As many of you know from reading my prior blogs, I have not been a big fan of the visualization exercises. I have a real problem envisioning a light coming out of my belly button. If I have to pick two of the exercises (which I do), I would have to say that the Subtle Mind and Loving Kindness exercises are the most beneficial of the exercises that I have tried. The main reason for this is that the sound of the ocean in the background and the silent times allow my mind to drift from the troubles (or traffic since I am usually driving) and relax. These are most beneficial also because they allow you to focus and concentrate on something other than your problems without the feeling that I have to start chanting “hummmm”. I believe that the main purpose of any of these exercises is to find your center, that place where you can let it all go. Some call this your quan or your chi. I call it that place in the center of your being where you can find peace and harmony with all that is around you or within you. I may have some arguments here but I believe that it all has to start with finding peace within your own self. If you are not at peace with your own self, how can you be at peace with the world around you?
Mack
I really don't know how you can meditate while driving! I am always so caught up in the traffic that I cannot imagine being quiet and listening to a mediatation which could potentially put me to sleep. Be careful with that...I find it amazing though how you try to do what is asked of you without being too blindly following directions. You keep your head on your shoulders with a very inquisitive but not defensive mind. I commend you for that.
ReplyDeleteI find you are right with the fact that all these exercises are a quest to your center, your qui or your essence. With practice, i hope to get there faster and stay there longer! Good luck with the rest of the class!
I second Jojo's question! How DO you drive and meditate without hitting anything? That takes real skill man!
ReplyDeleteI think that the loving-kindness and subtle mind meditations are the simplest to do, especially inside one's own head, no matter where you are. No "oom" required!
I also agree completely that we can't be at peace with the world unless we are at peace with ourselves because if we aren't, then we'll just see conflict every where around us. Our personal status affects how we view the world and how we react to it.
Keep up the good work Mack! Good luck with your new regimen!
Well said! I agree if you can't be at peace with your self then how can you be at peace with the world around you.
ReplyDeleteI also aprciat the music or th sounds of the waves sometime I need something to help me calm down and find my center and the sound of crashing waves is relaxing to me
I agree Mack, to each his own!! I appreciate your candid thoughts and wish you much luck in the future.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Mack!
ReplyDeleteYour words were well said. I agree with the concept of minding your own inner world so that you can then be prepared to interact with the outer world from a place of peace and centeredness. Everyone has their own path to find their center and it sounds like you are on that path.
Thanks for sharing.