1. Review your unit 3 personal assessment of your psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. Reflect on these areas . How did you score yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 in unit 3? How do you score yourself now? Has the score changed? Why or why not?
Based on my assessment from unit 3 my physical wellbeing was rated as a 7 – I now rate myself at a 9 as I have included in my workout schedule weight training and cardio. It helps me to relieve stress and feel good about myself. Spiritually I rated myself at a 5 – I am now at a 6, this is a slow process for me, but with continued meditation I believe that I will be able to increase my faith and spiritual wellbeing allowing God to handle my problems by praying more. Psychologically I rated myself at a 7 – I am still at a 7, I need to be able to learn to keep a still mind which would allow me to focus and concentrate on my well-being. Being able to grow psychologically is something that I need to do in order for me to let go of obstacles that may arise.
2. Review the goals and activities you set for yourself in each area. Have you made progress toward the goals? Explain.
My goals:
Physical wellbeing was to have a routine exercise program where I could at least get a 45 minutes workout 3 - 5 days a week. I have achieved this goal and workout at 4 days a week.
Spiritual wellbeing I wanted to start attending church more often and read books that will open my mind and spirit to reunite with my physical body by having a closer walk with God. I still have to work towards this goal and get myself on the right track by opening up my heart and mind.
Psychological goal was to have that awareness of calmness in my mind and body, and being able to make the change that will lead me to becoming a whole person physically, spiritually, and psychologically. I have begun working on this goal also, but sometimes I get distracted and have to refocus my mind. I do this by doing some of the meditation exercises which does help.
3. Have you implemented the activities you chose for your well-being in each of the three areas? Explain.
I have started to implement the different activities that I have chosen. Some of these activities (spiritual and psychological) are taking a little longer to get into than others, but overall I find that I am making progress.
4. Summarize your personal experience throughout this course. Have you developed improved well-being? What has been rewarding? What has been difficult? How will this experience improve your ability to assist others?
My personal experience in this course has been quite an experience. Before taking this course I never gave thought to just how important all aspects of life are and how my spiritual, physical, and psychological wellbeing have to be connected in order to reach and maintain my wellness and health. Keeping an open mind and heart is essential if I want to have a clear mind and positive thoughts.
Practicing the meditation exercises has helped me to have a clearer picture of how life is supposed to be. I am now less stressed and not easily frustrated. The rewarding part of this course is being able to keep a positive attitude and improve my overall health and spiritual life. This experience has made me realize just how much we take for granted in life and once I can get myself together on that path to integral healing then it is up to me to share this joy, peace and calm with others.
I wish everyone good health and success as you continue to grow spiritually, phsyically, and psychologically.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My Plan - Unit 9
I. Introduction
It is extremely important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically in order for them to help their patients/clients reach that path to integral health. Professionals in the health and wellness field must first develop psychologically by learning to open their hearts and mind to the positive things in life. Once they are better prepared they can provide the healing that their patients need. Spiritually they have to be able to have traveled down the road to integral healing by doing so it becomes personal and then they will know firsthand what will happen as the advance into a more spiritual expansive life. By becoming spiritually in tune with the mind and body they will be able to open up and their patients will see the transformation that they have gone through. It allows them to develop confidence about the inner aspects of health and life. Physical wellness is also very important and these professionals have to practices what they preach. They cannot tell their patients that they should exercise or do meditation exercises if they themselves are not doing it. Professionals that exercise regularly and practice find that inner peace, are full of life, less stressed and they have that willingness to share their experiences as they now have a sacred responsibility in helping others to gaining integral health and healing.
The aspect of my life that needs continued growth is spirituality. I feel that this is the most underdeveloped aspect of my life and I need to learn how to let go of all the negative thoughts and emotions, and replace them with positive thoughts. I need to be able to get where I feel that inner peace and connection with God. Being able to be spiritually in tune will help me to reach that level of wholeness, this will in turn open my mind and spirit to reunite with my physical body by having a closer walk with God.
