The Subtle Mind vs. Loving-Kindness

The Subtle Mind and Loving-Kindness

Both the meditation exercises of the Subtle Mind and Loving-Kindness had their own set of challenges and rewards. The Loving-Kindness exercise seemed more forced than natural. I believe the underpinnings pointed to a lack of experience rather than the content of the exercise. However, the Loving-Kindness thoroughly reached to the heart of my being in that it considered other people. I attended to and considered the feelings, thoughts, struggles, and suffering of loved ones and humankind in general. This experience was like no other for me. Self-serving thinking is one way to remain unhealthy. It is by extending love and kindness that true rewards are revealed.

The Subtle Mind exercise was somewhat easier as some experience was now on my side. I realized the efficacy of the Loving-Kindness exercise, therefore willing to take extra steps to fully participate in the Subtle Mind. Feeling the deepening of my inner self during this practice was liberating. This is a part of me that has never been contacted. Probably the frustration I experienced during this practice was the imagery part. I find it difficult to visualize at times. As the practice moved forward, I realized that I was still focused on the previous task. Mindfully, I tried to bring myself back to the current task and this too proved to be frustrating. Once thrown off track, by my own lack of control, it was difficult to focus.

I believe the most important things I have learned thus far are to consider myself as one, which is of the mind, body and spirit. These entities dynamically work together and without consideration of all, nothing is to be gained. Rather than focusing solely on my physical ailments, I consider the role of mental and spiritual contributions and vice versa. As much as I want to make activities such as meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi as regular practice, I have thus far failed to do so. I am beginning to understand for the first time in my life of the crucial benefits of mental fitness. This class has given me more practice than ever and even perhaps a springboard to begin a habitual regimen.