1) Both the "loving-kindness" and the "subtle mind" exercises use the breath
as the focal point. They both, also, place importance on acknowledging
distractions and returning the focus to the breath. They both stress the
importance of maintaining firm concentration on the focal point. One difference
is that the "subtle mind" exercise is more forceful pertaining to keeping
the mind focused. The "subtle mind" exercise concentrates more on taming
the mind and it's distractions. The "loving-kindness" exercise focuses more
on emotion and attaining inner peace and love and putting that energy out
towards others. I enjoyed both of these exercises. I enjoyed the "loving-kindness"
exercise more, though. It was tough to do the exercise when it got to the
point of sending out love to my enemies. It was also difficult to take in
my loved one's suffering and let it "dissolve in my heart". However, I did
feel more at peace and full of love after the exercise. With the "subtle mind"
exercise, I felt it was a lot more difficult than the "loving-kindness" exercise
because it was dealing more with training the mind. It was dealing with the
distractions (mental chatter) that is so difficult to control. I did get frustrated
at times because I can't get to the point that I think I should be by the end
of the exercise. Practice makes perfect, however, and I know that I WILL get there.
2) When a person is spiritually well, it will manifest physically by causing the
body to work more efficiently and properly. For example, the person who is spiritually
well will have a normal BP, heart rate, less (if ANY) dis-ease in their body or illness,
more energy, and over all physical health. The person who is spiritually well will also
experience great mental health such as mental clarity, a good memory, good focus
and a higher intelligence. In my personal life, it has helped me in most of the areas
that I have mentioned. I do have a physical condition that I am working on. Also, I would
LOVE to have a sharper memory. lol I'm working on it, though. :)
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI', happy to know I wasn't the only one finding it difficult send out loving-kindness to my enemies. I know forgiveness is such a big part of achieving overall wellness, but it is really hard. There are a few people from my past I dont think I will ever be able to forgive. I'm just to bitter. I had an easier time with the subtle-mind mp3. Not that I didn't find it extremely difficult to maintain focus. I'm the type that's thinking about what I need to do in May when it's only February. I wish you luck with both exercises and I think we would all like to have a sharper memory. I am glad you are getting such benefits from developing your spirituality.
Lanie