Unit 5 The Subtle Mind

Hi Everyone,

The Loving-kindness exercise was harder for me physically, with my back hurting as I sat on the floor.  It was also more difficult because there were words to focus on.

Last Thursday I attempted this exercise, but only made it halfway through, since the downloading took longer than anticipated, and I had to get my kids up for school.  It wasn't until this morning that I was able to do it, and I had some difficulty with my cats.  They were crying outside before I started, so I let them in, but they ended up running around, jumping over me and playing with anything and everything they could, including each other.  I imagined I was on a street in Calcutta, with noisy children playing near me, and tried to continue.  While doing the exercise I noticed my mind wandering to and from some stressful individuals who have been in my thoughts for varying reasons.  I did my best to pull myself back to the focus of my breathing.  All in all the meditation was beneficial,allowing me the clarity to find a middle ground on a delicate situation involving my mother.  

The next time I do a meditation it should be easier, as I know where to sit that works for my back, and the time of day that works best.  My schedule was off yesterday and today from a house guest, however I'm confident the difficulties I've experienced during this beginning phase of meditation are have already served to refine how I proceed, and will continue to. For me to feel well mentally and physically, the spiritual aspect is essential.  Without it, I know from past experience that those aspects of my health are not sustainable.  Walking proves to help me on all three of those levels, and I look forward to it, knowing the immediate benefits I receive.

Thanks for reading,

\Misti