I am very familiar with workouts, but rather the physical kind and not so much the mental variety.
The concept behind a "mental workout" is the continued practicing (training) of our brains to achieve a state of higher consciousness and with that improved healing capacities, therefore to benefit human flourishing. The benefits range from more personal compassion to peace and calm, delight and happiness, creativity, wisdom and compassion. To achieve these attributes one should get in the habit of practicing loving kindness daily, for example by engaging in meditation and periods of mindfulness.
Dunja :)
Hello again Dunja :),
ReplyDeleteI believe this concept makes extreme sense and what many don't realize is that this is not an over thing night. Just like a physical workout, we have to work at it and be consistent in order to receive results. We have the ability to train our minds and some either abuse it or are unaware. Practicing loving-kindness is a great way to start this off the right way. Even starting at 5 minutes a day for some relaxation and working our way up is great. Good post!
Felicia,
DeleteI do agree with you, 5 minutes would be a great start and often the only reason we don't do that, is because we are not committed to a resolution, mostly because we allow life to take over and get in the way. I am planning on getting better, I again joined the Deepak Chopra challenged that starts in March, a new daily meditation that is truly relaxing and inspiring. You should join, I know you'd love it and it is free.
Dunja
Dunja,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that we have to workout our minds just as we do our bodies. I mentioned in my blog that I have a small attention span. With work and practice, I know that I can change to improve my focus and attention. I also think that we should practice this each day. I did it again this morning with my husband this time and it was amazing to see how enlightened he became. I actually saw a shift in his attitude. More people could use this in the world.
Kristen,
Deletethis is so awesome that you can do these exercises with your husband and that you can tell his change in attitude! I think my husband would benefit from this as well, but I don't think he takes this kind of thing seriously, always says to me that his kind of meditation is the one he spends playing his XBox. I think its funny how often we women seem to be more inclined to explore our spiritual realms and men (at least the ones I know) seem to shrug it all off as humbug, maybe it has to do with social norms in our society, as in other cultures men embrace this more.
Thanks for replying!
Dunja