I am going to open with - I really want this (Integral Health). I do, I believe in it. I believe this whole body-mind- spirit connection is important to overall well-being. However pursuing this is becoming difficult. As difficult as it is I am determined to find my way.
The Subtle Mind practice like the Loving-Kindness practice is long. I struggle with the time it takes only because I have a very active toddler running around. This week I thought I would see how getting up earlier and going to sleep later might help me find 15 to 20 minutes (solid minutes) of time to practice. The morning time was easier for me. Our family dogs loved that I was up earlier too. The Loving-kindness practice was easier for me in comparison because it allowed me to focus on my loved ones. I think all moms (actually most people) will agree with me that it is far easier to focus on others than it is yourself. I found it much easier than just focusing on my breath. Oddly enough once I made the time for the exercise and truly focused on it The biggest distraction for me was on the recording. Deep in the background sound, past the sound of waves was a metronome or a ticking clock. My mind wandered to where the sound was coming from. Did I have a clock in the room? No, why not? Maybe, I should get a clock? Wait focus on my breathing. Maybe, the recorded ticking was an accident? -Focus on breathing. How long has it been? I can't believe the baby is still sleeping.- in and out - slow and deep. At night when I practice I fall asleep. My computer eventually goes into sleep mode which is nice but I am not completing the session.
I am going to sit down a get a hard schedule for myself set up. I notice that sometimes first thing in the morning sitting down to do the practice be it loving-kindness or subtle mind I am so calm and relaxed that I am less motivated to work out. I need to keep my energy up so that I do not skip my physical exercise. I am working to be successful at this because the only way I will get my husband on board is for him to see that it is working for me. This journey is worth it! My health and the health of my family is worth it! Blessings
Hi Kim. One suggestion might be to exercise first and then practice the loving-kindness and subtle mind exercises after. I have a 15 minute stretching and breathing dvd that I try to do after I exercise. I agree that it is difficult to find an uninterrupted period of time to attempt all these exercises. During the subtle mind exercise, I was either almost asleep or jolted awake by the narrator. I did clear my mind and watch the thoughts drift by for a minute or so, but I found it very difficult. Good luck with this journey!!
ReplyDeleteSandra, Thank you for the suggestion. I have had trouble staying awake through the audio practice sessions. They are so soothing.
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