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 :)