"Loving Kindess" vs. "The Subtle Mind"

For whatever the reason, I found the "Loving Kindness" (LK) a more difficult exercise than "The Subtle Mind " (SM).  It may have just been the timing, but it was difficult for me to quiet down the chatter in my mind with LK.  It was, as I mentioned in my post, very foreign for me to have images in my head of those I love, but without emotion.  I think the SM exercise allowed me a deeper concentration (when I wasn't fighting with my chatter), quieting my mental activity more quickly and certainly in a deeper manner.  I think I can use the SM exercise to master the LK exercise.


Spiritual wellness is a more difficult process to accept, especially in Western culture.  Spiritual wellness is connected to our mental and body wellness, giving us a an understanding beyond our "solid" bodies.  Understanding of a subtler body and mind.  It is fascinating to realized that our bodies continuously change because of the recycling of elements we eat (and have been eaten) or by the air we breathe (which has been breathed before).  Understanding that the miracles of life are not just about the body, but about a higher understanding of our bodies. Because the mind affects the body, and the body affects the mind, we are finding that spirituality also affects the mind and body, controlling aspects of our bodies.  Spirituality enables us to begin to understand extended human abilities and allows us to understand the nature of disease and death, without fear or prejudice.


This connectedness between spirituality and the mind and body has just begun in my life.  I've always considered myself "spiritual" but never really knew what that meant.  Now I'm beginning to understand how spirituality can coerce a healthy mind and body.  I am understanding the ability that I have to let go of the fear of the unknown, let go of the chaos that affects my body and mind, and find that inner peace that will direct my body, mind and soul toward health, happiness and wholeness.