My first choice was easy, a subtle mind. Taming mental activity, stopping the constant chatter, creating a calming, inviting gray matter, greatly appeals to me. I think this will also help in my daily struggles in caring for others. One thing I have taught my daughter is to never speak out of anger, and this is something I have trained myself to do as well. I believe allowing yourself the time to clear your mind of nonsense, truly listening to what is going on (or nothing if applicable) will allow you the much needed tools to assess and address any situation. In the end making yourself more focused and in a better position to care for others effectively and efficiently.
I admit I struggled with the other practices and never felt as if I was successful. However, in choosing my second one, I would have to pick visualization. I have been such an avid reader since a young age that my ability to envisualize things is not too shabby. I am also able to re-live moments from my life pretty easily. My husband makes fun of me sometimes because I call it thinking backwards. When I can't remember something, I 'think backwards' and most of the time it works for me.
I regret that I don't think I will be successful with mediation. It's something I have struggled with through the last 7 weeks, and I find myself truly frustrated and not making progress. I truly believe life will show me the way.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I like your perspective on making sure that you do not react out of anger. These exercises are a great way to ensure you are following the principles of proper stress relief and minimizing reactive stress. Keep trying and eventually you will retrain yourself to take on the full effects of meditation!
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your approach to not speaking in anger. People can say such hurtful things to each other in anger. The old saying "Sticks and stones can hurt my bones, but words can never hurt me" is not true. Words can sometimes hurt far longer than being hit with a stick!
MaryAnn
The gift of visualization that reading has given to you is wonderful. It gives you so many five minute vacations to try. I never really got the itch to read those type books. But it sounds like you will be a life long visualizer, so good for you. Go forth and vacation without expense or packing :-)
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