Unit 4 Mental Workout

Well, what did I think of Dacher's Loving Kindness exercise?  I think it was a difficult task.  I found it hard to concentrate, and even harder to imagine soaking up someone that I dislikes suffering.  This is a task that will definitely require practice.  If I could actually learn to understand the technique and not simply consider it as a relaxation exercise, I do believe it would be extremely beneficial.  I'm sure we are all aware after Wednesday's seminar that I have work to be done in the spiritual wellness department.  I do realize that I have "issues", but getting them corrected is another story.  I am attempting to make the changes in my emotional behavior it is just a task that is going to require a lot of persistence on my part.  Tonight I am having my first test on how far I have come in the process.  My husband and boys are attending a WWE performance, and my daughter is spending the night with her grandma so mom is left home alone.  I do not like being alone.  It makes me feel left out, and not needed.  I had my first setback less than two hours after my boys left.  My son text me to tell me they were eating at my favorite restaurant.  I proceeded to get angry, and text my husband to let him know it.  I quickly recognized the problem and let it go.  This is a GREAT improvement for me.  I know this is going to be a slow process, but I really hope that I can continue to use Dacher's advice, and regularly perform the loving-kindness exercise to help make myself a better person. Learning that we must love ourselves before we can love others has really opened my eyes.  I do not love myself, and if I want to give the best of me to my family, which I do, I need to learn that I am absolutely wonderful just the way I am.  I don't need others to make me feel complete.  I need to get there on my own.  Wish me luck!!  Until I have had time to properly experience the process, I do not feel that I can determine whether or not I would recommend this exercise.  I think I will need to determine that when I am more adjusted to the process.

A mental workout is exercise for your mind to achieve health, happiness, and wholeness kind of like running is for your body.  I must say that I am a little overwhelmed at the thought of spending an hour a day on a mental workout.  I have a hard enough time fitting in work, school, family, and physical activity.  I guess the best thing to do is to start slow and add a little bit here and there throughout the day.  I have taken on this same approach with physical activity.  It's probably kind of strange, but since I am having such a hard time finding the time to go to the gym, I have started doing 10 squats every time I use the restroom.  It's part of my routine now, like washing my hands.  I also throw in a few desk push-ups throughout the day.  By now I'm sure you all think I'm crazy.  Allowing this time each day to focus on our mental well-being has been proven to increase an individuals psychospiritual life.  It expands our consciousness, and opens our heart allowing us to focus on what is important to us, and not petty things that can bring us down. 

Here's to hoping I can make the necessary changes to my life to become the best wife and mother that I can be.  Out of everything there is in life, that is absolutely the most important thing to me.  For ten years my family has put up with the not so "together" Dawn, it's time to give them what the deserve.

Unit 3

Well, it looks like I am a little behind on my blog post this week as well as all aspects of my well-being.  Currently, I would rate my physical well-being at a 5.  I have went down hill a little on my physical activity the last couple of months.  I know it is no excuse, but being an accountant I tend to be a little busy this time of year.  April 15th thru December 31st I only work an average of 30 hours each week so I have a lot more time to get to things done.  I am trying to keep myself going, but I have a hard time staying on target.  My spiritual well-being I would say to be around a 4 because I really need to work on this area in my life.  It is kind of something that gets put on the back burner, and I never really make it that far.  My psychological well-being I would rate a 7 because I feel I am making great improvements in this area of my life.  There is always room for improvement, but when I compare the way I think, feel, and act today with this same time last year I can see vast improvements.  I credit my decision to go into the health and wellness field with all of the improvements that I have made over the past several months.  Before starting this degree I never exercised, had terrible self-esteem, and a bad temper.  I am learning the benefits in changing my lifestyle, and am becoming a much better person because of it.  The goals that I would like to achieve in these areas are to increase my physical activity to five days each week including cardio, strength training, and flexibility.  In order to do this I am going to get back on the schedule that I set for myself, and go to the gym three days per week performing cardio activities as well as strength training exercises, and walking with a friend or doing yoga on at least two other days of the week.  I have learned that walking with a friend is not only great exercise, but also a great way to vent and alleviate stress.  My goal for my spiritual well-being is to perform meditation practices at least three days per week to help gather my thoughts, and focus on what is important in my life.  My goal for psychological well-being it to continue to make efforts to be a better person by practicing my stress management techniques, learning that not everyone is like me and they don't handle situations the same way that I do.  Also, I intend to continue to provide time in my schedule to spend with my family and friends, and not dwell on all of the work that I have to do.  In order to help me follow through with these goals and ideas I need to update my to-do list allotting time for all of the priorities that I have in my life, and remember not to stress because everything will get done if you try, it always does. 

I listened to The Crime of the Century exercise, but I have a hard time imagining colors of lights coming from my body.  I absolutely love the guided relaxation deep breathing exercises, but when they incorporate mental imagery I have a hard time visualizing, and because am trying so hard to get myself to visualize I don't relax.

Autogenic Training

Did everyone enjoy that exercise as much as I did?  I am truly a fan of guided relaxation techniques.  I believe that autogenic training is a great way to relax our body.  I liked the analogy of our muscles being like a sponge, and the more relaxed they are the more flexible they are.  I am convinced that there is a reason that I was directed into this field of study.  Even though my final goal for my career is public health, I feel I was steered in the direction of health and wellness to better my life.  I have always been a very emotional person that tends to fly off the handle at the slightest of situations, but after taking several classes I now know that there are ways to calm myself so that does not happen, and I will be a healthier happy person because of it. 

Welcome

Thank you for chosing to follow my blog.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts and feelings with you in hopes that we can exchange beneficial information that will help us gain complete wellness through this journey we call life.