Friday, January 10, 2014
The Subtle Mind
Yes! This was my type of mind exercise. I loved it. I didn't have to visualize anything, just focus on breathing. A few weeks ago I would have had an extremely difficult time quieting my mind. Actually, it's still not easy, but I feel like I'm making progress. I have moments that I'm successful in just witnessing thoughts without attaching myself to them. This exercise was much more enjoyable (and less frustrating) than Loving-Kindness. I have difficulty conjuring up images on demand, and have started to find it anxiety-producing as I keep thinking, "I'm never going to get this"!
Since this class began, I've discovered that I live only a few miles from the main Kadampa Meditation Center in Glen Spey, NY. They offer local classes in the community, so I decided, "What the heck!" and tried one out. I was a bit intimidated as I thought I'd find a bunch of weirdly-happy people with shaved heads chanting... not at all. It was regular people who gather together to do some self-reflection through meditation. I enjoyed it so much that I signed up for next weeks class.
We have to remember that the mind and body are one in order to reach our potential in life. We can't have ultimate health unless we care for our physical, mental and spiritual components of who we are. For some people, this means practicing yoga, others meditation...for me it generally means being out in nature. Adding meditation has been a great experience.
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Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post on the subtle mind. That is great that you found the meditation center near your home. I am glad you enjoyed it and are going again. It is good to see that you are progressing in your mental training. You make a great point when you say that the mind and body are one in order to reach out potential in life. I think often times, we focus on one or the other, usually the physical part of our life and don't take into consideration that in order to advance we need to find the interconnectivity of our mind and our body working together, and I feel, as one improves, so will the other if we take the necessary steps to connect them.
Great post.
Scott
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI think its so great that you found a place that can teach you more about meditation and that you are taking advantage of it! I live in such a rural place that I have to drive at least an hour to get anywhere and although I love my nature, that kind of bums me out! I hope you get a lot of benefit out of it!
I would have to agree with you. Even though the subtle mind exercise was slightly difficult for me, I still enjoyed it more than the loving-kindness exercise. With this exercise, I found it difficult not knowing when she was going to speak up to give us the next step to take. This probably points out that I have a problem with patience or can't sit still. But that's what comes with 3 kids and no time to relax! I hope to find time to practice this exercise more because I did feel more calmness and clarity. That's great that you found a meditation center. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThis class has inspired me to go to a yoga class, as well! I do videos at home and I use Transcendental Meditation when I get upset about something but I rarely go to classes. I find I get caught up in the voice from guided meditations and can find it distracting. For example, the voice will tell me to visualize something and I get so distracted by thoughts about not being able to visualize these things....which sounds like what happens to you. I also find the voice distracting in another way....when it tells me to let go of negative thoughts when I may not be havig any! Then it has the unintended consequence of creating those thoughts. We'll get it, though :)
ReplyDeleteFor myself, both of these practices were such a learning experience, and also a deep feeling of relaxation and connection. With loving kindness, I was so touched by the ocean sounds, and gentle ness of all of it. I was really moved emotionally. With subtle mind, I found myself able to deeply disconnect from my surroundings and meditate, as I use to long ago. I sleep well, and feel refreshed in the morning. This class is amazing from what I have already learned. Your comments and replies are also very positive, and a great learning experience. For you all, I am grateful! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI liked this one better that the loving kindness also. I know that they are both equally important. I felt that I could relax more and clear my mind more with this exercise. That is awesome that you found a place that you could participate in meditation. I wonder if there are places like that where I live. I'm sure there is, I live in a big city. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad this class is helping you out. I think it is going to help me also.
Ashley
" We can't have ultimate health unless we care for our physical, mental and spiritual components of who we are", your statement is such a true fact! Only "You" can do this for yourself, hence, it is beneficial is so many different ways one won't expect!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. I live in a pretty rural area of NY, so it was amazing to me that I found this group. It was through a website meetup.com. You just type in your interest and your zip code and it gives locations. The place I'm going is in the basement of a Presbyterian Church. The people who offer it have a huge "temple" that is open to the public, with beautiful gardens, etc. I'm not really into the religious aspect of it but I'd love to go check it out. The building looks incredible. You can see a picture of it at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g47791-d2343550-Reviews-Kadampa_Meditation_Center_New_York_and_World_Peace_Temple-Glen_Spey_New_York.html Amazing this place is about 10 miles from where I've lived my entire life and I never knew it existed.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a positive attitude, and just reading your post made me feel uplifted. :) I agree that the subtle mind exercise is a good one. I have a difficult time meditating and relaxing, and in the right mindframe I think I could get a lot out of it. Thanks for your positive post!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that the subtle mind exercise was easier than the loving-kindness. It was as if natural rather than forced for me. The advice I have been given and would like to share is that the more we practice, the better we get. Not only that, but when we experience positive results, we sort of become addicted to that peaceful state. I applaud you for finding a place to participate in meditation close to you. Thank you for providing the information on how you did this. I look forward to seeking out something similar.
Keep up the positivity; it is catching.