Unit 5 ~ The Simple Mind Exercise

Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.

     I found the loving-kindness experience to be a much easier exercise than the subtle mind exercise.  I found that the loving kindness practice #1 exercise was more intriguing than the subtle mind practice #2 exercises. In the practice #1 exercise, we were asked to visualize a loved one who was suffering while we breathe in our in-breath. We were asked to allow the “dark cloud of suffering to ride the in-breath into our body” and then allowing them to completely dissolve in our heart (Dacher, 2006). The idea was to welcome all the loving-kindness into our heart thereby diminishing our self-centeredness and being able to share loving-kindness with others as we breathe out health, love and happiness. This exercise  however was quite beneficial as it did allow me to “rest in my natural state of peace and ease,” thus eliminating the stresses of life and leading me into the path of integral health and human flourishing (Dacher, 2006).  Relaxation at this juncture is hard to accomplish but I tried it first thing in the morning.  I did drift in and out of racing thoughts, but as Dacher indicated that with practice this will become easier and more effortless.  I do exercise regular medication and seem to do it better without the narrator talking and interrupting me.  My main focus was on the waves, I tried to put myself on a deserted beach with just the waves crashing.  It did seem to work well when I could accomplish the focusing away from the narration.

Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.

     A connection of spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is absolutely critical if an individual is to experience an interconnectedness.  It is also important for one to maintain a spiritual connection with a Higher Power.  This may not necessarily be God as we know Him but a Higher Power that allows for a spiritual connection.  Some people may not believe in Christianity or inn God at all but may seek another Higher Power.  One example of this I found very interesting, as I have stated before my daughter is in recovery from addiction.  She attends six meetings a week in which I attend a few with her,  in addition to my own Al-Anon group as well.  Many addicts are very "put out" with God and do not want the religious aspect being forced down their throat so to speak.  So in an effort to appease everyone the 12-Step Process focuses on a just a Higher Power without a "God" reference and Step #2  is "Came to believe that a Power higher than ourselves could restore us to sanity" (Al-Anon, 1992).  In doing this and keeping it generic, for a lack of a better word, it allows the individual to become spiritually connected and find a deeper sense of his or her self and their spiritual awareness which in turn helps them each cope mentally and physically with that person's life and their addiction without the threat of religion.  I attend church every week and for me personally I need that spiritual connection to get through my every day all week long.  My church is non-denominational and contemporary and I believe their focus on spiritual wellness is way beyond that of the traditional church.  I get a sense of peace, focus, joy, gratefulness and love every week just by walking through those doors!

References:

Al-Anon, W. O. (1992). The Courage To Change: One Day At A Time. Virginia Beach, VA: Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc. .