In the meeting Aesclepius exercise, my meditative practice was very calming and very peaceful. I envisioned my grandfather, who has been deceased for the past five years. He was sitting at the dining room table in his home. There was an omnipresence of Jesus in my vision, like a shadow with light culminating over the entire experience. I felt an inner peace as I felt the wisdom, warmth and love materialize from my grandfather to me. The sounds of the ocean within the exercise seemed to disappear as I explored the depths of my vision. I was very calm during the whole exercise and I was surprised that I was able to sustain my focus the whole time. I remembered how peaceful my grandfather was when he lived, and how much admiration I had for him as a man of upstanding principles and stature. He taught me so much growing up and I felt his strength and love materialize into my mind, body, and spirit. In order to apply this practice into my life, I would need to continue to practice regularly and capture the feelings that I felt during the exercise into long term memory. If I can manage to retrieve the feelings at stressful times, then it would be beneficial in practicality for better health and wellness in the future.
The phrase "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” means that a person needs to be well seasoned in psychospiritual growth and development to be intuitive in guiding others towards their own growth. To apply this to health and wellness professionals, practitioners must be able to view all of their patients holistically with unique characteristics with the desire to help others minimize their pain and suffering. It is compassion and a complete selfless service that goes beyond just quality of care. It is the human experience of exercising altruistic abilities to help patients find the path of healing in all aspects (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005). As a health care professional, we must be role models for our patients and set a good example for them because it adds a genuine element of experience to evolve psychologically, physically, and spiritually in order to guide our patients along the path of integral health. Implementing psychological and spiritual growth in my personal life requires regular contemplative practice and integral practice in order for my own development to progress and eventually flourish.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Unit 6: Universal Loving Kindness
In the universal loving kindness exercise, I was able to focus my thoughts on others instead of thinking of myself. I work in rehabilitation, so this was very easy to shift my focus on people whom I know as well as those whom I do not know. I had a desire to uplift their suffering and my thoughts ended up thinking of the loving kindness exercise where you are prompted to breath in the suffering of others and exhale out the love from my heart to heal others. I memorized the phrases and engaged in meditation outdoors. It was very easy to focus being immersed in nature with the birds chirping and the sounds of the winds in my ear.
In the assessment process following the universal kindness exercise, I chose to remain diligent in my weekly bible studies for continued spiritual guidance. I also need to continue with contemplative practice and the exercises provided from this course to continue my journey to progress further in training my mind. I still have not experienced the unity conscious that takes place following the calm abiding conscious. However, perhaps if I remain disciplined in staying on task with contemplative practice, then it will be easier to achieve. I have started practicing yoga again and this will help to condition my mind, body, and spirit as well. I have yoga DVDs that will assist with conditioning my body and when yoga is offered at my local gym again, I will sign up if the price is reasonable. My anatomical house requires toning and feeling more unified in the concept of accepting my mind as the control center that regulates the rest of my body as a unified entity. The major area of focus that requires growth and development would be my interpersonal skills with my family. My husband has PTSD and it has really been difficult to communicate with him. However, in light of his clinically diagnosed condition that doesn’t seem to be improving since he resorts to self medicating, I should shift my focus on encouragement rather than criticism. No one enjoys feeling as though judgment is being passed on individual behavior, so perhaps my focus should be more empathetic to his condition with an emphasis on speaking only what is necessary. Perhaps questions rather than statements are needed to help guide him to making better decisions for him self in choosing better behaviors and attitudes. It is difficult to let go of the pain, but I’m realizing it is not productive to allow that emotion to be the central focus. A healthier existence requires a psychospiritual form of practice, so I will encourage spiritual enlightenment more often and think along the lines of me treating a patient rather than me dealing with my husband as the miserable wife smothered in grief and pain. However, there is an internal conflict going on within me because I know that my sense of worldly flourishing will not take place if I feel as though I am suffering in my personal relationships with people in my family. My biggest challenge ahead lies with the ability to utilize intention with loving kindness in all situations. Reacting to chaos I thought was natural, so retraining my mind to elicit the intention of being proactive will take a lot of spiritual growth on my part. The serenity prayer is my guideline to know the difference between certain circumstances that just cannot be persuaded to change, but contemplative practice will be my guide to the inner peace I desperately need in times of stress and strife. I must be able to retrieve this experience of calm abiding during stressful moments and let go of the toxic emotions that wreaks havoc on my mind, body and spirit. To every action, there is a reaction whether it is a statement or some form of behavior. In my sense of worldy flourlishing, the principles of freedom, justice and equality are all encompassing in unconditional love. However, for now, my interpersonal relationships requires the same altruistic state of mind that seems so easy to obtain in the presence of strangers plagued with serious medical conditions.
