TRANSFORMING INTO A NEW AND BETTER YOU

In order to change for the better, we must transform, by using exercises like Integral Assessment and Universal Loving kindness (meditation) Exercise. I have  had a very stressful week, seems like when one thing happens something else is coming up. I was not able to focus on anything this week. I have so much that I am dealing with. I am not going to quit, but I am going to stand. I will attempt to do the the integral assessment again. Maybe when I get some things settled I can do the exercise again, with an open mind. 

                                 
 THE LOVING KINDNESS (MEDITATION) EXERCISE 

When attempting to do this exercise, it was very difficult for me to get into it. I could not focus at all. I thought it would be like the other loving kindness exercise, but it was extremely difficult for me. I guess I needed to listen to the sounds of the seashore. Maybe I am just spoiled, but to me sounds of the water, or the tropical rain forest. When I get a chance to do these two exercise again, I will definitely give you all an update on my progress. Hopefully, it will be a good one! The area that I have chosen to be a focus of growth and development would be the world.  I want my life to bring an impact on someone's life, and make a difference in my surroundings , neighborhoods, communities. I want to reach out and help those in need. We have so many that are hurting, depressed, oppressed, victims of abuse, etc., and I want to reach out to them. One of the reasons I came to Kaplan University, was to study Psychology/Behavioral Analysis. I want to know the why? and when?,  and what?that makes a person  behave the way they do.  As I learn, more about the mind, body, spirit and meditation/integral healing, I will be able to help many that I counsel right now.  I have already given the Loving Kindness mp3 tape to a couple who have been hurt by loved ones, and life in general. So far it is helping them to release some things and not be so uptight, but calm and full of peace. I know this exercise will help many, because it helped me. 

Subtle Mind vs Loving Kindness

When I began the subtle mind exercise I really enjoyed listening to the sound of the water. Just the thought of listening to water, just makes me want to drift..lol! I just had problems staying focus on my breathing and not allowing my mind to wander off. I really do not know why, but every time I tried to focus...I could smell popcorn...or I would get lost thinking about some ministry trip. I believe that this exercise is one that I am going to do again, because I feel that it is suppose to help every area in me....I like both of the tapes, but I think that the loving kindness for me was great, because I got to pull a lot of the hurt that I was feeling away from me, at the time I was going through a lot of pain, trying to deal with going through an abusive divorce after almost 20 years. I was so peaceful in the loving kindness exercise and while I was listening to my the water..a sense of calmness and peace fell on me. I think also I was more relaxed. Also, a loved one in my family had recently passed, and I was able to let go of the pain I felt during his passing.

The connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is manifested through my personal life in everything I do. Each and every day, I pray, read my Bible, and do my best to encourage, uplift, and help to strengthen others where they have been torn down. Even for me, I am not up to par all the time, and I need others to help me along the way. My strong faith in God, and good friends, and family, help me to stay strong, spiritually, mentally and physically. I need to be healthy and whole. So I have to always work on myself in these areas.

Working It Out of My System.....Unit 4 Loving Kindness Exercise

When I began the Loving Kindness Exercise, I often check out my surroundings, you know what stands out on the tape that captures my hearing. I love the sound of water, reminds me of the times when I was a little girl, and I would play in the water, listening to the sounds. I was so relaxed, and it was not hard for me to become a part of this exercise. When I listen to worship music and begin to meditate on the Word of God. I cannot wait to get into HIS presence. Give me a peace of mind, like I have never experienced in my life. This exercise did a wonder for me tonight. I was very stressed out, my brother-in-law passed away and we had his services this weekend, and I was able to let all the pain and hurt I was feeling out. I can feel a great release, now that I have let everything go. There is a sense of peace and calmness about me. I really feel good. Yes, yes, yes, I have benefited from this exercise, and I have already told some of my family and other friends about this exercise.When I find something good, I always share!.... Just thought I mentioned...that I was so relaxed...I fell asleep, and then woke up. listening to the water....as the tape was heading toward the end...Wow!! I do not know about anyone else...I can hear the rain, and instantly want to take a nap. Is there anyone out there who has felt the same way?....I know it may not be normal, but it seems to me like the rain brings peace and calmness to my spirit, and I am so relaxed....Your thoughts!

Mental Workout means that we must work our minds through exercise. This helps to open up the mind, so that we can get rid of all that junk, so that we concentrate, so that our minds can be open to truth and wisdom of our human existence. Many times we workout physically, and do not even think of giving our mind a workout. I often do brain teasers, word puzzles and things of this nature to keep the memory going, but I never thought about an exercise that brings a calmness and peace to the mind. This is what we need to help us psychologically. I mean, sometimes, we are overworked and stressed. Many become depressed, oppressed, and suppressed and exercises like these are what we need to help the mind calm down, so that we can release those negative thoughts, or feelings of hurt and pain, which cause worry, fear, and doubt, if you do not release them.

Linda

 REFLECTIONS

Unit 3

 Rating my Physical, Spiritual and Psychological Well Being

On a scale from 1 - 10, I rate myself physical well being a 8, because I am healthy. I do not take any kind of medications for anything. There are sometimes when I do get a headache from pollen or a stressful day that I need an aspirin. I have been eating right, and doing my best to stay fit. To tell you the truth, between my kids, and my nieces and nephews, I am staying in shape...lol!! They have so much energy to burn. I exercise by, playing volleyball, and badminton. You know I still got it going on..!!My goal in this area, is to keep striving for perfection. I have a certain weight that I want to be and I am pushing myself to get there.

Spiritually I rate myself a 10. This is one area that I work on really hard. To always pray and meditate on the Word of God, and other things that will help me to stay positive. Always encouraging others, and doing what I can to always "KEEP IT REAL". In Ministry, I see so many hurting people, and want to be a positive example in their life. Letting them know that by staying focus, and meditating daily, with positive thoughts, you can make it.  I am a Believer. My goal is to continue to be an example for others, letting them know that whatever situations they face, even though it may seem dark, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Psychologically I rate myself  an 8. Even though, I have never been in an Institution for any mental disorder. A day here with the "CONEY" family, makes you wanna yell and scream at the top of your lungs..lol!! I have so much fun with my family, because with all of the joking, clowning around, and laughing until your stomach hurts, you cannot get depressed because there is never a dull moment as long as my kids are here!!...When it is quiet, I can say that I enjoy it so much Ahhh!! Sometimes, I don't know what to do when it is that quiet. I do not have any phobias, but I am afraid of spiders and snakes,,,,My goal is to stay healthy mentally, and do my best to live a stress free life...yeah right....I know, but I am going to try anyway!!