UNIT 8 - How Can I Foster Mental Fitness?

"Mental Fitness"

       After reviewing the exercises and practice sessions, I would have to say that the Loving-Kindness exercise and the Subtle Mind exercise would become most beneficial for myself. I am a very fast-paced individual. Both exercises thus far have magnified this for me. Even though I had difficulty with the Loving-Kindness exercise the first time around, it did become beneficial as time went on and it did bring me relaxation/reflection. The Loving-Kindness exercise will help me strengthen my love and help in forgiving some of my own mistakes. The Subtle Mind exercise will help me to slow down, live in the present, and learn to reflect the correct way. I also believe will both help me sort out the unbelievably amount of thoughts I have day in and day out. To foster mental health using the Loving-Kindness exercise, I can practice meditation, reading positive quotes in the morning, and/or simply taking a few minutes at the end or beginning or my day to reflect without any present distractions. To foster mental fitness using the Subtle Mind exercise, I can take up yoga and focus on my breathing when exercising. Practicing breathing can serve as a mental workout itself. I think most importantly, I should really learn to see the positive in everything/everyone! Hopefully that will help in the loving-kindness area as well. What two did you choose?

"The most meaningful aim of contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation but rather the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities. " (Dacher)

UNIT 7 - Meeting Aesclepius

Meeting Aesclepius Exercise

       I had a bit of a hard time following this exercise for the unit. I think a lot of it had to do with the lack of full attention I was able to give, to begin with. Not only this but when asked to envision a person of wisdom, I was unable to focus on one specific individual. From then, I already felt as if I couldn't completely focus. However, I will say that I understood the concept. Meditation allows us to become in tune with our psychological and spiritual well-being. How can the aspects of our whole being become in tune with each other if we never allow it the chance to? Meditation and exercises that gives us the ability do so, are perfect for just that. To foster greater health and wellness, apply practices such as tai chi, yoga, or even just a few minutes to reflect. IF anything stood out, it would be, "Your inner essence is always available to support and guide you to integral health."

     

  "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself." 

       To become the agents of a more expansive health, we must begin with our own lives (Dacher). As an individual, we really don't have a place to speak on anything that we don't live by ourselves. Why would/should we tell someone else to live a certain way, if we don't ourselves? How can we criticize another individual, if we practice the same doings as them? Hypocritical is what that would makes us in a sense. As professionals we must lead by example. An individual in the health and wellness profession could possibly assist others in flourishing and in wellness, however, it would not be authentic nor would it be beneficial for those who are being assisted. Usually we are able to sense other individual's emotions/vibes around us. Due to this natural reaction, we tend to act on what we receive. If a professional who excels in health and wellness does not practice health and healing, then they are unable to build confidence in the assisting and therefore the other individual cannot absorb the essence of what is being taught. As mentioned before, this professional needs to find fulfillment in health, happiness, and wholeness within their lives, in order to reach out to others in a way that would be most effective. I suggest implementing exercises that include meditating and vocally venting as steps towards fostering psychological and spiritual growth. 

UNIT 6 - Exercise/Assessment Process

        Exercise/Assessment Process

       The universal loving kindness exercise is a very powerful one that may not have physical meaning but gives a deeper leap into personal development. We are unable to accomplish anything in life without the thought of it first. It only makes sense to focus on words or certain goals and work towards it. As mentioned before, in a previous unit, I need to work on loving myself and then loving others. I like this exercise because it's short but also gives me the ability to expand my mind and serve as a way to eliminate hatred and negative thoughts. 

       The integral assessment process helps us to get from one level of development to another, progressively moving us toward our personal goal of human flourishing. It serves as a tool to evaluate aspects within our lives. Although I do like to observe, think, and overanalyze, I usually don't ask myself the main questions behind it. One question that I caught while reading included "What aspect of my life - psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal, or worldly - is the source of my difficulty or suffering?" After conducting both the exercise and practice, I found that I should work on myself, emotionally. However, I have chosen to focus on biological flourishing first. This is because I would like to focus on my physical strength and health overall. Some specific activities/exercises I can implement to foster greater wellness in this area could include Zumba classes, no slacking on my exercise regiment, and developing a cleaner diet by eliminating unnecessary sweets. I have found that exercising and a healthier diet brings me happiness and because of that I am a more aware and joyous individual.