Unit 5, Subtle Mind Exercise

The Subtle Mind exercise was a bit more difficult to master, but I do believe that over time I can train my mind in a way that this exercise will be quite beneficial to me. The Loving Kindness exercise was easier for me to accept because of the nature of the person that I am. I am already a loving, kind, and giving person and so the Loving Kindness exercise is already attached to me on a daily basis.

During the Subtle Mind exercise, I did find it a little difficult to get into a full mode of relaxation primarily due to all the chaos that is currently going on within our lives. As with the Loving Kindness exercise, my first attempt with the Subtle Mind exercise ended with me taking about a two hour nap. The funny thing about this one is that it was attempted when I was well rested with no chaos around me. Now although I didn't have any physical chaos within my boundaries, I still had chaos within the structure of my mind. The fact that I fell asleep on my first attempt might indicate that maybe I did do the exercise correctly and followed it through to achieve the end result I was looking for. I must say that I did feel pretty good after that nap... On my second attempt, I did listen to the exercise all the way through, but could never really get my mind to relax.

My spiritual wellness is directly linked to my physical and mental wellness and how well I am exercising all three. When I am tired, both mentally and physically, my spiritual wellness takes a direct hit and becomes tired and lazy. When dealing with emotional stress, I have noticed that it is tough to keep all three on track to integral wellness. It is tough, but I try everyday to find ways to keep all three functioning at the level for which I can ensure that I am not taking any steps back. This is tough, but I make efforts towards my goal every day regardless of what is going on around me.

Laura

Unit 4, Loving Kindness Exercise

I have always considered myself a loving, kind person and quite often think of and take care of the ones I love before I take care of myself. Listening to this exercise has made me realize that not only can I love the ones closest to me, but I can love myself at the same time.

The Loving Kindness Exercise was both beneficial and difficult for me... It was beneficial for me because I was able to channel a newfound area within myself that I never knew existed. I can love who I am and feel good about the things that I do and the person I've become. It was difficult for me because when I thought about the person closest to me (my husband) and the turmoil that he is feeling with the illness of his father, it brought tears to my eyes. At that moment, I truly realized how much I love him and also how much he needs me.

I would definitely recommend this exercise to anybody and everybody that I come in contact with because of the nature of the exercise. I believe that we all have a measure of love and kindness within us and this exercise will bring out our innermost feelings and emotions regarding this.

I believe that the ‘Mental Workout’ process plays a vital role in the development of not only our mental health, but also our psychological, spiritual, and physical health as well. It is an integral component in our journey towards integral health and complete human flourishing. We must constantly strive to work our mind, to train our mind to aid in our well-being and overall health.

Laura

Unit 3 Blog Exercise

1. 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 well-being: 6, I do not have any major health issues; however I believe that I can work towards a better physical well-being by following the concepts detailed in achieving integral health.

Spiritual well-being: 7, I am already a very spiritual person, but I know that I can do more in this area to achieve the optimal level in this category.

Psychological well-being: 6, I consider myself a positive person, but there are times that are very trying that really test me.

2. Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).

Physical Goal: I need to be more adamant about connecting a routine for exercise and fitness. I have to use whatever I can internally, as well, to achieve optimal physical well-being. Positive thinking is a must.

Spiritual Goal: I must continue to seek out spiritual wellness from all avenues afforded to me. I must continue to attend my religious services and I must continue to help others that are less fortunate than I.

Psychological Goal: I must train my thoughts to be positive and to remove negative thinking from the process. I must order my life to gain the necessary attributes to aid within this positive thinking.

3. What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?

Physical: I will begin walking and routine exercise... I will maintain positive thinking throughout regardless of how tough it gets.

Spiritual: I like to help others... I will continue to do so, passing on the positive message, so all others will learn the secrets of optimal well-being.

Psychological: I will think positively towards everything that I come in contact with throughout my daily activities. If the negative occurs, I will immediately find the positive; hence removing the negative thinking within the process.

4. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century.  To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)<BR.

I found this exercise to be very beneficial... It helped me with focus and allowed me to practice that while relaxing. There was nothing, at least in my opinion, frustrating about the exercise. Using the colors of the rainbow, and allowing me to think within my own self as to what I was seeing, really helped me to relax.

REFLECTIONS ON MY LIFE!!!

I have been through a lot over the years... My life as often seemed, and viewed by many, as chaotic... It has both been fulfilling and unfulfilled at the same time. The choices that I have made have more times than not been made not for my benefit, but for the benefit of others. All I want is simple in nature, requiring effort and focus to be aligned for me to reach my ultimate destination. In the end, my family and I will attain the ultimate goal of happiness, well-being, and security... Not only within our life together, but also within ourselves.

I experienced the Journey on Relaxation Exercise, and have found that this is something that is going to help me in times of personal crisis in turmoil. Whenever I feel stressed, this exercise will play an important role in allowing me to calm down, relax, so that I can refocus my attention on my family and the destination for which we have began our journey towards.

Laura Castro

WELCOME TO MY CRAZY WORLD!!!

Hello everyone...

My name is Laura Castro and welcome to my blog... I am currently in my third year at Kaplan University, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services with an emphasis on Child and Family Welfare. This degree is near and dear to my heart... I watch the struggles within our own Child Protective Services and wonder what I can do to make a difference... What can I do to make it better... My goal is to, one day, work with families in need of help, to guide them through an often tumultuous life and to lead them out of the darkness and into the light.

Laura Castro