I may not respond to everyone’s posts, but I do read a majority of them, and I recognize that these contemplative exercises can be challenging, difficult for various reasons, and even annoying. But, understanding that we as mankind are above the animal kingdom, we can experience life in very meaningful ways, where animals can’t, and these are obvious, but, the ability to introspect, and contemplate, sets us apart from the animal kingdom. Therefore, I fight through what’s uncomfortable to sit at the feet of the ancient-wise men/women to glean a gem or two.
I will probably never out grow the need for a witnessing mind, a calm-abiding mind, nor, loving-kindness or the subtle mind. The latter two are contemplative practices that I found very rewarding; the loving-kindness practice offered the opportunity to meditate on a love one, and then embrace their suffering, then, seeing it dissolve away. The subtle mind got me in-tuned with my breath, there’s a correlation between the mind and our breathing. The breath is always with us; this practice when cultivated will soothe and calm the mind. A clam mind will always make good decisions.
I will take 15 minutes a day for contemplative practices, the idea is to start small and build a good foundation, and, maybe one day I will be skilled enough to train others.
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is so very true! We are on top of the animal kingdom but what we do with it is what truly sets us apart. I love being out in nature walking through the woods and seeing the animals surviving. They always seem at peace in what they are doing if it just gathering nuts or grazing, while I realize they are not feeling what I would imagine them to feel it is still a wonderfully relaxing sensation for me. What I do struggle with is when these animals come out of the peaceful woods and go onto the roadways where they slow my progress. I have to change my thought processes so that I am not hating these animals that I loved before I left the woods. This class has really helped to open my eyes to that simple change. I could only wish I had 15 minutes to dedicate only to meditation. I utilize my time and sometimes have to multitask meditation time but with practice I have gotten so much better. I am much slower to react in anger and for that I am extremely grateful!
Stay well!
Smiles
Kristie S.
I would have to say that the loving-kindness practice was my favorite. I find some of these practices difficult; however, for the past few weeks they have been quite enlightening. I would like to get more into meditation. I feel as if it would be very good for my life and my well-being. I was wondering how you plan on making a more strong foundation in order to teach others this practice. I look forward to speaking with you and will be in touch.
ReplyDeleteSarah Pratt
I really enjoyed the subtle mind exercise. It was natural for me to focus on my breathing and let the busy mental activity pass by - although letting the mental activity pass was difficult. The exercise helped me to see how we become distracted by the various activities in our mind. It's a wonder to me how we function as a society. I always enjoy reading your blogs. You have great insights. Thanks, Rachelle
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about training others. I believe that all of us are here to serve one another in some capacity. Your first paragraph is blunt and to the point however you probably said what others were thinking. There were absolutely some practices that I did not connect with while there were others that I absolutely connected with. I think that we all need to experience/expirement different things that will be beneficial to us and pick and choose those things that work.
Have you tried to do a juicing regimen before you meditate? I juiced for a little while and really liked it but like many things in my life I started and stopped. I don't like the juicer I have (Jack LaLanne). Can you recommend one?
Thanks for your honesty in your post.
Christine
Christine W.
DeleteI also agree with your opinion on training others. Good luck on your meditation endeavors.
ReplyDeleteJessica Pelletier