I have
enjoyed most if not all practices once I modify them, of course. I just can’t seem to enjoy the practice if a
person is telling me what to do. So I
do listen, memorize, then practice on my terms, and this is where my journey
begins. So far the two I seem to repeat
most often is Loving Kindness and Visualization. I could say meditation too but that is second
nature to me now so I don’t think that really applies to this question.
Loving
Kindness has helped me be more caring for others and a little less egotistical. I hate to admit that but unfortunately it is
true, I am very self-centered. Loving
Kindness is helping me, at a frustratingly slow pace, to help and care for
others on terms other then my own or for my own benefit. I love to help others don’t misunderstand
me, but what I am learning to do is help with true love and compassion from an
inner space I had not know was even there.
Visualization
is a wonderful tool for me as I run. I
can draw on strengths from my friends who are runners to get me to the end of
the training run or the finish line. I
feel a freedom while watching them run with my minds eye. I can see myself run in the visually
beautiful way in which they do. I do
feel like I am the clumsy girl who is chugging along with cinderblocks for
feet. I can see myself feeling less
pain and going farther, gliding like a graceful gazelle to the finish line
regardless if it has been 3 miles or 13 miles.
While in
the practice I feel totally connected with all aspects of me
mind-body-spirit. The feeling is very
close to the famed “runners high,” but what is cooler is this lasts longer for
me then the runners high. That alone
will keep me motivated to continue.
Smiles
Kristie
Kristie,
ReplyDeleteI was recently discussing with a friend about our contemplative practices and how I was disappointed in my own performance and ability to really work these practices into my everyday life and I mentioned about how you haved learned to do them while doing what you love, running. I can see vizualization being your favorite as it is likely the easiest one to do while being so completely active physically. I would recommend trying to also practice when not in motion...maybe when you are in your favorite place to run but sitting quietly under a tree. Just a suggestion to try as you improve.
Marlyn D
Kristie, I am with you and that it is hard to do the exercises when someone else is telling you what to do and you have to do it on their terms and not yours. Visualization I believe really helps with athletics and I'm sure you would agree since you are a runner. Hopefully we can continue these exercises once the class is over with.
ReplyDeleteJames H.
I love that you said you modify them to fit you better. I also love that you know that you want to be on control and aknowledge it. I wonder if some people would say that is good to adjust to what works best for you and others might say to listen to the experts. I think in this situation the experts would say within reason change it until it fits you. Congrats
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