In the assessment process following the universal kindness exercise, I chose to remain diligent in my weekly bible studies for continued spiritual guidance. I also need to continue with contemplative practice and the exercises provided from this course to continue my journey to progress further in training my mind. I still have not experienced the unity conscious that takes place following the calm abiding conscious. However, perhaps if I remain disciplined in staying on task with contemplative practice, then it will be easier to achieve. I have started practicing yoga again and this will help to condition my mind, body, and spirit as well. I have yoga DVDs that will assist with conditioning my body and when yoga is offered at my local gym again, I will sign up if the price is reasonable. My anatomical house requires toning and feeling more unified in the concept of accepting my mind as the control center that regulates the rest of my body as a unified entity. The major area of focus that requires growth and development would be my interpersonal skills with my family. My husband has PTSD and it has really been difficult to communicate with him. However, in light of his clinically diagnosed condition that doesn’t seem to be improving since he resorts to self medicating, I should shift my focus on encouragement rather than criticism. No one enjoys feeling as though judgment is being passed on individual behavior, so perhaps my focus should be more empathetic to his condition with an emphasis on speaking only what is necessary. Perhaps questions rather than statements are needed to help guide him to making better decisions for him self in choosing better behaviors and attitudes. It is difficult to let go of the pain, but I’m realizing it is not productive to allow that emotion to be the central focus. A healthier existence requires a psychospiritual form of practice, so I will encourage spiritual enlightenment more often and think along the lines of me treating a patient rather than me dealing with my husband as the miserable wife smothered in grief and pain. However, there is an internal conflict going on within me because I know that my sense of worldly flourishing will not take place if I feel as though I am suffering in my personal relationships with people in my family. My biggest challenge ahead lies with the ability to utilize intention with loving kindness in all situations. Reacting to chaos I thought was natural, so retraining my mind to elicit the intention of being proactive will take a lot of spiritual growth on my part. The serenity prayer is my guideline to know the difference between certain circumstances that just cannot be persuaded to change, but contemplative practice will be my guide to the inner peace I desperately need in times of stress and strife. I must be able to retrieve this experience of calm abiding during stressful moments and let go of the toxic emotions that wreaks havoc on my mind, body and spirit. To every action, there is a reaction whether it is a statement or some form of behavior. In my sense of worldy flourlishing, the principles of freedom, justice and equality are all encompassing in unconditional love. However, for now, my interpersonal relationships requires the same altruistic state of mind that seems so easy to obtain in the presence of strangers plagued with serious medical conditions.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Unit 5: Compare and Contrast
1.Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.
To compare and contrast both exercises consisting of the Loving kindness and the Subtle mind:
The loving kindness exercise seemed to be a bit advanced because I could not let go of my thoughts; whereas, the subtle mind practice has it’s own prompts to give you control again when your mind drifts into capturing the mental movement as a habit. The focus was supposed to get diminished off myself to focus on the needs of others from the people I work with everyday to the patients. My thoughts soared in the Loving kindness practice and in the Subtle mind exercise, I was able to focus on my breathing to gain control again of listening to my own thoughts, feelings, emotions, images and moments. I did not cling onto my mind process and for a second, I did feel a bit apprehensive but completing this exercise after aerobics, it was easier to let go of all the mental activity. I achieved a focused concentration technique at times, and at other times, I had to refocus on my breathing to gain control. In the loving kindness exercise, I was able to focus on others as well as the patients (strangers). After allowing my train of thought to take its course and then fade out to another thought or memory, there was just an inner peace that was so clear and calm. I could only hold this clear state of mind for a few minutes, it’s not the next phase of unity consciousness, but it is progress. I’m sure if I continue to practice, I will reach this phase.
I had to memorize the practice exercise for the subtle mind because track 3 on the CD was not functioning properly (Dacher, p 75, 2006). The first few minutes of track 3 was verbal and clear but as time went on, there was the sound of dead air and no further instructions, so I improvised. If I could find my digital voice recorder, I’d do my own recording of the reading for better cues and prompts for the subtle mind exercise.
In time, I’m sure the Loving Kindness exercise will be easier to master. But for now, I think it is best to just keep practicing to get the hang of letting my mental activity fade to get to the next phase of consciousness and experience that inner peace in calm abiding. The few moments that I am there, I feel blessed, loved and a full part of this rotating planet with the human race. It is more than just an inner peace and tranquility, but it will take more practice to hold my attention in calm abiding for longer periods of time to get to the next experience of a conscious unity.
