Unit 8 Meditation & the Subtle Mind

As someone who enjoys meditation I find my own practice of meditation most beneficial and gratifying. Though I did enjoy learning the various practices throughout this course. I liked the subtle mind practice most of all. It was close to my own meditation practice and enabled me to feel a sense of peace, and relaxation. I found a deeper meditative practice through the subtle mind exercise. This exercise is one I will continue to practice and implement throughout my life. 

Until next time,
Vanessa =-)

Unit 7: Meeting Aesclepius

I enjoy meditation and often dedicate my meditation to a loved one, someone I feel can benefit from the positive energy and healing I send their way. So, this particular exercise hit home and was one that I highly enjoyed. Through the reading materials, and meditation exercises throughout this course I am proudly awakened by the valuable, greatly beneficial knowledge instilled upon me. I know that meditation allows me to gain insight on my thoughts and enhances the control I have over my mind, helping me to train my mind to alter any negative, unhealthy thoughts into positive, healthy thoughts. Continuing these practices and being mindful over my thoughts, emotions, and actions will allow me to flourish at optimal health in all I do.

"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"  I believe the meaning to this saying is, we must practice what we preach. We must have much more than knowledge to lead another, we must gain wisdom and insight through experiences. The knowledge that we seem so secure of is actually rather fragile, and uncertain; we do not know nearly as much as we think we know; the objects of knowledge are infinite. Wisdom is recognizing that knowledge is never absolute. True enlightenment consists of wisdom and insight. This is vital to the success of any individual working in the field of health. How can we expect others to gain health if they are following the wrong footsteps?! It is of great importance that I know firsthand how to care for myself, how to respect and love myself, before I can expect to teach others to do the same. If my mind is unhealthy, then my body will follow; if I am mentally and physically unhealthy there is no true way that others can lead me to reaching integral health. One must be in good health for others to follow. I live a fairly healthy lifestyle, and continue learning and growing through new experiences so that I myself will flourish and share the wisdom and insight I gain with every life I touch. 

Blessings and light,
Vanessa

This exercise was very uplifting. We all have a right to be here, free of needless suffering. Our lives should be filled with peace, love and wholeness. Each day I make it a point to see the beauty in my surroundings, and those I meet traveling along my path. At times it is challenging, as it can be difficult not to be angered by certain peoples actions. But, what I have learned and try to remind myself, is that I am not walking in that persons shoes. 

As I sat quietly and began meditating I asked myself  "What aspect of my life is the source of difficulty and suffering?"  And so I found myself focusing on the psychospiritual and biological aspects of my life, which as Dacher said is our most underdeveloped part. It is where we begin our journey to enlightenment, it is where we come to know our being and see our inner wisdom shine through.

Until next time,
Vanessa =-)

I found this exercise to be very relaxing and peaceful. It practices mindfulness, and unlike the loving-kindness practice I felt it  gave me more time to bring my mind back to its focal point. In the loving-kindness practice, I felt as I was being rushed onto the next step. My primary focus during meditation is my breath, its what keeps me grounded. The subtle mind practice emphasizes just that, the importance of breathing. The body follows the mind. When your spiritual wellness is strong, you will feel better inside and out.