II. Assessment
Since I began this class I have learned the importance of having integral health. By doing physically exercising and doing meditation practices it will open my heart and mind to become a more humble person. On a scale of 1 – 10 I have scored my spiritual wellness as a 6 as I need to continue meditating on the good things in life and be grateful for what I have. I want to be able to increase my faith and allow God to handle the problems by praying more. As they say I have to “let go and let God.” Physically I rate myself as an 8, I love exercising and it helps me to relieve stress from work and things difficult situations in life. Psychologically I rate myself as an 7 - learning to keep a still mind would allow me to focus and concentrate on my well-being. Being able to grow psychologically is something that I need to do in order for me to let go of obstacles that may arise. Once I can reach that stage of growth I will be able to handle and overcome anything that life may throw my way.
III. Goal Development
A goal that I have set for myself is to practice the meditation exercises that I have learned on a daily basis. Physically I want to be able to reach ultimate health and these exercises will help me to get rid of stressors, help with diseases and keep my body and mind healthy. Spiritually my goal is to read more spiritual books that will allow me to find that inner peace and wellbeing. It will also open my heart and mind to looking at things in a positive light and increase my faith. Psychologically I want to be able to calm my mind from “mental chatter” and allow it to focus on the positive aspects of life. My mental health is very important and once I can continue with the subtle-mind exercises it will allow me to grow spiritually, physically and psychologically by connecting my mind, body, heart, and spirit.
IV. Practices for Personal Health
The exercises that I will use regularly to help me reach integral health are the loving-kindness exercise and subtle mind. I will also begin eating the foods that are healthier and that will help me to sustain my physical health. Meditation is great for my psychological well being and it will help me to relax my mind and body. The loving-kindness exercise has helped me to release negative emotions and stress. By practicing this exercise on a daily basis I can begin my day feeling refreshed and renewed without being easily frustrated. Whenever I practice this exercise I find that I have this inner peace and calm about myself and I can focus more on positive emotions. Doing the breathing techniques is also essential and it helps to relax the body allowing the mind to become at ease. In my spiritual life I can attend bible study and join a group that will help to uplift my mind and spirit. These exercises helps to open my heart and mind to becoming a better person and to refocus on my spiritual well being and getting all aspects of my life together. When doing these exercises I tend to feel a sense of relief, relaxation and inner peace.
V. Commitment
I have made a commitment to myself to meditate and practice loving-kindness at least once per day. I will monitor myself by beginning a journal log, which will help me to see just how far I have gotten with my spiritual, psychological and physical well-being. Keeping a journal it will help me to write out my feelings and what happened during the day, whether I allowed the negativity of others to get me frustrated or I was able to stop, take a minute and do some breathing exercise that will calm my mind. I can also monitor my progress with eating and exercising and what I learned as a result of attending groups mentoring sessions at church. The strategies that I can use to assist in maintaining my long-term practice for health and wellness is to get up each day and read a positive quote that will help me on the right track, I will also start off my mornings with meditation and allow my mind to be clear before I face my day. I will continue to exercise regularly and monitor my transformation of finding peace, calm, and integral health.
It is extremely important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically in order for them to help their patients/clients reach that path to integral health. Professionals in the health and wellness field must first develop psychologically by learning to open their hearts and mind to the positive things in life. Once they are better prepared they can provide the healing that their patients need. Spiritually they have to be able to have traveled down the road to integral healing by doing so it becomes personal and then they will know firsthand what will happen as the advance into a more spiritual expansive life. By becoming spiritually in tune with the mind and body they will be able to open up and their patients will see the transformation that they have gone through. It allows them to develop confidence about the inner aspects of health and life. Physical wellness is also very important and these professionals have to practices what they preach. They cannot tell their patients that they should exercise or do meditation exercises if they themselves are not doing it. Professionals that exercise regularly and practice find that inner peace, are full of life, less stressed and they have that willingness to share their experiences as they now have a sacred responsibility in helping others to gaining integral health and healing.
The aspect of my life that needs continued growth is spirituality. I feel that this is the most underdeveloped aspect of my life and I need to learn how to let go of all the negative thoughts and emotions, and replace them with positive thoughts. I need to be able to get where I feel that inner peace and connection with God. Being able to be spiritually in tune will help me to reach that level of wholeness, this will in turn open my mind and spirit to reunite with my physical body by having a closer walk with God.
