I am amazed this course has gone so fast and we are at week 8 already!
So this week we are to reflect on the practice sessions and exercises we have completed in this course.
I have found that, with all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I want to make time to meditate, even if only for a few minutes a day. I don’t always have the time to sit in a quiet, calm place, but I do take the time to stop and refocus on things. I have also found that reflecting on loving-kindness, I have a new found appreciation for “letting things go”. I have never been one to hold a grudge, but sometimes, things sit under the surface. I have learned to tell myself, that I forgive myself and others. Just thinking it helps……As a nurse, I have taught many patients how to control and situation by using their breathing. By focusing on this, I find it easier to get into the meditative moment.
I am going to try and continue these practices after this class has ended in an effort to make my life more.
I have also learned and found interesting how yoga could benefit me and when I get to May 7 and my elusive BSN, I am going to look into starting that journey…….
Sandy N.
Hi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteIs there any truth in the saying that, “the older we get, the faster time goes”? But, I agree that the weeks have flown away. These studies were unique, and at the same time reflective. I’ve always enjoyed the study of mankind, whether it’s physiological, psychological, or spiritual. I was fascinated on the readings of the Navajos, and their ways of knowing – how does man/woman learn and acquire what he/she knows, I imagine this would be the study of epistemology.
Sandy, in a preceding posting, I think I mentioned that to me nursing is one of the fields that I refer to as more than a vocation, rather a calling. Continue to find the time for yourself, and continue to take care of your patients. I too enjoy yoga; it exercises both, the mind and the body.
Thanks for sharing…
Kevin H.
Kevin,
DeleteThanks for responding. I have always tried to have a little time for me. As a mom, grandmom, and nurse, I seem to always find time for others...it is the nurturer in me. I am trying to find time just for me and the meditation exercises are helping me do just that. I have to say, that I have always thought of a vocation as just a job and a calling what I am. I feel, that my being a nurse is my calling. It is part of what I am not just what I do. Yes time does fly by as we get older...is it that we are more involved in other things, where as a child we are just :in the moment"? Interesting point. Thanks again!
Sandy,
ReplyDeleteI am a nurse too, and your right, breathing is so important when we assist our patients to relax, be calmer, and focus. I feel sometimes as caregivers, we put our all to those we care for, but must remember to care for ourselves as well. By practicing these contemplative exercises, one can nuture the body, mind, and spirit, and then will be more aware of the connection it gives. It will increase our ablility to open our hearts, be forgiving, less judgemental, more accepting of others values, and feel the true meaning of loving-kindness. I want to continue these exercises daily also so I can train my mind for those same reasons. I will finish my BSN with Kaplan in December, and know already that I will need to refocus my energy on something as positive as homework! Then on to my MSN. Best Wishes to you for happiness and wholeness in your journey.
Judy Allen Powell
Sandra, Your posts each week inspire me. You're a very special person. I agree that the breathing is important and can center us to find relaxation and a calmer state. I have found the contemplative exercises extremely useful and have established a goal that I will continue to practice. Thanks, Rachelle
ReplyDeleteRachelle, thank your kind words. i am humbled. i am glad that you have established a goal that you will continue. I just heard Michelle Duggar on Tv tonite say there is not failure in trying only progression. Remember it's not where we come from or where we go, only how we got there.
DeleteThanks,
Sandy N.
I have also found that hte hardes part of every one of these exercises has been letting go. This deals, I think, with much more than ignoring distracting sounds or the itch on your cheek, but more like having the ability to let go of yourself in a sense that makes these exercises as effective as they are. Good luck in your continuing journey.
ReplyDeleteTime always flies by when you're having a good time with something! What are some of the practices you do on letting go?
ReplyDeleteJessica Pelletier
Hi Sandy, I am excited that we are almost done with this class, only because I need a break :)
ReplyDeleteI know that it is hard to stop what you are doing to find a calm and quiet place to do these meditations. I have a hard time with that myself. However, what I did do was the one night that my son was suffering from a horrible migraine, I took him to a dark and quiet room and talked him through how to meditate a little just to calm him down. He finally did calm down, and it put him to sleep. I was amazed. Thank you for your post. Enjoy your week.
Jennifer Johnson-Orchard