Final Post

In Unit 3 my physical well-being was an 8, my psychological well-being was a 7, and my spiritual well-being was a 5. Since the months have past I have felt a decline in both my physical and psychological well-being. The cold weather & shorter days proved to be strenuous on me. All spring, summer and fall I enjoyed my workouts at the park and when it became too cold and the days too short for me to go & I failed to replace my routine. I did a trial at the gym but never actually joined due not locating the papers I needed to get financial support. (YMCA) I still have plans to pursue a membership though. I have started prenatal yoga and enjoy it a lot. It only takes me about 15-20minutes each day but I find the same type of relaxation I found in running. It is not nearly as stimulating but its a small step in the right direction. Now I would give myself a 7. As for psychological well-being I'd give myself a 6 going on 7. My self awareness is helping me acknowledge my slump so I think that counts for something. Also  the news of a little one on the way has brought some new joy to my life. My kids are also ecstatic about the news. My 6 year old little girl in particular. We only told them a few days ago (it became inevitable because I have been getting morning sickness and my daughter asked me if I was dying lol) But her support and love for me and her new sibling is immeasurable. Her excitement and joy has brought me so much happiness.  Last but certainly not least my spiritual well-being has grown in leaps and bounds. I don't think I can quite put a number on my spirituality I just know it feels right. Since I was raised Catholic I found a lot of struggle in deciphering the difference in spirituality and religion. I see now they can be connected but are very much separate too. For me this class has helped me find an inner strength I never knew I had. The Catholic religion can be harsh, and I always felt it was wrong to judge others, not matter who you love. I found a certain freedom in the concepts we've come across. I've always admired and respected nature & I've always felt the presence of a higher power but with a heightened awareness I feel more connected than ever. I had doubt and a lot of worry but now I feel confident and strong. One particular thing we learned that has truly helped me is the ability to see and hear my thoughts and then let them go. Where I previously let stress and negativitely consume me, I accept and allow myself to let these feelings go. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! This has proven to help me more than any other single thing we have learned. I am excited to continue exploring and working on my inner strength. On March 8th I have signed up for an introduction class at the one of the Shambhala Centers. (one of the resources recommended in the back of the Integral health book) I am really looking forward to it.  The only way I can summarize my experience is to compare it to my first pregnancy. I was excited and worried at the same time. (big difference in 9 months and 10 weeks, but some how I can still relate them) I didn't know what to expect but I knew it would be good for me. Both this class and having a child changed my life for the better. This class has taught me so much and the best part is what a transformation I have felt in only 10 weeks. Although some of my well-being has declined it could have been much worse. These skills and text have helped me learn to listen to my body more than ever. As soon as I understood the power of our minds I dove right in. Having just scraped the surface, I am looking forward to what the future holds. Not just for me but my family and my future as a professional. I am excited to share my journey and help others in theirs. I have enjoyed the discussions, blogs, and everything in between these 10 weeks. I am sad for it to end, but happy to have experienced it. Life is not about living with all perfect 10's it is about living & that is exactly what I plan to do :)

 

Review

The two meditation practices I found most beneficial were this past one and Loving Kindness. The idea behind the Loving Kindness practice was good for me. I liked focusing on being a better person and in a sense praying for others. There was a sense of calmness in me after I did that one.

This past one we did was my favorite. Maybe I am getting better at sitting still or maybe the thought of my Mom just makes me that happy? I think my greatest achievement in life is to be a good mom. Ultimately everything I do is to set a good example and experience true happiness. These reflections and assignments have helped me set goals. I believe going back to these meditation practices will help me in my quest to be a better mom and person.  Just the focus alone on self-awareness & realizing it is that acknowledging it is a step in the right direction. I have made adjustments to my life and my families life over the last 8 weeks I would have never tried if not for the awareness that has grown. All it takes is to listen.  

To maintain what I’ve learned & to foster “mental fitness” I will continue to practice. I would like to do the same meditation but use my own phrases or statements. Then I’d like to find a relaxing music I could listen to. I still have to find a good time to try. So far, night time is a struggle, daytime is almost impossible with kids and a husband lol, and morning is my enemy. My goal is to work on the last one. I love getting up early and feeling refreshed because it happens so infrequently. I am going to try meditating and stretching each morning for 10-15minutes. Even if the meditation is silent I have really learned to focus positively or even mindlessly.

Meeting Aesclepius

My experience with the Aesclepius mp3 was good. Some moments of silence were hard for me to stay focused. I ended up thinking about work, but the speaker would refocus me. Towards the end I really enjoyed the meditation. I imagined my mom because she really is like a mentor to me. Anything and everything in life I can go to her. It made me laugh when she said to speak like they do. She is always telling me to not curse or correcting my vocabulary. For me this was a very enjoyable meditation because I adore and love my Mom. The time spent thinking about her really makes me feel an inner happiness. I could see myself listening to this one again.  

“One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” To me this means if you haven’t experienced it you cannot teach it. You can’t lead someone to a place you have never been. It is the reason I decided to go to Kaplan. I could’ve got a certification and started health coaching in about a year. But in a year I didn’t feel I would get the education I needed to start. So far I feel I made a good decision. Both the classes in my first term have proved to be extremely beneficial in way I can’t even put into words.

I think it is important everyone continues to work on their health psychologically, physically, and spiritually.  I often say to my mom, if I don’t practice a healthy living myself how can I possibly help others or expect them to do it. When you have a conversation you can really tell when someone speaks from experience. As a professional your trust in their advice is very important. I want people to work for a healthy lifestyle because they truly believe I can help them. Once I have a well-rounded knowledge I will enjoy the field of health and wellness. I’d eventually like to get a part-time job that will help me gain experience as well. By continuing my education I am psychologically and spiritually growing. This course alone has given me so much to learn and practice. The studies and practices in the text will absolutely be a part of my professional future.