"Do
everything you do with Balance. Slow down and embrace this Moment. Breathe
deep, SMILE BIG and know that you are Loved."
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Unit 6 LK & Integral Assessment and LIFE!
Greetings Fellow Wellness-Peers!
Well this week was definitely not my own. Like the saying goes, "when it rains, it pours." I am completely exhausted dealing with a call I received last thing on Thursday from Kaplan's Financial Aid saying that my account will be locked soon because of some balance that mysteriously showed up from out of no where (I HAVE 4 WEEKS LEFT OF SCHOOL). My daughter had plans to see her father that as usual fell through and completely crushed her (she's so vulnerable and only 16 and her dad has NO clue how it is important to be active and consistent in her life) and lastly my "ex-fiance" made a breakthrough in therapy and just had to bare his soul to me in hopes that we can move forward and be together. Oy Vey!
So now, I was not able to enjoy ANY of the holiday weekend festivities and am so behind in all my school work and back to being overwhelmed and riddled with anxiety. Oh, did I mention my cousin passes away unexpectedly (stomach pain that turned out to be a ruptured bowel thingy).
Well this week was definitely not my own. Like the saying goes, "when it rains, it pours." I am completely exhausted dealing with a call I received last thing on Thursday from Kaplan's Financial Aid saying that my account will be locked soon because of some balance that mysteriously showed up from out of no where (I HAVE 4 WEEKS LEFT OF SCHOOL). My daughter had plans to see her father that as usual fell through and completely crushed her (she's so vulnerable and only 16 and her dad has NO clue how it is important to be active and consistent in her life) and lastly my "ex-fiance" made a breakthrough in therapy and just had to bare his soul to me in hopes that we can move forward and be together. Oy Vey!
So now, I was not able to enjoy ANY of the holiday weekend festivities and am so behind in all my school work and back to being overwhelmed and riddled with anxiety. Oh, did I mention my cousin passes away unexpectedly (stomach pain that turned out to be a ruptured bowel thingy).
Practicing these exercise and assessment process, I have
discovered that before taking any action in whatever situation you might find
yourself one should analyze the situation before taking action, measure every detail
do what feels best and appropriate.
One area that I have chosen to focus more is dealing
with my teenager, be VERY VERY patient and breakdown every issue, and know that
she is only 16 and the only thing I can do at this moment is (communication)
talk to her and reach out to professional help. I do think that seeking out for
professional help once again would lead to a better understanding of how to
maintain a good relationship with my daughter.
Most of the time I feel frustrated and distress when
I see my child does not see the risk and consequences on many of her actions and
ways. The practice I would exercise
would be the UNIVERSAL LOVING-KINDNESS this exercise will help me grow and
develop empathetic listening, seeing things the way she sees things and develop
sensitivity, with this healing I would be helping myself to be able to help my
first born child
Loving-Kindness (meditation) exercise
The exercise is simply just a form of focus, broadening our minds to think about others, putting our bodies and minds at ease to be unselfish and to realize that there is a good of being kind-hearted to all.
I discovered something about myself in participating in this exercise, that I am fully able to be compassionate and considerate of others and I am able to wish them well with their lives.
Integral health Assessment
This assessment is to focus on reaching integral health. You must rest in stillness within your entire self, then figure out the source of difficulty and/or suffering. After the difficult aspect has been pointed out, bring all your focus and attention to it, figure out a goal to achieve in regards to the source of difficulty and take aim for it. Do this for as much time as needed to build it up and make it a strength.
After we are able to return to stillness and recenter ourselves to focus on integral health rather than healing, I have found an area of my life that is ready for growth and development. This area that really stands out to me is direction. I constantly want to go in all different directions and I am always finding new things to start before I have completed the previous things all the way. This will take focus and I will have to maintain this focus in order to achieve this right path in life. Specific activities to help accomplish this task would be to practice on relaxation and focusing. In order to focus fully on something, you can not let it act as a stressor, or else you may want to push it to the back of your mind, or try and get rid of it. Maintaining a relaxed state can assist to better staying focused and staying on that right path for direction.
The exercise is simply just a form of focus, broadening our minds to think about others, putting our bodies and minds at ease to be unselfish and to realize that there is a good of being kind-hearted to all.
I discovered something about myself in participating in this exercise, that I am fully able to be compassionate and considerate of others and I am able to wish them well with their lives.
