Unit 8: Reflection

I think the two most effective practices for me this term are loving kindness and meditation. Of course, meditation kind of includes everything in its definition....

As I have talked about before, I love walking meditation and this is the activity that I turn to first when I get upset, stressed, or overwhelmed. I started doing this type of practice about 3 years ago when I was going through a divorce. Not only does it help to keep my mind free it also helps me strengthen and tone my physical body. Since I moved to Portland a couple weeks ago, I have made it a point to walk at least 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes. Then there's the cleaning meditation that I tend to do quite a bit as well. Those of you that read my blog about this would be happy to know that my new job is cleaning houses. :)

I try to practice loving kindness every day by approaching all my social interactions with an open heart and non-judgmental mind. The life that I have been working hard on building the last few years is full of so much love that it amazes me when I stop to look at it. I am grateful for the love and return it in kind. I believe love to be cyclical by nature and I let it flow freely through me and my environment.

In addition to these, I also try to sit in silence for at least a few minutes a day to just be a part of myself. The world can be a very noisy place and I find the silence very relaxing. It gives my mind a chance to take a break from all the stress and responsibility and just be still.