Universal Loving-Kindness Exercise: I found this exercise to be awkward and I didn't find it useful. I like the idea behind it but the words felt forces and unnatural to me. I have done a similar exercise using the Prayer of St. Francis which feels much more natural to me. I think the general idea of it is the same. I'll post it here for anyone not familiar with it:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Personal Assessment: To be honest I find Dacher's concept of different quadrants, different levels, etc. a bit confusing. But, in doing my assessment I discovered two area where I would focus my growth and development. In my interpersonal life, I have few close connections outside my own family and small circle of friends. I tend not to get involved with others for fear they will place demands on my time. I would like to develop a greater connection with my community and people that I meet in my daily life. The second area is my psycho-spiritual development. I have been content with the progress I had made in my life until I realized the potential that exists. I would focus my growth in this area knowing the positive impact it will have in other areas of my life.
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Hi! Kelly, I agree, trying to remember the phrasing was a little distracting. (I had to peak to remind myself what I was suppose to say) I love this prayer you shared, it is one that is very dear to me. I remember hearing it sung in church when I was a little girl and it has stuck with me ever since. I find praying for these same things in my own words and way was just as effective...and somehow knowing Someone who could actually facilitate these thoughts in me and others is comforting. You are right, we don't realize our potential until we view something better. Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the prayer for us. I really enjoyed reading it, and I think that you are right-the two are very similar in concept. Like you, I have a hard time with others because I feel like they will place a high demand on my time. My time is very valuable to me, and sometimes, I feel very selfish that I do not do more with my friends. I have found that now that I am more aware that I need to do more, I am actually trying to reach out to others. I think that it will be a work in progress.
Thanks,
Aaron
Hi Kelly, I agree as well, remembering the phrases especially with your eyes closed wasn't really easy. Thank you for sharing this prayer. I love it.
ReplyDeleteFinding time for others is often difficult. Especialy when you work, have children, do the cooking and etc. I believe we are all a working progress to some extent and as long as we keep trying to better ourselves we doing good.
Hey kelly,
ReplyDeleteI have never heard that prayer before, and you are right, it is quite similar to what was there in the book. I found this exercise strange because trying to read what was in front of you while trying to relax at the same time was a little difficult. I do have to say that I enjoyed the repetition that the saying provided after I learned it in my head. I would rather just focus on the repetition of breathing in and out, however.
I have read that a lot of people want to start focusing more on their community. I think that is great! I, like you, have a tendency to stick to hanging out with my husband and close friends and family. Luckily, within my church, however, they have organized a group that enables all the women to fellowship one another to provide aid to each other when needed. We visit a couple assigned families within the church a month and find out about their lives, what their interests are, and if there is anything we can do to help them. While it is sometimes difficult to get motivated to get started, I am always fulfilled after I have had the opportunity to help someone else. I wish you the same joy in helping others that I have found within myself!
Aimee
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your prayer. I would like to try this exercise saying the prayer. I understand about having interpersonal relationships because they can sometimes be very demanding. I do not like having that constraint and feeling obligated. I, personally, feel that my time with my family is more important.
Hello Kelly,
ReplyDeleteWell, I am trying to be a more open-minded person these days thanks to this class and my own desire to be more in tune with Buddhist principles and discipline!
Normally, I would've shied away from prayers or scriptures. I had a negative experience as a young person with religion and I think that's part of the reason I lean towards the Buddhist teachings.
I did read the prayer you posted and found it to be similar to what Buddhism teaches us. So I suppose the similarities helped me learn something new and I thank-you!
Hope you're having a great week! Be safe!
Michelle