II. Assessment
Since I began this class I have learned the importance of having integral health. By doing physically exercising and doing meditation practices it will open my heart and mind to become a more humble person. On a scale of 1 – 10 I have scored my spiritual wellness as a 6 as I need to continue meditating on the good things in life and be grateful for what I have. I want to be able to increase my faith and allow God to handle the problems by praying more. As they say I have to “let go and let God.” Physically I rate myself as an 8, I love exercising and it helps me to relieve stress from work and things difficult situations in life. Psychologically I rate myself as an 7 - learning to keep a still mind would allow me to focus and concentrate on my well-being. Being able to grow psychologically is something that I need to do in order for me to let go of obstacles that may arise. Once I can reach that stage of growth I will be able to handle and overcome anything that life may throw my way.
III. Goal Development
A goal that I have set for myself is to practice the meditation exercises that I have learned on a daily basis. Physically I want to be able to reach ultimate health and these exercises will help me to get rid of stressors, help with diseases and keep my body and mind healthy. Spiritually my goal is to read more spiritual books that will allow me to find that inner peace and wellbeing. It will also open my heart and mind to looking at things in a positive light and increase my faith. Psychologically I want to be able to calm my mind from “mental chatter” and allow it to focus on the positive aspects of life. My mental health is very important and once I can continue with the subtle-mind exercises it will allow me to grow spiritually, physically and psychologically by connecting my mind, body, heart, and spirit.
IV. Practices for Personal Health
The exercises that I will use regularly to help me reach integral health are the loving-kindness exercise and subtle mind. I will also begin eating the foods that are healthier and that will help me to sustain my physical health. Meditation is great for my psychological well being and it will help me to relax my mind and body. The loving-kindness exercise has helped me to release negative emotions and stress. By practicing this exercise on a daily basis I can begin my day feeling refreshed and renewed without being easily frustrated. Whenever I practice this exercise I find that I have this inner peace and calm about myself and I can focus more on positive emotions. Doing the breathing techniques is also essential and it helps to relax the body allowing the mind to become at ease. In my spiritual life I can attend bible study and join a group that will help to uplift my mind and spirit. These exercises helps to open my heart and mind to becoming a better person and to refocus on my spiritual well being and getting all aspects of my life together. When doing these exercises I tend to feel a sense of relief, relaxation and inner peace.
V. Commitment
I have made a commitment to myself to meditate and practice loving-kindness at least once per day. I will monitor myself by beginning a journal log, which will help me to see just how far I have gotten with my spiritual, psychological and physical well-being. Keeping a journal it will help me to write out my feelings and what happened during the day, whether I allowed the negativity of others to get me frustrated or I was able to stop, take a minute and do some breathing exercise that will calm my mind. I can also monitor my progress with eating and exercising and what I learned as a result of attending groups mentoring sessions at church. The strategies that I can use to assist in maintaining my long-term practice for health and wellness is to get up each day and read a positive quote that will help me on the right track, I will also start off my mornings with meditation and allow my mind to be clear before I face my day. I will continue to exercise regularly and monitor my transformation of finding peace, calm, and integral health.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Favorite Exercises - Unit 8
The two exercises that I have found most valuable are Loving-Kindness and Subtle mind. The loving-kindness exercise has helped to release negative emotions and stress. I have started practicing this exercise whenever I get really frustrated and it has helped me to find peace and calm. The subtle mind exercise was one that was really hard for me when I first did it, but since I've been practicing my breating I've found this exercise to be very fulfilling.
Both of these exercises have helped me to open my heart and mind to the positive things in life and let go of all the negative thoughts. Practicing these exercises have helped me to refocus on my spiritual well-being and getting all aspects of my life together. I have found that by practicing these exercise I tend to feel a sense of relief, relaxation, and inner peace. I can go through my days without becoming frustrated and stressed out.
Both of these exercises have helped me to open my heart and mind to the positive things in life and let go of all the negative thoughts. Practicing these exercises have helped me to refocus on my spiritual well-being and getting all aspects of my life together. I have found that by practicing these exercise I tend to feel a sense of relief, relaxation, and inner peace. I can go through my days without becoming frustrated and stressed out.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
"Meeting Asciepius" & Leading Others - Unit 7
This has been one of the hardest exercise for me to focus on. It gets hard for me to visualize just one person and mind keeps wandering all over the place. It was also hard to stay focused because I could not find a quiet place where I could really concentration on what was being said on the CD. I feel that this exercise would probably provide some very useful if I could concentrate on the beam of light and allowing my mind to remain still. I will make use of this exercise by practicing it again in a quiet area where I can really focus and concentrate. These exercises are good for the growth and development of my spiritual and psychological wellness. They provide that peace and calm needed to let go of the stress of life. I hope that one day I can fully benefit from these exercises spiritually, physically, mentally and psychologicaly.
