unit 4 post :)

Upon completion of reading chapter 6, review the section ‘Getting Started’ (p.66). Begin practice 1: Listen to the Introduction mp3 and Loving Kindness mp3 (both located in Doc Sharing). Practice the Loving Kindness exercise this week. In your journal (blog), record your reaction to the exercise.

 

Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you           recommend this to others? Why or why not?

     I found this exercise to be very relaxing but difficult to attain the state of relaxation and self-consciousness needed. I live in an apartment with my boyfriend, two kitties and a 6mo old puppy; quiet and peace are not easy to come by. At first I tried performing the exercise when my boyfriend was home, however this doesn't work because he is going about with what he needs to do, I can hear him and am aware of his presence. My second attempt was early in the morning, after my boyfriend leaves for work and I put the kitties and puppy outside of the bedroom so that I could be alone. I put a pillow on my bedroom floor with the lights out and very little outside light due to the time of day and started my relaxation exercise. I think that this is a great thing to make a part of your routine because it gets you in touch of every aspect of your life; those you love, things that make you happy, things that bother you and also with people around you that you may not know but allow yourself to be open to.

What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

     The concept of a mental workout is that you must practice to build your psychospirtuality just as you would your physical being and your mental capacity. The point of "contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation but rather progressive development of expanded consciousness and its healing capacities" (Dacher, 2006). There are two types of contemplative practice, the first is loving kindness; the second is the subtle mind. Loving kindness focuses our thoughts to concern and compassion from others and away from our own needs and concerns. When we attain loving kindness the mind is calmer and more open to contemplative practices. The subtle mind addresses three levels: witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness; this opens the mind to penetrating wisdom and the truth of life and existence. These two elements heal us at the source and promote human flourishing. I think that having a daily mental work out is a positive exercise and one which can improve your overall health by opening your mind and unclouding it from the distractions and petty concerns which can distract you from what is truly important.

 

Reference:

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications Inc.

unit 3 journal post

1. Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal well being), where do you rate your A-physical well being, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why? 

           My physical well being is probably an 8, I stopped smoking a few months ago and have never drank alcohol on a regular basis, so I feel that I am better off in that aspect. I am not one who enjoys exercise but I live an active lifestyle and walk my dog often. Spiritually I feel that I am at a 9-10, this may sound high but I have no doubt that God exists and I feel very comfortable with whatever happens being meant to be a for a greater purpose which even if I do not understand, I am comfortable with the unknown. Psychologically I feel I am most often an 9, but most often an 8 because I have had a lot of stress but things are calming down so I have faith that I will go back to my normal easy going self.

2. Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).
          Physically, I would like to be motivated to exercise more; not to lose weight but just for an overall healthier way of life and perhaps to attain better muscle tone. Spiritually I think I just need to keep my faith where it is and stay strong in that there are things I may not understand but there are reasons for everything and perhaps I am not meant to understand and that is where a strong faith comes from. Psychologically I think I need to work on how I handle stress, I think I sometimes break down and let things get to me where I should just pick myself up and move forward with the mindset that it will get better.

3. What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?

         To exercise more I think that my boyfriend and I should start taking out dog on a longer walk every night, eventually turning the walk into a job and the job into a run. I think that is way to keep my family involved and keep my motivated. Spiritually I think has to come from within, I am not one who is religious and do not feel that church or organization makes you closer to God. Psychologically I think I need to practice what we have been learning in this course and perhaps try breathing and visualization exercises to center myself better.

 

4. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)

         I enjoyed the relaxation exercise, it made me really want to take a yoga class so that I could participate in something like that in a controlled setting, I found it very relaxing, however I live in an apartment with my boyfriend and three furry babies so it is not really conducive to relaxing quiet time to myself.