The love and kindness exercise along with the subtle mind I have found are too long. I lost interest and focus very quickly. It didn't help that when I looked at the time that it was going to take that I didn't want to do it before it starts. I think they are both great practices but my attention span can sit quietly for 20 plus minutes. Type A personality I have is going to be my challenges with these exercises.
The readings this week were great since I am starting a new workout program. I often focus on how difficult the exercise is instead of the benefits it is having over my mind and body. I do feel better after exercising but when I am running on the treadmill my mind is often running as fast as I am. I am not saying that is super fast but I often forget that I am working out. Then when I come back to reality, my mind is exhausted making the body follow suit. I am definitely going to work on my thoughts while I am exercising, to achieve total benefit.
Just Annie,
ReplyDeleteI will have to agree with you post. I also looked at the time on the mp3 and Im pretty sure I rolled my eyes on it. I really haven't meditated at all before this class, not with a narrator at least. I have fallen asleep the last two times. Another student suggested that if we fall asleep to do the exercise in the middle of my day, or at a point where I am not exhausted. We will just have to practice more, or run it down to 10-15 minutes only. Good post, thanks for your honesty!
-Shanna
Hello Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI felt like I was writing your blog from my perspective. These exercises are WAY TOO LONG!!!! My focus lasts about 5 minutes normally and doing these exercises is no different. Do I think they can be beneficial? Sure I do but I feel just like you. I just sit and watch the time hoping it ends soon just like you. You mention you have a Type A personality and so do I so maybe that is our problem. Then again it isn’t a problem, rather a challenge. It’s funny you also mention when you are on the treadmill your mind is training just as fast because that is exactly what mine does too. I am thinking of work or what to do later and that passes the time and I don’t even realize I am exercising. Well, good luck with future exercises and hopefully we can both eventually benefit from these types of exercises.