Close eyes for 2 minutes then repeat the phrases below for 10 minutes.

May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.

May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.

May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.

May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness.

 In the Universal Loving Kindness exercise I found it easy to genuinely want the words to be true. I didn’t really have to be in a quiet setting to picture it.

I say a prayer most nights, sometimes I forget or fall asleep before my head hits the pillow. But when I do its sort of sums up the above phrases. I pray for my family, and those in need of help.

The last phrase is: Ever this day -be at my side- To light and guard- To rule and guide, Amen. After "be at my side" I add in, and all those close to my heart and in need of your help. Praying always helps me sleep.  I agree with Dacher, pg 93, “the practice can be quite powerful in expanding your mind and heart.” There have been many times I used praying to cope. I don’t really look at it as meditation but I do repeat prayers over and over when I am trying to work through something. It is a different way of looking at it.  

 Integral Assessment:

“Which aspect of my life causes me difficulty and suffering? What line of development is most essential for me at this time?” (Dacher, p.115)

Currently the aspect of my life that causes the most difficulty is hard to say. There are so many different things to consider when I look at biological, worldly, interpersonal, and psychospiritual. For starters I can’t sit and do school work for more than 15 minute spurts. By the time I’m focused and starting to make progress I am called or pulled away. I would say working off of a routine would help improve many aspects. Setting time aside to plan exercise, school, kids, & work. Getting over the holidays and a sick family will help!
 
“What area of my life is ready for growth and development? What is the next level look like?” (Dacher, p.115)

The area I feel is most ready is biological. I had a great routine for 6 months and struggled to keep it going when the cold hit. My next level is to recommit and to stick with it year-round. Especially when I look at the whole picture. For me, when I exercise everything else falls into place. I feel better, my confidence and motivation goes up. There is a connection with yourself that you reach when running that helps mental clarity. I chose this because I know I want it, I know I need it and I’m working towards getting there.  To foster better awareness I am going to log and keep track of my daily routine. I have a new calendar to help me too.