The two exercises that I benefited most from were The Crime of the Century and The Loving Kindness. I really enjoyed the way they made you feel very relaxed and had you think about warm colors and loving those around you. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle of life and forget to appreciate the base things that hold you together. For me, it is family and faith. These exercises have helped me to remember those things when times get tough and I'm feeling stressed. In fact, sometimes when I am feeling overwhelmed with school and the future, I stop what I am doing and play with the kids. Just the other day my daughter asked me four times to play "Hot Potato" with her and her brother. I really wanted to tell her that I would play when I was done, but I remembered that I need to balance the good with the bad (or stress). So I closed my computer and played the game. By the way, I'm pretty sure she cheated to win. Lil' stinker. :-)
I can implement these two exercises into my life by continuing to practice them daily. I don't think they have to be done for 30 minutes each, but any reserved time I can give will help. If I concentrate on not seeing "red" then I may not be so quick to get irritated at certain things. If I think about my family, then loving thoughts will enter my mind and I will be able to see the positive side of others. It is definitely more beneficial to include these thoughts and actions than to let the stress and overwhelming circumstances take over you.
Stacey Falke
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteThe one takeaway I got from you is the realization that you use the time you have to get centered, even if/when you can't spare 30 minutes to practice. Thank you for that simple reminder!!
Anita Cain
Hi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog this week! I have also been paying more attention to my kids and family. It only takes a minute to show our kids that we love them and to further develop our interpersonal relationships and health. My husband and I watched a movie the other night called "Courageous", It was about living a Godly life for your kids to lead them in the right direction and not taking a single moment for granted. It even had my husband in tears and it meshed so well with this course making me want to get further in touch with the divine within and with my family and to utilize my time and priorities more wisely. I don't think we need to take thirty minutes to practice either although this would be better just a few minutes reminds us that we are more than animals and there is so much more within us to develop. I am going to keep practicing as well :).
Heidi Waldman
She probably did cheat. LOL. I have come to realize with these exercises that I am learning to relax more and I enjoy my daughter more now than I have been and spending time with her is rewarding. When in the past I have gotten to be a little antisocial and wanted to be alone, through these exercises I realized how that was not helping me overcome the stress that is my life. Loving kindness is one of my favorites also its nice to think positive thoughts about someone instead of focusing on myself. Taking the time to enjoy the things around me is a refreshing change lately. I really is helpful to stop and smell the roses once in a while.
ReplyDeleteDonna Phelps
Hi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you! We need to stop and balance the good with the bad. My family is also very important to me and I am constantly trying not to let school and the stresses of work overwhelm me. I always make it a point to ask my daughter how her day at school went and to put down whatever I am doing and listen, really listen. These exercises are finally starting to click with me because I am noticing that I am not as stressed lately and putting my head up a lot more lately to see what’s around me.
Keep up the great work!
Maria A.
I agree with you about the time limit. 30 minutes is a lot of time especially if you are a very busy person with kids. I know personally my kids would not let me take 30 minutes to sit and meditate. I have learned through this process that I need to spend more time with my kids and not be so anxious about the things around me. Taking just a few minutes to relax and decompress can make a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteAmanda M.
Relaxing is so important. I know I've said this probably a million times so far but this class has really done wonders for my mental state. The most important thing that I've learned through all this is that when things get tough, you should face it like a challenge. Don't let your troubles get you don't, being stressed doesn't help. When a problem arises either you can take action and do something about it, or its inevitable and there's no point in worrying anyway.
ReplyDelete