The first time I did this exercise was after massaging for 8 hours. After my last client, I got the massage table ready for myself. The room has a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for this type of exercise. By the way, my table is very comfortable. I started the exercise and I guess that I must have made it for maybe a couple of minutes before falling asleep. Maybe, I should not do this after 8 hours of massage, and also not while laying on a great table. A few days later, I tried this again with better results. I would say this is not your typical guided imagery but I enjoyed it very much. I´m a big believer in it is better to give than receive and it held true with this exercise. I found it was easier to give my love to others than to give to myself. I feel that I take care of myself pretty well and I pay attention to all aspects of my health. By paying attention to my health, I feel that, that is the love I give myself. I feel it´s hard for me to accept love more times than not and I think this is because I feel that I am a very self sufficient person. I don´t feel comfortable if people have to go out their way to give me love or do something for me, but I do appreciate it very much but it´s still tough. I guess that I can be a little stubborn.
The way I view a mental workout is not necessarily the same as I view a physical workout. Mental workouts keep your brain challenged and sharp. I believe having an active brain speaks so much about how we carry ourselves. Try talking with someone who basically shut their brain off a long time ago, it´s a dull conversation. Of my grandparents, I am left with both of my grandma´s still alive. One is as sharp as a knife but her physical body is not holding up well and my other grandma has Alzheimer's but her body is holding up great. As we age I think it is very crucial to keep our mind activated and stimulated and doing things like tai-chi, learning something new, reading, crosswords, brain teasers are all great way to keep the brain and mind stimulated,and in good working condition.
Hey Chad
ReplyDeleteThe first few times I did this exercise I too had trouble staying awake, lol. I guess it relaxed me to the point of passing out very comfortably. I couldn't imagine doing 8 hours of work and then trying this exercise. I would have probably passed out for hours, lol. I don't normally do mental exercises this deep, however I found it to be pretty relaxing as well as pretty beneficial. It took a lot of my negative thoughts out of my mind and turned them into positive ones. It's not everyday I look for the positive aspects of my very few enemies, however this exercise did just that. Like you I also try and take care of myself physically as much as I can. There is no greater gift you can give your body and your health than a good normal workout routine. Unfortunately I don't give my mind and spirit the same amount of attention and I guess that's one thing I need to work on. Great post!
Hello Chad!
ReplyDeleteYes this exercise was much better than the last couple of exercises; it was relaxing but I did not fall asleep. It is great that you keep in mind that your mind also requires exercise, as well as your physical mind. My mother's mom (my grandma) is one of those individuals that have had her mind deteriorate over time. My mother is scared to death that she too will have the same mental difficulties as grandma. To combat this she does a ton of crossword puzzles and always tries to keep her hands moving; I hope it works. I am much like your in that I feel awkward accepting anything from other people, I know it is a nice gesture but I have always been dependent and like it that way. Thanks Chad!
Bradly Leis
Hi Chad!!! Great post you seem to have alot of the same feelings as me on this concept. I am great at giving... I just don't receive well. I find it hard to accept things from people it makes me feel bad or like I owe them something in return. I am also quite stubborn, I feel like I should be able to take care of myself and shouldn't need someone to take care of me, something I will have to work on. Exercising the mind is extremely necessary, people don't understand the seriousness of it. If you don't use it you lose it.. Nobody wants mush for brains but you will if you don't use your brain. Learning new things, reading, crosswords like you mentioned are all good things to do to keep your mind active.
ReplyDelete-Felicia