Subtle Mind Excercise - Reflection

Throughout the Subtle Mind exercise, placing the emphasis on the breathing helped to calm my mind and helped me to feel less stress or negative thoughts.  Following the completion of the exercise, I continued to feel calmer and my neck muscles felt more relaxed during the day.  I will continue to practice focusing on my breathing as a way to help create calm thoughts and relaxation.  For me, during the day it is sometimes difficult to keep my thoughts focused and calm since there are often many distractions and activities that require my attention.

The difference between the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle Mind, are that one focuses on loving oneself and others, being kind and thinking positive and the other focuses on reflecting on calming the busy mind.  The narrator mentioned “tame the busy mind”.  I think this is so important, it is difficult to focus on daily activities, remain calm and positive with a racing mind that has a constant inundated of thoughts, some of which may be negative or unnecessary. Breathing exercises are helpful, because they can be practiced throughout the day to regain control of the mind.

Throughout contemplative practice, one can train the mind to develop psychospiritually.  Subtle and still minds are an essential component of integral health and life. 

Personally, I have found yoga and relaxation techniques such as breathing and visualization techniques to help achieve a mind-body connection.  Incorporating these practices and techniques has created a stronger connection.  On days that I practice yoga and relaxation techniques, I feel less stressed, less muscle tension and experience a calmer mind throughout the day.