Merry Christmas!

In reviewing my personal goals , my scores did not change.  This class has just made me more aware of what I want for myself. I always start with a new year, new me attitude and try to make some changes.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Overall, I am happy with me.  The overall theme I will take away from this class is the importance of kindness to yourself and to others.  I will leave you with this quote:

“Kindness is a language

That the deaf can hear

And the blind can see.”

---Mark Twain

Happy Holidays!

Barb

Unit 9 Blog

                  I.            Introduction:
Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically so they can become whole and secure in who they are.  It is important that we have authentic health, being open, receptive and bold .  It is not just all biological health.  When you live what you preach, you are grounded and real, you can have confidence in that you practice what you preach.  You are credible and secure. It is important so that we can adequately care for others lives. 

The areas that I need to develop would be to believe in myself and to grow beyond pettiness.   

                II.            Assessment:
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?

I think once you look into your life honestly you can begin to access your health.  Many things on the inside affect the outside.  My health assessment scores are pretty stable. Physically I am in good shape; I try and eat healthy, get enough sleep, and take steps to be proactive in my health.  I do exercise, but I go in spurts. So I would have to say that I need to get that into my routine.  Spiritually I am strong, but would like to know more, so again there is always room for growth and knowledge. Psychologically, I am happy and balanced. At times I can get negative when I see injustice in life or when I feel that I am being taken advantage of. I know that life is not fair. I now live by this too shall pass.  I am comfortable with where I am in my life at this time. 

               III.            Goal development:
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

Physical:  Goal would be to make a committment to exercising on a routine at least three days per week for an hour. 

Psychologically:  Goal would be to have confidence in myself. I am worth it and I do a good job. I deserve to be happy and successful. 

Spiritual:  Goal would be to open the Bible and read it from cover to cover. 

              IV.            Practices for personal health:
What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

Physical strategy to foster growth would be to establish time for myself and place exercise as a priority. I would reward myself for a job well done. 

Psychological strategy would be to take time to meditate and deep breathing, repeating the words I am strong and capable or I believe in myself.  I will also become the change that I want to happen in the world.  I will think positive and choose my destiny. I will do this through smart choices that I make with a witnessing mind. 

Spiritual strategy is being open, accepting and graceful. When I have this base it will flow into all areas of my life. It is the base of my life. 

               V.            Commitment:
How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness

I would focus inward and make a vow to keep trying.  I will use solitude for readjustment and focus.  Each day I will try to do positive things for me to nourish my mind, body and spirit. Each day I will feel my growth. With this personal growth, I will become confident and peaceful.  I will use meditation and prayer to maintain my health and wellness.  I will also be truthful with myself and others.  I will accept change and not give up. 

Unit 8 Discussion

The two practices that I think I could implement into my life are:  Loving Kindness and Subtle mind. I believe that we cannot give to others what does not exist within ourselves. This is a real inside look at how we treat ourselves and others. I feel I am kind and respectful, but still need to grow at times when I let anger, frustration, or jealousy creep in. I am aware and trying to do better. I will remember it is not all about me and that others are important. I think I am an enabler at heart, and that is where the anger comes in. I have to learn the skill to be able to say it like it is, being open for discussion, and move forward from that. My heart is open and I share, but I am very cautious and you have to earn your trust with me. I know I will get back what I give. Trying each day to be a better person is where I will start.   

The subtile mind is getting control of my thoughts and letting my mind be still. My mind is always going, sometimes at night I just can not shut down. I will use the three levels of the subtle mind which is witnessing what information I will let in. I will then have a calm mind, with stillness and balance. This will prepare me for unity consiousness or standing with the truth of who I am. I really know who I am; I keep a lot hidden for fear of rejection. I know what I want. I will concentrate on being the best that I can be, letting go of fear, and searching for the truth.    

Unit 7 post

1.    The Meeting Asciepius exercise was still difficult this week, I enjoyed the peaceful waves and music; it did relax me.  I tried to remember my grandfather’s face and voice for this exercise.  After awhile I could remember his face, but found it difficult to add the white lights to my thoughts.  I think it bothered me that I could not remember his voice.  I think if I keep trying I will remember. 

2.     “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” is an important statement. I believe that you can not teach until you have learned it for yourself. In other words, practice what you preach. I think we owe it to ourselves and to our clients to truly know what we are practicing, otherwise we will loose creditability.  With credibility comes trust.  Trust builds relationships.  I try and live this way normally, being truthful with myself and others, being transparent, so others know who I am. 

