Unit 8
Learning to live in a state of loving kindness and meditation seem to be the two practices that I found to be the most beneficial to me at this stage of life.
Throughout my life I have experienced some life changing events such as betrayals within my marriage and with a very close friend that sometimes caused me to have difficulties in forgiving and letting go of the memories that I held onto. Throughout this course, I was challenged to walk and live in loving-kindness, because I really began to understand that holding onto these negative feelings against individuals were doing more harm to myself than to them.
According to Dacher, "this is our most powerful antidote too destructive emotions like anger, intolerance, jealousy, pride and greed that agitate our mind and make it unavailable for further development" (Dacher, 2006).
I have made a choice to to open my heart with kindness, care, patience and generosity towards those who I feel have harmed me and I pray for them now. I find that it is surprising that forgiveness really begins with you making a choice to forgive. It has nothing to do with the person deserving forgiveness, it really focuses on the fact that if you want peace and wholeness in your life, you must choose to let go and forgive. It is true that the mind drives our outer actions!
I have also increased the time that I spend meditating through prayer. I have found that the time that I spend praying and focusing on the goodness of God in my life, and praying for others and their needs leaves me less time to focus on negativity. In my attempt to foster a state of mental fitness, I will schedule more time to spend praying and meditating in an effort to to cultivate this new behavior and to lessen my responses to the challenges that will come in my life. I will also keep a self awareness, strong motivation and an ongoing goal to keep me on the path of human flourshing!
Dacher, ES (2006) Integral Health: the path to human flourshing. Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Hello-
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful that you have risen to the challenge and found that loving kindnes and meditaion through prayer has benefited you so much. You are right that holding on to negative feelings hinders you more than it does the person whom you were feeling ill toward. Setting a goal for your self will help you to look forward.
Good luck to you,
Brandie Greenlee
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very inspiring! I have believed for a long time that holding onto negative emotions, like anger and resentment, only brings harm to ourselves...so I knew this but I didn't know how to implement what I knew into my life. After taking this class and learning about loving-kindness and forgiveness, a whole new world has opened up for me. In my situation, I was not angry at a particular person, instead I was angry at a particular situation that I have been forced to deal with...and letting go of that anger was like a new beginning for me. The practices we've learned through this class are such powerful tools we've been given...I've made it a point to take time for myself each morning to practice these exercises. I think your understanding and openness will carry you on the path to human flourishing!! I wish you luck on your journey...you are off to a strong start!!
Manisha
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI am happy these exercises have helped you find a focus. Holding onto negative is a hinderance and will hamper your lifestyle change. Loving kindness was one of my choices. I am glad that you will be implemented prayer to help you channel through to human flouishing. Have a great journey ... you way is clearing.
Dru Van Wright
Thank you Drucilla!
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