The exercise involved closing the eyes for a few moments to still the mind and fall into the natural flow of the breath. Then it involved repeating the indicated phrases sending love, freedom from ill health, happiness, freedom and wholeness out to the world. The idea was to shift awareness from an internal focus to an external one.
The assessment process involved the six principles of as a guide. They included alleviating needless suffering/promotion of human flourishing; distinguising the difference between short term freedom from needless suffering and permanent relief; recognizing the difference between immediate vs. long term pleasure; acceptance as an essential part of being integrally healthy; relying on guidance and deep listening; and addressing relevant aspects within current circumstances (Dacher, 2006).
I discovered that I am depleted emotionally, physically, psychologically. I have poured so much into others without renewing my resources. For months I've been on autopilot, just weathering storm after storm after storm. As I'm bottoming out, I know the way out is to begin when I have had success before, in the biological realm. When I start moving my body on a consistent basis, I naturally begin to eat healthier. Both directly and immediately impact my sleep habits. When I'm sleeping better, I awake refreshed and ready to take on the day. I'm more positive overall, and I have energy reserves to pour into others. After my shoulder surgery next week, my plan is to begin stopping by the park on the way home from work to walk and release the stressors of the workday so I'm not taking them home. It's finally springtime here in Central Ohio, and I LOVE to be engaging with the natural realm. Quite honestly, I had a lot of trouble with the universal Loving Kindness exercise because I'm so depleted. When you are struggling to take care of yourself because you've been taking care of others, it is very hard to spend meditation time focused on the needs of others. That is not a cop out, that is a hard truth. The farther we go in this study on the concept of integral health, the more the universe shakes me up and shows me just how critical all of the pieces working in tandem really is.
Still in this together :-)
Anita
Dacher,
E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach , CA
Anita,
ReplyDeleteYou have really done a great assessment of yourself. Sometimes we say that we are our own worst critics, but you are not critical at all. You understand where you hurt the most and where you need improvement, without being hard on yourself. Love that. I really admire your motivation to get going after your surgery. Your idea of walking in the park on the way home to basically "drop off" your stressors so that you don't take them home with you is and excellent idea! I feel your pain about being completely depleted as I am there also. But reading your blog gives me motivation to keep my chin up. Thanks and the best of luck to you!!
Laura Beote