My two favorite exercises were "Journey On" from unit 2; the one where my hands felt too heavy to lift, and "Subtle Mind" from Unit 5 where I focused on breathing. These worked best for me because they left my mind the most clear and feeling the most relaxed. I could incorporate these into my life by putting the "journey on" mp3 onto my ipod and finding time each day (perhaps as soon as I wake up) to listen. If I allowed myself this time each day I would be more relaxed, more centered, and better able to cope with life and what it serves up. As for the "subtle mind" practice , I can do this anywhere. When I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed I could just close my eyes and take 10 deep breaths and focus on my breath. Even if I only have time to do these 10 breaths it would still bring some clarity and focus to my mind. I think it would be most benficial to do this while I am exercising. I usually run alone outside and this would be a great time to practice the subtle mind exercises.
By completing all of the different types of exercises in this class it has taught me how important it is that each individual has an integral plan tailored to his or her needs. No one set plan works for everyone.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Rose
HI Rose,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great there are more than one type of meditation. Integral health does not think one size fits all as we are all our own person. Glad the exercise in Unit 2 was good for you. I also like the subtle mind exercise in week six. The deep breathing has always been my favorite. All that extra oxygen to the brain. It is almost as good as a good aerobic exercise when the endorphines kick in..
Have a great weekend
Deb C
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about the Journey On exercise, and I agree with you that was enjoyable and it was very difficult to lift my hands. My faves were subtle mind and just meditation on positive words of encouragement from my Bible. I have found these exercises (most of them) to be something that I could do anytime I need to "decompress" and they are also things I could suggest to clients that were in need of relaxation or focus.
I have been able to really utilize these to help me stay calm in stressful situations....like getting schoolwork completed and having a life :) Have a great weekend!
I agree with you in that exercise is a great time to practice these exercises. I am usually the most focused during exercise. There is something about walking or running that just clears the mind. Maybe I can give this stuff a shot. It just really isn't my thing, though.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with this as well. I think if I were to just make time to do something to take away from the stress in my life, as opposed to adding to it, then the results would be astounding. I think in our daily lives we get so wrapped up in what we have to do for work, or fitting something into our schedule and we tend to forget to make time for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, I agree with you that these exercises can really help in our everyday lives and using them during exercise would be a great idea. When exercsing i tend to feel very focused and if I could use some of these exercises while working out I could not only feel good physically but mentally and have a calm clear brain. I think I am going to barrow your idea Rose and work harder on my integral health.
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. I have definitely learned a lot from this class and doing the exercises. I feel at least one exercise has worked for everyone. I am in the process of focusing on working out and I do believe the breathing exercises will definitely help along the way.