I
have determined that the two practices that have been most beneficial for me
were the Subtle Mind practice and the Visualization practice. These are the only two that happen to have a
positive outcome each time I’ve tried them, and when done, I’ve felt
better.
The
reason the Subtle Mind practice was chosen, and will continue to be used in my
personal life, is because as most other mothers with a young child (children), I
lead a busy life that also includes a busy mind. My thoughts are constantly racing, even when
I try to lie down at night to sleep. I
admit that this has subsided a bit since I have been on leave from the high
stress night job that I had. With the Subtle Mind practice, it has allowed me
to calm my mind, slow down the racing thoughts, ease my stress, and brings me
calm and peace. When I am done with
the practice, I feel like I can concentrate, think more clearly, move and
talk slower and feel less rushed. My
body even feels less tense. Being able
to slow myself down like that is very beneficial not only for my mind, but for
my physical and spiritual well-being. It
is truly a great feeling.
When
doing the visualization practice, it brought me to a place of happiness and joy
despite what I have going on in my life right now. Again, I live a busy, high stressed life, as
I am sure many people do. If I can take
time each day to sit and bring myself to a place where happiness and joy
surrounds me, and when I am finished, I feel so amazingly vibrant and full of
positivity, I will definitely incorporate this into my life. Things like this take some practice, but I
never realized how much just imagining positive, happy things could bring such
relief and pleasure to your day. My mood
unfortunately affects those around me, so if I can bring happiness and
positivity to others rather than stress and negativity, I definitely want to do
that. I truly enjoyed this
exercise. I loved where it brought me
and how it made me feel physically, mentally and spiritually.
I enjoy reading your "warm" posts. I think as mothers of young children we are left in kind of a rough situation at times/ I know attempting to balance being who I want to be as a mom and then simply as an individual can seem like a fleeting task at times. Just on the "mom" side of things it truly never seems like there is enough time or enrichment opportunities that I want to spend/do with my kids. Life has been so rushed as of late, especially with them in school now. Getting my mind to quiet so I can actually get restorative sleep seems out of the question some days but I do agree that the Subtle Mind practice has been a gift I can use and "regive" to myself and my well-being regularly to harness some quieter and clearer time. .It has helped to refocus and in a way re energize me so I can than go about what I need to do in a much more positive manner, not feeling that overwhelming rush and pending "AHHH".
ReplyDeleteHave a peaceful week,
Christine M Campanella Dixon
I love your post! Your description of how these exercises make you feel makes me want to do them again today. I too feel the stresses of being a mom, working full time (and then some), and school. These exercises make me feel like I can handle it all. I also like the positive feelings that I feel for myself and share with those around me. Before this class, I did not take time to be kind to myself. Now, I realize I do love myself. Very much. I am also getting to know this person that I have been with for 46 years. I think that is an awesome bonus.
ReplyDeleteI used visualization daily because it helps me cope with my hectic daily life. After work, I need to be able to come home and take care of my young daughters. Between taekwondo, ballet and music class after school, it can take a toll on your body.
ReplyDeleteCaroline Mckinstry