The Loving Kindness exercise was very beneficial. I did find that the sound of the ocean waves were very inviting and relaxing. When the narrator spoke, her words were somewhat distracting because I was trying to concentrate on the task, and then I was given another task to take on. I wouldn't recommend this exercise to others because I wouldn't like anyone to have to think about their loved one suffering. To me, that is not a relaxing thought, it would stir too many emotions and make me become anxious or stressed.
To gain maximum benefit from contemplative practice, it is important to clearly understand the practices and methods that you will be using (Dacher, 2006). The most meaningful aim of contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation but rather the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities (Dacher, 2006). I would implement mental workouts during my early morning hours. During this time of the day I am the only one up throughout the house and I will be able to focus and contemplate on healing my mind.
Calandra, I agree that this exercise was beneficial; however, I found the water to be distracting and made me feel cold. Other than having quite times in prayer, I really haven't had much experience with meditation and I can see that I'm going to need to practice to get better at it. Is it something that you have been in the habit of doing, or did you just start with this class? It makes sense that the more we work our minds the more efficient they will become, I am just amazed at the health benefits that go along with doing mental workouts.
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