Subtle Mind

For this week’s assignment we are asked to compare and contrast the loving kindness exercise and the subtle mind exercise.  I really enjoyed listening to the subtle mind exercise compared to the loving kindness exercise there was not a lot of interruptions from the narrator which helped me to stay more focused.  I found the subtle mind exercises focused more on our breathing practices.  According to Dacher, states “that peaceful breathing patterns lead to a peaceful mind; still the breath, still the mind”, (2006).  Furthermore, Dacher tells us “that using our breathing techniques helps to tame and stabilize the mind by developing a witnessing consciousness”, (2006).  My experiences with this exercise was that whatever negative thought I had seemed to have going in to the exercise I was able to detach from, at first my mind would wonder but as long as I focus on my breathing I could find myself back at ease more calm and relaxed, and my mind had more clarity.  Integral health is the connection of spiritual, mental and physical wellness; thus, connecting the mind, body, and spirit leads to human flourishing.  Therefore, if I believe in my mind that I can achieve something I can; next, soon the body will follow and becoming healthier and stronger as I imagine it to be; and through prayer I would have the faith and belief from God that is at times needed to get me through.  

References

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

The Mental Workout

In describing my experience with this units assignment I would have to say other than feeling relaxed and a little rested, it was beneficial because I am opening my mind up to new things and hoping I can experience all there is to experience as long as I am willing be open minded.  At times I can find it difficult to not think about other things that are going on in my life when asked to not think of anything else and to relax the mind; however, after hearing the same relax the mind and think of nothing over and over, I realize I have fully calmed down and I no longer have these noises in my head.  Of course I would recommend this to others, it great for people to try new things and I actually find it very benefitting and will continue to try different methods of working out my mind.  To me the concept of “mental workout” would simply be exercising the brain by reading educational books or magazines, learning new things or trying old things new ways, or do activities that stimulate or challenges the mind, however, like riding a bike it takes practice to get where you need to be.  By learning new things and being mentally creative exercises the brain giving it a mental workout, this practice has been shown to “decrease one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s”, (Neurological Foundation of New Zealand, 2012).  I could implement mental workouts to foster my psychological health by taking 15 – 20 minutes out of the day to listening to relaxation videos or read an educational book.  

Neurological Foundation of New Zealand. (2012). Mental Workout. Retrieved on March 22, 2014 from https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3876625072962545946#editor/target=post;postID=7712294035024651800.

Wellness

Hello,

            I would rate my physical well-being at 7-8, I eat three meals a day (and snacks throughout the day like seeds, pecans, or some type of fruit), out workout after work; however, I don’t get much restful or satisfying sleep most of the time.  Furthermore, I rate my spiritual well-being at a 2-3, I believe in God I pray rarely though but, I guess I could do better with getting acquainted with the man upstairs.  In addition, I rate my psychological well-being at a 7, I have had excitement in career or education change, I enjoyable hobbies/activities, I have an ongoing love for learning, I have a positive/optimistic attitude, and I usually follow through on goals & dreams. 

            My physical well-being goal is to have more of my conscious healthcare mindset such as going to doctors or dental appointments to better take care of myself.  As for my spiritual well-being my goal is to go to church more often.  Then, as for my psychological well-being my goal is to have effective time management.  Being that I feel that I need to get my mind right and more focused, I guess a relaxation exercise such as Qigong would be beneficial.  After listening to the relaxation exercise I felt more relaxed, rejuvenated, and had a boost of energy, which was truly needed to finish my school work, see it even gave me a sense of humor.  So, in my opinion I believe it was very beneficial.