Mental Training- Unit 4

Loving-Kindness

 

 

1.Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

Understanding that loving kindness revolves around the considerations of others is important. This exercise was relaxing and really allowed me to open my mind. I took the feelings of loving kindness towards my mother and turned them inward to change the perception and feeling of myself. This actually made my body feel comfortable and at peace. I was able to feel love towards myself and I almost felt like a better person even though I had not completed any actions. Once I started to imagine people suffering I also understood how important it is to help and consider others. We must all function as a whole not billions of individuals.

I did feel it was a beneficial exercise because it made me calm and peaceful. I have been very anxious and stressed out this past week and this was the first time my heart slowed and I was able to feel truly relaxed. I never understood that I had so much control and with each unit I am gaining more control with knowledge. The exercise was very easy. It was just pure imagination and the women giving the instructions had a very assuring voice. I would definitely recommend this exercise to others because it is just a few minutes of time that can improve your entire day and eventually could lead to self-improvement and loving kindness.

2.What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

Mental training is a process of completing exercises that help strengthen and train the mind. A mental workout is based on completing exercises mentally that help improve one’s mental strength and focus throughout life. The loving kindness exercise I completed above starts to train the mind to the ideas of love and helping others. By taking the time to complete mental workouts helps sharpen and strengthen and person’s mind-body-spirit.

There has been research conducted on the importance of mental training and how it can improve life overall. A study by Antoine Lutz showed there was an increase in one’s mental status when they completed practices from contemplative practice (Dacher, 2006, p.63). Contemplative practice is the working out the mind to achieve a high inner self (Dacher, 2006, p.61). Having a higher mental state allows one to have a trained mind, be open to others, be connected with our inner self, and have an overall more spiritual and beneficial life (Dacher, 2006, p.66). Everyone should take the time to train their mind and have a strong mental state.

By completing mental workouts I can improve my mind and my overall life. I can learn to be in touch with my inner self and have the ability to help myself and others. My overall psychological health will improve because my mind will be healthier. The mind can be cared for just like body and be healthy or unhealthy. By completing these practices I will be sharpen my mind and expanding my education.

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc