Unit 5: The Subtle Mind

Last week, I learned from the Loving-kindness exercises that the best time for me to benefit from these practices is early in the morning, just after I wake up.  So, I did this practice several mornings this week.  I actually enjoyed it more than last week’s practice.  I was calmer and more focused.  I was familiar with the technique of using one’s breathing as a focal point to still the mind as I have been using it for some time now.  Therefore, it was not difficult for me to be successful with this part for the exercise.  The challenge came for me at the part of shifting the focus to the stillness and exploring it.  As Dacher (2006) points out, the stillness is far less tangible than the breath and my mind struggled often to remain focused on it.  That said, I think I managed to reach the level of calm-abiding twice, but for very brief moments--perhaps 2 to 3 minutes each time.  I felt calm and peaceful there.  I felt lighter somehow, almost as if I was floating.  I got to thinking about this feeling today, and I realized that in that state, I had nothing weighing me down—no worries, preoccupations, no thoughts about the hectic day ahead of me.  It was really nice and I felt restored and more prepared to cope with a serious family issue that I am currently dealing with.

There are significant connections between physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.  To me, it starts with the mind-body connection; when the body is dis-eased, so too is the mind, and vice versa.  Further, Dacher (2006) postulates that a healthy psychology is necessary to “explore the deeper nature of the mind” (p. 61). When we are caught in the cycle of turmoil and unrest, which is created by an unhealthy psyche, we cannot grow spiritually.  When we are preoccupied with insecurities and fear, we cannot possibly comprehend the deeper meanings of life.  Our mind is too busy and too full of the “little things” that occur every day and distract the unfocused mind.  Through the calm-abiding consciousness, we grow spiritually and discover true inner peace, wisdom, and loving-kindness (Dacher, 2006). 

I can relate to these connections on a personal level.  I understand that my mind and body interact and as I continue to strengthen them both, they each benefit from improvements to the other.  And, as my psychological health improves, I begin to feel a deeper connection to the spiritual aspects of the world; aspects I have been out of touch with for far too long.

 Reference

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The Path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.