Woot
I liked this exercise, but I had more fun (for lack of better terms) doing it from the book Integral Health. Nothing against the narrator, but I need a very certain voice in order to make these audio tracks work, and if I don't hear it, I'm thrown off. I will also say that still, I'm not impressed by the audio quality of the waves. Kaplan, for realz, these classes cost too much to be using audio tracks from my Super Nintendo days.
Any who, I found that I like this exercise more than the Loving Kindness one.I will say that the Loving Kindness exercise made me feel happy, especially when I visualized my Mom saying "Hello my baby boy", as she has done since I actually was a baby. I see my Mom maybe twice a year now, and when I do, I realize how much I miss her. Speak of the devil, as I typed this out, she called me...weeeeeird.
For me, getting to the Subtle mind is the best aspect of meditation. I've said it before, but I work in a bar doing security. Having done security when I was in the Marines, I found that having a clear and subtle mind is crucial, as getting caught up in the thoughts will put you crucial steps behind in any developing situation. Just this weekend, I was involved in several potentially violent confrontations. By focusing on my breathing throughout the night, and keeping my mind quiet, I was able to pick up on things well in advance, getting into the mix before they turned bad for my employer. Fights are bad for business. By keeping my emotions in check, having an extreme amount of patience, and treating others with respect and loving kindness, I was also able to kick out several patrons, without making them feel embarrassed or making it into a scene. People usually want to fight when I make them leave...I hate fighting..
Thanks for reading. Peace.
Hi Darryl,
ReplyDeleteI am in full agreement about this type of exercise I found it to be very interesting. As a football coach I found having subtle mind is very important. If you don't have an clear mind during game and get caught up in all of the action around you it can be tough to make right decision when you need to. I believe no matter what you are doing you need have the ability to make decisions.
Great Blog, Darryl!
Craig
Hey Darryl.
ReplyDeleteI thought that I was the only one who liked the Practice 2-The Subtle Mind exercise from the book. I tried listening to the audio twice and I fell asleep(lol). Is the audio suppose to be that "dry"? I have not written my blog yet; however, you'll be the first to know that I liked both the Loving-Kindness and the Subtle Mind exercises. I am still trying to perfect how to control my breaths and still my mind. It is hit or miss for me. I know it is important to still the mind because it will help in many areas of life. You seem to have your subtle mind practice together; especially working in security where people can be rude and indignant. You are really applying these exercises very well :).
Take care and have a great week.
Peace & blessings~
Patricia
Daryl I can relate to your opinion of the waves. I really wanted to listen to something nice. If you want to listen to an awesome storm/rain type of song I suggest one by E.S. Posthumus - Nara. This is just a relaxing song but has some dramatic qualities, look it up on youtube.com. That is so great that you are so patient. This kind of patience is a virtue, I commend you on that. Have a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteDaryl, I loved reading your blog. You are very real in who you are. I can totally appreciate how stressful your job could be or is when you are not the one in control. I agree with Aimee, you definitely have a virtue you are in control of with your patience. It sounds like you might be able to thank your mom! :) She seems very special. Take it from me, we mom's know just when to call our babies. I tell my kids all the time, no matter how big you get or how far away you are, you will always be my babies. Some comfort in that for me and I hope for them as well. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHey Daryl,
ReplyDeleteI had the same issues that you did with the narrator voice. I understand that the voice needs to be relaxing, but seriously?!? Anyways, great post. Keep up the good work in class and keeping your emotions in check. Pulling security must be hard to keep your emotions in check.
Coach Randy Andrews