Our assignment this week includes a twice-daily exercise in Loving-Kindness. My first reaction during and after the first physical experience of this exercise in mental training is hard to describe. A few words that I immediately think of are intriguing, awkward, pleasant and hopeful.
I was intrigued by the potential result that we would like to accomplish in mentally focusing our energy, our thoughts and our complete attention to the removal of all the negative, stressful and destructive thoughts, images and people in our lives and turning our focus to compassion, love and positive energy.
Although, I honestly felt that I had to question the new age feeling I had, I completed the first session...and the second, with some hesitation and found myself actually turning it to a prayer, asking God to reveal to me the negative things that keep me from experiencing His love, peace and joy. I also prayed to truly learn how to deflect the negativity that comes in the future and respond like breathing in a loving manner, with compassion and kindness. I listened to the instructor's voice. It was peaceful, gentle and easy to follow. My focus sometimes got distracted, but it was possible to get back on track with continued effort. As I responded to the instructor's words, I was able to focus positive emotions of love toward the ideas, emotions and people. I especially enjoyed thinking of my children's faces and focusing my energy and thoughts on their prosperity and emotional well-being.
I will enjoy this practice as the days follow and would suggest it to others. I believe it to be very beneficial. We so often fall into a trap of negative thoughts, stressful issues and difficult relationships in our lives. This exercise, if given proper attention and concentration can lead to a better mental and emotional state. It will be easier to act with loving-kindness, I believe.
I look forward to hearing from others who took part in this exercise.
Have a blessed week, Everybody!
Melissa Rasberry
Great Post! Jean St.John
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how skeptiism clouded your first impressions of the exercise, thinking of them as new-agey, I had some of the same thoughts myself. I think what makes this exercise familiar you rbought prayer into the activity and it was a natural inclination for you to do so. Not everyone can pray, nor can everyone meditate or such. But we all have one way that works best toward the same goal, for prayer can quiet the mind but only if you are more open to the activity. I would rather have someone take part in an mental exercise they are more comfortable with than something they interpret as hocus-pocus. Otherwise the exercise would not have personal meaning.
ReplyDeleteMelissa & Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you. Melissa, uncomfortable with new-agey, turned it into prayer, while I would be more comfortable with meditation or new age as opposed to prayer. Either way, I think that it is the positive energy and thoughts that promotes loving-kindness. How we choose to get there is an individual experience.
Melissa, I love your blog background..very nice!
Carrie Lawson