2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.
The connection of spiritual wellness to mental wellness is described by Dacher as movement from a solid anatomical body to a more subtle opening that spiritually connects individuals with all aspects of life. Once at this subtle mind and body materializes, the next transformation goes into the spiritual body experience. To me, it’s like a holographic image of what represents a deeper level of serene consciousness. This transformation to me is part of an advanced technique of what Dacher describes as miracles (p 85, 2006). Dacher briefly provides examples of telekinetic powers and other esoteric abilities that I is difficult to fathom, but not impossible. I was always told that humans only use a third of our full potential and perhaps some people from the Eastern cultures have experienced it through a meditative state or through religious or cultural practices. Though we may not attain such a high level of development within this 10 week course, but I believe it is possible to develop psychospiritual aspects of ourselves that would manifest within our bodies with physical wellness.
I think this connection is experienced in my personal life when I am engaging in the practices given with Loving kindness and subtle mind exercises. I have always felt a sense of grace, compassion, love, and humbleness in prayer and meditative activity. It is the deepest sincerity and kindness of my heart that is given in my spiritual journey as I give my prayers my deepest focus and attention. I have been incorporating some spiritual aspects to my mental workouts following a cardio work out daily with varied results. Now, if I could just remember that feeling when my surroundings and interpersonal relationships are on the brink of conflict, I’d have better control over my emotions by reframing from grabbing and reacting. I am making some progress in my solitude, but I am hoping it can be an experience I can hold onto when my surroundings get stressful. To be calm in the mist of chaos, that’s a miracle in itself. The normal stresses of life always seem to be about the will to survive, maintain, and achieve success in all endeavors. Using true wisdom and keeping my faith constant will make life's obstacles not so much of a stress, but opportunities to learn and grow. Some situations that I have dealt with in my life have not always been pleasant or desired, but I am sure with practice and perseverance, I do have the ability to achieve human flourishing.
To compare and contrast both exercises consisting of the Loving kindness and the Subtle mind:
The loving kindness exercise seemed to be a bit advanced because I could not let go of my thoughts; whereas, the subtle mind practice has it’s own prompts to give you control again when your mind drifts into capturing the mental movement as a habit. The focus was supposed to get diminished off myself to focus on the needs of others from the people I work with everyday to the patients. My thoughts soared in the Loving kindness practice and in the Subtle mind exercise, I was able to focus on my breathing to gain control again of listening to my own thoughts, feelings, emotions, images and moments. I did not cling onto my mind process and for a second, I did feel a bit apprehensive but completing this exercise after aerobics, it was easier to let go of all the mental activity. I achieved a focused concentration technique at times, and at other times, I had to refocus on my breathing to gain control. In the loving kindness exercise, I was able to focus on others as well as the patients (strangers). After allowing my train of thought to take its course and then fade out to another thought or memory, there was just an inner peace that was so clear and calm. I could only hold this clear state of mind for a few minutes, it’s not the next phase of unity consciousness, but it is progress. I’m sure if I continue to practice, I will reach this phase.
I had to memorize the practice exercise for the subtle mind because track 3 on the CD was not functioning properly (Dacher, p 75, 2006). The first few minutes of track 3 was verbal and clear but as time went on, there was the sound of dead air and no further instructions, so I improvised. If I could find my digital voice recorder, I’d do my own recording of the reading for better cues and prompts for the subtle mind exercise.
In time, I’m sure the Loving Kindness exercise will be easier to master. But for now, I think it is best to just keep practicing to get the hang of letting my mental activity fade to get to the next phase of consciousness and experience that inner peace in calm abiding. The few moments that I am there, I feel blessed, loved and a full part of this rotating planet with the human race. It is more than just an inner peace and tranquility, but it will take more practice to hold my attention in calm abiding for longer periods of time to get to the next experience of a conscious unity.
2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.
The connection of spiritual wellness to mental wellness is described by Dacher as movement from a solid anatomical body to a more subtle opening that spiritually connects individuals with all aspects of life. Once at this subtle mind and body materializes, the next transformation goes into the spiritual body experience. To me, it’s like a holographic image of what represents a deeper level of serene consciousness. This transformation to me is part of an advanced technique of what Dacher describes as miracles (p 85, 2006). Dacher briefly provides examples of telekinetic powers and other esoteric abilities that I is difficult to fathom, but not impossible. I was always told that humans only use a third of our full potential and perhaps some people from the Eastern cultures have experienced it through a meditative state or through religious or cultural practices. Though we may not attain such a high level of development within this 10 week course, but I believe it is possible to develop psychospiritual aspects of ourselves that would manifest within our bodies with physical wellness.
