Optimal well-being

Throughout the course, I have done all the exercises, have read through postings, and have gotten a multitude of comments from the class. All of the exercises were a part of training the mind to be at one with the rest of the body. I have to say that initially, I realized that my mind was in so many places that none of the exercises benefited me. The first one that came close to drawing me in was the love and kindness where we had to think of someone that was very important to us. I had my mind on my boyfriend because he brought me through a very tough time in my life which I felt like was the end of my world, but his loving spirit allowed me to see that just as I have problems, so does everyone else and mine is no smaller or bigger than theirs in their eyes During the exercise I was then able to visualize good in many others and realize that disliking others truly made me feel worse. The idea of extending my love and kindness to all those around has proven me to be a better person. The other exercise I felt was very beneficial in my life was meditation. The meditation helped me to relax and be able to take my mind off my problems and focus on just myself and what is of importance as opposed to stressors. I have found that the more I have tried to implement this into my schedule weekly, the better it has become for me and not only my mental state, but I just feel more relaxed which has helped my physical ability to workout even better.In my personal life, these exercises can be implemented on a regular schedule to decrease stress, and to make me more open, loving, and accepting for individuals around me. The best way to do this is by reminding myself of the benefits these have on my mental and physical life and how it can continue to improve.

Meditating this week was a very reviving experience. I found that I was able to meditate far easier than the previous assignments that I tried to do. I was on vacation when completing the assignment so maybe I was just in a more relaxing mood and carefree. I think meditating is a great way to clear the mind and just focus on one thing that can simply control the thoughts that you have. Meditation has played a big part in my life this semester because it helped me gain a sense of focusing on what is important in my life and control some negative feelings and thoughts. I can continue to apply these practices by at least weekly finding sometime for me to meditate and be relaxed and in a quiet environment. This helps relax and remove stressors that I may encounter.

The saying "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" gives meaning to the fact that if you don't decide to take charge for your life and lifestyle, you can't expect to tell others to and they follow through. When you are able to define your life and want to change so that you view yourself as happier and healthier because you have taken control over your mind and body interaction, then we can pass our views and ideas to others and share our gain. Only then will they want to taste your happiness and serenity with their own life. As a nurse, I have to educate my clients so that they can hold themselves accountable for their own health. It is my obligations to live in the same light that I desire them to, so I have to take care of myself and follow the same guidelines I give them which is putting my health and well being first.

integral health

I was on vacation this week, so i tried to focus on the exercise, but found it hard because anxiety was kicking in to leave the room and play with my friends. i got  little out of the activity versus the live-kindness because i found it hard to maintain a focus with the changes in this one. The integral health allowed me to really focus on myself and what my actions and plans are in life along with changes i need to make. it was beneficial even with my mind challenges

I chose to wok on my psycho spiritual self because i feel that i need to improve my spiritual relationship in terms of church activities and becoming more involved. I grew up in a very spiritual family and I continue to practice my beliefs but from a distance. I would rather have a more close and personal relationship with a holy spirit and others that can be positive in my life.

subtle mind vs loving-kindness

I feel that in both exercises utilizing relaxation and mind were difficult for me. I find a quiet spot and there is no noise except the dialogue, but it is hard for me to concentrate and focus only on the activity. It appears that when everything gets calm and I get relaxed, the more clear I make my mind, the more I begin to think about the tasks I need to complete for the week. From my school work to my job to things for the kids. I am able to relax with the music iin the background, but after about 5 minutes in, I lose focus on what I am supposed to be doing. I know after reading in each unit that practicing is the only way I will be able to begin to release other thoughts and focus on the importance of the activity, but I guess I will have to improve the time I submit to doing this.

The connection between spiritual, mental, and physical awareness is that the mind and body are connected as one. After reading how the activities of martial arts relates to the mind so well, I realized that maybe I need to take a martial arts class. I have never engaged in these activities before and I enjoy exercise, so I believe that partaking in such an activity will cause me to be more in tune to the way my mind works with physical activities. The mind and physical activity cause a relaxation when one is able to focus and relax, causing a calming effect over oneself and relax the body.