I really liked practicing the loving-kindness exercise and view it as a type of intercessory prayer. There are a few awesome visionary experiences I experienced. First, (please keep in mind this is from a Christion point of view) I felt it was extremely important for me to breath in the pain, hurt, etc.; and expell health, happiness, and wholeness by the Father’s hand, through the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. The other great experience was and still is, is the progressing stage in giving myself loving-kindness. This has been a huge contribution to a positive self esteem growth. Breathing in the “bad” and breathing out the “good” reminded me of the movie “The Green Mile” with Tom Hanks. One of the death-row prisoners was a gigantic guy that could heal by sucking in the illness and then breathing out the good health. I visualize this while doing the loving-kindness practice.
This typeof meditation can seem pretty fictional to many people but the more people hear about its realities in holistic health the more common place it will become. I would recommend this to others because I believe it to be essential to personal and community health.
My goal was to practice the loving-kindness exercise twice daily as suggested. Well, that has not happened but I am getting at least one practice in a day. The other cool thing is that I have felt prompted to do the loving-kindness exercise for specific people at odd times. One time I felt compelled to do the exercise( while riding my horse) for a friend I knew was going through some physical and emotional pain.
A “mental workout” is a tool to gain deeper states of inner awareness. Research has shown that mental training can reduce negative emotions (anger, fear, hatred, worry, confusion, doubt, frustration) and increase positive emotions (patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance, happiness). (Dacher, 2006) Read Galations 5:22-26 it says about the same thing. A mind filled with positive emotions can resist mental illness and physical diseases, control stress, and promote health and well-being. Contemplative practice is a means of developing a mental workout. (Dacher, 2006) I find this to be true. I takes a lot of deep concentration to remain on task and quite my mind while doing the loving-kindness practice.
Reference:
Dacher, E. (2006) Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteThis is truly a great Blog! You are a unique individual who gave the exercise your own twist. I think that is essential in really gaining from the relaxation exercises. The visual that you used from the green mile is great! I could see how you thought of it while breathing the bad in and the good out. I though that it was interesting that we were instructed to breath the bad in and the good out instead of visa-versa. What are your thoughts? I also agree with you that many people would view this type of exercise as 'fictional'. People are usually uncomfortable with what they don't know. Great job once again! ~Amanda
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear that this exercise was great for you. I thought that it was too long and too boring but the ultimate reason for doing the assignment was good. I is a tool to be used to help us gain our inner strength. I also like the breathing exercise because breathing helps to calm a person. The one point that I could not get past was the love your enemy but I am working on it and I have to if I want to reach the point of integral health.
I am definitely going to try this exercise again and again. Next time I am going to light a few candles, turn off the lights, and just relax and listen to the exercise.
Great job on your exercise. ...Tricia
I have to agree this is truly a great blog. I have to agree that many people do not believe in these types of relaxation and reflection exercises. They don't believe that they really have any value. I suppose that is where the growth and maturity that Dr. Dacher talks about in the psychospiritual aspect is required before any true growth can be achieved in spiritual growth.
ReplyDeleteNice post,
Michelle
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog. It is nicely said about you gaining knowledge and becoming better and helping others. There are so many people looking for better health and could use this information. But like some of the others stated, it is hard for people to accept new ideas. We have to be an example of good health, action always speaks for itself. You have a "wonderful day"!