Universal Loving Kindness

Greetings Everyone,

I hope everyone had a good week and a nice weekend so far.  I spent the day hiking in Manitou Springs so I am in a great place.

I think the Universal loving kindness exercise is one that a lot of people could benefit from.  I know that I notice a lot of anger within people and this could be one exercise that could turn that attitude around.  In order to really reach our integral health we are to reach this step which may take some time, but would give endless benefit.  I personally enjoyed the exercise and found that it made me really think about others and their struggles.  Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in your own troubles and you can forget to take a look around you.  I also think the integral assessment is a beneficial practice in order to take a look at yourself as a whole.  I find that my spirituality is an area that I am lacking and to be honest not something I ever thought of before this class.  I have recently started meditating on a regular basis and have actually started to enjoy it because I am now able to quiet my mind much more successfully.  I also do not get frustrated if I can't get there, I realize it is a process so I'm trying to let it happen more organically rather than forcing it so hard.  I recently did one of my meditations outdoors on a windy day and found that the sound of the wind blowing through the trees had almost a drug like effect on me.  I was at peace, maybe for the first time ever.  Truly amazing!!  I think by continuing to practice my meditation and incorporating yoga, exercise, and visualizations I will become more in touch with this aspect of myself.

Lauren