1. Wow, this exercise was really good for me! Of course, the first time you try one of these exercises it is hard, but gets easier each time. The first time I tried it I had the usual problems, I had trouble picturing the person without my mind wandering to memories of times spent with them etc. I also at one point realized that I was concentration on the exercise so much that I wasn’t breathing deeply and normally as I should. I have found with all of these exercises that I actually do better without the guidance from the CD. For me it is more distracting than silence so I do the exercise the first time with the CD and then write down the steps to memorize for the next time. When I can do it in silence and at my own pace I do better. So the second time I tried this exercise I made sure to relax and focus on my breathing for as long as it took me to feel calm and stilled before I proceeded with the visualizations.
I used my Dad for the visualization. He has taught me more in my life than any other person. He not only taught me how to do the most things but about life itself and spirituality and being a good person. My Dad is still living, but he has moderate Alzheimer’s. He still knows us, but is not the same knowledgeable and interactive person he once was. I really miss the deeply meaningful heartfelt conversations we used to have. I enjoyed this exercise because it did help me feel still connected to the well of knowledge he has always shared with me. The last step of allowing the image to dissolve into white light and be absorbed into me was both unsettling and comforting. It reminded me of death and “going toward the light” so it made me think about Dad eventually being gone. However, the light being absorbed into me helps me realize that he will never actually be gone because I will always have the knowledge and love that he passed on to me.
2. The saying “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself.” from our text does make sense to me (Schlitz, Amorok & Micozzi, 2005). It is sort of like the “walk a mile in my shoes”. You can’t tell someone about a journey that you haven’t taken. I think we do have an obligation to “practice what we preach” and to try to strive toward integral health ourselves. I have been cultivating my psychological and spiritual growth for many years now and will continue thanks to things I have learned in this course. Of course you all know from my previous blogs the area I most need to work on is exercise, but I will get there eventually.
Reference
Schlitz, M, Amorok, T, & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & healing: integral approaches to mind-body medicine. St. Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone.
Lori, Im sorry about your father. I volunteer with Hospice and this disease is one of the hardest for families because they have to mourn twice for one loved one. Once for the loss while there living and finally for the loss of their presence.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI also used my dad for my visual because he was an exceptional person, unfortunately he died in 1985 when I was 22 and my first daughter only a year old. So I missed so much with him as have my kids, it bothers me all the time but then I think how blessed I am to have had him at all and know I will see him again some day. As you said the white light always makes me think of the beyond but also as you said we get to absorb that beautiful spirit and feel that love.
I am sorry to hear about your dad, I know it's hard but remember he will never be far away no matter what. I believe that there is a whole new journey after death and the ones we love are waiting for us, so for me there's a hell of a party waiting for me LOL, because pretty much all my family is gone so I hold on to that. :)
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI never thought about doing the exercise without guidance from the CD…that’s a good idea, especially when a voice pops up telling me to do something and confuses my train of thought.
I am glad that the exercise allowed you the opportunity to see your dad in the way that things were prior to the onset of his Alzheimer’s and to accept that when he passes, what he’s instilled you in is etched in your heart and mind forever.
My Grandmother had Alzheimer's disease, it's a tough thing to witness. I visualized my Father for the exercise also. Strong, smart, and a good teacher, he was the obvious choice.
ReplyDeleteI also do better without instruction from a CD. I take the ideas and modify them until my simple mind can wrap around them.