"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself."
This is very true as I believe that for Health and Wellness professionals to be effective in the care of their patients. For their patients to grow and develop spiritually, psychologically, and physically the health care professional has to have gone down that path and developed in the same three areas. Spiritual, physical and psychological growth are all important with the healing of others and health care professionals themselves must go through that spiritual growth.
I can implement psychological and spiritual growth in my own personal life by practicing meditative exercises. Learning to keep a still mind would allow me to focus and concentrate on my well-being. Being able to grow spiritually and psychologically is something that I need to do in order for me to let go of obstacles that may arise. Once I can reach that stage of growth I will be able to handle and overcome anything that life may throw my way.
"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself."
This is very true as I believe that for Health and Wellness professionals to be effective in the care of their patients. For their patients to grow and develop spiritually, psychologically, and physically the health care professional has to have gone down that path and developed in the same three areas. Spiritual, physical and psychological growth are all important with the healing of others and health care professionals themselves must go through that spiritual growth.
I can implement psychological and spiritual growth in my own personal life by practicing meditative exercises. Learning to keep a still mind would allow me to focus and concentrate on my well-being. Being able to grow spiritually and psychologically is something that I need to do in order for me to let go of obstacles that may arise. Once I can reach that stage of growth I will be able to handle and overcome anything that life may throw my way.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Loving Kindness and Integral Assement Exercises - Unit 6
After having a long week, I can say that I have had a peaceful weekend especially since it was raining and there was nothing to do but stay indoors. The loving-kindness did not have the effect on me that I expected, but I am willing to continue practicing this exercise by allowing myself to relax and get into that open frame of mind.
The aspect of my life that needs continued growth and focus is psychospiritual. I feel that this is the most underdeveloped aspect of my life and I need to learn how to let go of all the negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts, attitude, and behavior. In order for me to reach that psychological development I must get rid of the mental chatter and practice more loving kindness exercises. I feel that if I continue to practice these exercises and meditate on a regularly basis I can find that inner peace and be able to face each day stress free.
The aspect of my life that needs continued growth and focus is psychospiritual. I feel that this is the most underdeveloped aspect of my life and I need to learn how to let go of all the negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts, attitude, and behavior. In order for me to reach that psychological development I must get rid of the mental chatter and practice more loving kindness exercises. I feel that if I continue to practice these exercises and meditate on a regularly basis I can find that inner peace and be able to face each day stress free.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Connection of Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Wellness - Unit 5
Spiritual, mental and physical wellness all connect in that they give us meaning and a purpose in life. All three can affect each other if they are not totally connected. Once we attain that physical wellness our mind and body automatically connect to each other. By practicing meditation and doing exercise that will help us to relieve everyday stressors we will be able to shift our focus and expand our horizons. Having that mind/body connection then allows us to reach that spiritual wellness. I can benefit from this connection by doing the mind/body practices and other exercise that will give me the calmness and peace necessary to reach that physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
Subtle Mind Exercise - Unit 5
It was very hard for me to focus on this exercise, I started it over about three time and then once I got into it about halfway through there was a lot of static. The subtle mind exercise takes a lot of practice to reach that level of keeping a clear and focused mind. Between these two exercises I enjoyed the loving-kindness better because not only was I able to relax myself but I was able to focus my mind on someone that I love and open my heart to the good things I feel about that person. When I was done with the loving-kindness exercise it left me feeling refreshed and very calm.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Mental Workout - Unit 4
The concept of "Mental Workout" is being able to open our hearts and mind to further development. When we can allow ourselves to focus on our well-being, we will be able to give others what we expect to get back. Loving-kindness helps us open our hearts to others and diminish self-centeredness. When we give willing of our love it attracts the loving-kindness that we want and deserve. The subtle mind reminds us that we can cultivate wisdom by taming and training our mind. Mental workout helps us reach that deeper level by training our minds to having positive thoughts, feelings, and images.
