Hello Everyone,
I think Love and Kindness exercise that we participated in are similar to those mentioned in the book by Dacher. In the book it mentions similar things that were instructed for us to do in the exercise, such directing our thoughts, and love to others and other things, making it better for us to calm and soothe our minds. A lot of times, it is hard to concentrate on nothing, so this gives your brain an activity to think about while calming it and keeping it from becoming bogged down an stressed. (Dacher, 2006).
The exercise that are also mention in Dacher's book, is what athletes do to keep their minds and bodies connected, exercises such as, concentrating on the end goal. For example, say that I want to lose 15lbs in 2 months while I am working out I am concentrating on meeting that goal, not to the point that it is stressful, but more so in a therapeutic way to calm myself. Also by working out also rids some of the stress and anger, and in turn gives you a more overall healthier physique, and in turn makes you a more happier person. I found that working out is the best way to rid stress, even taking a walk helps blow of steam, and while you are walking you can enjoy the nature and being outside allowing you to think and contemplate on the things that are more important.
Dacher, E. S., M. D. (2006). Integral Health The Path to Human Flourishing. Published by Basic Health Publications, Inc.
I had mentioned in my post that I try to concentrate on breathing while running so I can perform better and longer but I haven't ever really focused on my weight loss goal while working out. I actually have a problem with staying motivated and I think maybe using that as a concentration point may help me through that. Did you like the subtle mind exercise or the loving-kindness exercise better? I kept falling asleep during subtle mind so I kind of had to go with loving-kindness by default. lol
ReplyDeleteGreat insight Kristy! I too love to use exercise as a therapeutic way to rid myself of stress, even though exercise is considered stress, it is definitely eustress of a good stress! I love exercising outdoors and do the same thing, contemplate on the things that are most important and sweat away negative emotions and time wasting issues.
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