This week I did the “Meeting Asclepius” exercise. This exercise was difficult for me because I am not a visual person. It was hard to get a visual on whom or what I was supposed to be receiving health from. Something was faulty with the visual person in my mind, and I had questions about the personality and character of this person. Visualization is difficult and frustrating; I prefer words and sounds. I did the exercise once and returned to my regular meditative practice the following day.
I am incorporating loving-kindness meditations on a regular basis; I believe it is fostering a less judgmental and more flexible attitude in my day to day life. I have also discovered a physical pre-symptom to my anxiety and acid reflux and have been able to narrow down the thoughts and feelings that are causing the attacks. I am healthier now than I was seven weeks ago; it has been several weeks since I have gotten physically ill from anxiety. As I continue and deepen my practice, my health will continue to improve. I am aiming for not just controlling the acid reflux but to never suffer its effects again. From that point I am looking forward to gaining control over other biological concerns as my mind and spirit continue to grow.
“One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself.” As a psychology student that hopes to pursue a doctorate, I believe that living a healthy psychological life is important in order to be a support and encourager to clients. I have a desire to help and encourage clients towards a deeper understanding of health and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. My experience with anxiety has taught me firsthand what the mind can do to the body and I believe that I can use the principles learned in sessions with clients, to teach them how to live and grow through the experience instead of just managing it.
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Stacy,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is great that you have controlled your anxiety and reflux with meditation. I too have seen my anxiety levels decrease and almost disappear since I started the exercises in this class. It is a wonderful feeling to have control of your mind and body.
The exercise this week was easier for me then some. I think what works for you is what you should do continue in your practices. It is good to know what works or does not work for you. This can also help when working with clients and understand what works for us may not work for them.
Stacy,
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful that you are achieving such great results with mind-body-spirit practice. It will be a great example for your future clients. Like you and Amanda, I have noticed that my anxiety level has gone down since starting this class.
For this week, I have found the Asclepius exercise to be somewhat easier to maintain focus than the Loving-kindness exercise. That's just goes to show you that this is not a “one size fits all” medicine. I must admit that at the beginning it was difficult to visualize who it is that I admire or aspire to be. Nevertheless, after a few minutes, I was able to identify this person and that made the rest of the exercise easier to do. I love the sound of the ocean in the background. It was very relaxing.
Maggie