HippoDiary:

The mind is my tool, not my master!

Dear Diary,

Today I would like to share with you my journey of spiritual growth, which has helped me not only in my personal life. I have always been interested in personal development and finding balance between work, family, and myself. When I discovered Rudolf Steiner's meditation exercises, I had no idea how profound an impact they would have on my life. I simply tried them, and they worked, better and more effectively than I could have imagined.

In my practice, I keep encountering the same theme. We realize that we can change our lives and, consequently, the whole world only through ourselves, but how? How can we do it when we are already living the best way we know how? So, I tried to write down a few tips that have proven useful to me. They are based on the findings from studying Rudolf Steiner and his recommendations for inner work, which are more than a hundred years old.

Exercise in Thought Control:

Pencil as a Tool of Concentration

General Description: The task is to dedicate a few minutes each day to intentional and focused thinking about a particular object or topic. This exercise develops the ability to concentrate and control one's thoughts.

Example: I choose a simple object, such as a pencil.

Procedure: Every day for five minutes, I focus solely on the pencil. I think about its shape, material, color, and purpose. If my thoughts start to wander, I gently bring them back to the pencil.

Exercise in Will Control:

Daily Desk Cleaning

General Description: Each day, I set a small task that needs to be completed, regardless of how I feel. This exercise helps strengthen willpower and the ability to overcome personal weaknesses.

Example: I decide to clean my desk every day.

Procedure: Every day, I set a specific time to complete this task and stick to it regardless of how I feel. This exercise helps develop perseverance and the ability to accomplish tasks despite obstacles.

Exercise in Emotion Control:

Reaction to an Unpleasant Email

General Description: Each day, we should pay attention to our emotions and try to control them. This exercise helps develop inner balance and calm.

Example: When I feel something is irritating me, such as an unpleasant email.

Procedure: I stop and consciously calm myself. I breathe deeply and focus on my feelings. I try to find a calm and rational perspective on the situation before responding.

Positivity:

Criticism as Motivation

General Description: One should try to find something positive in everything that happens to them. This exercise supports an optimistic approach and the ability to find hope and meaning even in difficult situations.

Example: I received criticism from my supervisor.

Method: I will try to find something positive in this criticism. For example, it can motivate me to improve or guide me towards better results. I maintain a positive attitude, even though it is challenging.

Openness:

Listening to New Opinions

General Description: The task is to be open to new experiences and ideas without losing one's own judgment. This exercise develops tolerance and the ability to learn from different life situations.

Example: I encountered a new idea or opinion that differs from my own.

Method: Instead of rejecting it immediately, I try to listen to and understand this new opinion. I think about it from different perspectives without dismissing it outright.

Harmony:

Balance between Thinking, Feeling, and Willing

General Description: This exercise involves trying to harmonize all the previous exercises in daily life. The goal is to achieve a balance between thinking, feeling, and willing.

Example: I have a busy day with many tasks and responsibilities.

Method: I try to find a balance between my thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, I set aside time for focused work (control of thinking), short breaks for relaxation (control of feeling), and completing smaller tasks (control of willing).

Impartiality:

Meeting New People

General Description: One should strive to avoid prejudices and try to observe everything objectively and without bias. This exercise promotes the ability to perceive things as they are, without unnecessary distortions.

Example: I meet someone new about whom I have heard negative things.

Procedure: I try not to form a preconceived opinion about this person based on what I've heard. Instead, I observe and listen to what they say with an open mind and without prejudices.

Balance Between Activity and Rest:

Meditation After a Meeting

General Description: Everyone should seek a balance between active engagement and periods of calm and contemplation. This exercise helps find the right rhythm between activity and rest, which is crucial for long-term spiritual work.

Example: After an intense work meeting.

Procedure: After the meeting, I set aside time for a short meditation or walk. I calm my mind and body to restore my energy and readiness for the next tasks. I consciously alternate periods of activity with periods of rest.

Change in Life

After several years of practicing these exercises, I can confidently say that they have significantly helped me tidy up my life and strengthen my being. My mind is calmer, I have greater control over my emotions and will, and I feel more balanced and content. If you are looking for a way to achieve inner peace and balance, I recommend trying these exercises. Conduct an experiment and see what change can occur in your life.

I look forward to the next chapters of my journey toward spiritual growth and hope that my experience inspires you to your own exploration and growth.

With love and gratitude,

Your Hipotherapist