Week 5 - The Subtle Mind

1. Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc. This week during the Subtle Mind practice, I was actually able to complete the entire practice without falling asleep! This is a big accomplishment from last week. I found that last week I was frustrated and not able to quite my mind enough to even concentrate on my breathing. Dacher (2006) simply explains that sometimes when the mind “just won’t settle, you will have to be satisfied with observing how agitated your mind, body, and life actually are” (p. 77). Instead of agitation, this week I found that my focus on breathing greatly improved; but, my mind continued to wonder about and I had to constantly let the thoughts, feelings, and images pass then revert back to my breathing focus. I did find myself thinking how much longer the exercise would be but was able to let the thought pass and return my concentration to my breathing. This wondering of the mind occurred every few seconds which tells me that I need a lot more practice. I must admit that I did feel more relaxed and able to concentrate after the exercise. 2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life. There is a definite connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. If we look back to Dr. Pert’s statement of “The mind is the body, the body is the mind”, we are reminded that the mind and body are definitely interconnected. Dacher (2006) explains that “A mental event can lead to a physical event” (p. 17). I know that when I am stressed to the max…which seems to be quite often lately, my body lets me know it by developing headaches, cold sores and colds. As I am writing, I have a terrible cold and a huge cold sore...do you think my body is trying to tell me something? Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Comtemplative Practice

Grrrr….not being able to do these exercises is very frustrating. I just do not seem to be able to quiet my mind enough to be able to enjoy these exercises. I really admire people who are able to shut out the rest of the world and concentrate on what the voice is prompting them to do. I LOVED the sounds of the ocean waves and the flute music but just was not able to focus enough for the exercises. I think maybe I am too busy and I just can’t seem to let everything go. I found myself wondering how long this exercise would last, thinking about the things I needed to get done around the house, and the homework I needed to get done. A mental workout is also called contemplative practice. The “aim of contemplative practice is not rest and relaxation but rather the progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities” (Dacher, 2006, p. 65). Contemplative practice has been used for centuries in the East and are proven to “tame and train the mind, open the heart, expand consciousness, and progress toward psychological flourishing” (Dacher, 2006, p. 66). Just like with any exercise program, it usually takes time before results are seen. The same is true with a mental workout. Training the mind requires effort, perseverance, and practice, and discipline. Hopefully someday I will be able to accomplish this expanded consciousness and the benefits of healing that go along with it. Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

My Wellness Reflection

“A bucket is not filled with water by the first or last drop. It is filled by the collection of a very large number of drops” (Dacher, 2006, p. 58). When I look in the mirror, sometimes I like what I see… and sometimes I do not. Sometimes I see a person who is content with herself and the person she has become…and sometimes I do not. Depending on the day, sometimes I am in awe of God’s creation and sing His praises for making me just the way that He did…and sometimes I do not. The following are the required questions (and hence – the required answers) for this week’s blog assignment: Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why? Physical wellbeing: 4. I give this rating because I am overweight, have hypertension, and borderline hypercholesterolemia. Spiritual wellbeing: 5. Scripture tells me that God will never leave me nor forsake me. I give praise to my redeemer but I do not spend as much time in prayer, study, or praise as I should. Psychological wellbeing: 8. I haven’t totally lost my mind…yet.  Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological). What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal? Physical: I will exercise (Just Dance or walk) with my daughter for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. Spiritual: I will do my daily devotions and daily Bible reading every morning before going to work. I will get up earlier if needed to allow for this time with God. Psychological: I will schedule one night per week to spend uninterrupted quality time with my family which will also facilitate in de-stressing. I will not do any homework or even look at the discussion board on this night. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.) Well…The Crime of the Century (still not sure why it is named that) must have been too relaxing because I kept falling asleep every time I tried to complete it. I even tried at different times of the day and the next thing I know, I am waking up and the exercise is over. Not quite sure what the difference is this week. Even though it is the same soothing voice and the same light background music, I was never able to feel grounded, complete, or totally relaxed without falling asleep. Anyone have any suggestions? So, after answering all of those required questions, I am left with these thoughts. I know without a doubt that I am nowhere near where I want to be on the wellness reflection scale. I am the only person who can change these issues. I will change…one drop in the bucket at a time. Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Journey On

"The mind is the body, the body is the mind." - Dr. Candace Pert After experiencing "Journey On", I really began to understand the above statement made by Dr. Pert. By simple thoughts, I was able to totally relax (without falling asleep!)and move the blood flow from my abdomen to my arms. I have to be honest and tell you that at first I thought...this is crazy! It will never work! Well, I am eating my words because as I sit here and type this blog, I am more relaxed than I have been in a long time and my arms are still warm and tingly. Dacher (2006) states that "The condition of our body is a reflection of the condition of our mind" (p. 18). I have a long journey ahead of me to reach my destination of optimal health but I think this is a great way to take the first step to "true flourishing of [the] mind, body, and soul" (Dacher, 2006, p. 19). Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.