My favorite two integral practices are the subtle mind and visualization practices. Why? I am very sensitive and respondent to both of these, and both have the ability to calm my mind and clear away unwanted thoughts and emotions that are conducive to a stressful state, and retard the opportunity for mental development.
The subtle mind practice is very effective, but I have to keep practicing so that I can incorporate it into daily life at a moment's notice when I need it. The same thing with the visualization exercise. I think it is wise to be able to put a halt to negative feelings and emotions before they get a chance to settle in and affect my daily life. For example, an every day occurrence, that bothers me, such as being subject to crazy drivers on the road, can be quickly reframed and resolved so that I do not allow one incident to ruin my day!
Okay, this one is huge. A real test for my newfound integral practices. I am getting hassled by property insurance companies. I live in an environmentally sensitive part of the country that happens to be in the hurricane zone. Because we are islands, insurance companies do not want to insure us for policies that mandated by mortgage companies. So our only insurance options are with federal and state companies called "insurers of last resort". This sets up what I call a "blackmail" scheme that both my flood insurance and windstorm insurances have created for me. I have nowhere else to turn to purchase those required insurance policies. This leads me to a state of frustration and helplessness, because I have to jump at their every whim. Despite all of my compliance and efforts to appease their requests, they are still harassing me, and threaten to either cancel my policies, or at least raise the rates. What happens then is that my mortgage company will assign insurance to my account at the most exorbitant rates one can imagine. My bank already assigned a flood policy that normally costs $400. per year to a $6200 policy for something that is not likely to ever pay off. Flood insurance does not cover the downstairs portion of my house, so it would take something catastrophic to flood the second story.
I feel so trapped and angry. This is where I need extra resources to cope and more than ever bring my mind to stillness. Okay, I should probably do the loving-kindness practice for this one too, but as long as I have the ability to first clear my mind of this recent catastrophe, I will be able to deal with the whole process much better. It is a real test for my integral practices, and I know that many of you are being tested as well. I aim to stay on track because I simply do not like feeling this way.
I believe that the more I do these practices, the faster I will achieve mental fitness, and the day that I will no longer need these practices will come sooner; maybe not soon enough for my liking! :)
This is a very frustrating situation you have described, I can see why you would feel the way you do. The important thing to remember is to never give up on trying to cope with the situation in a way that will bring you some inner peace. I know from my own experiences that is not always an easy thing to do but think of it like this, they are already trying to rob you blind, don't give them your health too. Sometimes that helps me put things back into perspective.
ReplyDeleteWow! It was frustrating just as a reader going through that experience with you! I think the subtle mind and visualization practices will definitely help you to try to bring your mind at some kind of ease while you are going through all this. Like you said you are doing your best to appease them and do what's best for yourself in the process and that apparently is not good enough for them. In the end you will do more harm than good by letting it eat away at you instead of taking these proper steps to try to let it go.
ReplyDeleteI also chose the visualization exercise as one of my most beneficial exercises. I feel like I benefit a lot from it. I agree that with more practice doing these exercises, the better mental fitness we can achieve. It sounds like you have a plan already and are aware of these feelings in you. Awareness is a very important first step. Good luck with your situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and advice. Your support is much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI think that my current woes are the best reason to keep practicing and developing the inner conscious. Mental health is of utmost importance to us, and this form of stress should not be affecting me if I were fully developed in the psychospiritual realm.