Integral health Assessment
This assessment is to focus on reaching integral health. You must rest in stillness within your entire self, then figure out the source of difficulty and/or suffering. After the difficult aspect has been pointed out, bring all your focus and attention to it, figure out a goal to achieve in regards to the source of difficulty and take aim for it. Do this for as much time as needed to build it up and make it a strength.
After we are able to return to stillness and recenter ourselves to focus on integral health rather than healing, I have found an area of my life that is ready for growth and development. This area that really stands out to me is direction. I constantly want to go in all different directions and I am always finding new things to start before I have completed the previous things all the way. This will take focus and I will have to maintain this focus in order to achieve this right path in life. Specific activities to help accomplish this task would be to practice on relaxation and focusing. In order to focus fully on something, you can not let it act as a stressor, or else you may want to push it to the back of your mind, or try and get rid of it. Maintaining a relaxed state can assist to better staying focused and staying on that right path for direction.
Peace & Blessings
T.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Unit 5 Thought in Wellness & Healing (subtle mind exercise)
Greetings Wellness Peers!
I thought I would get to my Blog much earlier since this is my first week actually not "sick" however did you know that one can become really exhausted by being sick all of the time (emotionally and physically)? Aha..... :-)
The loving kindness exercise was more difficult for me because it was hard from me to visualize taking in others suffering and replacing it with peace, love, and kindness. This exercise was also very long and I think it is mainly used for people who are more experienced with these types of exercises. It was hard for my mind to settle down and focus on the exercise.
Learning about the loving kindness and loving yourself did help me in some way by giving me the courage and strength to give to others. Spiritually I believe I have grown. My faith is blossoming and I find myself talking to the Universe and my Higher Power all day. Lately I have been feeling empowered to pray for others. Some I tell and others I do not. I also constantly say positive affirmations throughout the day. I actually spend a fair amount of time reading, printing, and plastering these affirmations all over the house (my bedroom and loft area where I spend a lot of time on my computer).
The connection of spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is vital for an individual if they are to experience human flourishing. It is important for one to maintain a spiritual connection to the higher power – God, through meditation and prayer. It helps the individual spiritual connection that gives the individual a deeper sense of his or her spiritual awareness and it also helps the mental and physical aspect of the individual’s life. Proper nutrition and exercise are vital for the body if one is to experience physical and mental wellness. However, without a spiritual connection, proper nutrition and exercise alone would not create the spiritual wholeness that is needed for an individual to sustain a spiritual connection. There are few things that are observed when individuals are connected with the higher power. Body, mind and soul are affected with this connection thus spiritual connection relieves one from varied illnesses such as heart condition, hypertension, sugar diabetes, depression and other stresses of life
Having my spiritually now has helped me get through many days I would have normally spent in the bed feeling depressed and helpless and unmotivated to do anything. I am now hopeful and understand that my life will go on and I have learned many things in this class able to function through my depression. I am able to go about my day and with my exercise regimens. Overall I have started to push myself further. Lil by lil :-)
Peace&Blessings
T.
I thought I would get to my Blog much earlier since this is my first week actually not "sick" however did you know that one can become really exhausted by being sick all of the time (emotionally and physically)? Aha..... :-)
The subtle mind exercise was much easier for me to
understand because listening to the waves hit the beach my body felt so
relaxed. Focusing on my breath kept me awake and aware, but still at ease. This
helped my mind to not wonder.
The loving kindness exercise was more difficult for me because it was hard from me to visualize taking in others suffering and replacing it with peace, love, and kindness. This exercise was also very long and I think it is mainly used for people who are more experienced with these types of exercises. It was hard for my mind to settle down and focus on the exercise.
Learning about the loving kindness and loving yourself did help me in some way by giving me the courage and strength to give to others. Spiritually I believe I have grown. My faith is blossoming and I find myself talking to the Universe and my Higher Power all day. Lately I have been feeling empowered to pray for others. Some I tell and others I do not. I also constantly say positive affirmations throughout the day. I actually spend a fair amount of time reading, printing, and plastering these affirmations all over the house (my bedroom and loft area where I spend a lot of time on my computer).
