UNIT 5 BLOG

Compare and contrast the loving kindness exercise and the subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.

           

Both of these exercises were very calming. I really enjoyed the controlled breathing and the relaxation feeling from them. The loving kindness exercise was a bit emotional for me (as i stated in my unit 4 blog). I felt all of the love and kindness but when I thought of someone in pain, I became very emotional and sad. I did really like the subtle mind exercises. I had a calming feeling wash over me. I was able to freely let thoughts just flow in and out (rather than focusing on just one thought). I did not feel the need to control them.

Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.

I have read that our mind, body, and spirit are all connected and that we must balance them in order to achieve wellness. This is referred to as the transformative process. I have been attempting meditation and I am going to start yoga very soon.

UNIT 4 BLOG

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

The loving kindness exercise was a different kind of experience. It was joyful, touching, and emotional. I felt all of the love and kindness I have when I thought about the people I really care about in my life. I could just feel all of the happy feelings surrounding me. It was a relaxing, calming, and pleasant feeling. However, when I started thinking about my loved ones suffering, it was somewhat overwhelming to me. Though it says not to be concerned with being overwhelmed, I couldn't help it. I like the statement "from now on, breathe out health, happiness, and wholeness to loved ones. Take in the suffering of your loved ones on the in-breath, and on your out-breath send out health and joy." I like that idea. I would recommend this to others because I think there are some who would definitely benefit from this. 


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?

In my opinion, "mental workout" implies exercising our mind or working our brain to be healthier. According to Dacher (2006) "mental workout" means utilizing contemplative practices to help tame the mind''s constant mental activities and train it along with opening one's heart, expanding consciousness, and progressing towards psychospiritual flourishing. The goal is for progressive development of an expanded consciousness and healing within the mind, body, and spirit. Loving-kindness, and subtle mind. :) 

This is Engima. Click on this. :)  Everyone should have a listen to this album. It is very relaxing and perfect for this class! Enjoy!!class :)

UNIT 3 BLOG POST! :) 

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?

I would rate me physical well-being at an 8. The reason being is because I am not the best with exercising at the moment. I would exercising every day and now it's down to 2-3 times a week.. I also don't eat the greatest. I guess I take my fast metabolism for granted. 

I would rate my spiritual well-being at 9. Spiritual Well-being reminds us to step back from all     the details and think about the whole picture. It is about finding meaning and purpose in our life and our place in the greater universe. It is about exploring our unique spirituality and how it can help us choose our actions. I believe my spirituall well-being is at a 9 because I make time for relaxation every day, I watch the kinds of decisions and actions I make, and I'm accepting of others views and beliefs. What I do need to work on is being less stressed. 

I believe my psychological well-being is quite high. I don't know if it's at a ten, but I'd like to think a 9-9.5.Psychological well-being refers to how people evaluate their lives.  I am always thinking positive, I see the good in everything, I trust people (more than I probably should), I forgive and forget easily, and I'm very easy to get a long with. Well-being= a healthy mind, body, healthy image. :) 

Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological)

My physical goal is to get back into working out for 30 minutes every day. I felt great when I did and I don't know why or how I even stopped. I would also love to get into running-at least a mile a day to start off with. 

My spiritual goal is to have more "me" time. I want to meditate and do some yoga. I love listening to Enigma and I could definitely help myself relax more and take some of the stress out of my life that really doesn't need to be there. I'd like to have me time at least 30 minutes to an hour a day. 

My psychological goal is to make sure that maintain my positive outlook on life. 

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

There is a goal setting tool I was told about a few years ago that I may start using. I know's it's online so I will have to find it. OR I could just use the same thing I have been using for years. I have my own goal calendar that is specifically used for goals.

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

I really enjoyed this exercise. After completing the exercise, I feel very positive, calm, and happy. I feel focused and connected for the rest of my day. I love exercises like these, however I will admit that it takes me a while to get into them and that is what frustrates me. I may start to listen to this once a day to bring my body to a relaxing state.