Experiencing Loving-Kindness

Experiencing loving-kindness means a few different things to me. For some reason, being loving & kind to myself is the hardest. Love is not suppose to be for yourself, it is suppose to be for others and with no expectations in return. So how do I learn to love myself and be kind to myself. For me it is "loving others!" It is what makes me happy and laugh and feel accepted. But on the flip-side if I do not strive for loving-kindness for myself, then I cannot give it back to others. The exercise about meditating on someone kind and breathing in thoughts of that person were energizing and soothing. I did not so much like thinking of an unpleasant thought. For some reason that was harder to take in and get rid of. I need to work on this because it is important for a healthy mind to get rid of the unpleasant thoughts that can consume ones mind. Overall, I think this exercise, will be helpful, because I can practice it anywhere or anytime! Right now, I am sitting on my lanai in Hawaii and breathing in all the subtle trade winds and warmth of the island sun! Life is good! Aloha!

Life Evaluation......hmmmm.......

Hmmm......on a scale of 1-10 rate my physical well-being.....I would say I am at a healthy 7. I have no aches or pains but I would like to lose 15 lbs overnight! I do not exercise as regularly as I should or even want. I am so active with my family and friends that I feel like I am always moving just not in an "aerobic way" which is healthier for my heart. My spiritual well-being (and to me the most important of all) is good....I would give myself an 8+ only because there is always room for improvement. I am very confident with my spiritual relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. I have had numerous "life-altering" experiences that beyond any doubt is affirmation that HE is real and all I need. It's a good place to be :) Now as for my psychological well-being......well that is debatable by all who know me! haha! I think again....maybe a 7. I like to think, think, & over think life and decisions. I do tend to worry ....so a motto that has helped me through this is......if I'm gonna worry, don't pray, but if I'm gonna pray.....then DON'T WORRY!! I like that :) I think overall I need to improve in all these areas. For me, the key is time! If I make these areas of my life a "real priority" than my overall well-being can only hit the highs and leave the lows behind!

To touch briefly on the "Crime of the Century" exercise....it was good. I actually felt myself breathing more comfortably. I have a keen sense and awareness of my heart beats....when I attempt these breathing exercises I can hear and feel each beat and it makes me nervous sometimes, but today was different. I was more at peace and calm. I was able to sit through the entire exercise and actually feel the positive results. Yay!

Continuing to learn....
Chrisanne

Finding New Ways to Relax!!

I have been struggling this past week with trying to find ways to relax.....ways that work for me. I have been taking time to find a place to sit in a quiet, comfortable place, with a refreshing beverage, so I can finish all my required readings for this class. As I begin reading, I feel my eyes getting heavier and heavier until I finally put the book down and fall fast asleep! I am not sure if this is the "relaxing" technique I need because at this rate I will not get my homework done! Here's to finding the relaxation you need :)

The Journey

I found the "Journey On" relaxation technique different. I have a very difficult time making myself relax. I usually relax because I am so drop dead tired. So, if I try to relax, I will usually fall asleep. I participated in the relaxation exercise and actually did feel my hands getting heavy but I was able to move them above my head with no problem. One thing I was surprised about, was I actually do feel rejuvenated. It is 10:30pm and I was tired when I sat down to do this exercise, but now I may get a lot more work done tonight thanks to this assignment!

Yet Another Fresh New Start!!

Here it is......yet another fresh new start! I thought I was done with this "blogging" but not so fast.....yet another requirement for yet another class! I love "Fresh New Starts!" They give you a chance to start anew...even better than before...and experience more there is to offer! Here's to Fresh New Starts!