unit 6: exercise & assessment

The loving-kindness exercise was a simple way to tap into the thoughts in my heart.  I honestly can’t say whether I did it for 10 minutes exactly, but I felt the sentiment of the words and accepted it as a success.  These phrases are what I feel are my desires for those in my life already, so it was not difficult to extend those feelings to those who I do not know as well.  

The Integral assessment allowed me the chance to pause and look at my needs…to dismiss the tasks on my to do list and seek out how I can help myself.  Where am I lacking at this moment?   Hands downs, I am in need of interpersonal help.  As I work, attend school, as a wife, and a mother to my kids…the to do list mounts as I lay the burden all on myself.  If I can come to terms with the helpers in my life, communicating my needs, I know I can strengthen my interpersonal life.   

Unit 5: subtle-mind

After reading so much about the subtle-mind this past week, it was time to put it into practice.  I did this practice in the wee hours of the morning as time was about to get away from me on this Monday morning.  It was amazing to see what we have been learning in class come to fruition.  I waited patiently for more directions, like in the loving-kindness practice, but was surprised by how little I was instructed.  Dacher said something that stuck in my mind- that the breath is "always with us".  I see why it isused so much to bring us back to our center, to help us balance, and to reenergize us...it is ever present and we can manipulate it with such ease.  What a powerful element our breath is.

In comparison to the loving-kindness practice, I found the subtle-mind to be more relaxing, more peaceful.  I appreciated the prompts in the transition from witnessing mind, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness.  My thoughts did wander several times within this practice and I did my best to return them to my breath, but I admit it was very difficult to stay on track.  I wonder how long it truly takes to master this practice?

I could see how someone with a stronger spiritual mind could move through this practice easier. Mostly because the devotion to your spirit helps to direct the mind and body.  I admit in that area, I am a 'work in progress'.  I am putting more effort and focus on my mind and body as connected for my health, but connecting my spiritual conscious will take time and patience.

Unit 4: loving-kindness practice

I caught the beautiful sunrise on my morning run Friday.  

I decided to sit outside on a beautiful afternoon to do the loving-kindness practice.  The atmosphere outside was perfect for it- a cool breeze and a view of the trees in our yard showing slight hues of the fall colors. 

I found this practice relaxing and awakening.  I say awakening in that I did not expect to be acknowledging loving feelings for myself and  for others outside my normal circle during this practice.  I hadn’t thought about how I felt about myself, so that took me out of my comfort zone for a (long) moment.  And when it came time to think of a circle of strangers, my mind went to the parents of the Sandy Hook Elementary students.  I wish so much that I could help alleviate the suffering they have endured. 

I found this practice to be somewhat of a mental workout.  I could see continuing this practice in the quiet of my mind very easily.  Just taking the steps to breathe in suffering, and exhaling happiness for another’s sake is such a simple thing to do.  Maybe they won’t know it or even care that it’s being done, but I think I will notice a difference as I work to develop the loving-kindness within myself.

Unit 3: report card

Report card

Physical well-being: 8; I do participate in physical activity on a daily basis and am comfortable with that amount.  My nutrition intake can fluctuate. 

Spiritual well-being: 7; I have strong feelings for God and my faith.  Unfortunately I do not invest the time and energy into practicing spiritual aspects of my faith.

Psychological well-being: 6; I am juggling old and new elements in my life- mom, wife, student, career path, etc.  Somedays my mind is exhausted trying to make time to relax and refresh. 

Goals

Physical well-being:  To treat my body with the respect it deserves, especially after exercising, by eating more clean and healthy foods.

Spiritual well-being:  To be happy with the spirit I do have and allow it flourish in my daily life. 

Psychological well-being:  To be present regardless of who I am and need to be at that moment. 

Activities and exercises

Physical well-being:  Put more thought and purpose in my food choices. 

Spiritual well-being:  Make time for prayer and be grateful for that time. 

Psychological well-being:  Put more effort into organizing my time so as not to feel idle time is unproductive or wasted.  

The "Crime of the Century" Exercise:

I was definitely in need of this exercise as my to do list seems to have mounted after a relaxing weekend.  The "Crime of the Century" exercise brought about so many different aspects of life.  I found it relaxing but at the same time felt it was too much to take in all at once.  I would like to try devoting time to each color separately then integrating them all into one practice/exercise.  I think I will try it throughout the week in smaller time increments.  Possibly trying a five to seven minutes at a time for each element, and I think this way I can focus my intentions on each color, body part, and its meaning.  I am even considering posting the “Rainbow Meditation” in the house so that the rest of my family can give it a try (if they want).  Mind you that my children are 9 & 12, so I don’t know how much they will truly take in.  But I think it can’t hurt.  They lead busy lives as children, students, and athletes, so it doesn’t seem too soon to be trying to integrate meditation practices like this.