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.
Hello Teddi,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear you are feeling better, and yes I agree, once your not sick anymore it can take awhile to get some pep back in your step :) I like your idea of posting positive affirmations around, I may try that myself as reminders to remain strong when I'm feeling weak. Good luck with your mental flourishing...sounds like you are holding steady and making progress. Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work!! :)
Thanks Shannon!
DeleteYes the affirmations really do help...except this weekend when a visitor was sitting on my bed and decided to recite one of them...my immediate response was "oh shut up!" then we giggled. practice what you preach. Sigh :-)
You continue to flourish as well!
P&B
T
Hi T,
ReplyDeletePositive affirmations throughout the day is a great idea, as well as posting them around your house. One thing I like about Facebook is reading the spiritual messages people post, and at one time I would get spiritual messages daily by text. I also recite positive affirmations and one time cut out pictures of things I like or that make me happy for me to look at. Any little bit helps along with exercising and eating good. Glad your not spending your days in bed, your life is precious! Good post!
Thanks! all i do is post positive affirmations on FB. many ppl tell me that my "status" is what got them through the day. that makes me feel good.
Deleteand then i spend a fair amount of time reading others (and stealing) for me to use and put into practice another day. lol. ive been getting out of the bed more and more lately. its a constant struggle but i am getting there.
p&b
T.
Hello T.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about these two exercises. It seems our reactions to the exercises were very similar. There is something about the sound of waves crashing into the shore which is very relaxing. For some reason, I find comfort when I am around, can see, or hear water in any size, shape, or form. The previous exercise didn't work as well for me either. I do not think every exercise works for every single person. We are all unique, with different make-ups, backgrounds, and comfort levels. That is one factor that keeps life interesting. Thank you for sharing, Joe
Hi T-
ReplyDeleteI really like reading your blog posts and seeing how far you have come. In the scheme of things, a bad day or week or even month is not really important- just grains of sand in an hour glass. It is the total that really counts, and it surely seems like you are getting your "total" moving in a positive direction. Remember every day when you wake up- this is the first day of the rest of your life! Yesterday is gone. You have a whole new life starting at the end of this term- full of promise and a chance to take what you have learned at Kaplan and use it to help others, and in doing so, help yourself even more.
I read this several times, but I don't remember where it came from:
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
But today..... is a gift
That's why they call it the PRESENT!
susan
ok susan, you probably will not see my blog this week as it is so late. but i think i may have failed you this time. i had an absolutely horrible week. im taking deep breaths and trying my darndest to get thru it.
DeleteThank you for the affirmation - yes I see that one often...don't beleive i printed it out yet. where is that button??? lol
p&b
T.