Unit 7

Unit 7

The practice of fixing my attention on an image or individual was challenging for me. I have experienced guided meditations with a white light before but not quite to this extent. It was more as a sense of connection to the universe and grounding to the earth. This was definitely more complicated and almost distracting from the relaxation. I understand the purpose but this technique is not for me. I will stick with what works for me. The phrase "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” is very powerful to me. I think it is very important for a health and wellness professional to understand and practice. I think it is very difficult to teach someone something that you have not experienced yourself first hand. I do feel that I have an obligation to my clients to continue to foster my development in mind-body – spiritual growth through exercises and life experiences. I can implement psychological and spiritual growth by continuing to meditate daily and by also practicing patients and awareness of other suffering and give loving kindness and compassion in return.

Michelle

This is a view from Jones Mt. about 1.2 mile hike right out my back yard.

Unit 6

UNIT 6

This was an interesting practice this week. I certainly understand the mindfulness intent behind it but I find it challenging. I have found after completing this assessment that I have a few things to work on for sure. I have chosen to work on my emotional intelligence as will translate into positive improvements with all of the relationships in my life such as with my husband, children and coworkers. Emotional growth will also continue my development of personal growth. I am continuing to be diligent about implementing my daily meditation practice which has tremendous benefit in my life and relations with others. I have found benefits already in the short time I have been practicing thus far. Improvement with my time management to allocate time for meditating is often my struggle. These are the two things that I will work to improve hand in hand. And reap the benefits throughout the rest of my life.

Michelle

Unit 5 Powerpoint

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0By-Jocp5nGJNNGIwZDhlNzMtOWVhMS00NGMxLWFlZWUtN2FlODEyZGQ3YmYy&hl=en

Unit 5

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

The subtle mind practice turns to a more inward focus and uses the breath as a tool of observation. The Loving Kindness practice expanded the field of compassion to one’s self and all those around. I much prefer this type of practice as it coincides with my current practice of Vipassana meditation which is what I use. I enjoy this practice as it is getting me slowly back into my daily practice. I enjoy the subtle mind practice more as it brings me closer to meditation.

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

I think there is a great connection between physical and mental wellness to one’s spiritual wellness. I believe that all three of these types of wellness are interconnected. In my personal life I find that when aspects of one of these areas of my life are balanced it overflows and positively affects another aspect. Conversely if I am out of balance in one of these areas of wellness then the imbalance has a tendency to snowball keeping or throwing other things out of balance as well. I find the interconnectedness of physical, mental and spiritual wellness to be personal challenging balance that I am working diligently to gain and more importantly maintain control of. Balance is a fundamental aspect of wellness in all areas.

Metta,

Michelle

Unit 4

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?

I really enjoyed this exercise this week in practicing loving kindness. It is amazing how when you really need a little extra help and you are open and accepting the help will come and I really think that this was in fact the case this week for me. I have had some personal challenges that have tested me this week and this was the perfect time to implement the practice of loving kindness. There are two particular situations that practicing loving kindness has helped me with tremendously. The first was and still is an ongoing situation with my oldest daughter Makayla who is 9 years old. Makayla’s father and I divorced a couple years ago which has been a great growth for me but extremely difficult for Makayla.  I have since remarried and had another daughter, Ashlyn. Makayla recently decided not to go with her father for visitations anymore because she was not spending time with him as he would often find someone else to watch her on the 3 days a week that he had her. Makayla has gotten very tired and emotional about the situation, understandably. To complicate the situation even further her father is facing a felony DWI (his 4^th) charge which could possibly mean jail time. He will be sentenced on November 23. The practice of loving kindness has been a tremendous help through these tumultuous times. I keep her in my thoughts when she is at school and mindfully inhale thinking of her suffering and exhale sending her peace, love, compassion and goodwill.

            The second situation that this practice of loving kindness has helped is my own mental challenges. I am notorious for compartmentalizing my emotions or negative situations. For the most part my meditation has helped me with this over the years but since school has started I have not been as diligent about my time management which has hampered my time for meditation and sleep. In practicing loving kindness and turning this awareness to myself I have become aware of two events that took place in my life in a two month span in the summer of 2010. I purchased a brand new 2008 Harley Davidson Nightster 1200XL, I am sure you can imagine where this is going. I bought the bike with intentions of riding with my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) and I proceeded to wreck pretty bad, not once but twice! The first accident involved just me and was bad. I actually still suffer ankle issue from it. The second accident my wreck caused my husband to wreck , almost caused my sister to lay her bike down and my brother had to swerve into the becoming lane of traffic to avoid my skidding down the road for 60’. Since that time I have not been back on a bike and even quiver when other motorcycles drive by me. I feel that I have become fearful and anxious about many things which is not in my nature to be that way at all. I used to be quite the opposite, calm for the most part but aggressive when needed.

               

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?

A “mental workout “is an act of practicing mindful intention to benefit mental, spiritual and psychological growth. Research indicates that there are proven benefits of a mental workout. “Mental workouts” can be implemented through meditation practices as well as other forms of practice such as Tai Chi. I went to two silent 10 day Vipassana Meditation retreats in Shelburne Falls, MA. I really enjoyed it as it had profound effects on my life and personal growth. It was just after I got divorced that Or in the process of that my daily meditation practice took a back seat to daily chores of maintaining a house, 2 horses, 3 dogs and Makayla who was 5 at the time. I lived 20 miles from town out in the middle of nowhere which I absolutely loved but it had its challenges, especially when it snowed! This week of practice has been a great motivator to better prioritize my time because meditation practice is as important for my benefit as it is everyone who is around me. Mindfulness is an important part of a “mental workout”.

Michelle

Unit 3

Unit 3

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?

Physical well-being – 7

            Exercise is a part of my regular daily routine. I find it an important part of my day both mentally and physically. Lack of sleep is extremely detrimental to the overall goals of my physique. Lack of sleep increases cortisol and decreases muscle repair and recovery which is essential to muscle growth.

Spiritual well-being - 5.5

             I find that as of recently this is the area that I lack spending time on. I have some of knowledge and experience with meditation and as of recently I find that I am frequently sacrificing my daily meditation time. This is something I am and have been aware of but need to take action to change.

Psychological well-being – 7.5

            I feel that I am mentally well balanced with the exception of needing more regular sleep on most nights due to diaper changes and milk refills.  I need to reset my circadian rhythm to sleep and rise earlier. This would help to improve all aspects of my day.

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

My physical training is at a great spot right now as well as my diet. Improving my sleep will help to improve my physical health. Spiritually I need to meditate regularly each day. This will help to improve my mindfulness and spirituality. Psychologically I need to find balance in time management throughout the day’s activities while at the same time allocating adequate time for sleep as well.

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

Time management is the key element that I need to implement to improve structure in my day. This balance  would improve not only sleep but time for meditation as well. It seems as though two key elements would help me to reach my goals and improve my day.

4. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century.  To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)<BR.

I struggle with the relaxation or guided imagery audios as I often drift off to sleep or start nodding off anyway. I guess this is relaxing but challenging to describe when asked for sure.  I think I could almost drift off standing up and listening like this type of audio.