My blood pressure lowered an anger subsided but I used a different type of meditation which I am used to and I share with individuals in early recovery. The type of meditation that was taught in class would be for individuals that have more awareness.
I prefer a different type of meditation, especially with clients in crisis. For myself, I need guidance.
While I did not continue with the type of meditation we did in class on a regular basis; I did see a very unexpected benefit while I was using it. I usually get easily agitated over little things. This agitation spirals into various emotions: usually depression but sometimes anger and even panic. I found that during the time I was taking this class, my mind would pause before being overwhelmed by emotions. It meant having a choice to rise above and for me, that was huge and so unexpected.
I wondered why then that I so thoroughly avoided continuing the method. It was a great class and great technique. For me, I believe as a trauma survivor who experienced trauma for a prolonged period during very formative years, I developed an incredibly strong habit, even an instinct, of keeping myself throughly divorced from my body. This meditation technique put my consciousness back in my body in a way I wasn’t expecting and subconsciously I fought very hard to avoid that even though it’s a goal I’d love to accomplish.
Overall, I think this method is worth exploring and I think if you can prepare yourself ahead of time for the experience and know you may face resistance from an unconscious part of yourself - then it’s well worth it. I also think maybe combining this technique with counseling or some other support group could be helpful. I haven’t managed to get to that place myself yet but because of this class, I know what’s possible and feel hopeful for the future.
Thank you so much for taking the time. (note: he didn't see any benefits during the class and stopped meditating after it ended)
I’ve been able to meditate longer since I started and have had less anxiety during the actual sessions but I haven’t noticed any effects afterward.
Not sure (note: he didn't see any benefits from the class)