Loving Kindness Practice - Unit 4
Listening to the CD has left me feeling relaxed and refreshed. At first it was hard to get focused but once I found a quiet place outside the house under a tree I allowed myself to relax by putting myself on a secluded island where I could hear the sounds of the waves. When the narrator asked to think of someone that you love deeply I immediately thought of my husband. This exercise made me realize just how much I miss him because he is away for 6 months. I made myself to reflect on all the great times we shared together and made me appreciate those special moments even more. I think just listening to the sounds of the waves is what helped me to reach that calmness and enjoy that feeling of the love and appreciation I have for my husband. This is an exercise that I can listen to again and put all the negative things behind me and let myself fall into a place of peace and serenity, which is a great experience.
I would definitely recommend this CD to others as it will give them the experience of finding that inner peace and tranquility. Anyone who listens to this CD will benefit by having that relaxing, calming feeling, and it will open up their minds to the good things in life.
I would definitely recommend this CD to others as it will give them the experience of finding that inner peace and tranquility. Anyone who listens to this CD will benefit by having that relaxing, calming feeling, and it will open up their minds to the good things in life.
Monday, May 31, 2010
The Crime of the Century - Unit 3
This exercise was really hard for me to get focused on. Although the narrator's voice is very calm and soothing, I couldn't get myself to focus on the colors and associating it with the different parts of my body. Even though I was doing the breathing my body just wouldn't relax this time. The part of the exercise that I did like was when the narrator was giving phrases to repeat, I can imagine that if I could have gotten my body to relax and focus on the colors it will have a very positive effect on me. I more enjoy techniques that have soothing music with breathing or the sound of the ocean.
Reflection on my Level of Wellness
Based on my reflection and on a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate myself as the following:
Physical wellbeing - I would rate myself as a 7, although I do try to exercise at least 3 days a week I would like to get to the point where I am consistent. I enjoy exercising and it always leaves me feeling refreshed and filled with energy.
Spiritual wellbeing - My spirituality is not where I would like it to be and I rate it as a 5. I need to be able to get where I feel that inner peace and connection with God. Being able to be spiritually in tune will help me to reach that level of wholeness.
Psychological wellbeing - My rating for psychological wellbeing is a 7. Once I can get to that place where I want to be in my physical and spiritual life, everything else will fall into place for me.
My goals for my physical wellbeing is to have a routine exercise program where I can at least get a 45 minutes workout 3 - 5 days a week. For my spiritual wellbeing I want to attend church more often and read books that will open my mind and spirit to reunite with my physical body by having a closer walk with God. My psychological goal is to have that awareness of calmness in my mind and body, and being able to make the change that will lead me to becoming a whole person physically, spiritually, and psychologically.
Physical wellbeing - I would rate myself as a 7, although I do try to exercise at least 3 days a week I would like to get to the point where I am consistent. I enjoy exercising and it always leaves me feeling refreshed and filled with energy.
Spiritual wellbeing - My spirituality is not where I would like it to be and I rate it as a 5. I need to be able to get where I feel that inner peace and connection with God. Being able to be spiritually in tune will help me to reach that level of wholeness.
Psychological wellbeing - My rating for psychological wellbeing is a 7. Once I can get to that place where I want to be in my physical and spiritual life, everything else will fall into place for me.
My goals for my physical wellbeing is to have a routine exercise program where I can at least get a 45 minutes workout 3 - 5 days a week. For my spiritual wellbeing I want to attend church more often and read books that will open my mind and spirit to reunite with my physical body by having a closer walk with God. My psychological goal is to have that awareness of calmness in my mind and body, and being able to make the change that will lead me to becoming a whole person physically, spiritually, and psychologically.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Journey to Relaxation
My journey to relaxation was very welcoming as I have had a hectic week. It felt good to just let myself go and relax. My mind took me to a far off place and my body was in deep relaxation with this meditative recording. Before I knew I had fallen into a deep sleep, and I woke up feeling refreshed and able to take on a new day. This is something I would listen to over again just to get that great feeling of relaxation.
Welcome
Welcome to my blog! Beyond Paradise is taking your mind and soul beyond the every day difficulties that we may face. It is about finding that place of peace and tranquility and listening to the sound of waves under a shady tree as you reflect upon finding that inner healing.
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