Unit 5: Compare and Contrast

1.Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.


To compare and contrast both exercises consisting of the Loving kindness and the Subtle mind:

The loving kindness exercise seemed to be a bit advanced because I could not let go of my thoughts; whereas, the subtle mind practice has it’s own prompts to give you control again when your mind drifts into capturing the mental movement as a habit. The focus was supposed to get diminished off myself to focus on the needs of others from the people I work with everyday to the patients. My thoughts soared in the Loving kindness practice and in the Subtle mind exercise, I was able to focus on my breathing to gain control again of listening to my own thoughts, feelings, emotions, images and moments. I did not cling onto my mind process and for a second, I did feel a bit apprehensive but completing this exercise after aerobics, it was easier to let go of all the mental activity. I achieved a focused concentration technique at times, and at other times, I had to refocus on my breathing to gain control. In the loving kindness exercise, I was able to focus on others as well as the patients (strangers). After allowing my train of thought to take its course and then fade out to another thought or memory, there was just an inner peace that was so clear and calm. I could only hold this clear state of mind for a few minutes, it’s not the next phase of unity consciousness, but it is progress. I’m sure if I continue to practice, I will reach this phase.

I had to memorize the practice exercise for the subtle mind because track 3 on the CD was not functioning properly (Dacher, p 75, 2006). The first few minutes of track 3 was verbal and clear but as time went on, there was the sound of dead air and no further instructions, so I improvised. If I could find my digital voice recorder, I’d do my own recording of the reading for better cues and prompts for the subtle mind exercise.

In time, I’m sure the Loving Kindness exercise will be easier to master. But for now, I think it is best to just keep practicing to get the hang of letting my mental activity fade to get to the next phase of consciousness and experience that inner peace in calm abiding. The few moments that I am there, I feel blessed, loved and a full part of this rotating planet with the human race. It is more than just an inner peace and tranquility, but it will take more practice to hold my attention in calm abiding for longer periods of time to get to the next experience of a conscious unity.



2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.

The connection of spiritual wellness to mental wellness is described by Dacher as movement from a solid anatomical body to a more subtle opening that spiritually connects individuals with all aspects of life. Once at this subtle mind and body materializes, the next transformation goes into the spiritual body experience. To me, it’s like a holographic image of what represents a deeper level of serene consciousness. This transformation to me is part of an advanced technique of what Dacher describes as miracles (p 85, 2006). Dacher briefly provides examples of telekinetic powers and other esoteric abilities that I is difficult to fathom, but not impossible. I was always told that humans only use a third of our full potential and perhaps some people from the Eastern cultures have experienced it through a meditative state or through religious or cultural practices. Though we may not attain such a high level of development within this 10 week course, but I believe it is possible to develop psychospiritual aspects of ourselves that would manifest within our bodies with physical wellness.

I think this connection is experienced in my personal life when I am engaging in the practices given with Loving kindness and subtle mind exercises. I have always felt a sense of grace, compassion, love, and humbleness in prayer and meditative activity. It is the deepest sincerity and kindness of my heart that is given in my spiritual journey as I give my prayers my deepest focus and attention. I have been incorporating some spiritual aspects to my mental workouts following a cardio work out daily with varied results. Now, if I could just remember that feeling when my surroundings and interpersonal relationships are on the brink of conflict, I’d have better control over my emotions by reframing from grabbing and reacting. I am making some progress in my solitude, but I am hoping it can be an experience I can hold onto when my surroundings get stressful. To be calm in the mist of chaos, that’s a miracle in itself. The normal stresses of life always seem to be about the will to survive, maintain, and achieve success in all endeavors. Using true wisdom and keeping my faith constant will make life's obstacles not so much of a stress, but opportunities to learn and grow.  Some situations that I have dealt with in my life have not always been pleasant or desired, but I am sure with practice and perseverance, I do have the ability to achieve human flourishing.