The connection of spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is vital for an individual if they are to experience human flourishing. It is important for one to maintain a spiritual connection to the higher power – God, through meditation and prayer. It helps the individual spiritual connection that gives the individual a deeper sense of his or her spiritual awareness and it also helps the mental and physical aspect of the individual’s life. Proper nutrition and exercise are vital for the body if one is to experience physical and mental wellness. However, without a spiritual connection, proper nutrition and exercise alone would not create the spiritual wholeness that is needed for an individual to sustain a spiritual connection. There are few things that are observed when individuals are connected with the higher power. Body, mind and soul are affected with this connection thus spiritual connection relieves one from varied illnesses such as heart condition, hypertension, sugar diabetes, depression and other stresses of life
Having my spiritually now has helped me get through many days I would have normally spent in the bed feeling depressed and helpless and unmotivated to do anything. I am now hopeful and understand that my life will go on and I have learned many things in this class able to function through my depression. I am able to go about my day and with my exercise regimens. Overall I have started to push myself further. Lil by lil :-)
Peace&Blessings
T.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Unit 4 Loving Kindness
Greetings Fellow Wellness Peers!
Am I the only one still having difficulty accessing their Blog? I feel like I am talking to myself sometimes. I truly enjoy the information you provide in your Blogs and many of you seem so comfortable with it. Well, the last two "meditation exercises" actually made an impact on me. However this week personally, I believe this exercise was the most difficult of the ones we've done thus far. You know, we all have battles within ourselves that we need to overcome. We all love ourselves and those around us. However, sometimes I feel like I can do more and love myself on a deeper level. I feel as though this exercise was a little difficult to connect to because I have not fully learned to love all of me but lack some love in certain aspects pertaining to my whole being. Don't get me wrong, I love who I am and what I am becoming. There are just some things I need to get over, some decisions I need not to regret, and lessons I must remember to utilize. "We must love ourselves before expanding our love to others around us." It was also a little difficult in terms of finding that "zone" to enter. I guess I lacked focus and my time management skills still needs improving. Although, I did find myself here and there entering in and out of peacefulness. When I did, my mind would wander or seem to be left blank. I only felt complete tranquility when the focus of the ocean waves were lingering on. I guess like anything, practice makes perfect and with time the loving-kindness will reveal itself.
Hopefully, the experiences will become better as I practice this exercise throughout the next week. I also hope you all had a better first experience/connection. I would recommend this exercise. Any type of contemplative exercise that can work our minds can be a good source of relief, reflection, and/or relaxation, even if it isn't beneficial the first time around.
Am I the only one still having difficulty accessing their Blog? I feel like I am talking to myself sometimes. I truly enjoy the information you provide in your Blogs and many of you seem so comfortable with it. Well, the last two "meditation exercises" actually made an impact on me. However this week personally, I believe this exercise was the most difficult of the ones we've done thus far. You know, we all have battles within ourselves that we need to overcome. We all love ourselves and those around us. However, sometimes I feel like I can do more and love myself on a deeper level. I feel as though this exercise was a little difficult to connect to because I have not fully learned to love all of me but lack some love in certain aspects pertaining to my whole being. Don't get me wrong, I love who I am and what I am becoming. There are just some things I need to get over, some decisions I need not to regret, and lessons I must remember to utilize. "We must love ourselves before expanding our love to others around us." It was also a little difficult in terms of finding that "zone" to enter. I guess I lacked focus and my time management skills still needs improving. Although, I did find myself here and there entering in and out of peacefulness. When I did, my mind would wander or seem to be left blank. I only felt complete tranquility when the focus of the ocean waves were lingering on. I guess like anything, practice makes perfect and with time the loving-kindness will reveal itself.
I have always directed feelings of love and
kindness toward other and never myself. The exercise says that you
can’t extend those feelings of love and kindness to others without feeling them
for yourself first, but I don’t believe that is true. I think that
it is kind of selfish to think you have to be happy to make someone else happy.
One surprising realization, the part where
it asked us to take on others struggles and suffering, even those who may be
enemies, and breathe them in, I found very hard to do. I’m not a
person who hates, but I do have a couple of people that I cannot find it in my
heart to forgive or like. This is where I got selfish and did not
want to take on their struggles. I felt that their struggles were
created because of their own selfishness and they needed to find a way to
release them. I refuse to wish kindness and happiness for these
people as I feel that they do not deserve it. I also have too much
going on in my life, too many of my own struggles in my family, to worry about
theirs. Mean, possibly, but that is honestly how I felt.
Hopefully, the experiences will become better as I practice this exercise throughout the next week. I also hope you all had a better first experience/connection. I would recommend this exercise. Any type of contemplative exercise that can work our minds can be a good source of relief, reflection, and/or relaxation, even if it isn't beneficial the first time around.