I think this connection is experienced in my personal life when I am engaging in the practices given with Loving kindness and subtle mind exercises. I have always felt a sense of grace, compassion, love, and humbleness in prayer and meditative activity. It is the deepest sincerity and kindness of my heart that is given in my spiritual journey as I give my prayers my deepest focus and attention. I have been incorporating some spiritual aspects to my mental workouts following a cardio work out daily with varied results. Now, if I could just remember that feeling when my surroundings and interpersonal relationships are on the brink of conflict, I’d have better control over my emotions by reframing from grabbing and reacting. I am making some progress in my solitude, but I am hoping it can be an experience I can hold onto when my surroundings get stressful. To be calm in the mist of chaos, that’s a miracle in itself. The normal stresses of life always seem to be about the will to survive, maintain, and achieve success in all endeavors. Using true wisdom and keeping my faith constant will make life's obstacles not so much of a stress, but opportunities to learn and grow. Some situations that I have dealt with in my life have not always been pleasant or desired, but I am sure with practice and perseverance, I do have the ability to achieve human flourishing.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Unit 4: Loving Kindness
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 with the loving kindness exercise was difficult on the first try. I was able to visualize my children in the beginning, but that thought fluctuated with a silhouette representation of God. I felt an overwhelming warmth and comfort with these thoughts and I was able to turn those feelings inward towards myself to some degree. I got restless at this time, so my focus seemed to have been all over the place rather than just myself. I struggled with the next phase of allowing negative and positive feelings and images exist without letting them go so easy. Like a baby holding on to a security blanket, it was just difficult to provide that love and care to both positive and negative. I wanted to destroy the negative feelings rather than allow them to exist. I would have to be consistent with practicing this exercise in order to get more of the desired outcome that emanates unconditional love through out the whole practice and not just at certain times when I am thinking of others. It was beneficial to practice because I did feel at peace once the exercise was completed. I would recommend this practice to others so that they too will experience inner peace within themselves.
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?
I think the concept “Mental Workout” is the same as the old adage “practice makes perfect.” In order to have success in any endeavor, one must practice regularly to get a more desirable outcome. The research indicates that the proven benefit of a mental work out provides progress in conscious development with some degree of healing capabilities. I can recall several different research studies that I’ve read in this course that demonstrates enough evidence that our minds can and will have an effect physiologically. I could implement mental workouts to foster my psychological health with practice. I think it would take less of an effort on my part over a period of time where it would be easier to complete mental tasks I am prompted to do during the exercise. As time goes on, I’m sure I will be able to capture that feeling as a mental reminder to myself, especially at times when I am dealing with daily stresses on a regular basis.
My experience with the loving kindness exercise was difficult on the first try. I was able to visualize my children in the beginning, but that thought fluctuated with a silhouette representation of God. I felt an overwhelming warmth and comfort with these thoughts and I was able to turn those feelings inward towards myself to some degree. I got restless at this time, so my focus seemed to have been all over the place rather than just myself. I struggled with the next phase of allowing negative and positive feelings and images exist without letting them go so easy. Like a baby holding on to a security blanket, it was just difficult to provide that love and care to both positive and negative. I wanted to destroy the negative feelings rather than allow them to exist. I would have to be consistent with practicing this exercise in order to get more of the desired outcome that emanates unconditional love through out the whole practice and not just at certain times when I am thinking of others. It was beneficial to practice because I did feel at peace once the exercise was completed. I would recommend this practice to others so that they too will experience inner peace within themselves.
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?
I think the concept “Mental Workout” is the same as the old adage “practice makes perfect.” In order to have success in any endeavor, one must practice regularly to get a more desirable outcome. The research indicates that the proven benefit of a mental work out provides progress in conscious development with some degree of healing capabilities. I can recall several different research studies that I’ve read in this course that demonstrates enough evidence that our minds can and will have an effect physiologically. I could implement mental workouts to foster my psychological health with practice. I think it would take less of an effort on my part over a period of time where it would be easier to complete mental tasks I am prompted to do during the exercise. As time goes on, I’m sure I will be able to capture that feeling as a mental reminder to myself, especially at times when I am dealing with daily stresses on a regular basis.
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