I must start by saying "I don't know what is up with these exercises; they are getting better and better". Talk about relaxation, this subtle mind exercise was way better than the Loving-kindness exercise. I felt I didn't have to worry about showing any loving-kindness to others or take in anyone’s pain a suffering. This was all about focusing on my breathing and pure relaxation. I love the deep breathing exercise, it is the easiest way to relax, I learned this technique a long time ago and used it several times during volatile situations to slow my mind and see things clearly. I'm glad it worked because I know I would be in worse condition than I am in now if I hadn't.
During this exercise, I could feel my thoughts melt away as I concentrated on my breathing. I could feel my heart slowing with every breath I took, my body felt heavier and heavier as I became unaware of time and the room I was laying in. The more I listened to the waves on the exercise, the more I felt like I was back in Hawaii sitting on the white sands of Bellows beach with no one around. The more the wave crashed the more I felt like I was becoming one with the sand, I felt like a 170 rock wedged deep below the surface. There was no distraction, just the waves crashing and the feeling of pure calmness and oneness with the ocean.
I know at some point during the exercise the voice asked me to listen and see how my mind works. Watch its mental movements. Observe how my mind pulls me toward random thoughts. When I heard the voice on the exercise asking me this, I simply resisted because the feeling of relaxation felt much too good to let go. I didn't care where the mental movements went as long as they didn't disturb me from the feeling of calmness/oneness with the sand.
I truly felt at peace laying there and at that moment, I thought this is what taming the mind, feeling witnessing and calm-abiding really feels like. This is what it’s like to have the mind-body-spirit all connected in one time and space. I now understand why people take Yoga or Tai Chi lessons; it brings them to a place of clarity and vividness making them happy, healthy and whole. If this is the feeling I get every time I listen to these exercises, I can't wait to listen to the next one.
Hey Miles
ReplyDeleteI must say I also enjoyed the subtle mind exercise. It was way better than the loving kindness exercise. I enjoyed this exercise much more I guess because I didn’t have to focus or think about more than one topic. It’s already hard for me to focus on one thing and the loving kindness had you thinking about yourself and then others, so my mind was just all over the place. The deep breathing exercises are really relaxing I was able to relax during this exercise. This exercise taught me how I can get back on task if my mind starts going to other places.
That's how I felt too! I totally lost track of time, and wasn't aware of my surroundings and even my own body. At the end, as I "came back," I opened my eyes and there was this moment of slight confusion, like when you wake up in the middle of a dream and aren't sure where you are. It was kind of strange, being lost inside my own head.
ReplyDeleteMiles,
ReplyDeleteI def agree with you! This exercise blew loving kindness out of the water! I think you nailed it when you said that you didn't have to focus on anyone elses pain or suffering. I think that we all take into consideration the pain and suffering of those around us and those we love, but in a time where the focus is on our minds and finding balance....I don't want to be trying to alleviate someone elses issues.
Lucky you - Bellows....I can only imagine how nice it was to experience that beautiful white sand and sound of the waves firsthand. I did get a little taste of it. I wasn't stationed there (only in AZ and ND with a few desert sand type deployments), but my sister is married to a Lt.Col and they are at Hickam. I went for a couple days and it was heaven. I am looking forward to going back and practicing these techniques on the beach. :)
“Talk about relaxation, this subtle mind exercise was way better than the Loving-kindness exercise. I felt I didn't have to worry about showing any loving-kindness to others or take in anyone’s pain a suffering. This was all about focusing on my breathing and pure relaxation.” Wow this is my husband’s words almost word. This was a great summary and I agree there were times where I just stayed were I was because I did feel amazing my mind was clear and focus on being calm cool and collective.
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