Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Loving Kindness Exercise
I really tried this time to go to a space that i felt calm and alone in. Last time for the meditation exercise I just could not get into the groove of things because I was just not in the right set up. This exercise really went good for me, one I love the words "loving" and "kindness", the are huge affirmations for me in life and how I want to be and give to the world. Its interesting how my mind automatically picks the healer that we are encouraged to meditate on during the practice, someone we admire and look to for wisdom; Because the moment the first person comes to my head, my first thought is " really, surely there should be someone who fits the profile better or maybe this person isn't the one I should concentrate on because i know them, and maybe it should be a spiritual leader like Gandhi or Madonna"..... Please excuse me, this is just how I think. Any way, my father in law keeps coming up in my head first. I have allowed him to be my healer, I love the dude, but funny that I always get him first. Then I started to think about it and I don't have a dad, my father passed when I was 12. So in a sense, I am looking up to him like I would look to my dad as a role model and a man that I very much care about and like being around. When I finished this exercise, the best part was, was that he just so happen to pop by about 10 minutes after. I gave him a big huge and told him he was my hero and i loved him. I felt great.
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Jessica- What a great tribute to your father-in-law...I am sure that he appreciated the words of loving-kindness! You shared some great thoughts here about his role as a surrogate father and healer in your life -- I'm curious what his thoughts are about this revelation...
ReplyDeleteThat said - like you, I struggled with the last exercise. I believe location was also a factor for me -- but it was more than that, it was my own (in)ability to commit to the guided meditation. In this exercise though, it seemed much easier to relax and open my heart to the selected healer.
Great post! I appreciate your open nature and sharing and look forward to future posts :-)
Take Care - David
The consensus stands. The loving-kindness exercise has been the most enjoyed. "Ghandi or Madonna?" Whatever works for you lol. Glad to hear that you have such a great father-in-law. I'm sure that makes being married to the junior version all the more better.
ReplyDeleteEricka
Dear Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThis is my second attempt to post, I am learning how to post on your site instead of from mine. Sneaky aren't they by telling us to use the url in the discussion board.
I am glad that the exercise worked for you. I have to learn to do it without the cd because I need quiet so that I can remove automatic thoughts.I tried to use my son for a positive figure, and then he gave me a fit. Not such a stable subject. I am learning peace from your blogs and would love to see some of the area you live in. Your life seems so calm and serene.
gmcostello
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteIronically, my step-daughter is also Jessica Shafer-Hickey. So, your name has a special meaning for me. I know how hard it can be to concentrate on one person at a time. I wanted to direct my love to my husband, my son, my step-son, my friend who is going through some really bad spots with her husband and on it goes...finally, I just changed the exercise and focused on the group! I know, I made up my own rules...but, in closing at the end of the exercise, I felt like they all feel/felt my love and I made an inner commitment to be even more loving and more kind to all the people in my life. I just love them all so much!
By the way..great photo!!!!
Jill
Jessica
ReplyDeleteI think it great that you find someone that remind you of your dad. I know he must be feel great that you look at him as a father. He will alway look out for you because you are a daughter to him I feel that just from reading your love and kindness for him.
Velma
Hi Jessica-
ReplyDeleteI also have trouble with meditation if I'm not in the right set up. I'm glad this time around the loving kindness exercise worked for you : )
I think it's wonderful that your father-in-law is such a big part of your life. Isn't it amazing when you are thinking about someone they just so happen to call or show up where you are?
Best,
Alleigh