Unit 5: Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise.

The Subtle Mind was easier for me to complete as opposed to the Loving/Kindness exercise. While I understood what was intended of the Loving/Kindness exercise, I just could not do it. I wasn’t feeling what I thought I was expected to feel. Perhaps I was trying too hard. The exercise actually made me a little uncomfortable which is ironic considering I eventually fell asleep!

Although my mind tended to wander during both exercises it was encouraged during the Subtle Mind, up to a point. When my mind began to wander I was able to reel it back in by concentrating on my breathing. The narrator mentioned that we would have thoughts and images running through our mind and to acknowledge them but do not attach to them; just let them pass.

Spiritual wellness can be reached by first fostering a mind/body connection. This movement through stages is called biological flourishing in which we strive to reach a higher level of development. I can make the initial shift to a mind/body connection through contemplative practice, and by combining physical activity with mental focus.