For the first exercise we were asked to close our eyes and for 10 minutes repeat a series of phrases. I found this exercise to be very relaxing and enjoyable for the first half. Upon entering the second half I found my mind drifting and by the last 2 minutes or so I became frustrated by boredom and my lack of focus. However, I tried the exercise once again, but this time I did it mid-day in an empty house and found it more effective. I believe by returning to this exercise in an empty house and at 1 pm I was able to focus and have enough energy both expended and in reserve.
The second exercise was to partake in the integral assessment. In this assessment there were many areas of my life that I needed to assess. I discovered through this process that my conative aspect of my psycho-spiritual side is motivated by psychological needs. I believe my biological aspect is rather wholesome, however I'd like to see it express helping others in the physical aspects of life, i.e exercise, nutrition, and motivation. Under the interpersonal aspect I feel as if I could be more involved with my community. Perhaps I could spread the biological/ physical needs and combine them with community, such as a community exercise program or hiking/biking/running club. Finally, in the worldly aspect I feel like I am lacking in all areas besides work. Once again this is a similar are to the last two and could be remedied by becoming involved in my community.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Unit 5 Subtle Mind
Good evening all,
I found the subtle mind practice to be one of the most influential and helpful practices to date. The breathing exercises were great as they were something everyone could do and was easy to follow. As it was stated the mind follows the breath and as my breathe slowed and became controlled so did my thoughts. I found the "subtle mind" exercise to be extremely easy to follow opposed to the earlier practice "Loving kindness". The loving-kindness exercise was difficult for me to follow and concentrate on the each set of exercises and they felt as if they were spaced out very far from one another. This spacing caused an aggravation and impatience. With the subtle mind exercise the spacing did not affect me at all as the breathing exercises were enjoyable and had a soothing effect in which I did not notice the intervals. The way these exercises effected my life was in a positive light. I have used this exercise from memory many nights upon going to sleep or just grabbing a quick break in the day to slow down and relax. I find the ability to relax with this exercise can improve my mental and physical energy and health throughout the day.
I found the subtle mind practice to be one of the most influential and helpful practices to date. The breathing exercises were great as they were something everyone could do and was easy to follow. As it was stated the mind follows the breath and as my breathe slowed and became controlled so did my thoughts. I found the "subtle mind" exercise to be extremely easy to follow opposed to the earlier practice "Loving kindness". The loving-kindness exercise was difficult for me to follow and concentrate on the each set of exercises and they felt as if they were spaced out very far from one another. This spacing caused an aggravation and impatience. With the subtle mind exercise the spacing did not affect me at all as the breathing exercises were enjoyable and had a soothing effect in which I did not notice the intervals. The way these exercises effected my life was in a positive light. I have used this exercise from memory many nights upon going to sleep or just grabbing a quick break in the day to slow down and relax. I find the ability to relax with this exercise can improve my mental and physical energy and health throughout the day.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Unit 4
Good afternoon all.
For question one of the blog assignment I found the session to be difficult to follow as it seemed vague to me. I tried listening to it multiple times at different points throughout the day and still had difficulty with it. Now even though I had difficulty with this one I would still recommend it and will be re-attempting it until I am able to understand and feel this exercise working. Now for question #2 a mental workout is similar to brain training. This can be done by concentrating or focusing on certain aspects of our mind-body-physical being and really listening and paying attention to how we react both mentally and physically. If we were to practice these experiences and "workouts"daily, it is similar to working out our minds and making them not only stronger but more attune to everything around and inside of us.
For question one of the blog assignment I found the session to be difficult to follow as it seemed vague to me. I tried listening to it multiple times at different points throughout the day and still had difficulty with it. Now even though I had difficulty with this one I would still recommend it and will be re-attempting it until I am able to understand and feel this exercise working. Now for question #2 a mental workout is similar to brain training. This can be done by concentrating or focusing on certain aspects of our mind-body-physical being and really listening and paying attention to how we react both mentally and physically. If we were to practice these experiences and "workouts"daily, it is similar to working out our minds and making them not only stronger but more attune to everything around and inside of us.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Unit 3
Good evening everyone, before I start my blog this week I must confess my answers might be slightly skewed. The reason for this is I have been suffering from heavy congestion, sore throat, and flu like symptoms (minus the flu) kind of weird.
