I thought the Meeting Aesclepius was quite relaxing, thoughtful, and calming. I loved how the speakers voice was soft and very easy to listen to. At times, I found myself completely thinking of my husband, who is the person I was concentrating on. And while I listened to the voice telling me to imagine beams coming from my body to his, it gave me a sense of love and happiness while I thought about him. I had an overwhelming feeling of compassion and kindness, with a smile on my face, I couldn't stop thinking of him. I think that the meditation practices have truly helped with my psychological and spiritual wellness. I never thought I had the time to meditate, but come to find out, that was only because I didn't "make" the time for myself. I definitely feel less stressed after completing these exercises because they help clear my mind of the unimportant, unnecessary stresses I may be dealing with at that time. I will definitely make it a point to continue these exercises and practices even after this class has finished because they have made positive changes in my personal life.
"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"- I think this simply means just that. For example, if I was not into health and exercise, but was trying to help a friend who wanted to make healthful and positive changes in their own life, I could not provide them with tips or ideas in how to make those changes because of the simple fact that I, myself, was not living that healthful life. I definitely think in order to be a personal trainer or nutritionist or something along those lines, you need to be practicing what you preach. I would want to be that example of how clients could change their lives for the better. They need to be able to come to me with any questions or concerns they have regarding this new lifestyle change. I will eat healthy and will exercise so I can teach clients how to do the same thing. Personally, I try to go to church every week to help me with my spiritual growth. I need to turn to someone, and for me that is God. Psychologically, I make sure to meditate or just take a couple minutes out of the day for myself. In order for me to help lessen my unimportant stresses, I have to consciously make the decision to not focus on those, and that means taking time out to be alone, so I can think and relax. And I hope to continue the meditation practices even after this class is over.
Thanks for reading!
~ Kristin Croake
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting just how individual each exercise is for each us. You mentioned that the light effect in the exercise gave you an overwhelming feeling of compassion and kindness whereas I felt an overwhelming feeling of wisdom and healing. For me, white light always symbolizes healing and I always feel physical warmth in the light. Whatever it is that each of us perceives it to be, it is always calming and restful. For so many years I wondered if there would ever be a time when I would actually be able to relax...and now I know that the opportunity was there all along, within me. I think it is wonderful that young people such as yourself, with small children to raise, learn this priceless gift now rather than later. It will serve you well.
Carrie Lawson