This week, I have been working on the practice of loving kindness. This was a little more challenging than I thought it would be. At first, I found it a bit difficult to really focus through the entire exercise. I would start out focused, but then I would find myself letting my mind wander to other concerns. As I practiced a few times however, I was able to improve my concentration. The second part that I found difficult was when I was supposed to send out loving kindness to everyone collectively. I found myself thinking of specific people one at a time and breathing in their suffering and sending out loving kindness.  I will have to continue working on the practice in order to be able to send loving kindness to everyone collectively. 

Research indicates that it is possible to train the mind much like an athlete trains the body. It seems that there is an actual increase in gamma wave synchronization showing improved mental integration. Mental distress is reduced, and well being is increased. High levels on mental training are necessary to reach these levels. However beginning with 30 minutes per day is better than nothing. I think of it as conditioning for an athletic event. I could not simply get up off the couch and decide to run a marathon today, I need to train and condition my body first. So, for my mind I must begin slowly as well.