For me, the Universal
Loving Kindness exercise wasn’t all that different from my daily prayers. The biggest difference is that while this
exercise sends out love, happiness, and health to all individuals, my prayers generally send these thoughts out to a
select few. I found it to be a
wonderful, relaxing, and positive experience.
It felt good to send these out to everyone because I believe we all
deserve these things, and many lack the tools and supports to achieve
them. I felt like I was helping
strangers in some small (yet significant) way.
And, from previous experience, I can say that being of service to others
not only helps them, but it lifts my spirits as well. As our readings have suggested, when we send
out love, we receive love back. That was
my experience with this exercise.
As for the
assessment, I found this to be quite challenging. I think it is always difficult to assess one’s
self in a completely objective manner.
In my opinion, my development is most advanced in the biological and
psychospiritual domains. This leaves the
interpersonal and worldly domains, where I could definitely use some
improvements. To determine which area I
should focus on first, I considered the questions on page 105 of Dacher (2006):
Which
aspects of our life are the most significant sources of distress?
Where
is our greatest possibility for growth and development?
Honestly, my most significant
source of distress is my family life—specifically, my relationships with my
siblings. I have been trying to repair
these relationships for a very long time, but there comes a point in life when
you have to ask yourself: Are my efforts
positive or negative? Are our
conversations productive or destructive?
Sadly, I have come to a point where I realize the best thing to do (for
all of us) is to let go, live and be happy.
Perhaps in time, we will be able to have a relationship, but for now, it
just isn’t healthy. So, my greatest
struggle is learning how to truly accept that fact so that I can continue to
flourish in my personal development.
This takes time, and I think the best ways for me to foster greater
wellness in this area are to:
- Continue relaxation techniques for stress reduction and mind stabilization
- Continue prayers
- Continue to move in a positive direction toward improved personal health
and wellness
- Include practices such as the Loving-Kindness and Universal
Loving-Kindness exercises
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The Path to human
flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteAs you stated, when I pray, I pray for specific things or persons. This exercise as the others has been quite an experience. It has taught me to let go and overcome anger or frustrations and understand that it is within our power to concentrate on healthy relationships with others. When we can assess where we need help it clearly shows that in our mind we know something isn't right. We become aware that there is a need for development.
Your situation with your family may be a challenge for you but take it one day at a time. In life we cant always expect change overnight. When you have given your all and your are not satisfied sometimes it is best to let go and live because sometimes we are over developed in one area and under developed in another.
Lori
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI must say that you are very lucky to be able to send out love so easily and I commend you for that. That is the one area I have the most difficulty in.
I think the goals you have set for your self will vastly improve your life and I have complete faith you will flourish.
In regards to your family situation, know that time does heal. Many years ago my sibilings and I went through the same types of things. One was not speaking to another, and another was not speaking to this one and that one. It was so much drama, but things happen we grow-up, we realize that family is very important, and sometimes, like in our case it brought a tragedy to bring us all together again. There are 6 of us and I can honestly say we all get along famously now. We have great times together and love when we have the chance to be together as we all live throughout the country.
I will pray for you and your family to find peace together. Continue striving on your journey, and I send you all the peace of the universe.
Peace ~ Robin
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI too really liked the universal loving kindness exercise and when I was done I really felt like I did and could help others in even the smallest way.
We are our worst critics so in a way it is good that we get this chance to reflect on ourselves, we can nit pick things others couldn't or wouldn't have the heart to tell us!
Thanks for the post!
Megan