I tend to loose focus very easily and I find that the subtle mind exercise worked better for me than the loving kindness exercise!  The breathing technique caused me to deliberately focus on what I was doing in that very moment.  Of course, as I started to relax and get into a meditative state I mind started to wonder, but I brought my mind back into focus by going back to the breathing technique. 

While the loving kindness exercise was o.k. I found that because it asked me to initially focus on someone who I loved and cared about, I found myself only thinking of the attributes and  mannerisms of the loved one and not on myself which defeats the whole point.    My personal view is if I practice the psychospiritual daily I should have greater patience and inner calm.   Something I need to incorporate in my busy life!.

The strength I find in spiritual mediation and prayer has always been a stabilising force in my life and I guess that is because of my upbringing.   My mother always taught that having a connection with God, (through prayer and bible study) would give your life a sense of purpose of meaning and over the years I have proven this to be true.  

Spiritual, mental and physical health are all interconnected.   By bringing my emotions into balance (mental), incorporating a lifestyle of eating healthy meals and physical exercise (physical) and finding time to meditate  (spiritual), my life will be balanced and flourish.

Gayle

The Ultimate Mental Workout!

Oh what peace we often forfeit, or what needless pain we bear, all because we do not take the time to explore the contemplative practices that would offer us a sense of peace, happiness and wholeness!

I was on vacation this week and took the time to engage in the mental workout to nights shortly after 9pm.  This is the most peaceful and quiet time for me.   On the first night I have to admit it was a little difficult to concentrate and instead of going through the exercise for at least 15 minutes, I gave up and stopped after 5 or so minutes.  On the second night however, I made an extra special effort to focus my mind focus on my relationship with my husband and what a fortunate woman I am to have such a wonderful, supportive husband, I then turn that feeling of loving kindness to myself and starting thinking about how special I am.   There is nobody in this universe like me, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am in good health.  All these positive attributes began to flood my mind.   What I found most beneficial about the process was my ability to recognize the positive aspects of my life which in turn allowed me to see the "good" in others.

The whole concept of a mental workout is constantly practice the mind to "become a source of peace and calm, ease and delight, creativity and wisdom", according to Dacher (2006 p.66).  By deliberately taking the time to practice the mental workout daily one will reap the benefits of "progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities". Dacher (2006 p. 65).

Please don't hesitate to share your ideas!

Gayle's Personal Wellness

Hello There!

I trust you are enjoying your weekend.  The weather is cool (about 75 degrees) this evening and the moon is really bright tonight.  If it is one thing that I am learning in the course is trying to take the time and enjoy the simple things of life.

Below is my response to the questions raised for this weeks discussion blog.

1 (a).  Physical Wellbeing - On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say my physical well being 
          is a 10.   I am in good physical health, I am not plagued with any lifestyle
          diseases (hypertension, diabetes etc.), and I am so thankful for that.   I believe 
          we are what we eat and I try as far as possible to incorporate nutritious healthy
          meals in my diet along with exercise.
1 (b).  Spiritual Wellbeing - On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say my spiritual well being
           is perhaps an 9.   I believe there is a purpose for my life and I try to believe with
           strong moral values and unselfishness promotes good spiritual wellbeing.
1 (c).  Psychological Wellbeing - On a scale of 1 to 10, my psychological wellbeing is
          9.  Overall I am happy and a bit contented with my life.  I have a wonderful,
          faithful husband of almost 20 years and a strong family support system.  There
          are times however that I tend to self-doubt and this sometime alter how I feel.

2.    I don't really have to incorporate a goal for my physical well being because I
       believe I'm already on a positive course, but in terms of my psychological well
       being I'm trying to adopt more positive thinking and incorporate relaxation
       techniques.

3.    Making a deliberate effort to take some "me time" everyday.   I have many rooms
       in my home where I can spend some relaxing by listening to some classical or
       easy listening music.  Perhaps 20 minutes every evening before retiring for the
       night.

4.    The mediation exercise asked you to identify an area in your body (with a specific
       color) with a characteristic you feel is lacking in your life.   I could identify with
       the color orange.  This color would go to the center of my body (just below the
       belly button) to give me a feeling of confidence and self-worthiness.

Happy blogging!  

Gayle