My first thought on the Loving Kindness exercises is kinda random. It's mostly, I REALLY need to start taking a nap before doing these relaxation exercises. My body is so used to my use of meditation to fight off insomnia that it instantly equates the exercises with sleep.
Once I woke up and restarted the tracks, it was great. I finished the exercises much more focused than I had been before. Right now I plan to move on and finish the rest of my homework while I'm still relaxed and able to concentrate.
The idea of a mental workout is to condition the mind so it takes to tasks better, is more focused, and is more observant. Research has shown that even mini workouts improve clarity and focus. I love doing mental workouts here and there when my mind starts to scatter.
I kind of felt the same way to. I even caught myself dosing off until I heard the narrator's voice. I feel as if I am a little more motivated to finish my homework since I have cleared my mind however. I like your definition of a mental work out :) I have to keep my mind on task too! Its so easy to wonder, especially when your online and there is so much going on.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult at times not to fall asleep during mental exercises. A mental exercise that I tend to use for that is telling myself that if I fall asleep I will wake-up. Once I got that down, then I would tell myself to stay in that moment of consciousness just before I wake-up. Once I got down, then I would ask myself, "Am I awake or sleep?" Knowing the difference is important. The knowing of the difference to know that you are in meditation is to test yourself by doing something physical that can only be done in a mental state of consciousness like flying. For example falling in your sleep. Try catching and holding yourslef just a few feet from hitting bottom. After doing this a few times you will learn how to land and take off. With even more practice, the ability to have a OBE (outer body experience) will happen at will.
ReplyDeleteThe ocean noise seemed a little distracting to me at first, because I just kept thinking about how much I would love to be on a the beach right now instead of Cincinnati! But, it helped me realize the importance of loving myself and others. As for falling asleep? I wish I had a better suggestion for that one. But, maybe since it relaxes your body so much, these exercises would be good to use at bedtime. Your mind would be free and clear of mental chatter and you could rest.
ReplyDeleteFor me I like to listen to wilderness, the birds chirping and the wind blowing the tree limbs and fall and spring are the best time that I like and It really relaxes me. The smell of autumn is really nice also. The ocean sound is another one that I really enjoy also I can actually go to sleep now just thinking about these things.
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