Hey Everyone,
So this week was the wrap up of my cross country journey. So I am excited to say I am home safe, and very happy to be here. Some unexpected stressors have come up since I got here, but its ok nothing I cant handle. I have felt a little overwhelmed again this week it seems to go back and forth, hopefully now that Im officially home I can do some serious concentrating on my meditation, and happiness.
This all being said the exercise this week was a bit hard. I cant focus on a normal day for like 3 minuets for a relaxation technique much less everyday. I would love to do it in the morning so this next week Im going to try and do this exercise again, because this week it just didn't happen. I tried a few times, but waking up in a hotel with a 4 year old or driving for 12 hours I didn't make time for the exercise like I should have. I do think with more effort this could have been more beneficial, but thats my problem. I am trying to put more effort into all aspects of my life so its gets hard some days. I would recommend practicing the loving kindness to others simply because we need to love ourselves and others so this is a practice that will help you evolve in both areas.
Mental workouts, this coming from me who is a very physical energetic person seemed kind of crazy a few years ago. Then I realized how important it is. To me there are two kinds of mental workouts the ones where we clear our minds and workout in a way of enhancing inner peace (meditation) and then there is the practice of brain games to enhance your "smarts". Both are important, and neither are thought about on a regular basis from most people. Research shows that meditation relaxes your inner self and allows you to retain more information long term. Brain games show that stimulation of the brain on a regular basis refreshes us on what seems like second nature or common sense. You can improve upon these things by making time for them. Its that simple, but also easier said than done. I just got through saying Im too busy changing everything to relax, but still believe I need to slow down. Its just very difficult.
I wish you all success with these techniques and in life :)
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the completion of your trip. I have never really been anywhere so I think what you did is awesome. I would love to be able to take a trip like you did, however because I have been in school for what seems forever it just hasn't been possible. I agree with you that life can make relaxation a very difficult tasks on top of a pile of other difficult tasks. When you are living check to check and your car breaks down on top of all the other stresses we go through it can be difficult to just breathe through the stress and find an inner sense of peace. I feel though, that taking the time out for yourself to simply breathe and try to relax is important for as with time it may become more and more easier to attain that sense of peace.
Hi Jamie:
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great trip! I agree - having to "fit in" relaxation techniques is a hard task some days, while other days, it just doesn't happen at all.
Loving-kindness is something that for me, doesn't require relaxation. It is something I try to practice each day, just through my own heart. There are times I have to bite my tongue, but that is where being "human" comes into play. For the most part, though, I try to find the best in people, and sympathize with their lives. There are alot of people that I meet each day who really touch my life, and each day becomes easier that I relate to someone and wish them only blessings for the day. This is not something that I have to work on - I sincerely wish only the best of people, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.
Great post!
Blessings!
Kim