Meditation

I have spent the past few days focusing on meeting Aesclepius.  My biggest problem was trying to visualize my mentor.  So, I did try Jesus.  I am not perfect and in my mind, cannot emulate
 Jesus ( even though I want to).  I finally visualized a woman dressed in white - she was me, only 30 years younger and much thinner.  She is everything I hoped to be - calm, peaceful, forgiving and wise.  Her presence put me at ease as I was able to participate in the exercise with success.      
     I find myself still struggling with the loving kindness exercise, it may be due to the fact that I have so many people in my life that I love and care.  Singling out one individual is difficult for me.  I cannot pick and choose, -  my mind becomes a cluttered mess all over again.
     The subtle mind exercise is still my favorite, although, I will be visiting Aesclepius more frequently.  I am intrigued with the concept of getting to know a better version of me.

     For the work environment,  I still find the deep breathing exercises most useful.  This definitely helps me to clear my head making me less reactive and more proactive when caught in difficult situations.  This simple form of meditation is a convenience for me and helps me to refocus my attention.  It has also been helpful with treating patients who are undergoing painful procedures.

Meeting Aesclepius

     I am definitely one of those people that really has to find that perfect time of day for meditation.  At least for this exercise.  I can see the power in this particular exercise and I really want to actualize the full benefit of mindfulness and spiritual wellness.  I got caught up on picking the right mentor.  I kept picturing Judy Dench (M from James Bond) and Helen Miren from RED.  I'm not even that old and certainly not that grey.  About half way through my active mind said "why didn't you focus on Christ?"
It certainly would have made more sense.  That's what happens when I try to concentrate too hard after a trying 12 hour shift in the ED.  I plan to practice this some more.  Maybe I will have more success.  I seem to have much better luck with clearing my head with deep breathing exercises.  It is my goal to be a source of comfort and trust for my patients at work.  I believe this exercise may be the key to achieving these goals.
     To be successful in promoting health and wellness, we need to make examples of ourselves, otherwise, it's the blind leading the blind and everyone gets lost.  The best practitioners practice what they preach.  They not only become a credible and reliable support for their patients but for their peers as well.  We all have an obligation to develop our health physically, psychologically and spiritually so that we possess the tools to help others in their journey to wellness.
     A few moments a day spent in quiet reflection on my spiritual beliefs helps me to put life, in general, into perspective.  Focusing on what it is I was meant to do on earth assists me in my spiritual and psychological growth.

Laurie

Universal loving kindness

  

     I need to continue to work on my meditative state.  I definitely have a more difficult time of taming my mind after a 12 hour shift in the ED.  I do find myself pausing to reflect on my thoughts and how they are influencing my actions.  I did not feel anything powerful emanate from my mind but I can appreciate the potential it holds.  This will be another exercise I will try to practice in the morning (especially during the drive into work) and before I go to bed at night.  

     I would like to focus on the phrase "May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering" since this has greater meaning for me and my profession.  After time, I will add the rest.

      After completing the Integral Assessment, the one thing I did discover as a source of difficulty and suffering is my  biological development.  My self esteem is influenced by my physical appearance.  Quite frankly, sporting the extra pounds has made me feel old and tired.  There is a very vibrant and energetic me trapped inside.  After 12 years, I finally renewed our membership at the rec center.  I am taking my soul mate along for the ride as we walk and exercise our way back to our former selves.

     I felt more connected and at peace when I was physically fit.  I want to be back in that place again, only more confident.

Laurie 

The Subtle Mind

 Hello everyone,

     I had a better experience with the subtle mind exercise than I had with the loving kindness.  I felt I had too many things to do with the loving kindness which I think made it difficult for me to concentrate on eliminating mental chatter.  I think I have always exercised the subtle mind to some degree especially at night.  I can remember as a child how I use to lie awake at night and concentrate on my breathing until I could fall asleep.  I use to enjoy that relaxed state just before sleep took over.  I think when we were younger, we were much more capable of creativity and self expression than we are as adults.  Why do we deny ourselves of the possibilities of full awareness as adults?
     Spiritual wellness - a journey I hope to complete.  My spiritual wellness is that still ocean that the the rivers of my mind will eventually travel to.  I am looking forward to achieving this skill -  the profound peacefulness that is part of calm-abiding and finally unity consciousness.  Without spiritual wellness we risk physical wellness and mental distress.  Isolation, depression and anger replace peace, happiness and overall health and well being. 

Laurie