Since the beginning of this class, we have experimented with several different meditative practices. Some I liked, some I just couldn't get into, and some were just so so. The two that I liked the most were Meeting Aesclepius and Subtle Mind. I find these two to be the most beneficial because of the long pauses between instruction, and the fact that the concepts presented to the listener were presented in such a way that the listener could apply them to his or her own unique situation. I can implement these practices in my personal life to foster "mental fitness" by saving these audio recordings on my computer and making an appointment with myself for self reflection and meditation. I sincerely feel that this is something that I will absolutely need when we are able to bring our daughter home from the NICU. (I imagine having a new baby in the house for the first time will not only require much time and attention, but also energy). For example, I can make it a point on Monday mornings to complete the Subtle Mind exercise and then on Thursday mornings to complete the Meeting Aesclepius exercise. I can make this work by writing it in my planner. (I really like having a planner, it keeps me on track and organized). I always suggest writing things down, because I feel that it is making a commitment to yourself, in a sense.
Ok, so an update on my beautiful baby: Melina is doing so well! The nurses are very pleased with her progress! Within the next day or so, she should be getting moved out of the NICU and to Pediatrics! This is certainly a step in the right direction! I can't wait until I get to bring her home! :)
Mariah
Hello Mariah,
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost congratulations on the progress of your baby girl! You will definitely be bringing her home soon (especially to cuddle, snuggle, and love).
I believe we had pretty much the same feelings in reference to some of the meditation sessions. In all honestly, all of them, if I truly believe, can help me in one way or another. I also thought my favorite was Meeting Aesclepius. It helped me unite with the love and kindness that my father had (or still has) for me. We must remember to be consistent with our practices so we can become successful in our paths for human flourishing.
Cary
Hi Cary,
DeleteThank you for your response! I can't wait to bring her home!
Mariah
Hello Mariah,
ReplyDeleteI must commend you on going to school and having to care for a newborn. It can be stressful but I believe you are going to do just fine. Especially with the exercises you have been doing, I think you are on the way to achieving mental fitness. Congratulations!! I am sure your baby girl will bring you so much joy. Remember to enjoy all the small moments, they go by really fast!!
Hi Salama,
DeleteI can't believe how fast the past two weeks have gone. She has already changed so much! She's gaining weight, and her cheeks are starting to get chubby! (yay!) I will be sure to enjoy all my time with her! :)
Mariah
Hi Ms. Mariah! Congrats on baby Melina doing so well! I picked the Subtle Mind and Aesclepius exercises as well for the two I found to benefit me the most. I think it is a fantastic idea for you to not only schedule in these contemplative practices, but to place them in your planner. Just as you mentioned, it is a commitment to yourself – taking time to commit to your wellness and take time which will ultimately contribute to taking care of the wellness of those around you! I also saved all the mp3’s from this term on my computer so I can use them as I see fit. I’m sure there are a couple I will not use (or at least not often), but that’s ok – at least I will have them!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Emi
Hi Emi,
DeleteSaving the practices on your mp3 is a really good idea too! You have already been practicing the exercises more than once a week, so I think you will do fine in keeping them in your schedule as well. And it's better to save all of them, just in case you do decide to go back to the ones you don't use as often.
I think I'm going to miss blogging with you when we are done with this class. I have actually found it to be fun! :)
Mariah
Hi Mariah,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see your little girl is doing well. Bringing her home will be fun, hard, exhausting, and beautiful all at the same time! The great thing about babies a lot of people don't stress enough is they sleep SO much! You will actually find yourself being like, What should I do? or snoozing with her :) Either way, the meditations when she naps will probably really benefit you. I wish I found them sooner! In just the last 8 weeks I feel like a better mom; more aware and self-reflecting about how I handle different situations. There have been a few things you have said before that reminded me of myself. When you ended your blog with adding it to your planner I was cracking up cause I just got a new planner for 2014 and I LOVE IT!. I never found one where I could write enough and I found one with the full calendar and then space for everyday and times. Its already proving to help me stay on track and its only January 6th :) Good luck in your transition home!
Hi Jenn,
DeleteI have kept a planner since junior high! I have to write things down! And I'm a huge advocate of lists! haha! I'm glad to hear that you find that the meditative practices have helped to make you a better mom. That's really nice to hear. :)
My little one is starting to smile. I even heard a little laugh today! She is so stinkin' cute! I never knew I could love something so much...I thought I loved my husband and my dog...but wow...I think having her around will strengthen our relationship and allow us to grow in our marriage and as parents.
Thanks for your response!
Mariah
Hi Mariah,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that you and your baby are doing well. Meditation can surely help you during stressful situations. Meditation alone is to essentially quiet your mind and your physical being, so you can sit in the space of peace. Meditation is a way to eliminate the lack of balance caused by mental stress. By spending time in meditation, we create a calm haven to restore balance to our mental, and physical functioning. By spending time daily in meditation, we come in contact with a healing power within that can transform our lives and give us relief from suffering for a happy life
Hi Luna,
DeleteSince our baby was born, she has been in the NICU. I love going to visit her every day, but at times I find myself frustrated because she is still in the hospital and not home with us. I have to remind myself that she will be home soon and that she is in really great care in the meantime. I am so glad that I got a breast pump, because I think if I didn't have it, I would go crazy--because that is the only thing I can do for her right now. Take care of myself, so that I can give her the best milk possible. And meditating to calm myself will also rid my body of hormones that I do not need or want to pass in my breast milk to my baby.
Thanks for your post!
Mariah
Visualization is an important aspect of wellbeing and health. Visualizing happiness and positivity creates an open mind and opportunity for happiness and positivity throughout your life. I feel like visualizing all things good will impact my outlook, decisions, and actions in a good way. You’re right about that including goals and plans of a new baby will require energy.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I hope your new daughter will continue to make good progress and eventually go home with you! In my Faith (Eastern Orthodox), on such a momentous occasion, we would say, "May God grant her many Blessed years!"
ReplyDeleteLike you, I found "Meeting Aesclepius" to be one of the more beneficial and rewarding of the practices we tried in this course. The other was Loving Kindness, though it was one of more difficult for me to achieve any results with. But, this is something I need to work on in my life, as I tend to want to withdraw from people, preferring to be alone rather than among others. This practice has helped me to become a little more open, consciously making an effort to be kinder. ((The acid of sarcasm has eroded a large area of my persona, and that isn't good!) Let's just call it a work in progress. :o)
Again, congratulations and best of luck in your future!
Dan Davis