Unit 8

   I think that the two most useful techniques to me are going to be the loving-kindness exercise and the focused concentration exercise. Both have created the most positive emotions during the duration of the past weeks. The key is to train the mind to focus on the body without any form of distraction both of these exercises have proved to be the most effective for me. I also found the “focused concentration” practices were also beneficial; some of these were tough for me to complete. However these other exercises have offered me a connection that links concentration, emotions, and have offered me positive biofeedback from the persons mind in direct correlation with their physiological functions. This can lower my blood pressure, heart rate, and assist with a lessened chance in developing disease which will be beneficial in later years of my life. I was also a huge fan of the progressive muscle relaxation practices that we have partaken in. I had a tough time with the Transcendent meditation and mindfulness meditation. However they are supposed to assist patients and people to relax, improve coping skills, and reduce levels of physical pain.    It has been very difficult for me to meditate through the last six weeks of this course. Like many other Americans in today’s society I seem to pay more attention to what is going on around me in the outside world verse what is going on within me. I now have come to the point where my happiness revolves around concepts of external circumstance. I understand that through meditative practice my awareness will be redirected to focus on myself and the inner part of me that will offer serenity and peace. This can benefit each and every one of us on a different level. I am determined to find a meditative practice that is right for me and offers me the chance to look at myself from a different perspective. I am going to make an effort to integrate these activities into daily activities.