First and foremost, I was very annoyed when I was listening to the Introduction and the beginning of the Loving Kindness exercise. I felt like I would not be able to participate because of Dacher's voice. I felt uncomfortable, and almost just stopped listening until the next voice came on. Her voice was very soothing, and I felt comfortable while listening to this exercise. I thought of my son, when she instructed to think of someone you hold close to your heart. I almost broke down in tears, because I have raised this little boy on my own for quite some time. I have sacrificed many things in my life to be able to make sure he had food, clothes, and a roof over his head. It also makes me sad because he feels I am mean to him because I cannot give him everything that he wants. His father is able to do those things, and I cannot. Its a constant struggle I have with him. This exercise helped me to relax and concentrate my focus on myself for a moment. The roaring waves in the background helped tremendously. I have a hard time concentrating my thoughts, and being able to hear those crashing waves. I concentrated on the facts that I am a good mother, and I give him much more than materialistic things. He is only 6, and at the end of this I hope that one day he will realize how much his mother went through to be able to take care of him. It was difficult for me because I had to concentrate on myself, and I am not used to that. I would most definitely recommend this exercise to someone. It helps you concentrate on yourself while still thinking of others as well.
A mental workout involves the same principles as a physical workout. You conduct exercises like the one above to help strengthen your mind. The mind and the body work hand in hand, and a strong body with a strong mind can be anything. When one is weak, the other can suffer as well. Research indicates that a mental workout can increase brain function, concentration, memory, and how the brain processes information.
I have always loved to read. I have become very busy with work, my child, my new marriage, and numerous of other things. I want to try and read at least one book a month. I know that reading can help strengthen the mind. It will also help me to escape reality and my life, even for just a moment in time. I also want to play more magic the gathering. This is a trading card game that was created by a math teacher to help his students understand the concept of math. Ill post a link at the bottom in case those reading are unfamiliar with this game. I want to research and implement more of these daily exercises, if I can find them and download them onto my phone so its mobile. I think all of these things implemented into my life will help me with a mental workout.
--Sophie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic:_The_Gathering
Hi Sophie:
ReplyDeleteI had a difficult time focusing after the first 5 minutes of so and just stopped the exercise! I was on vacation this week so I attempted the exercise a second time to tried following the instructions in Dacher's book on the mental workout. My attention was focused on my husband. He's a great guy, loving and very supportive and as I reflected on him I thought about how I sometimes take him for granted. Immediately after the mediation I resolved within myself to spend more time not only affirming him but also myself.
Once I took the time to be objective and following the exercise through I eventually saw the benefits!
Hi Sophie,
ReplyDeleteI can agree with you about Dacher voice but I thought it was kind of soothing and put my mind at relaxed state as he proceeded with the exercise. It was a challenging part of the exercise that at first I could not understand such as when Dacher stated to think of a loved-one suffering but that was part of the mental workout whereas transition of the mind can be changed from negative energy to be able to send out peace and love without mourning; the the exercise became a mental relief and joyous and I felt better about performing the exercise. The exercise allowed me to embrace individuals and maintain inner peace, love and kindness within my heart while being able to connect with my inner being. I was able to eliminate negative thoughts and energies that was hindering me from achieving human flourishing. The loving-kindness exercise also helped me to diminish self-centeredness allowing me to open my heart to others and working my mental state to positive thinking. Have a great week Sophie, I enjoyed reading your blog!
Zaconia
Sophie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog. I can definitely relate to being a single mother. However my child thinks she's suppose to get everything she asks for and her father died when she was four in a car accident so I use to feel obligated to feel in for her loss, she's 6 now and I give her as I can and if I feel she deserves it. She thinks I'm mean when I discipline her but to me they will understand when they get older that things aren't always given to you.
I also enjoyed the waves in the background of the audio. I think that was my driving factor to escape. I also believe that mind games and reading can strengthen the brain but my little life seems so busy that if I can get an hour to sit down and watch my favorite tv shows I am content. Thanks for sharing, great blog.
I definitely agree with you about the voice in the introduction. It was kind of uncomfortable and not very soothing. Though throughout the exercise I started to become more relaxed with the different voices. I was able to relax and rid myself of the negative thoughts and focus on the positive. I do find these exercises to be somewhat difficult sometimes to stay focused. I definitely agree with you when you say that a mental workout involves the same principles as a physical workout. You saying “the mind and body work hand in hand, and a strong body with a strong mind can be anything”, was a really deep statement that really touched me. I liked that a lot! Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI can sympathize with you regarding your son. I was a single mom to my son for about the first year of his life, and I know what a struggle it can be. Just keep being the good mom that you are. Years from now he will remember the love you gave him and not the material things.
ReplyDeleteI agree that working your mind is just as important as working your body. They both need training and exercises to keep them in tip top shape. I enjoy challenging puzzles and games.
I really enjoyed your blog post. I have a 3 year old son and I know exactly what you mean. I think it comes from boys and children in general looking up to their fathers. I don't if it's some type of energy they get from them but they just want to please their father's and they'll listen to their fathers. I think it's great even though it makes me feel some type of way at times. I always say it's important for children to have their father in their life. It makes a tremendous difference.
ReplyDeleteAw. Sophie. Don't make me tear up. I can already tell you're a hardworking mother and it is very frustrating when we don't acknowledge how strong we are in our roles in life. You were amazing and I'm glad these results were very unique to you.
ReplyDeleteThis course does force us to look at our lives in a whole new manner. Our children will always take from us without realizing that we are human beings with feelings and a brain. they do not realize this until they are older and have experienced difficult situations as well. Relax and sit back and realize that your son is small and doesn't yet see the world yet. He is experiencing new things everyday. Relax your mind and don't overthink what is going on. You will be appreciated and he will understand one day that you are the greatest Mom!
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