I chose an odd
place to attempt my Loving Kindness meditation exercise this week. It was more successful then I would have ever
have imagined possible given the location and sheer number of people
surrounding me. Here is what happened. I was entering the line to wait an hour and
45 minutes for the Maverick, a rollercoaster at Cedar Point in Sandusky,
Ohio. I had just read the assignment
and since I was waiting alone I figured I would give it a try. I had to keep my eyes open while I cleared my
mind and set my body on autopilot to move when the line did. I occasionally did hear people complain
about the wait and the length of the line so I would refocus on the
phrases. I felt myself sending out the
good vibes and was so relaxed. The wait
time actually flew by for me. Just
before I was going to split off of the main line for the single rider line a
fellow in front of me turned and started talking about how pleasant he felt and
surprised the line moved so quickly. It
was very surreal to say the least. Later
that day while driving home I was still repeating the phrases when truck driver
waved and smiled. Again it may have been
a fluke but it felt different for me. I
discovered I could send out positive messages and others will feel them, which
is so incredibly cool.
Moving on to the areas that I need
to focus on for growth is my interpersonal and worldly. I am a shy person even with my family at
times even more so in the community.
When I am in a relaxed state I notice I can relate better to my family
and friends. I need to stop relating
everything about them through the “me” filters, which does not allow me to see
them as they are. I know this is
happening and it frustrates me because I know I need to stop. Like with all the other exercises I have to
stop, clear my mind, and open myself to that person. I know how to do it I cannot explain or
figure out why it is so hard to do and at sometimes seems impossible. I can only make a conscious effort to
practice and train everyday. As soon as I become more comfortable in this area
I know it will ease frustrations for all who are closest to me and open many
doors for both the interpersonal and worldly aspects of my life.
Smiles
Kristie
I really love that you practiced the exercise in the line for a rollercoaster. I know waiting in lines period drive me crazy. I start off fine but soon am rolling my eyes with hands on my hips. I also love that it was at cedar point because some people are cursing and dying in those lines, so congrats for focusing on love and kindness and not feeding into anger and frustration. That is something I will remember, in the future, fingers crossed. I do believe that when people see someone at peace and happy it can change their attitude as well. I wish you the best in opening yourself to the relationships in your life. I have had similar problems. So again good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteVeronica,
ReplyDeleteThanks for responding. Another great time to practice this, although in the past I was not aware I was doing it, is when waiting in the lines on black friday. I only go out on that day because people make me laugh at how they get so worked up for the less then stellar products they are getting so cheap. I just put on a smile and my goal is to get a few of them to smile to.
Smiles
Kristie
Hi Kristie,
ReplyDeleteYour experience sounds incredible.
What if we could do, [what you experienced] at will – that is, have an effect on our atmosphere, merely by thought, attitude, or the very thing that we concentrate on? Wouldn’t that be something?
I commend you for having the vision to attempt your exercise while standing in line, time was no longer a barrier – you just did it. This reminds me of the “Corridor Principle”, I’m not certain if you are familiar with this principle, many entrepreneurs have gravitated to it. It simple states, when you move out in pursuit of your dreams and passions, you create a draft, you begin to change your atmosphere, by drawing and pulling down things and opportunities into your sphere of influence. No different than the guy in line with you, who shared in your experience, or the truck driver who smiled at you for no apparent reason.
Awesome stuff, thanks for sharing…
Kristie--
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome experience! I love the location you picked for some loving-kindness meditation : ) I am glad that you got a positive response from some people...that is always encouraging. And the best part is is that they had no idea that you were meditating on how to love and promote healing for others! Sometimes cranky people get angry at happy people--I think it is just jealousy. They may feel threatened by your happiness or calmness, but really they are wondering how they can get that same spark. Kudos to you for being a light in someones day!
Haddie S.
Wow! How interesting that you are less self conscious and feel more at home after doing this exercise. Maybe it's because you are less affected by stressful situations? So happy for you.
ReplyDelete-Christan T.
Kistie-
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome! I will definitely have to try this out. What a wonderful experience to be able to see it in action. I also used to be a shy person as a kid. I am not sure what exactly changed, but now I can talk to complete strangers pretty much anywhere. Luck on your pursuit at overcoming your shyness.
Kristie,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was wonderful you did this exercise while in line. I find myself drifting into meditation while I am waiting at the doctor and things all the time! It's a great time to just be with yourself, clear your mid and to think positive. I have also found that the positive thought I send out can be felt by others and I love when I have that effect on people :)
I saw on your next post that you ran the mudathlon thingy, I'm not a runner but when you said that it made my ears perk up, I think my aunt ran in that this weekend too. Or something similar. I don't know where it was held but she lives in the Cincinnati area. She took a bunch of pictures all covered in mud, looking like going through an obstacle course lol.
Amanda
Amanda,
DeleteYes It was just north of Cincinnati where the race was I am sure it is one and the same. It was awesome. I can not wait until next year! It is really not a runner's race it is 3 miles but not a lot of running with 40 obstacles.
Thanks
Kristie