In the last several weeks we have learned different ways to become healthy. In integral health we learned that meditation can been done in many different ways. When we learned about loving kindness I wondered how this concept would help me as a person and nurse. When I practiced this it had amazing results. I can be a hard person sometimes and tend to keep a pretty big wall up around me. The reason is so I don't get hurt by becoming to attached to patients. The problem was I was acting like this all the time, even with family and friend. When practicing the loving kindness people around me noticed a change. I was even asked if I was on medication. I was shocked, I could not believe how people seen me. I continued to practice and incorporated the meditation in with this. I actually felt better, less stressed and I can tell you I even felt good about breaking my shell. I discovered that the wall I built around myself was also affecting how my patients reacted to me. With the meditation exercise and visualization practices I was able to connect with myself and focus my mind.
The subtle mind practice was alittle harder to understand. I was actually better with loving kindness and visualization. I also came to realize that I used to practice my own meditation when I was younger by falling asleep to soft music. We don't realize what stress does to us until it happens. I actually had to see doctor because I was having heart palpitation's, they told me it was related to stress. I couldn't believe it, I was actually allowing stress to affect my physical self.
Since I am using the meditation practices I have felt less stressed and able to sleep better. I feel like I am working towards a new me. I am excited about continuing this progress towards a healthier me. I became a believer with this meditation 2 weeks back and since than I have been using meditation to relax after work everyday. I can say it has improved my performance and attitude at work and at home. I am less likely to come home in a bad mood or start yelling at the kids because I feel strung to tight. I find myself laughing more and enjoying just sitting outside more.
I know what you mean about being able to relax more, laugh more and enjoy life. I used to be a very closed person, like you I had built a wall around myself for fear of getting hurt. But now with practicing relaxation techniques, meditation and renewing my faith in God, I have finally found happiness again. Great post and I hope this will continue to help you in your nursing career.
ReplyDeleteI think that is amazing that you were able to implement the loving-kindness exercise into your life. I can understand how you as a nurse don't bond with your patients, perhaps it is kind of a cold relationship. And then of course it affects the realationships with your friends and family. I can see how others would see a difference. I see a difference in me. That is funny that people asked you if you were on medication.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the subtle mind I think it was difficult at first but now I love it. I just like you had to go to the hospital because I was having heart palpatations. They said it could be due to my anxiety and stress. When I went back and took the stress test I failed it. I really needed to make some changes because it was affecting my life and I have alot of living to do. I chose to take this class and it may be one of the best things that have ever happened for me.
yes loving kindness is a great exercise. I mean who could not use more loving kindness in their lives. Sometimes just a simple smile can make another persons day much more bareable. It makes you more intouch with the feelings of others. yes the subtle mind was more challenging for me as well. I loved reading your thread. Good work
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