I have always found meditation to be helpful and beneficial. This time we were asked to listen to both tracks one and two on a guided meditation CD that we have for class. We were to spend a good portion of our class time practicing Loving Kindness. This is a good guided meditation because it is easy to follow. It is because it is so easy to follow that I would and do recommend that others try it out.
We were also asked to describe the concept of a "Mental Workout." In Integral Health a mental workout is not just studying, reading, and/or doing a ton of research. It is also about a person taking the time to take a moment or two for themselves and quieting their mind. This is also done in certain faiths as well. You can see it in Buddhism, Paganism, and several other spiritual paths.
There has been a lot of research conducted on meditation and the benefits it offers. It has been proven that people who meditate are healthier both physically and mentally. It has also been proven that those who are sick and meditate on their personal wellness get better more quickly.
Depending on the type of meditation we can foster it to our psychological health. If we practice meditations of forgiveness it becomes easier for us to forgive. If we practice visualizing someone in a more positive light it helps us see some of the good things they may do that we would not have noticed before. If we practice the meditation or mental workout of Loving Kindness, it will make it easier for us to feel these emotions.
Some of these may seem a bit odd for those who are not raised with these concepts or are being exposed to them for the first time. However, if you legitimately try them with an open mind, anything is possible.
---Anita Rachel Scott (Goehring)
References:
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health,The Path to Human Flurishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Dacher, E.S. (2006) CD Companion to: Integral Health, The Path to Human Flourishing. Loving Kindness Meditation. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Hi Rachel. I also take part in guided meditation practices. This has been proven to be very beneficial to me. My stress levels have significantly reduced, and I feel like this is due to a different perspective I have learned in regards to stressful situations. I do feel these exercises can help to bring inner peace. Did you experience any emotional sensations during this meditation? I found it quite moving. From your blog this week, I have learned that you may agree that a healthier mental state can assist us in achieving a healthier physical and overall well-being. Good luck to you in your journey!
ReplyDeleteCindy Allen
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI really like the purple shades that make up your blog page. I find them soothing to look at. I agree with you that the Loving Kindness exercise was easy to follow and could be for anyone who has an open mind. I have heard that both Buddhists and Hindus quiet their mind with meditation. The difference is that Buddhists are more disciplined in the art of meditation and can sit for hours a day practicing their skills to reach inner peace. Whereas Hinduism concentrates on reciting prayers in sanskrit along with specific hours throughout the day that focus on meditation. Thanks for your blog post!
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI wish I could turn my mind off and meditate. The closest I come to it is when I am getting a massage, unless the massage therapist is “chatty”. I have a hard time letting go of the world. The funny thing is I have no trouble falling asleep at night. I wish I could meditate because I know it is so good for you. I am just going to have to train my mind to escape.