First let me say if I had 5-15 mins each day to do this stuff I should be doing laundry or something that would benefit my family as well, but I do read my homework so page 66 here we go!
1. Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?
Beneficial is something that is not the same for everyone, with that said no I do not think there was a benefit for me, unless anger and frustration is a benefit. I did not like the voice; the first two were much more calming. But overall 17 mins of my day I would be able to get laundry done or lift some weights. The pauses were too long and then there was background noise as well which was weird to me. I was not able to focus at all on this one and I would not recommend this to anyone, it was not worth the time to load it on the computer.
2. What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
Mental workout to me is making the mind work, in several different ways. With this being said there are several ways to do this and there are benefits like increase attention and decreased stress, as well as help the person gain understanding for a more integral health perspective.
I know there are several things that can be done to help “workout” the mind but for me it is still about going for a run or lifting some weights, laughing with my son and husband and going for a walk with my dog in the am with a cup of coffee. These activities remind me why I work so hard and what is really important, as well as what I want to teach my son about life.
UNIT 4 - I used to feel the same way about time and what I could accomplish with the minutes I had. At first it made me feel like a superhero accomplishing many acts within the time allotted. But then I realized with precise organization and a tenacity to sculpt time for ME I was able to accomplish the same amount of tasking with less stress and more time on my hands. This sense of accomplishment radiated outward and was emulated by my children. My adventures of a single mom with 3 kids and two jobs was always exciting. When I learned to to give value to what is most important my view changed and so did my attitude. K
ReplyDeleteGreetings Momma Long,
ReplyDeleteI feel bad that you had such a negative experience with this exercise. Dacher assures us that through repetition one can succeed at training our mind to stop the endless chatter. Another book that I am reading by Dacher is Aware, Awake, & Alive.
Do you feel you were preoccupied with household chores that prevented you being receptive?
From what I have read about mental workout Momma Long, your descriptiveness is mere routine and would not be conducive to putting the mind into a physical fitness exercise. Routine behavior allows for our minds to become lazy.
Best Regards,
Mark
Mark~
DeleteI do not think my household chores prevent me from being receptive I just think it is to still for me, and it is not what I like to do. Although I will say I do try each week to make the best of whatever we are doing with the hopes that something is able to keep my attention.
I think that Dacher is a smart man that has slod a lot of book but I do not think I believe in everything he is saying, although he does make some good point.
Stephanie
Some meditation exercises are better than others as you found out. I used to think these exercises were going to be a waste of time as well. Once I let go of that feeling and just kept trying them, I find I look forward to the meditation exercises. I admit I don’t stick with just the ones from this class. I looked up different ones and found ones I really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMental workout for you is increase attention and decrease stress. I can understand how running or lifting weights can decrease the stress, but the only attention you will be doing is on your breathing and counting. Yes, you will be increasing your oxygen and blood pumping through your body, but you still need good ways to work your mind. Do you do any other kind of activity like crocheting or puzzles? I bet there are mental activities you do with your son that you didn’t list here. What might they be?
I can understand where you come from when you say that there are other things that you could be doing that may make you feel like you are getting something accomplished. I do not feel like you have to use these particular tools, I have found that you must find what works for you. I do listen to the exercises and some I like more than others, but what I like to do is listen to get a grasp of what I need to focus on, then I go outside or for a bike ride and I take what the message gave me in the cip and apply in my own setting. I feel that when I am in my house there are too many distractions and it is easier for me to find a envirnoment that works better for me. So maybe you could try to listen and get an idea of what to focus on then apply at a time and place that fits you. Not sure if that will make a difference, just thought I would suggest. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGood Day Momma Long!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your candor and frankness regarding meditation. As a professional wellness coach I see clients all the time who have difficulty aligning with meditation and stillness. Mostly due to too much mind chatter.
If I can, may I suggest you take 5 minutes (just 5 minutes, use a timer) to indulge in quiet reflection(no music, instructional meditation just quiet), maybe in your favorite chair or in the tub etc... focusing on your breath in an out and allowing yourself to relax in those 5 minutes.
Also, I am a runner too. I LOVE movement and physical activity as well including weightlifting. I find that during a run I often "zone out" or have "reflective moments" but most of all running helps me clear my head, reduce stress and acts as a kind of meditation for me, do you experience anything similar?
Stephanie I also did not see the purpose in this exercise. The whole exercise was wierd for me. I could have been doing laundry or spending time with the kids for with all the time it took to download this exercise. Spending time with the family is so important and a great lesson to teach your children.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Thank you Denise for being honest too, it is hard to talk about how I did not like it because I feel like I should be all in, but I am a mommy first and I miss the time I am not able to be.
DeleteBest Wishes~
Good point about showing your kids that time with thim is important! I played Legos for an hour today and it was great!
I agree.. I didn't care for the voice either... I am not a listening ove rthe computer kind of person. I get bored listening to peopletalk on audio. Unless they really start to grabmy attention, it doesn't interest me not one bit. So, it's hard to say that I benefit from any kind of audio exercise such as this onewe had to listen to.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I felt like I was alone in this journey of not geting in to these activities and it is so nice to hear someone else is not geting them too.
DeleteI enjoy spending time with my family, like now they are watching a movie in the other room and it is killing me that I am not there with them but it will all pay off in the end :)
Best wishes~
hi! I always have to agree with you about time. I feel there is so much more I can be doing other than listening to these exercises but we must do it to get to our degree so I feel it is important. It can be hard to concentrate on what you are told to feel or think about but I did feel the love for that special person...my son! I think being a mother is the best feeling in the world and nothing can beat that love.
ReplyDelete