Thursday, March 21, 2013

Comtemplative Practice

Grrrr….not being able to do these exercises is very frustrating. I just do not seem to be able to quiet my mind enough to be able to enjoy these exercises. I really admire people who are able to shut out the rest of the world and concentrate on what the voice is prompting them to do. I LOVED the sounds of the ocean waves and the flute music but just was not able to focus enough for the exercises. I think maybe I am too busy and I just can’t seem to let everything go. I found myself wondering how long this exercise would last, thinking about the things I needed to get done around the house, and the homework I needed to get done. A mental workout is also called contemplative practice. The “aim of contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation but rather the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities” (Dacher, 2006, p. 65). Contemplative practice has been used for centuries in the East and are proven to “tame and train the mind, open the heart, expand consciousness, and progress toward psychological flourishing” (Dacher, 2006, p. 66). Just like with any exercise program, it usually takes time before results are seen. The same is true with a mental workout. Training the mind requires effort, perseverance, and practice, and discipline. Hopefully someday I will be able to accomplish this expanded consciousness and the benefits of healing that go along with it. Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
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5 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 23, 2013 at 4:33 PM

    Tennille, I'm so sorry you haven't been able to enjoy any of the exercises just yet. I can remember when my mind chatter didn't allow me to quiet down for anything. But at least you recognize the parallel between mental and physical workouts and accept that in time this will become a wonderful addition tio your mental toolbelt. Can I offer a few suggestions? Try recording the exercise in your own voice or that of someone close to you. I stumbled upon this idea and find that the more soothing the voice, the better my focus. Another suggestion, don't try 15 minutes. Give yourself 5 minute increments each day until you are ready to progress. Once your mind starts to recognize the pattern that you are starting to set, it will work with you in embracing this practice. Another thought - either welcome all thoughts without judgement, or banish thoughts without judgement, but don't try to do both. That was a hard learned lesson for me and I always felt I was doing something wrong. Stay the course - you will undoubtedly find your own personal script to a sound mental workout :-)

    Anita Cain

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    1. UnknownMarch 26, 2013 at 4:16 AM

      Anita,
      Thank you so very much for the helpful tips. I really appreciate it! I would love to do these types of exercises and I believe once school is done (October) I will be able to relax and rejuvinate my mind. I have never practiced any types meditation before (except for prayer)and I am looking forward to adding it so that I can develope an even deeper prayer life.
      Again, I thank you for your suggestions.
      Blessings,
      Tennille Saling

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  2. UnknownMarch 26, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    Hello,

    I can agree, I struggled with calming my mind as well at first! It took a few ties for me too. But once I got it, I really did enjoyed it.

    Shennen Wright

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  3. KaitlinMarch 26, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    Hi Tennille,

    I am so glad that I am not alone in the struggle to get through these exercises. I find my mind drifting as well and I simply just can't seem to concentrate on the task at hand.

    I am going to try doing the exercises at a different time each day until I find a time that is most productive for me. I think that the mornings may be best for me. That way I can have a clear mind without a long list of work "to-dos" in my head. I hope that we can both figure out what works for us.

    Thanks,

    Kaitlin

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  4. Heartbreak DiariesMarch 31, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    I guess there's some comfort in knowing I am not the only one struggling with some of the exercises. I think part of the issue is I get down on myself because it's a struggle. It's not flowing naturally for me. It's a vicious cycle - the self talk prevents me from clearing my mind.

    I swim first thing in the morning because it's the only thing in my day that I 100% do for me. After that everything else is cake. Doing for myself is the hardest thing to do.

    Monique

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