Hello Classmates and Dr. Arguilar,
My two favorite exercises have actually been from the past two weeks. I think that this is because it had taken me that long (weeks 6 and 7) to really understand how to get the most from these. It took me awhile to begin to open up my mind to these exercises. I am by no means at the end of the road. I am just beginning to understand how to acclimate myself to the integral health lifestyle, but I feel as if I could receive a lot of positivity by choosing this road and sticking to it.
I enjoyed the loving kindness exercise because it allowed me to release anger that I was holding for someone in my life. I don't like having feelings like that toward anyone, but it makes it even more difficult when it is someone that I see on a regular basis. During this exercise I let my anger melt away and tried to put a different spin on that relationship. I now have more patience and acceptance for this person.
Last week's exercise was pleasant for me because it asked me to think of anyone I wanted dead or alive. This gave me the opportunity to think of my father. Whenever I take the time to really remember him and enjoy his memory I find that my entire mood changes. I had a fantastic relationship with my dad, and I miss him everyday. I never seem to have the time to really just sit and enjoy his memory, so this exercise was the perfect opportunity for me to think about him. His image made me feel peaceful and calm.
I need to keep the thoughts of these exercises close in my mind when this class ends because the lessons that they have taught me can carry me further on the path to integral health.
I am sorry to hear about your dad, I don't have a strong relationship with my parents like I would want to; there is a lot of baggage there and things that during this class have to mind and that I need to get help with from a professional as much as I don't like saying that. I to have a strong dislike for somebody in my life not because they have hurt me but because they have hurt my husband and my step daughter and I am working on getting more patience and understanding for this person by using the loving kindness practice but I am finding it hard to do when I think of this person. So this is something I will be working on more. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnnaHill8
Hi Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way too! It has taken me this long to finally relax and open up to the exercises. I found the same two meditations helpful for the same reasons. I loved how you thought of your Dad. I agree; when we take the time to really remember a loved one, you can enjoy the memory and it definitely changes your mood for the better. I have really remembered my grandmother in a long time but when I do, she definitely lifts my spirits and helps me to keep going!
Thank you for that!
Maria