Unit 9

I have to say, this class has been awesome! Not only did I learn a great deal, but it also served as a therapy. I really valued the reflections on mental, physical and spiritual health. This helped me assess my current state and allow room for improvement in each of these areas.

Maria,

Unit 8

The two exercises that really resonates with me are the loving-kindness and the visualization of meeting asclepius. I have been able to utilize each one in a very practical way that has manifested positively in my life. With the loving-kindness practices I am able to deal with others in a more gentle caring way. Even individuals that are difficult to deal with on a daily basis. I am able to see the good qualities in them and ignore the negative aspects of their character. This exercise also has allowed me to be more sensitive to all of humanity not just the people I love and am close to. In addition, the meeting asclepius exercise has helped me visualize the flourishing individual I can be. I am able to seek myself as a person who possesses wisdom, love, kindness to help others. This connection has given me a sense of true freedom, and brought me closer to God. Realizing that he has instilled that passion and truth, and we just need to believe we are capable and allow it to flourish and serve our purpose in this life time.

Maria,

Unit 7

The "Meeting Asciepious" exercise was definitely very helpful. It really allowed me to look within myself to find the strength, wisdom and loving-kindness needed to continue to flourish. The exercise reminds me of how every individual on the planet serves a purpose, and how they also possess these treasures. The mindfulness practices have also helped me tremendously. I have always been a very spiritual person, but these exercises have brought me even closer to the source (God).

The saying "one cannot lead where one has not gone himself", is just that. How can I/practitioner lead or direct someone without first knowing how to get there and what is to be expected. Of course, considering the spiritual realm of our existence. I agree with the points the texts makes regarding patient and physician relationships. They are disconnected because of insurance and money issues. Through a more integral approach, this relationship can become more meaningful and beneficial for all individuals involved in the healing process.

Maria,

Unit 6 Assessment

The meditation/mantra was very powerful. While chanting those words I felt frustration and resentment practically melt away. I was able to feel extend loving-kindness to the individuals that have influenced these negative thoughts within me. I no longer felt the need to hold on to those negative emotions, and didn't feel as passionate about them. It became easier to dwell on what I could do to make these individuals feel happier and healthier.

I found the assessment to be a very useful tool. I gave me the opportunity to discover what area in my life is needing attention. I realized that my focus should be on further developing my physical fitness. I understand that doing some type of exercise will help build that aspect. Also, the benefits of nurturing my physical self will manifest in my mental and spiritual health as well.

Maria,

Unit 5 blog exercise

The subtle mind exercise was very helpful. It was just as helpful as the loving-kindness exercise. They both focused on quieting the mind and letting go of busy thoughts that can distort the clarity and stillness of the mind. They were different in that the loving-kindness exercise demonstrated how letting go of our ego can free us by extending true loving-kindness to others. The subtle mind exercise made us more aware of the two aspects of the mind, which are; the clear and still mind, and the busy untamed mind. It also delved into the three levels of the subtle mind; the witnessing mind, the calm-abiding mind and unity consciousness.

The connection between spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is the evolution and progression that comes from connecting with the spiritual realm. Awareness of the spirit allows room the mind to develop deeper more meaningful functions, which in turn affects the physical body. Personally, when I am more connected spiritually I feel happier, more positive moods. Thus, also experiencing better physical and emotional health.

Maria,

Unit 4 Response to mental workout

I found the exercise very helpful. It is amazing to me how unaware of myself I can be. It allowed me to reflect on how I treat others and my perception of them. For instance, during the exercise, I visualize certain individuals that I don't really get along with. I was able to actually feel empathy and loving-kindness towards them. It's really powerful! I understand how the mental workout aspect will continue to benefit me in carrying that subtle, peaceful state of mind.

Also, the research associated with contemplative practice substantiates the fact that our brains are very plastic. Meaning, we can rewire it to benefit us in every aspect of our lives. So, participating in a mental workout routine will allow us to further our integral growth.

Maria,

Unit 3 Journal Post

Based on a scale of 1-10 I would rate my current well being as follows:

1. A-Physical: 5
B-Spiritual: 7
C-Psychological: 8

2. The goal I have set is to obtain optimum well being in all three aspect of health. My hope is to achieve a rating of 8-10 on all three.

