Monday, December 12, 2011

Effective Practices

The most effective part of practice that I’ve implemented into my life comes from my preparations for the actual exercises. Having faith in the “unique and precious opportunity of human life” has been a very profound and motivating concept in my life over the past few weeks (Dacher p. 50). When I’m struggling in my day to day tasks or even struggling in my loving-kindness or meditation I can find peace quickly in the reminder that my mere existence is incredible. With that foundation I have experienced benefits from both the loving-kindness practice and in meditation.

With the loving-kindness exercise I have been able to open my heart to people I don’t know in a genuine, loving way. I recently started a job at the hospital in my city. Being able to take care of patients and their loved ones requires an open heart. The aspiration of this practice is “to assist others in alleviated needless suffering and gaining happiness” (Dacher p. 51). With this practice I will continue to work toward that goal.

Meditation has been extremely helpful for me to reduce my stress level. I have two jobs, I’m in school full time, I run our household, I own and operate a small business, and I’m pregnant! There are times when my stress level is out of control. Taking 15 or even five minutes each day to sit in a comfortable chair, close my eyes and focus only on my breathing has been absolutely wonderful. During my meditation I can let go of all the thoughts, to-do lists, and deadlines that are crashing around in my head. After the mediation I give myself time to re-organize my lists; I let go of the tasks that aren’t priorities and focus on what I really need to get done.

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

  1. AnonymousDecember 12, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    What a busy schedule! That is amazing that you can do so much, and I am sure meditation has been very beneficial for you. I, too, benefited from the Loving Kindness exercise in the same way. It has helped me see the good in people that I had not noticed before. Thank you for sharing!

    Jake

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  2. WuzardDecember 13, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Wow it sounds like you are indeed buried under stress sometimes. I am glad that you are finding ways to relieve the stress. I have found that the Meeting Asciepius practice to be very helpful with stress relief as well. I am so looking forward to helping others to learn these techniques in the words of my mother "giving them a piece of quiet!" Good luck in you meditations and may you find your own small piece.

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  3. AngieDecember 13, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    I also choose the Loving Kindness and meditation exercises as the most beneficial for me. I feel these exercises not only help you to focus on yourself but also others and they will help you keep an open heart.

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