I liked the simplicity of the Universal Loving Kindness practice. I did, however, want to close my eyes, but wasn't able to because I couldn't remember the lines and therefore had to read them from the text.
I think it was a great thing to focus on, though! I personally need to spend a lot more time thinking about the suffering and needs of others rather than just my own.
More than the practice, however, I found the assessment very revealing.
The first question to ask is: What area of my life contains suffering?
Right now, I would have to say biological and interpersonal.
Biological, because I am experiencing some bodily changes and learning to adjust to new exercise and eating habits,
and Interpersonal, because I feel a deep lack of personal connection in my life. This is because I do school online and am a full-time nanny for one girl - I have a lot of alone-time right now. I'm sure I'll appreciate this time someday, but right now I long for close friendships!
The second question is: What area of my life is ready to be developed?
For me, I would say psychospiritual and biological. I often find myself frustrated or sad, and I've found that in doing these relaxation exercises, many of my stress-responses go away. They help me to handle daily activities with more grace and cheer than normal. Biologically, I'm ready and prepared to attack a new exercise plan and give myself leeway if I need it!
I'm sorry that you feel alone. You will someday really enjoy the peace and quite but I also know that close friendships are very important. I don't know what I would do without my few close friends. I am the opposite of you I am always looking out for everyone else and not enough on myself that is just how I have always been. I hope that you are able to develop more in psychospiritual and biological.
ReplyDeleteI think it's tough because I was a very social person in high school and had close friends as well as acquaintances, and now that I'm doing online school it's much harder to find those people! I know once I'm in the working world, that will change. :)
DeleteKelsie great post I agree with you. We might have a lot on our plate right now but it will pay off later. I believe school takes up a lot of my time and so does being a wife and mother. I feel I am stretched out as far as I can go but I feel I am doing what needs to be done. I also loved the loving kindness exercise it would of been better if it was on audio so you could close your eyes and really get into it.
ReplyDeleteKelsie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about not being able to remember the lines, I think it was a great idea but I would have done better if I would have memorized the lines first. I'm going to be honest, I have been sick for the past week or more and am still trying to get well so my mind isn't focusing on anything. I am lucky if I get all of my work done lol! Funny the one term we talk about mind, body and soul being connected in wellness is the term I end up sick. It has definitely affect not only my body but my soul and mind a well! haha.
Interpersonal is my main area that contains suffering as well. Between being a single mother, working and going to school full time it is sometimes difficult to make connections with others. Even more so because the majority of people I know do not have kids of their own yet, so they don't understand why I won't just find a babysitter so we can hang out or something and why I don't like doing the same things as they do.
I hope you find balance in all that you are struggling with! :)
Peace && Love
Robin