Unit 5 vs Unit 4

Hello Everyone,
        I found the subtle mind exercise more challenging than the loving-kindness one from unit 4.   In loving-kindness our minds were allowed to roam, our assignment was to flood whatever crossed our minds with love. (Fink, 2009)  The subtle mind practice required us to stay focused on our breath, whenever a thought caused our mind to stray, we were to recognize and return to ur breathing.
      I am glad the authors mentioned this practicing subtle mind would have ups and downs. Without knowing it, I have done some of this  already, when trying to memorize something. I have become frustrated with my lack of consistency. Reading about the subtle mind exercise has encouraged me and my motivation to resume practicing it has returned.

Unit 4 - Loving - Kindness

   This exercise was an interesting one. The first couple of times I felt strange/odd turning the feelings onto myself. But that feeling disappeared once I changed my perspective. I chose to envision God's love penetrating every part of me. 
     I did notice benefit from the beginning. I have known for a while I am very critical  of myself and have a difficult time relaxing fully. This exercise was a nice change of pace and one I am willing to continue doing.  I would recommend this to others and include it in my treatment plan once I have mastered it.
   As I have been reading the chapters in our books, I am seeing stronger links to the Bible.  Especially this week. When the 'Integral Health' book stated, "enduring wellbeing requires...an enhanced concern and compassion for the wellbeing of others" directly correlates with the scripture John 13:34b "As I have loved you, love one another." Also where Dacher mentions how changes don't occur without regular practice of the desired change.  Psalm 1 refers to this also when it says to meditate on the word day and night and you will prosper like a tree whose leaves never wither.

   Does anyone else see the link?

Unit 3: Personal Reflections
     On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate my physical well being at a 5.  My eating habits are pretty good, eating home cooked meals more than take out, and choosing baked snacks over fried.  I don't drink soda or alcohol.  But I am not exercising on a regular basis yet. I am on my feet for my job frerquently through the day; and my commute includes two 10 minute plus a 15 min walk every day. But they don't get my heart rate up.
      My spiritual wellbeing is doing much better, about an 7.  I spend time in scripture daily, and listen to worship music over secular.  I am also active in my church, assisting with various activities. I have a lot more growing to do, but I have imrpoved so much over the past couple years, I believe I have achieved a 7 out of 10.
     As for psychological health, it comes in at 5 or 6.  I have been working on it through my spiritual side, by reciting positive scriptures and listening to encouraging songs.  But I do still too frequently struggle with fears and worries; often doubting my ability to conquer or be successful in a tough spot (even though I have many under my belt, they are quickly forgotten).

       The relaxation exercise sounded sci-fi-ish to me, with the narrator describing different colored beams of light coming from different parts of the body.  My discomfort with this exercise eased when he described a "bright white light" surrounding me.  I immediately thought of Jesus and heaven. Before that, I was unable to completely relax. But afterwards, I became willing to go through this exercise again, at a later time when my family is asleep and not interrupting me.

     The relaxing link our professor had us listen to was my first.  I did begin to feel the effects he mentioned. I really liked his analogy of the muscles and a sponge- it was very helpful.  I did not like when he said to try and lift my hands up. It felt out of context. I did not want to reverse the process  when he said to visualize the blood returning to my abdomen. A part of me was saying, "No, not yet!" I would also have liked time to send the blood to my feet.
      His voice was soothingly soft. His repeating about the heartbeat and breathing was very helpful too. The slow rythm of the background music also helped me focus while he spoke.   Overall, I enjoyed the exercise and am willing to do it again.

     I was talking about this class with a patient and they told me about a site NIH (National Institute of Health) has called. 'relaxrelax' . It has audio and visual options to choose from.  I have yet to check it out beyond the homepage, but it looks promising.

   Here is the link:
                       
http://www.nmcphc.med.navy.mil/healthy_living/relaxrelax/index.html


If you do listen to something from it, please share what you thought.

Thanks!

Stepping Off the Beaten Path

Hello!
    I have heard the term 'blog' for a while, but never took the time to investigate. Well,  a professor in one of my classes has led me off my beaten path into the territory of blogs.
   I have only watched an intro video, but am already onboard with the idea of blogging. I know we all have knowledge and experiences we can share with others. Blogging helps those who get lost in a crowd have a voice, mysself included. 
   
     Please be patient with me as I learn and practice blogging.