Hi, everyone.
This is sort of a difficult blog question for me to answer, as I really didn't care for many of the exercises we reviewed this term. If I had to pick, I would go a little off the grid and say that I prefer unguided meditation, which Dacher briefly discusses when he mentions taking a few minutes out of the day to simply organize one's thoughts. Given the fluid nature of most human lives, I really believe that unguided meditation (at least for me) is one of the best ways to come to grips with difficulties, organize chaotic "mental noise," and achieve a higher state of relaxation by clearing one's thoughts however momentarily. I never really realized how often I engage in a few minutes of meditation throughout the day, particularly when I need to relax before working with a new client, dealing with a difficult coworker, or reminding myself of the difference between the things that I can control and the things that I cannot. I do feel that this type of unguided momentary meditation is probably far more widespread than most people realize as they would not recognize it as "textbook meditation" (which is often interpreted as having to sit somewhere quiet for an extended period of time focusing one one specific thing, with or without utilizing a phrase or mantra to guide the thoughts).
Thank you.
-Joy Clark
Hey Joy, I agree with your post and the unguided meditation. I talk to God everyday and its about guidance and understanding and thankfullness...I too think now that I've learned about meditation that too is a type of meditation, I'm zeroing in on one thought, clearing my mind of the clutter for the day ahead or on what type of day I had. I will say though, I've enjoyed the time my husband and I took out just for the listening and visualizatin of meditation. That part this term has educated me on the importance of my inner feelings and finding my calm abiding self. Those were the times when I found myself completely relaxed and light as a feather from my head to my toes. The most interesting part of this term was reading how everyone has a difference of feeling and different techniques that work for them while finding calm abiding within themselves. Good post:)
ReplyDeleteJoy,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. As you pointed out meditating on our thoughts and why we are thinking them can be very beneficial. Sometimes we cannot control situations and coming to this realization can help us elevate stress immensely. Knowing the difference between what we can control and what we cannot can take us very far in life.
Good luck with your future exercises and I hope that they will continue to benefit you as they are now.
Joy I am proud of you and the effort you have put into trying the various meditations exercises during the course. I think that you have really taken the time to get to know what may work for you and what will not. The unguided meditations work well for you and that is great. By knowing this you will be able to create a meditation path that will be just right! I enjoy both kinds of meditations right now but lean more towards the guided because I am so busy and feel like I am more focused during these types of exercises. Everything isn't for everyone and though you have had some challenges, you have found that there is a preference style that works better for you and that is great!
ReplyDeleteJoy,
ReplyDeleteI found it easier to follow along with the different techniques and exercises if I completed them numerous times. The first time, I would just try and get a feel for what the exercise was trying to accomplish and then by the end of the last time; I understood and saw the benefits of the exercises.
Although you did not see as many benefits as I have throughout the term. Realizing that you need to relax more and becoming more in control at work is something that many people still don’t see. We all make different strides in different ways.