stay there. I am really starting to enjoy this one a lot more. I like how it guides you to focus on others and not just yourself. I will hold my recommendations for later in the week so that I can give a fully informed answer. Until then...
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?
The concept of mental workout is best explained as working the mind on a daily basis so as to "evolve our psychospiritual life and access it's capacities". Our text even states that a mental workout can structurally change areas of the brain! Some of the benefits of a mental workout include; an influence on our physiology, hormonal system and immune system. We can also gain the ability to change our brains circuitry to enhance our well-being. Memory, attention, perception, imagery and other menal functions are positively impacted as well. Another benefit is a reduction of disturbing emotions; ager, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt while enhancing emotions that are postitive such as patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness. All of these benefits are well worth the workout for sure. It's stated in our reading that contemplative practices are a good way to improve our psychological health.
More to come...this week is getting interesting.
Mama Black Belt,
ReplyDeleteI have to chuckle I am trying to remember your real name. Then I realized that maybe you did not want that posted on the internet so I just addressed you as your name here. I really like the name here it just brings up so many images to mind!
Back to the point. You are amazing for dedicating so many days to the exercise! I really enjoyed it. It was very nice to, like you said, to focus on others. I feel it is important to focus on yourself; however, that is not why we are in school. I think exercises like these will be so helpful when we enter into the career field.
I love working out my body and I am finding I am really growing to love the working out of my mind as well. I enjoy every time I get to practice. I have tried to incorporate the two together since I am at most calm while running it has made sense to try. I have gotten better at it and I always feel amazing when done. Just like if I was on the couch I first focus on my breathing, then I direct my mind to whatever I am focusing on for that run. I really believe my heart rate stays on the lower end for running and my minute splits have improved. I think this is because I am incorporating every aspect of my mind-body-spirit.
Stay safe and Smiles
Kristie
Kristie,
DeleteMy name is Marlyn...sorry, I didn't think about signing my own blog posts. I really do wish I could have the time to dedicate more to these exercises. They make me feel great although sleep is hard to fight when doing them. Working our body, I think is a great step toward our healthy well-beings. I think it's awesome that you are enjoying this class so much.
Marlyn D
Marlyn,
DeleteI always enjoy the detail that you add to your blog makes it fun and enjoyable to read. Well you certainly are persistent, great quality to have! I am glad you finally were able to do the meditaion. I on the other hand was not able to do the meditation, I just could not relax with the voices, and it sounded like they were reading what they were saying which I know it is kind of dumb, but I myself have kids running around and finding the time to meditate is "work" on it's own, so once I am prepared I enjoy more of a soothing voice similar to the previous meditation we did, anyways the experience of being able to do all this is great.
Have a great week!
Claudia B.
Hello Mama Black Belt,
ReplyDeleteI think most can identify with your difficulty in unwinding late a night after a long day that was pack with more things-to-do than anyone cares to imagine. The narrator did suggest that mornings may be the time for some; maybe if you awaken early while your home is still hushed, this may work best for you. I’m one of those rare individuals who enjoys the late night hours.
I too found the process of dissolving our self-centeredness to the benefit of others rewarding and gratifying. Let continue to grow in life and offer ourselves to aid others.
Thanks for sharing,
Kevin H.
P.S. Enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks.
Kevin,
DeleteThanks for your comments! Alas, the idea of waking up earlier than I already do makes me want to cry, lol. I prefer to be up late but with work I have to get up early. School often keeps me up till past 11pm so you see where I'm in a cunundrum (sp) here. I will work on finding a better time to work on the exercises though, mostly because they make me feel great. And thanks, the Ozarks were excellent (aside from the nasty sunburn I acquired).
Marlyn D
I struggled with this exercise as well but unfortunately did not have the opportunity to retry it several times. I have a lot on my plate as the rest of do and my stress level is pretty high as well. I firmly believe that I can benefit from these exercises but I need to clear my schedule more.
ReplyDeleteBrookeW.
Hi Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI can certainly sympathize with you on kids walking in during your exercise. It's summer time and kids are all over the place in my home. My house has even been referred to "The Spot". I love having them all around the house and I am usually a real good multi- tasker but meditation requires one's main focus which is pretty hard to do.
I really enjoyed the exercise as it enabled me to appreciate my surroundings and "self". Similar to you, I enjoyed that it put the focus on others while gaining a new perspective.
Enjoy the lake!
~ Ana