So here I am again being asked to dig deeper into the world of love. The first thing without a doubt is learning to love one's self then at this point will you be able to take it a step further and show this love to others.
Universal Loving Kindness Exercise
This exercise came at a very much needed time. I recently had a falling out with a friend over what seems to me and others as a very trivial issue. However, this friend refuses to speak to me, look at me, or even acknowledge my prescence when in the same room. It has been a couple of months now and I think what bothers me the most is that I really don't feel a sense of loss over the end of the friendship; I almost just feel relief. However, I am not and have not been angry at this person and can honestly say that I only want the best for her. While practicing the Universal Loving Kindness exercise I realized that I do love her as a person and it is ok to still feel that for her even though she does not want to be a friend any longer. It feels good parting in this way because I know and feel that whatever positive energy inside me will eventually spill over and infect her too. In essence, this exercise inspired a sense of hope for reconciliation.
The Integral Assessment
This process serves as a type of guideline or manual. It causes you to bring your attention to the here and now, the future, provides relevancy, and forces you to maintain your psychospiritual awareness. The most important part of this exercise is a sense of relevancy. Sometimes when we begin a journey in personal enlightenment we become stagnant in one area, neglect others, and do not bring attention to those that need it when the time arises. As mentioned in the previous exercise I lost a friend recently. This affects me mentally and emotionally and not so much physically. The integral assessment helps guide me to direct my efforts and attention to those aspect that need the most nuturing at this time. I can foster growth in this area by working on developing the witnessing mind and progressing to a calm-abiding. Finding peace and quiet on a regular basis will be a step in the right direction.
I've been wanting to post to this particular blog for a while now... Sorry it's taken me so long...
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your honesty expressing your feelings Juanita. Just remember that everything has a purpose and a reason why things happen the way they do. It's up to you to decide which path to take.
It's good to find quiet and peace on a regular basis; try not to dwell in the past; if your relationship is truly over, live on with no regrets and take care of yourself and prepare for your future goals. You're strong, you're independent and you can live life and still be happy on your own. If someone happens to roll around... sweet! For now, just take what you got and be greatful for it.
I remember being in your place. It's not fun... This was the time when I realized I couldn't do this on my own anymore. My heart felt like an anchor, magnetic to the floor and I couldn't breath. I physically cried out "GOD, PLEASE HELP ME... I need help..." right in front of my girls too(it was a bit embarressing) but after a moment, my mind was suddenly clear from chaos. I didn't quite know what was happening or what exactly I needed, but I somehow knew I needed to seek help across the street to my neighbors that go to my church in whom I really wasn't acquainted all that well with.
Through their love I learned to have faith in God. Shortly after, through surfing, I became absolutely certain God was real, and I knew exactly what I needed to do... I had to let go... but in doing so, my husband decided to stay and I've dedicated my life to God ever since.
'Those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.' (Job 36:15)