"Mental Workout"
"The most meaningful aim of contemplative practice is not rest and
relaxation but rather the progressive development of an expanded consciousness
and its healing capacities."(Dacher) The concept of mental workout
includes the development of opening our minds and advancing our wisdom and
loving-kindness towards a path of human flourishing. Much like a physical
workout, we are doing so but contemplatively and we must follow through
for results. The results indicate the proven benefits being new growth, a
calmer mind, unity consciousness (wisdom, peace, compassion, happiness &
wholeness), and progression. I can implement mental workouts to foster
psychological health by becoming in-tune with my own self. By becoming one with
my own self, I can then give to others. Even allowing myself 5 minutes for a
break a day for reflecting, meditating, or expressing emotions/feelings will
build a path towards a better psychological health.
I hope I am getting all this right. It seems like a lot to take in just to RELAX and decrease STRESS and ultimately have a healthier WELL-BEING :-)
Peace & Blessings
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Unit 3 Mind-Body Connection & The Rainbow Relaxtion
Greeting Fellow Wellness Peers!
I am writing to you from my sick bed :-( Yes, I have actually given in to this upper respiratory infection and allowed it to totally consume my body and mind. As you may remember I was not feeling well last week or so and since I was not getting any better I decided to go to the doctors. I am now on antibiotics which may be killing the bacteria however I am having a bad reaction to the medicine so the side effects are just as bad as the infection itself.
I am writing to you from my sick bed :-( Yes, I have actually given in to this upper respiratory infection and allowed it to totally consume my body and mind. As you may remember I was not feeling well last week or so and since I was not getting any better I decided to go to the doctors. I am now on antibiotics which may be killing the bacteria however I am having a bad reaction to the medicine so the side effects are just as bad as the infection itself.
I would rate my physical well being at a low 5. That is an optimistic and generous rating. In the last year I gained what I consider to be a lot of weight (medication) and became depressed and became inactive. The last three months my routine is to work out a minimum of three times a week with Zumba and the gym (cardio.) I take care of my body by drinking plenty of water all day every day, eating a relatively healthy diet (most of the time) and I just started three months ago taking a multi-vitamin every day.
My spiritual well-being would be rated about an 8. I have been listening to a lot of audio tapes like Conversations with God and reading different spirituality literature by Neale Donald Walsch and Mooji and this latest book I am reading is called Buddhist Boot Camp. I am not becoming a Buddhist however I am learning more about some of their principals of love, kindness, and peace and trying to incorporate that into my daily living. I am spiritually fed each day and am truly blessed and grateful. My spiritual well-being is what gets me through life :)
My psychological well-being at this very moment is maybe a 6? Whenever I am physically ill my emotions take a roller coaster ride. Along with this being my last term in school I am filled with exhaustion and fear. It causes me to stress, worry or have anxiety sometimes which can affect my physical and spiritual well-being. I have to really work hard to not think too much because it is really not beneficial for me by doing so, or those who have to be around me on a regular basis like my 16 year old daughter who tells me constantly that I am her role model.
GOALS:
My physical goal would be to get plenty of rest, not do anything that does not have to be done, complete all my antibiotics and recover fully. Once that is completed I will resume my exercise routine to working out (Zumba or treadmill at gym) at least 3 days per week. Cardio is a great stress reliever for me and I find it to be really relaxing. Music has played a vital role in my physical and emotional well being which is why I love to dance and happy that Zumba classes incorporates music and movement. I must admit that juggling single parenting a teenager, being an advocate for myself/disability, and completing school work I have not been committing the time needed to my physical well-being as I would like and need to.
Spiritually I would like to set a goal of engaging in some sort of meditation for at least 30 minutes every day. This may be too high of a goal. Perhaps I should start at 10 minutes as it seems I can barely fit it the class exercise until the last day. Being spiritually fit is VERY important to me. I have been actively searching for a little over a year now and have finally gotten to a place where I KNOW I have to have it in order to have a peace of mind and enjoy life. Live and not just exist. I have never done that and I am excited to see how it goes.
Psychologically I will continue with my weekly counseling and I will set a goal of speaking positively and dismissing and reframing the negative thoughts. I have affirmations pasted all over my bedroom wall so when I wake up and go to bed I read them. I've been told that I am my worst critic and I am now a believer and am ready to change.
The Rainbow Relaxation exercise was a tad bit difficult for me to do this week only because I have this nasty uncontrollable cough and I had to start over like three times. I am really starting to look forward to these weekly exercises and starting to call them my ME time. I find myself scattered so thinly. I want to feel grounded and centered and feel love and give love and know that at the end of the day that I have a lot to offer. I may do this exercise with the color beaming off the prisms on a regular basis to give me that confidence and energy that I am lacking at the moment.
Peace&Blessings
T.
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