In comparing and contrasting the two exercises, Loving Kindness and Subtle Mind, I found that I preferred Loving Kindness. I really liked how Loving Kindness was guided and allowed room for the imagination to work. With the Subtle Mind, it seems very rigid and strict. I understand its point is in training the mind, however, it just isn't the best method that I respond to. I like to be self-paced, when I first learned to meditate, I had to work through the fleeting thoughts, but I did it at my own pace. As with most of the exercises thus far, I became very sleepy with the Subtle Mind.
It is my belief that spiritual, mental and physical wellness are all interconnected. They are all affected by each other, and all must be in balance to obtain overall wellness. In my own life, I make every attempt to balance all aspects. Of course, being a human, many times I fall short. I strive to practice daily meditation, I have a room in my house devoted to spiritual practice where my partner and I will meditate. As far as mental wellness, I believe that being a student and the critical thinking involved in my job keep me sharp and always thinking. In addition, I'm a voracious reader. Physical wellness takes the form of hand wraps, boxing gloves, and a heavy bag. I train in kickboxing 3-4 times per week, and its very challenging but incredibly invigorating.
I completely understand what you mean about getting sleepy or falling asleep during the practice. I did enjoy it, however. I found that if I did the practice without the audio MP3, but, rather, at my own pace once I learned what we were suppose to be doing, it helped. I could really focus on what I was doing. It became more personal. Like you, I am hungry for reading always! It's one of my favorite "me time" activities. I think it's absolutely wonderful that you have a room just for meditation. I have made a little nook in my own bedroom and I find that my mind frame starts to change as soon as I settle in there.
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