As I continue doing these meditations I find them to be getting easier and more enjoyable. They still take devoted time and attention, but I am finding the benefits to be well worth it. This loving kindness meditation asked us to repeat the following phrases over and over for ten minutes:
May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.
May I assist all individuals in finding sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
This meditation felt wonderful, and also felt like I was praying, which I guess essentially I was. I also find that there is a noticeable difference in my daily attitude when I begin my day with a meditation, and especially with mantras that focus my attention toward love, kindness, giving and the wellbeing of others.
During the assessment process I really just tried to clear my mind and allow my inner self to show me what areas of my life need the most work. While they definitely all need work, I have chosen to start by focusing on the biological aspect of my life. I want to improve my fitness, nutrition, and mind/body spiritual connection, and I want to do it in a conscious and mindful way. Some activities that I will do to improve this area include additional, deliberate, exercise, being more aware of my eating, and spending time everyday to meditate and re-enforce my positive mindset.
Jo,
ReplyDeleteI, too, focused on the biological aspect of life for my self assessment; having the chronic low back pain has really changed my life. I used to be very active, taking the kids hiking, or fishing, bowling, and going out for long walks. Because Of the pain, I have had to change all that, and it can be really depressing some times. However, I have a great spiritual connection, which keeps me up, and away from the depressed feelings; today I found out that tomorrow, I can begin the epidural shot therapy that make take my pain away. Not only am I excited to get back to my exercise and active life, but the kids are very excited, too. So, being positive and mindful has brought me through this difficult time, and now I have a light at the end of the tunnel. I will also be doing things that you mentioned in your post - deliberate exercise, watching my diet, and meditating. Hopefully, we'll be ushering in a new, brighter future for ourselves and those around us. Cheers!
Chris