My Health

 

1. Complete the Meeting Aesclepius. Describe your meditative practices for the week and discuss the experience. Explain how mindfulness or meditation has fostered an increase in your psychological or spiritual wellness. How can you continue to apply these practices in your life to foster greater health and wellness?

This week I decided to sit down and actual try to mediate. I sat on the floor in a comfortable position and just tried to let my mind be clear. It was really hard to get my thoughts to turn off but, eventually I was able. I pictured a loved one (my mother) and the love I have for her. I radiated it through my entire body. These mediations exercises I  have practiced over this course really allow me to connect with my inner self. I really had no idea how much power I had over my feelings. I can control my breathing, focus, energy, and thoughts. This means I can chose to put myself in a better place and free my mind.

I have also been trying to be mindful of the things I do. I look my perspectives of things and how they can improved. Learning where I can grow is the foundation for a start on the integral path. I want to receive health, happiness, and wholeness. By being aware of my body and mind while working on improving them with exercise and good eating has improved my mood and overall health. To continue these practices is the most important thing. I need to set a schedule of mediation, yoga, and other meditative and mindfulness practices. By making time to be mindful and practices reaching my inner health I can start to become a better person and possibly reach human flourishing one day.

 

2. Describe the saying: "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" (p.477). How does this apply to the health and wellness professional? Do you have an obligation to your clients to be developing your health psychologically, physically, and spiritually? Why or why not? How can you implement psychological and spiritual growth in your personal life?

I think this saying is extremely important because one must practice what they say. A good example of this is being physically and mentally healthy before you can treat others. If I was to go to the doctor and he weighed 500 pounds and was unable to talk about inner health I most likely would not listen to him. Every health professional has an obligation to have good psychological, physical, and spiritual health in my opinion. If they can even do what they want someone to do it is not very credible. People will not see the reason as to why they need to be healthy. I want a person that is fit and on their game to treat me for any type of problem.

I want to have psychological and spiritual growth in my life because I know it will make me a better person. Waking up every day with the mindset of learning as much as possible and giving to others it will train my mind. I can exercise daily and eat healthy to keep my body fit. I want to avoid stress and negative relationships to prevent distress and disease. I will make sure I start change both my outer and inner life and reach human flourishing.

HW420 Unit 6 Integral Health

Integral Health

 

 

1. Practice the Universal Loving Kindness (meditation) exercise on p. 93.

The universal loving kindness mediation was fairly simple and quick. However, it had a large effect for opening up the mind to helping others. It requires one to close their eyes and repeat the phrases for 10 minutes (Dacher, 2006, p.93).

May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.

Mat all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness

May I assist all individuals gain freedom from suffering

May I assist all individual in finding health, happiness, and wholeness

It is does not take long but, really allows the mind to focus on interpersonal flourishing. Being able to be connected with our inner self and reflect it out to others is the best part of having integral health. After completing this exercise I learned that I need to focus more on the needs of others and worry less about myself. The largest area I need improve one is my interpersonal relationships. I have a hard time expressing things and maintaining strong relationships. Practicing the loving kindness exercise, yoga, and meditation can help me flourish and eventually pass it on to others.

2. Complete the Integral Assessment discussed in chapter 11 (p.115).

Completed.

3. Describe the exercise and assessment process. What did you discover about yourself? What area have you chosen to be a focus of growth and development? Why? What are some specific exercises or activities that you can implement to foster greater wellness in this area?

The integral assessment focus on the current status of a persons integral health and looking at the areas they can improve. In order to take the assessment one must look at all four quadrants biological, psychospiritual, interpersonal, and worldly (Dacher, 2006, p.114). For the assessment I took the four quadrants and chose one I want to improve on. I chose the biological quadrant as I can improve on my health. I chose this quadrant because I am out of shape and unhealthy. There is need for improvement in both my mind and body. I will need to look at specific practices to change this quadrant such as exercise, yoga, meditation, eating right, and maintaining a strong and still mind. Looking at where, how, and the necessities I need to improve helps me understand my integral health. I need to access each quadrant and every line within that quadrant to determine all the areas that need improvement. I want to flourish in all areas and reach true integral health.

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

HW420 The Subtle Mind Unit 5

The Subtle Mind

 

 

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

The loving kindness exercise and the subtle mind exercise both were very relaxing. Both have a unique and calm way of perceiving ourselves, our feelings, others, and the feelings of others. The loving kindness exercise focuses more on our inner body and the emotions we hold for others. The subtle mind exercise allows one to connect with their inner self and their mind. Through the practice of the subtle mind exercise one can learn to find their unity consciousness (Dacher, 2006, p.77). I was able to feel more at ease during the subtle mind exercise as I was not introduce to the suffering of others but, rather the feelings and processes of my mind.

I must admit that each exercise takes focus and dedication. It is not easy for me to disconnect my mind from the things going on around me to focus on my inner self. I had trouble with each exercise but, after a few times of practice it was easier for me to see the truth benefits behind each one.

