The two practices I found most beneficial was the loving kindness and the subtle mind practice. The loving kindness is a great way to feel loving kindness toward yourself as well as others in your life. A easy way to implement this in my daily life is to practice the shorter version which is the universal loving kindness when I feel frustrated by another. For example if someone cuts in front of you in a line, taking a minute to repeat the phrases can help expand my heart and act with kindness. The other one is the subtle mind which really helped me relax and to focus my mind on what really matters. This practice allows me to act with intent after choosing which thoughts I want to act on. It also can help to ensure I live in the current moment rather than always having my mind racing in many directions.
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI had to practice the loving kindness exercise on yesterday while in the grocery store. There was a young lady with her two small children in front of me in line waiting to check out.
Once her groceries had been ranged up, she realized that she did not have enough money, so she literally had the cashier tell her how much various items cost, then decided which ones she was going to take, and which ones she could not take. After what seemed like forever, she paid for what she could and the cashier deducted the items from her bill leaving her with what she could afford.
Normally, I would have almost blown a gasket, but I focused on the fact that this could have been me years ago when I was a single mother, and my income was much less than it is now.
When she turned to me, looking very embarrassed, I told her don't worry about it, I can wait. She looked seemed relived, and I felt better that I did not make her feel more embarrassed than she already was feeling.
Barbara Bryson
Hi Leslie, Great post. I will remember that the next time I am in the grocery line and frustrated. We are in control of only our own actions and the way we react to others with negativity.It only increases the wear and tear on our bodies. I learned a lot in this class and will certainly practice some beneficial exercise to improve my wellness.
ReplyDeleteHello Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take a moment to let you know that this Blog was great. I loved your example of waiting in line and then someone cuts you. That would be a great time to practice Loving-Kindness like you have stated. Your example reminded me of another one that gets my blood boiling is slow drivers when I'm in a rush, and will not pull over. I guess that would be a great time to think of the loving-kindness practice. Great job of making the exercise so practical to our every day life.
Thanks, Emily
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog entry! I really like the loving kindness exercise. I love that you gave example of someone cutting you off lol. That would be perfect to use in traffic, except we would be doing that every time we drive it seems. I am glad subtle mind works for you I had trouble with that one and did not feel much benefit from it. Good job very enjoyable read.
Sincerely,
Misty Nation