1. Now based on my reflections and a 1 to 10 scale I rate my physical well being at a 7-8 usually, my spiritual well being at an 8, and my psychological well being at a 9.
2&3.Some goals I would like to see in each area accomplished are: For my physical goal I would like to see the continuation of my smoking cessation (its been 3 days tobacco free) I need to continue this for not only my health but my family as well. A spiritual goal I would like to accomplish is to get in touch with nature more than I have in the past. I believe I can accomplish this by devoting time into a vegetable garden and spending more time with our new chickens. Finally to better improve my psychological demeanor I believe that more of a pacifistic tone in arguments and less confrontational can go a long way.
4. My experience in this weeks relaxation exercise started of as that frustrating as not only was my nose stuffed up by my upper chest congested. Over the period of this exercise I was able to put these symptoms behind me and clear my airway. I think that my sickness this week helped me better understand how this relaxation can help. Up until now 6:31pm I have spent all day in bed since last night and have not fully relaxed as I have during this exercise.
1. Now based on my reflections and a 1 to 10 scale I rate my physical well being at a 7-8 usually, my spiritual well being at an 8, and my psychological well being at a 9.
2&3.Some goals I would like to see in each area accomplished are: For my physical goal I would like to see the continuation of my smoking cessation (its been 3 days tobacco free) I need to continue this for not only my health but my family as well. A spiritual goal I would like to accomplish is to get in touch with nature more than I have in the past. I believe I can accomplish this by devoting time into a vegetable garden and spending more time with our new chickens. Finally to better improve my psychological demeanor I believe that more of a pacifistic tone in arguments and less confrontational can go a long way.
4. My experience in this weeks relaxation exercise started of as that frustrating as not only was my nose stuffed up by my upper chest congested. Over the period of this exercise I was able to put these symptoms behind me and clear my airway. I think that my sickness this week helped me better understand how this relaxation can help. Up until now 6:31pm I have spent all day in bed since last night and have not fully relaxed as I have during this exercise.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Unit 2
Good morning all,
I first must apologize for my tardiness this week in my posts. Needless to say these past few days have been fun, stressful, and memorable. Over the past few days my family and I spent our time at a campsite fishing, hiking, and just having a fun time. My wife caught her first fish and then another and another lol. She limited out her first time fishing in about an hour. We also added two new family members as we bought some baby chickens for our kids for Easter. To us it was a great opportunity to not only teach them more responsibility but also exchange getting pet chicks instead of candy ( a nice healthy alternative). Now on to my journey through the relaxation exercise. I believe that this exercise proved effective for myself. However I am uncertain if it actually effected me physically or just through power of suggestion. In either case it still has positive effects. Then again maybe the power of suggestion is all this is meant to be and the power of suggestion can be a significant tool. Upon the conclusion of this exercise I was in a heightened (as opposed to my normal) state of relaxation and ready to accomplish this post.
I first must apologize for my tardiness this week in my posts. Needless to say these past few days have been fun, stressful, and memorable. Over the past few days my family and I spent our time at a campsite fishing, hiking, and just having a fun time. My wife caught her first fish and then another and another lol. She limited out her first time fishing in about an hour. We also added two new family members as we bought some baby chickens for our kids for Easter. To us it was a great opportunity to not only teach them more responsibility but also exchange getting pet chicks instead of candy ( a nice healthy alternative). Now on to my journey through the relaxation exercise. I believe that this exercise proved effective for myself. However I am uncertain if it actually effected me physically or just through power of suggestion. In either case it still has positive effects. Then again maybe the power of suggestion is all this is meant to be and the power of suggestion can be a significant tool. Upon the conclusion of this exercise I was in a heightened (as opposed to my normal) state of relaxation and ready to accomplish this post.
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