personal reflections

Back in unit 3 I rated myself as a 6 in both physical and psychological areas, and a 8 in the spiritual. I think now I would have to flip them and say an 8 in the physical and psychological, and a 6 in spiritual. I have learned more tools to "excel" in each area, and in the area for spiritual I had the "premature" thought that I was at an 8. I have introduced more cardio into my work out, included affirmations, and increased my meditation times. These have all helped me become a more "whole" human being. As of right now I am struggling with the spirituality aspect of it, and need to stick to my guns (so to speak) to figure out what I am missing. Like we learned in class I need to focus on "progress not perfection". I am a very competitive person a heart and for some small reason I feel I am failing. Though I know this is not true, it is a block that I am slowly learning to control and conquer. It has been challenging at times because by improving in one area you can tell how much improvement is needed in another. I am working on finding that balance still. I know that I am progressing, and can't expect too much, too soon. I need to realize this doesn't happen over night. It is a life-long commitment, and I can see myself staying with it, if not implementing more of these techniques in. I can definitely see the positive effects it's had on me and in other aspects of my life. At least now I know how to assess myself so I can work harder on certain areas. I can see myself helping others understand that not only is life a journey, but ones own flourishing is one as well. I'm looking forward to what is in store, and how I will improve myself and others.

No final can be downloaded...sorry

Sorry guys/ladies, I was unable to download my final to by blog page. However I did find it worthwhile because it really forced me to reflect on what I've learned and what areas I still need some work in. Best of luck everyone!

The two for me

For me I think the two practices that I find most beneficial would be the subtle mind practice and rainbow meditation. While I would like to find the time to do both practices everyday, I do make time for the rainbow meditation after every workout. I find that when I combine it with my exercises that it helps "restore" my body/mind back to a calm state so that I am able to finish my day with a minimal amount of stress. When things get really hectic and I start going through bouts of insomnia, I practice the subtle mind techniques learned in class. I bought a CD with some of these practices on it, and play it while I'm lying in bed. I follow its "guided tour" and it no time flat I am falling asleep. Even though I may have had only a few hours of sleep before I have to get up, I feel restored as if I've had a full eight hours. It's hard to choose only two practice that are beneficial but I've found for me personally I am more calm, able to think more clearly, and physically able to preform task I normally would have dreaded. I know that I will use these techniques and practices for the rest of my life.

meeting asciepius

I had to do this exercise a few times because the first time I was very spiritually and emotional agitated (for lack of a better word). It became very empowering, having the flow of love, wisdom, calmness, and strength pass to me. I could actually feel the connectedness; it was a warm, calming, or reassuring feeling throughout my whole self. Almost like an out-of-body experience, I was a free floating entity absorbing the "brilliance" of this person. The spiritual awareness that was awakened was very moving. I almost feel as though this person is still with me, my guardian angel (if you'd like) and I can draw from this when ever I want/need to. I actually "misted up", had a lump in my throat, whatever you want to call it the first time through. It was a very liberating experience. I feel if I'm a "stronger" being because of it. Loved it! :)
As for the second question, this is a perfect example of why you must experience, practice, and achieve psychological and spiritual "enlightenment" before you can help someone else get there. You have to understand the struggles and the hardships of getting your mind to "free" up, and listen to everything on a sub-conscious level. (so to speak). Knowing that some practices may work and others may not. Each person is different. You need to have the knowledge and the techniques to find the practices that will/can work for them. How can you help them through their struggles, questions, or fears if you yourself have no idea where they are coming from?

Loving Kindness

At first when I started it, I had a hard time focusing on just those 4 sentences. I kept trying to remember what they were. I feel more comfortable with guided meditation, because I can "let go" more (if that makes any sense). So I did it again with the "jest" of what these sentences were saying and it was very "enlightening". I actually felt like I was accomplishing something, or doing a good deed. :) The integral assessment exercise really made me aware of a few things that I had been "sitting on" and not acknowledging. Although I feel being open helps not only myself and others in class I would rather not discuss this one. I will say I feel as though I have let myself down in some way. I feel that meditation and adding some "quick" little exercise sessions would be most beneficial at this point. I'm actually glad we did this exercise, so I don't have to harbor it any longer and I can start taking control. :)

subtle mind

I really got into this one, more so than the loving kindness one. It was almost as if I could fall asleep at any moment. My body got tingly, then heavy, then relaxed. I would get so relaxed that her voice would almost scare me back into consciousness again. Very relaxing, but I'm kind of feeling drained if that makes any sense to anyone. I'm going to try it again to see what the outcome is a second time. You can definitely see the mind-body connection through this exercise. I was completely relaxed and "clear"(at the end). The beginning I had trouble keeping thoughts from interrupting what I was trying to do. Definitely better than last weeks. Too many problems to think about.

mental workout

I had to go through this exercise a few times. The first time I couldn't really get into it. The second it was a little easier, but I didn't feel it was that beneficial. I might recommend it if I feel a little more comfortable with it. I think I would have to try it a few more times to make up my mind about it though. I couldn't get meditation right away either, until I did the rainbow med.

To me the concept of the mental workout is to evolve and use each level of consciousness to achieve total psychological wellness and health. It's the power of positive thinking and mental imagery to obtain a certain calmness in your life. Research show that it can reduce negative emotions and feelings, and enhance positive ones like happiness, acceptance, and patience (Dacher, 2006). I think it has possibilities for me right now, and how it could fit into my life. I know what the concept is and how it should work but I'm not quite there yet. I would like to explore it further before defining how it will work for me personally. Positive thinking is great, but this exercise I'm still not sure about.

Rainbow Meditation- personal reflection

To be brutally honest, right now my physical evaluation would be a 6, spiritual a 8, and my psychological well-being a 6. (1-10) As far as physical goes I need to quit smoking. I can feel it's effects in every aspect of my life. Spiritual, I would say I would like to find more time for my faith. Some days it just doesn't seem adequate. Psychologically, I need to work on being more self-confident. To set some goals, I think I'll start with physical. I'm going to practice more meditative techniques and add more cardio to my work-outs to help with the urges to smoke. Spiritually, before each exercise and meditation session I will take the time to connect to the Lord, even if it's just for a few minutes. Psychologically (although I'm not completely comfortable with it yet), I'm going to try affirmations to try and see what everyone else around me does.
As for the rainbow meditation exercise, this is the exercise from last term that turned everything around for me. I really connected with this one, and it had a definite calming effect on me. I don't know if it's the colors that relate to my artistic side subconsciously, but I was really able to focus and let the stress just "melt away". This one is saved on my computer! :)

Exercise 2:
I find this mans voice very relaxing, and the single note music very calming. By listening to his voice and using imagery I was able to relax myself enough to where I almost fell asleep. (wouldn't have anything to do with working doubles this weekend! :) ) I loved this guided mental imagery in my last health and wellness class. It gives you five minutes of piece and quite to yourself. I try and do this myself every night before I go to bed, and I find that I sleep more soundly and wake up more refreshed. I hope we have one every week!

This ought to be good :)

I'm excited to try this for our creating wellness class. We'll see how it goes! :)