Sunday, July 18, 2010

Universal Loving Kindness

This week we were introduced to the idea of universal loving kindness. It was a great exercise to expand our love to those outside our inner circle. This is done by putting thoughts of love and kindness out into the universe. We are wishing wellness to all, even our enemies. I have found this beneficial in my work life. In some ways things happen that frustrate us but this allows me to rise above it and grow from it. This is practicing a love of mankind which is never a bad thing.
In the Dacher text I was challenged to assess my growth and development. There are four areas to consider and the one that I most need improvement in is Biological. I have been experiencing health problems for the first time in my life that required hospitalization. Being in the hospital you have a lot of time to think about life and what may have led you there in the first place. I have taken this part of my life for granted because my health has always just been there. I am in need of healing both medically and mentally. I am using meditation and visualization to help me in the healing process and truly believe that my efforts are working. This is the area that my focus is on and I am grateful that I can work on my healing and wellness daily.

Integral Health, The Path to Human Flourishing. Elliott S. Dacher. Basic Health Publications 2006

6 comments:

  1. Congratualations on taking control of your healing. Many have great difficulty accomplishing that task. Putting forth the effort (via meditation and visualization), and believing in their success, is a sure fire way to overcome challenges. Embrace your healing and know that you are well on your way to recovery. You have my prayers and loving kindness. I wish you the best.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Often times it takes getting sick to make a turn in health, it is good to see the need and move in the path of change for your body. I am glad you have come to the point to make that change. Diet and exercise is a great start to a physical change. Best of luck on your new physical flourishing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful post Alison. The concept of sending loving kindness to others is practiced in many Eastern religions. It is my experience that people can feel this from you and it makes everyone respond with a mellower attitude. I am glad to hear you are healing and I believe that visualization is key to getting the body to respond to its immune function. Blessings to you on your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! Inspiring post i never considered that maybe a hospitalization could really open your eyes most people just check in and get what ever required then head right back to old habits and routines, but the fact that you are working on changing and fixing your body through meditation and better wellness is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Alison,
    As a severe epileptic, I can totally relate to what it's like to be the hospital. At one time it was my home away from home. Meditation helps me sleep better and the more sleep I get, the better control I have over my seizures. It takes effort to bring your health under control but I'm so happy that you have found something that works. Rock on! ;)
    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
  6. Greetings,

    Wonderful post! I, too, am in needs of improving my biological wellness. My decreased physical activity as of late has caused an increase of complications with pain and stress. I, all too often, follow physical fitness regimens until the pain subsides and overall biological health improves. Unfortunately, at this point, I find myself reducing the amount I spend on physical activities to maintain my quality of life. I need to get on it, and stick with it!

    Best of luck to you!

    ReplyDelete