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.