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

Spiritual wellness is extremely important just as mental and physical wellness is. While having a healthy body is always evident the importance of training our mind and spirit are not always. Having good physical health helps prevents illness and disease while mental health does as well. But, what does spiritual health do? Well, the answer is similar if the not the same. Spiritual health helps us avoid illness and disease while maintaining our well-being. The fact can be seen through the studies of prayer alone. It has been proven that prayer not only improves one’s life but, also their health (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005, p.313). It is vital that one monitor and maintain their mind-body-spirit to achieve optimal health.

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi. M. (2005). Consciousness and healing: Integral approaches to mind body medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Mental Training- Unit 4

Loving-Kindness

 

 

1.Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

Understanding that loving kindness revolves around the considerations of others is important. This exercise was relaxing and really allowed me to open my mind. I took the feelings of loving kindness towards my mother and turned them inward to change the perception and feeling of myself. This actually made my body feel comfortable and at peace. I was able to feel love towards myself and I almost felt like a better person even though I had not completed any actions. Once I started to imagine people suffering I also understood how important it is to help and consider others. We must all function as a whole not billions of individuals.

I did feel it was a beneficial exercise because it made me calm and peaceful. I have been very anxious and stressed out this past week and this was the first time my heart slowed and I was able to feel truly relaxed. I never understood that I had so much control and with each unit I am gaining more control with knowledge. The exercise was very easy. It was just pure imagination and the women giving the instructions had a very assuring voice. I would definitely recommend this exercise to others because it is just a few minutes of time that can improve your entire day and eventually could lead to self-improvement and loving kindness.

2.What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

Mental training is a process of completing exercises that help strengthen and train the mind. A mental workout is based on completing exercises mentally that help improve one’s mental strength and focus throughout life. The loving kindness exercise I completed above starts to train the mind to the ideas of love and helping others. By taking the time to complete mental workouts helps sharpen and strengthen and person’s mind-body-spirit.

There has been research conducted on the importance of mental training and how it can improve life overall. A study by Antoine Lutz showed there was an increase in one’s mental status when they completed practices from contemplative practice (Dacher, 2006, p.63). Contemplative practice is the working out the mind to achieve a high inner self (Dacher, 2006, p.61). Having a higher mental state allows one to have a trained mind, be open to others, be connected with our inner self, and have an overall more spiritual and beneficial life (Dacher, 2006, p.66). Everyone should take the time to train their mind and have a strong mental state.

By completing mental workouts I can improve my mind and my overall life. I can learn to be in touch with my inner self and have the ability to help myself and others. My overall psychological health will improve because my mind will be healthier. The mind can be cared for just like body and be healthy or unhealthy. By completing these practices I will be sharpen my mind and expanding my education.

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc

Self Reflections- Unit 3

Today, I will be completing a relaxation exercise and giving a Self-reflection.

 

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?

A. Physical Well-being-6

I am going to give myself a score of 6 out of 10 because I do need a lot of improvement. I am not the healthiest person by any means and actually started looking in to the health and wellness field to improve myself. I have learned that it is not just about physical well-being but rather a holistic approach the looks at both the inner and outer aspects of health.

B. Spiritual Well-being 8

I feel very comfortable with my spiritual well-being. I have faith in God and prayer through spirituality all the time. It is important to be in touch with your inner self and feel comfortable with the person you are. I definitely could still improve my spiritual well-being and want to work on it.

C. Psychological Well-being

My psychological well-being is currently at a good standing. I was diagnosed with bipolar at age 13 and again at age 18. There have been many difficulties in my life but, with medication and therapy I was able to get on track. Now, I attend school and have a healthy life physically, mentally and spiritually. I am hoping to get healthy and possible try to find better ways to control my condition. Staying focused on the important things in life and following a structured path is vital to success.

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

1. I would like to lose weight and have a healthier body. I need to change my eating habits and start exercising more. My goal is to eat healthy and start working out at least three times week. This should allow my body to become healthier and I should start to lose weight.

2. I would like to attend church more often and become more in touch with my inner self. Having a strong grasp on ones spirituality is very important. I would like to meditate and have more familiarity with my spirituality side.

3. To improve my psychological condition I want to try to become healthier physiologically, biologically, and mentally. I hope to take less medications to manage my bi-polar but, only if it is possible. Finding a good way to manage my condition is vital. It is under control with medication but, I am curious if I become healthier if my chemical imbalance could decrease.

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

To stay on track I need to plan a schedule for each goal. I want to complete cardio and weightlifting to address all the areas of my body. I am starting to juice so I can get the needed nutrients and trying to cut out unnecessary calories. These steps can assist in each goal I have. Also, getting a routine started is important. I have a terrible sleep and work schedule that is never the same. This causes my body to be slow and lag. I need to follow a strict regimen. I also want to start yoga and Zumba to try and get in touch with my body and try new activities.

4. Describe the exercise:

The exercise is fairly relaxing but, requires a long time to complete. I think focusing on the different energies with different colors really help put me in touch with my feelings in different areas. The color red alone was very powerful and I did feel grounded. Each color gave a strong feeling to me and was relaxing. It was a little frustrating try to picture each area of the body and send the energy to that area after a while. I have a short patience which makes the long exercise more bad than good. I think trying the first few colors would work better. It does make one have confidence in themselves through all the things I had to tell myself.