Unit 6 Post

1.        Describe the exercise and assessment process. What did you discover about yourself? What area have you chosen to be a focus of growth and development? Why? What are some specific exercises or activities that you can implement to foster greater wellness in this area?

This weeks assignment humbled me, it made me cry. I live each day trying to be a good person.  I work hard, I am honest, I care about others, but do not truly enjoy life.  I hold myself to such standards that I hold myself back from letting go.  My pride comes from raising two great sons and all that went with that as a single mom.  Myself, all I know is work, I don’t know how to ask for help, I just cry and get over it.  I work because I have to, not like a post in the DB that it was work to serve the Lord. I enjoy my job, but have not reached a level of satisfaction and completeness yet. I questioned if I was ever happy?  Ever totally secure with my life and who I was. Always hoping someone would see who I truly was….a great person, that wanted to be saved…not just by herself.   I used to say all I wanted in life was three things:  peace in my life, laugher, and love.  It is not that easy because each comes with its own circumstances to reach that goal, of course number one would be that my children would be fine and that no harm would come to them.  The quote from this weeks reading really hit me, “The mind is both the source of happiness and the root of suffering”.  The exercises are difficult for me because I have to let go, sit down and relax and not always be on the move to accomplish something.  Downtime is good, today it made me feel and cry.  Maybe it has led me to realize a lot about myself today.  I want to reach this oneness within myself.  I wrote that saying on my refrigerator to look at daily to remind myself to choose me;  to heal myself, to choose happiness , to be grateful and to let others help me along the way. 

Unit 5 Post

1.        Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.

In Subtle Mind peaceful breathing patterns lead to a peaceful mind.  The focus was on breathing and the movement of the chest wall.  This is highly intentional, mindful and to some extent a forceful proc ess.   To me this was easier because I could force myself to concentrate on my breathing.

   

Loving Kindness was more because you were thinking about feelings good and bad, people good and bad and there was more going on than stillness. 

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

Your body and mind are closely linked and stronly influence each other.  Science has revealed how your entire body responds to your conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.  Spiritual wellness gives us strength from within. The power of prayer can bring resilience and give us peace.  When you are at peace it influences your physical health. 

Spiritual wellness is important in my life.  It has gotten me through many things.  The power of prayer has blessed my life with security and hope.  It has calmed me to be able to just let go and trust God. 

Unit 4 Blog

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

My experience was mostly listening. I could not connect because I could not concentrate.I did concentrate on my breathing, but could not go further. I had too many people in my house. I have to practice; this will be difficult for me.   

2.        What is the concept of “Mental Workout? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a Mental Work Out? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

The concept of “Mental Workout” is taking time to work out our mind like we work out physically. If we stop working out mentally we will drop in our conditioning. Perserverance is necessary to achieve our goals.

Packers vs. Homework

Go Packers!  It was a toss up watching the game or doing homework.  So I am doing both. 

Unit 3 Learning Space questions

1.        Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why?

In reviewing my health and wellness, I would rate myself the following: 

A.   Physical well-being is a 8.  I am strong and in good health.  I do have high cholesterol and lately my joints have been a little stiff.  I try and eat healthy and exercise.  I am not overweight, do not drink and I have never smoked.

B.   Spiritual well-being:  I was raised Catholic and have a strong faith in God.  I believe in the power of prayer.  At this time in my life I have a interest in knowing more, so I will rate myself a 8. 

C.   Psychological well-being:  I am strong minded and secure.  I am easy going to a point.  I can stand up for myself.  I cry when I am happy and I cry when I am sad.  I used to be such a perfectionist, but as I have gotten older, I don’t worry about the little things as much.  I rate myself an 8. 

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

A.    Physical goal would be to find time each day to exercise 30 minutes to one hour on a consistent basis. 

B.   Spiritual goal would be to open the Bible and start reading it.

C.   Psychological:  Take time for myself to sit quiet and meditate. 

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

The activities could be exercise, yoga, meditation and prayer.  

Welcome

I have never done this before, but I look forward to the journey....

The relaxation exercise was very calming. 

Just for Today

I will be happy just to be me.  I will not stress about getting an A on an assignment. I will laugh and enjoy today. I will reduce the demands on myself.