I have to admit that I feel pretty stressed out so far in my new class. There, I said it. I feel overwhelmed, because so far everything seems so disorganized to me and I don't know where to start in my tasks that need completion this week for my school class.
As I was sitting on my computer trying to make sense out of my tasks, I realized how cold I was, so decided to eat breakfast and then listen to this relaxation exercise.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
Admittedly, it was hard to focus and it took me quite awhile to calm myself and pay close attention to the 13 minute audio segment. Eventually I realized that I let myself relax enough to feel the heavy arms, to not want to move a muscle and at the end, to "move" my blood back into my abdomen, but that is honestly where my experience ended. Other than the heaviness, my fingers and hands remained ice cold and I still feel nervous and stressed out. So what gives? Did I not have an open enough mind to do this exercise? Did I not pay close attention? Ultimately I know that I just really have a hard time letting go, it usually takes me way longer than 13 minutes to become calm and collected, additionally when I am cold there is nothing that gets me warm but a hot shower, exercise, or hot tea - no amount of visualization seems to get me comfortable. I may try this exercise again when I am more at ease and not anxious, hopefully this evening.
Hi Dunja,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to meet you! I read that you reside in Spanaway, WA? I just moved from Spanaway to Lacey. :) I will have to also admit that at first it is a little hard to stay focused on the task. There is so much going on in our mind that it is just natural to think and think some more. However, for me, after some time I really got into it. I think for this exercise we really needed to be in a restful position, one that we can actually feel more comfortable in. Also, any little thing can be distracting. I would suggest grabbing a blanket if cold, drink some tea before hand, closing all blinds, tuning out/turning off any possible noises, and etc. Give it another try and this time take a deep breathe, try not to think about anything too stressful, and really just try to zone in.
Hi Felicia,
Deletewow, so we are almost neighbors! Funny thing is, I used to live in Lacey until 2009 when I moved to Spanaway.
I am usually doing very well with meditation, but for some reason I felt nervous and stressed out yesterday. I will give it another try for sure, it will be better next time! :)
Hello Dunja,
ReplyDeleteSo glad we are in another class together. I understand your feelings about starting a new class and the stress to become acclimated and organized to a new course with a new professor with new criteria. It always takes me at least two weeks to feel comfortable again and I have found that it is usually my own mind that makes it worse than it actually is...I am my own worse enemy. I think the learning outcomes for this course in particular may help us with this. I have actually tried self hypnosis before and it works well. This term I have decided to take up yoga and meditation. I have always held this belief in the power of positive thought but somehow my environment gets the best of me and brings me right back down under again with all the negativity that is advertised and portrayed on television, radio and also our American Culture. I look forward to working with you again and look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Lisha,
DeleteThanks for your encouragement. I hear you with the getting used to part, it really does take me a couple of weeks to adjust. I am a good student, but I do tend to over think things and try to control everything, a fact that leads to stress. I too am engaging in meditation but my goal is to actually make it a regular habit again as it does help me calm down. Let's see what this course has in store!
Sounds like you have a lot going on...as we all do. I think it's easier for some people to relax than it is for others. I have been doing yoga for almost a year now. Not on a daily basis, more weekly, and I STILL can't focus. Still can't keep my mind silent. I can't keep myself from worrying about all the things that I should be doing, need to be doing, or am not doing. I also could not focus durring that exercise. I was thinking I needed a new sponge (when they try and make that comparison to a soft sponge and hard sponge). I also had a hard time not thinking about episodes of SpongeBob Square Pants (a highly annoying cartoon that my children love).
ReplyDeleteI have been told that it takes time to train your mind to relax. It's something that has to be learned. I am there with ya, girl, I have no idea what I am doing! I am high strung I guess. There, I admitted it. Gross. I hope I learn to cope with stress somehow!
Hello, I am glad to meet you. I have had a hard time finding the instructions for this exercise. Maybe you could help me. I am in Lansing , MI and have a hard time slowing down after a busy day at work. It does get stressful and I would like to try the exercise. This may be just what I need to relax. I look forward to getting to know you.
ReplyDelete