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