Hello everyone! Hope you are having a good weekend so far! I just finished a big paper for my other class so I feel pretty relieved to be done with that!
The exercise of loving kindness was beneficial but, at the same time I was getting frustrated because 10 minutes is a long time to be repeating four short phrases over and over. I tried saying them to myself slowly but it was still agitating. That issue aside, I did enjoy the exercise because I have been trying to show loving kindness more in my life. I do not have any trouble showing loving kindness to my loved ones and friends but I have not really focused much on showing it to strangers and especially not to enemies. After completing this exercise I messaged an "ex-friend" on Facebook. She did/said some pretty mean things about two years ago and our friendship ended abruptly and not in a good manner. So, this exercise inspired me to write her a little message and apologize for my actions and also to let her know that I forgive her and that I no longer am holding a grudge for what happened. I just did this so no response yet, but even if she doesn't respond, I feel better and I know that the message will also help her to feel better about the situation.
During the Integral Assessment process work is what stood out to me, if you have read my discussion and blog posts it is no secret that I do not particularly enjoy my job. lol I am a very hard worker and I really do love the people that I work with, they just have some issues with their management style, but we won't get into all of that. Before taking this class I was prepared to quit my job as soon as I found a new opportunity. After taking part in this class I realized that any job I currently have is just a temporary thing until I get my degree, so getting a new job won't be the answer to all my work related problems. Now, instead of looking for a new job, I have focused on just enjoying the one that I currently have. I don't let anyone's attitude bother me and I just go about my day being happy and sharing my happiness with others.
I plan to help out my dad at his local food bank where they distribute food to the less fortunate. This will help me show my loving kindness towards strangers. I have been wanting to do this for quite some time but always am busy with work or school. Well, I think it's about time that I make time for this, because it truly does matter.
As far as work goes, that is a work in progress. lol Work is work so I don't think anyone ever wakes up and says "YAY! I get to go work all day." If you do, good for you I'm jealous! lol But, I do have a better attitude towards work now and I use deep breathing to help alleviate headaches during stressful situations, it does work so I recommend giving it a try if you get headaches often!
Kristen
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteAnother well written and thought out post. It is hard to forgive another’s past transgressions. It is enlightening I feel to do so. Copying your example of forgiving a persons past meanness did help me to feel better and move forward.
I have a sneaky hunch that one day you’ll be the boss at your work and well have the power to affect a positive environment for all. Some people are born to lead and I since this in you. Remember what was written by Stan Lee in Spiderman with great power comes great responsibility. It well be awesome when you get to set the tone at work. I advice that there well always be those that think differently or hate but stay strong and you’ll be running the show and set the what’s acceptable standards.
I can testify that if you can hold onto your current job that the stability your showed opposed to job hopping will pay you back tenfold later when you have your new job or career.
There is no better feeling than service for others. I always feel great at the end of the day after helping out at Habitat for Humanity. Its a true blessing to be able to help your father and those needing food or sundries. Keep up the great work!
Being a work in progress is great thing, your still molding yourself and going about it the right way with strong family ties and schooling. I say keep at it, in hind sight I’d love to have been finishing my bachelors in my 20’s. My son and caring for him was a great reward for putting off school, now it is my time and I’m enjoying the fun of my new life challenges. Have a great week and I’m sure we will chat here or via the school discussion. Have a great weekend and always SHINE, it makes other people wonder why your happy.....
Jeff
Hello Kristen,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I agree with you that 10 minutes to repeat any mantra is very long and drawn out. I believe a mantra is fine to say a few times during meditation, but it should really be repeated throughout the day.
I also agree about your job. However, don't ever stop yourself for going for a better opportunity or more money. You never know where it is going to lead you in the future, and, who knows, maybe you will be able to use your degree there.
Good luck to you! I wish you the best.
Hello Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI too was a bit agitated at first by repeating the phrases over and over, but after a little while I was able to reconnect with myself in the sense that accepting and loving myself is the best gift that I can give to myself. These meditations have truly been a strong tower for overcoming the obstacles that I encounter each day.
It is a very wonderful thing for you to reach out to your friend and forgive her, as unforgiveness have the tendency in creating such havoc within our body, mind, and soul.
Keep up the awesome job, as you soar towards higher elevations within every areas of your life.
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed the loving kindness audio meditation however this last exercises will a little harder for me to focus without an audio. I do better when I have a audio or visual and able to concentrate on the meditation and be more refeshed when I get done.
I know what you mean about things at work not going well so you try to keep finding a new job. I have recently settled into a job I really enjoy going to each day, that being said there are still some days that nothing seems to go right. However, I just try to focus on the positives and wake up the next day ready to tackle any challenges that come up!
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on this week’s blog! I agree ten minutes is a long time to repeat four short phrases over and over however, I think it is beneficial for the mental aspect of controlling the brain from thinking of other things as well kind of like training the brain to concentrate on just the phrase only however this is just my opinion. I liked the assessment and I think doing the assessment every now and then could help letting myself know the accomplishments that I have made.
To further the blog, what do you think about doing several different exercises of loving kindness? Do you think in this day and age we need more love and kindness in our lives? How would you feel if there was a class in high school to teach these exercises? Do you think it could help our society and teach them to live a better life mentally?
Hello Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI tried memorizing the phrases that didn't work as well because I was more focused on that then the actual exercise.But after that it seems help control my thoughts and keep things in a positive perspective great blog