Unit 4: Loving-Kindness

I really enjoyed the loving-kindness listening exercise this week. I felt very relaxed and I liked that is was a decent amount of time and also liked the calming music at the end. I found it to be very beneficial in a way that I got to understand that I cannot share these feelings of loving-kindness with anyone until I experience them with myself. I feel that I am able to share this with my Husband, which is the person I thought about that I love with my whole heart. I feel at peace when I think about the love we share. On the other hand, I felt that the part of this exercise that was difficult was thinking about a person who is suffering and breathing in their pain and breathing out peace and health. I was unable to complete this part of the exercise without becoming emotional. I understand that this exercise was not meant to heal that person, but it was difficult to stay focused when I know how much pain and hurt they are in and how much I would love to make it go away. I would however recommend this exercise to everyone because I found it to be very beneficial and calming...made me understand a lot.

Without training the mind there will be no improvement, just like physical fitness. Without working out and hard determination you will never gain the muscle you were hoping for by summer. Mental workouts will take time, not everyone has tons of time during the day to practice so as long as we are taking 30 minutes or so a day to practice we can enhance the mind daily. No sense of trying to overdue it because then you will get burnt out or no follow through and like anything else once you get out of practice it's tough to get back in and it's tough to gain what you have already learned back...it's like starting from square one.

Amanda

Unit 3: Optimal wellbeing?

Reflecting on my physical wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing and psychological wellbeing I realize that I am not anywhere near where I would like to be in regard to optimal wellbeing. My physical wellbeing is an 8 because I believe I am in the best shape and health I’ve ever been in my life. My husband and I are expecting our first child and eating right and working out have been very important for not only me but my little one. My spiritual wellbeing is a 5 due to the fact that I was brought up in an Orthodox home and went to church camp each year to learn about my religion. I believe as I got older I let life get in the way of my duty to attend church and practice what I know. While I still have my faith and am a spiritual person, I believe I could do better. Lastly, I would rate my psychological wellbeing at a 6. I believe that my mind is in a million different places sometimes. It is hard to focus on one task when I have 100 other things to do.

 

My goal is to remain fit and healthy for my baby. This includes using the elliptical to exercise and eat fruits, vegetables, and other super foods! My goal is to attend church and get back into the routine in which I felt that I had a good relationship with my faith and spirituality. My last goal is to prioritize a little more and make checklists daily to help keep my mind in order and block out the irrelevant things in life.

 

I really enjoyed the exercise this week, just as much as last week. Unlike last week I felt myself very relaxed and at peace. Last week my mind wondered a lot and it did this week too but I felt as if I could realize it then control it and remain focused. I also did not fall asleep this week which tells me I was either able to control my mind and stay awake, I have been getting a good amount of sleep, or both! Either way I felt a lot more still this week and in control.

Unit 2: Journey on Relaxtion

Once I completed the Journey on Relaxation activity I felt relaxed and at peace for that small amount of time. I completed the activity on Sunday afternoon, it was cold, rainy and dark outside so my day was uneventful. I enjoyed this activity on Sunday because it allowed me to let go of all the stress that I build up weekly between school, work and other commitments. I believe that I dosed off toward the end of the activity because once I opened my eyes the journey was complete. I plan on listening to this journey each Sunday to prepare myself for the beginning of the week. I hope with time that this activity will allow me to naturally feel calm and at peace at all times.

Amanda

Welcome

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my blog page! I am looking forward to exploring new ideas and sharing information that will be beneficial to us all the next 9 weeks.

Enjoy!
Amanda