For this week’s
blog exercise, we were instructed to practice the universal loving-kindness
exercise and complete the integral assessment, and then answer the following
questions: Describe the exercise and assessment process. What did you discover
about yourself? What area have you chosen to be a focus of growth and
development? Why? What are some specific exercises or activities that you can
implement to foster greater wellness in this area?
The Universal
loving-kindness exercise can be a powerful tool in expanding one’s mind and
heart. It is a step in integral health where we can learn to really hear, see,
acknowledge, be present with, and feel another by offering our open
heartedness, sensitivity, generosity and emotional intimacy and extending these
capacities beyond just our close group of loved ones, to that of all human kind
(Dacher, 2006, p.92).
The Integral
assessment involves taking a careful look at our current circumstances,
identifying the aspects of our life that require attention, determine specific
changes we would like to address, and establishing a program of integral
practice that will promote the changes (Dacher, 2006, 105).
Yesterday and
today, I practiced the universal loving-kindness exercise. I started out ok,
but after a minute or so, my thoughts moved to the Sandy Hook tragedy, when I
tried to redirect myself it was very difficult. Instead of fighting the thoughts,
I gave in to them and spent the time in prayer for the victims of this tragedy
as well as our nation as whole, as most everyone has felt the deep sorrow of
this loss.
I discovered that
I open, loving, and excepting of others, however, I often do show myself the
same type of kindness. The area of focus that I chose to develop growth in is
biological flourishing. I chose this area of focus because of the chronic pain
I experience. At one point, it almost took over my life; it not only affected
me physically, but emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Some of the
activities I plan to implement to foster greater wellness in this area are:
Continue developing the practice of meditation, using relaxation techniques
(such as guided imagery), practice showing myself loving-kindness, continue stretching
and incorporate some Pilates (which I used to really enjoy before my accident),
and spending more time in prayer.
Thank you for
visiting my blog.
All the best,
~Bridgett
Reference
Dacher, E. (2006).
Integral health: The path to human
flourishing.
Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health
Publications, Inc.
Hi Bridgett,
ReplyDeleteIsn't prayer for others such as in the horrible Sandy Hook Tragedy a form of Loving Kindness? Isn't it a way of opening your heart to others that you don't even know and wishing them kindness? The loving-kindness exercises seem to be the most difficult for me. In general I am a very nice and kind person; yet, I have a very difficult time being kind to myself. This exercise says that if you are not kind to yourself and really cannot be really kind to others. If this is true, then I wonder if my kindness towards others is real? I have never spent so much time analyzing myself. I have found over the last couple of weeks that I thought I was one kind of person, but perhaps I am not? I have to say, I am not overly fond of this self analyzing stuff! LOL! Jen
Hello and good evening to you Bridgett, I hope that your had some time today to allow your mind to ease from the thoughts of deep sorrow of our loss from “Sandy”. I too started ok with my loving-kindness practice until I gave into my thoughts of the recent shootings that have been occurring around the world such as shooting upon our Connecticut Elementary school and the Alabama hospital shooting. I believe that maybe if we all practice universal Loving Kindness, we could stop or relegate (if not stop) these shooting and killings. Great blog Bridgett and I wish you the best.
ReplyDelete*Lee~
Hello Bridgett,
ReplyDeleteYes the Sandy Hook tradgey touched my heart deeply and i felt soo sad for those kids. On the news they had a poem from the kids to santa clause. That totally made me cry and i feel pain for victims families as well. Awesome post. I hoped the best for you and your family during the holiday season.