I am a Buddhist so the concept of guided meditation is not unknown to me. I tried very hard and listend to the activity multiple times throughout the week however, I was unable to really calm the thoughts in my mind and focus. I went to the yoga gym and sat with my fellow yogies however, even there in the heated room I couldn't find peace. This lead me to reflect on my week and why I could not balance myself to meditate. I think that between work and the stress of the holidays I have been too busy to really work on my own inner peace and chi. Yesterday I got some sort of virus which I think is the physiological manifestation of my stress, I sat today and for one hour was able to calm my mind and meditate. To my surprise when I finished my headache was gone and my mind clear.
Aristotle once wrote "we are what we repeatedly do, then excellence is not an act but a habit."
I think that this quote best sums up what a mental workout is. According to the book studies have shown that a mental workout can prevent negative emotions and in the same time enhance positive ones. I think that this is an interesting concept that I should try and implement more in my life. We have already learned that through the implementation of integral health and holistic practices a person can go on to lead a much happier and healthier life overall. I think that this week was a great testament in my life to the importance of balancing stress in your life. I am usually a pretty stress free person however, once I let stress manifest in my mind my body was not soon after affected.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer-
Admittedly this is the first post I have read from your blog. I also cannot calm down to do the guided meditations – I am thinking of the 100 other things I could be doing instead. It sounds like we are the same in that you manage your well being through physical exercise. A long run will do more for my mental well being than meditation ever will. Keep up the good work and fightin’ the fight ;)
Michelle
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your post. Your message is clear, and I always learn something new. I like the quote that you integrated into your post by Aristotle. It makes me stop and consider what things that I repeatedly do and what type of person that makes me. Thank you for a thought-provoking post.
Stacey
I feel like I failed this guided meditation and I am not surprised because I have the hardest time with exclusive meditations. I made it 16 minutes through the meditation before I started back up my school work. During the 5 minutes of silence I thought I was going to lose my mind because I was getting so antsy about all the things I have to get done in a short amount of time... I too have been super stressed out with this season and the holidays, it is my least favorite time of the year and so many people around me in my life don't understand why. I agree with Michelle I have way more success with active meditation through exercising than I do with exclusive meditation. Thanks for you blog and you thoughts Jennifer!
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