Journey Into The Mind...

For the first part of this unit's exercise, we were to envision someone we think of as wise, loving, and that we admire. I have had the pleasure to be raised by amazing parents, despite their tough childhoods and upbringings, and it was obvious that I envision my dad. He has always made himself available literally and emotionally, has always expressed his love for his family, has worked hard to give us everything we have and need, and has always been one to lend a hand to anyone, anywhere who has needed it. A few years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and despite the struggle right after the diagnoses, he has come out on top, not letting a few medical words hold him back in any aspect of his life. He has used this trial to inform and help others like him, traveling to speak to those who are struggling with illness and disease, and now more than ever I view him as the best, kindest, most loving person I have ever or will ever know. This meditation practice was comforting to me because even looking at a picture of my dad eases my mind, so really envisioning him helped me to forget all that's not important along with all of my worries. This was a very positive experience for me, especially envisioning my dad like this since we live three states away from each other.
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"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself". This is a great quote to let guide you. I dissect it like this: who is a person to give advice or try to lead another if they have not experienced the same guidance they are trying to give? In my opinion, I sometimes look at those trying to give advice with no personal experience as hypocrites. I once went to the doctor for a physical and when asked if I was a smoker (which unfortunately I am :( ) I told the nurse yes, only to get a lecture about how I am damaging my body and risking my health. I hear it all the time and I know what it can do to a person, but when I was on my way out to my car after my appointment, I spotted the nurse who lectured me on a smoke break! I just don't think a person should be giving out advice that are not following themselves, and it kind of angered me because she was treating my like a child and an idiot at that, and come to find out she is a smoker herself. This is especially important when it comes to health and wellness (like my example above) because you want to set a positive example and be similar to a role model when trying to help others improve their overall health and lives in general. I will not lecture anyone, and haven't, about smoking until the day I finally kick the habit, which will hopefully be sooner than later. It's just not right for me to give someone else advice or lecture someone else about smoking when I smoke myself. It is always good to have experience before trying to lead another person down the desired path.