Beneficial Doesn't Always Equate with Easy...

I feel that, out of all of the exercises that we have done, the Loving Kindness exercise as well as the Subtle Mind exercise will most likely be the most beneficial for me. The Loving Kindness exercise is certainly not the easiest one for me to do, but I feel as if turning all of the love and peace and joy that I feel for someone else and turning it back upon myself will make me realize that I need my personal quiet time and am deserving of that time. Feeling as if I truly deserve that time regardless of schedule is what will make the biggest difference for me. As for the Subtle Mind exercise...it feels so relaxing to lie or sit quietly and concentrate on my breathing. It helps me get back in touch with myself and quiets the mental chatter that we have often discussed. These will help with my mental fitness by helping me to clear the cobwebs and clutter as well as being able to focus solely on certain aspects one at a time. I find that, far too often, I am distracted. My focus is split between what I am doing and what I have done or intend to do...al of the tasks and minutiae that make up a normal day. These things intrude and by training my focus I hope to be able to curtail the intrusions. The fact that both of these exercises were not necessarily the easiest does not detract from their benefits. I am determined to keep trying.