3. To improve my physical health, I will begin exercising at least 3 times a week.
To enhance my spiritual health, I will meditate for a duration of 10 to 20 minutes instead of 5 to 10 minutes. Lastly, I believe that enhancing my physical and spiritual health will have a positive influence in my psychological health. As a result, also optimizing my psychological health.

4. The relaxation exercise was very helpful. I definitely felt relaxed and in a much better mood. I do enjoy guided meditation, but I kind of wish he would give the explanations before he actually begins doing the exercise. Because as I was feeling centered and aware of consciousness, It would get interrupted when he would begin to give explanations or make other comments. However, I was able to let those thoughts escape and continue on with the exercise, and benefit from its intentions.

Maria,

Reflective Statement

That relaxation exercise was amazing! His voice was sooo...calming and soothing. I wish he could talk me to sleep every night..lol! Truly, this exercise really did help to relax me. Before the exercise I was feeling quite tense and edgy. After the session I felt completely relaxed. The heaviness in my arms and hands was just as he described. Before he even asked to try to lift up my hands I noticed the heaviness and thought to my self, " man this feels so good, I can't even move my arms." Right after that thought, he begins to talk about the heaviness. I was pretty neat. I will definitely do this more often.

Maria,

Welcome

Hello,

I hope I don't totally stink at this blogging thing. I set up this particular blog a few months ago for a different class. I only posted the minimum, and really didn't follow anyone from the class. Mainly because we didn't have to. Anyway, I am looking forward to actually following my peers and getting insight into their thoughts. So, happy blogging everyone!!!

Maria,

TGIF!!!

I am so...glad it's Friday! I have worked extremely hard on the completion of my scientific research paper this week. I thought I had it complete on Tuesday, but then realized some very important components were lacking. So, I spent even more time fixing it. I'm going to celebrate by spending time with my kiddos, doing whatever they want. They were patient with me this week while I stressed over the project. So, glad it's done and over with. I do have to say, I learned a great deal on how to improve my writing skills.

Maria,

!@&#.......

Our family really enjoyed this Father's Day weekend. We grilled, played baseball, and had lost of great conversation! Finally finished my scientific research paper and doing lost of proofreading...still! Can't wait till it's completely done. Can't wait for this weekend to unwind again.

Maria,

Baseball and the Paramedic Method

Hello,

Well I have really enjoyed two things this week, watching my son play T-ball and learning the paramedic method in my Comp.II class. I have really had a blast watching 4 and 5 year olds playing baseball, at that age they are truly playing for fun! Also, the paramedic method is just as helpful as it sounds. When it comes to editing, the paramedic method helps bring your written work to life. I learned a great deal this week on how to make my work sound clearer to the reader, I just hope I am consistent in applying it!

Maria,

Hello

Summer is finally here? This is just one of the awesome things about working for the school district! I am planning our family vacation, and so far have come up with several economical and fun trips. I'll be leaving on the 15th to South Pardre Island in South Texas. Texas doesn't really have nice beaches, but this one happens to be the best on in Texas, it real is nice! It's kind of hard trying to keep my days together, I lose track of what day it is lately. I missed Monday's Seminar, so now I have to do option 2, which I always try to avoid doing, but oh well~


Maria,

Exhausted!!!

I have been depleted of energy :( Both of my kids were sick this week including myself. To top it all off, we had to travel 9 hours for my nieces high school graduation. It was fun hanging out with family and friends, although I wish we would have been healthier to enjoy it better. To add to the craziness, I got behind on my assignments for this week! Today I had to stay home to take care of my sick 5 year old and I'm going to play catch up with my assignments. Wish me luck!

Maria,

Hello

The research for my paper in Comp.II is going well. The information on my topic is very interesting and thought provoking.

Maria,

Scientific Research

I am enjoying doing the research for my topic. The more I venture in, the more compelling evidence and information I find. I hope that I can organize my paper in a way that will reflect its purpose and have meaning to the readers.

Maria

Wish my work day was over so I can get home and work there!!!

After Mother's day weekend, I have so much work to do at home. We had a lot of company over and now I'm trying to get my house back in order. Don't get me wrong, I loved the company, but I hate playing catch-up.

Good luck to all my fellow classmates in this weeks assignments!

Maria,

Busy Week

This is going to be one "CRAZY" work week for me. I work for the school district, and there is so much end of school stuff going on... . And oh! it's mother's day weekend. What to get my wonderful mother????

Thursday

Still trying to get familiar with by "blog", wish me luck!


Hopeful,
Maria