Unit 4 Posts Questions 1 & 2

Question #1

Hello there,

This week I practiced some of Dacher’s suggestions for a “Loving-Kindness” practice. I really like this concept. To first try to think of helping others, then you will be able to help yourself. I have found this practice to be very influential in my spirituality. When you stop thinking about your own problems or needs, and focus on the problems of others, your problems suddenly seem very small. I really like this practice and found that I could think of someone immediately that could benefit from this.

Question #2

The “Mental Workout” is something we can do to improve the way our brain is able to produce positive benefits for development. By practicing with our brains, the way we would practice for an athletic or other type of event, we need to be sure to give it the same type of devotion and attention.

Also, we should really “understand” what it is we are trying to achieve and how the “practice” works.  Our goals should not be to become comfortable in our attempts, but to go through some effort in order develop the ability to progress in a positive manner. This serious attention to a “mental workout” of choice will help us to achieve a better environment and be able to “flourish”.

One way that I can start a “mental workout” will be to find a particular exercise that makes me really consider the aspects of the instructions. I also need to devote some time to it, just like I do to studying, exercise, and my family. This is the exact point of the workout, to make the effort and time, that is the only way for it to have results.

Take care,

Karin

Crime of the Century

Hello there,
I just listened to the Crime of the Century audio. The  exercise that I listened to was called the "Rainbow Exercise". It lead us through different colors of the prism and related them to the corresponding body parts.
I felt that this Exercise, by leading me through specific instructions, led my brain to a completely absorbed state. This was a different form of relaxation for me and it worked very well. The reason it worked well was because it gave my mind something to do. I usually wander during relaxation exercises, but the instructions were very detailed and kept me occupied.
It did develop a sharp, tactile, focus for me.
Take care,
Karin

Unit 3 Journal Entry

Hello Everyone,

For this week’s blog, I will tell you what I believe to be my “perceived” wellbeing in three of our topical “mind-body-spirit” discourses.

I feel that physically, I am probably in the best shape of my life. I would rate myself as at an 8. I exercise everyday doing cardio and yoga or strength. I have good endurance and am not overweight. I think that a goal for me physically, would have to be to practice yoga more often and try to improve my concentration and breathing.

My spiritual wellbeing is a fairly new discovery. In the fact that only about a year ago did I commit to becoming more aware and observant of the higher power in my life. I have joined a fellowship group where I participate weekly. I feel that my spiritual wellbeing is about average, or below average, compared to many people’s devotion. One thing I want to do to improve my spirituality is to read “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.

My psychological wellbeing has always been a struggle for me. This has been an issue and detriment to my wellbeing. I have to say that I would rate my psychological wellbeing as a “work in progress” or a 5. I would say my goal is to be a better person and a way for me to do that is to continue my studies.  By doing this, I believe that I will garner knowledge to improve my person.

Take care,

Karin

Reflections

As I was about to board a plane, away from my family for several days, I found myself thinking how blessed and fortunate I am. I have a family, many do not. I have a family who loves me, many do not. We have our health and jobs, many do not.
Many times, lately, when I have found myself sad, or upset, I try to turn it around to think about what others do not have. This really helps me to keep "things in perspective".

Greetings

Hello there,
I just wanted to Greetings from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I have added my classmates to my blog reader list and I look forward to sharing and learning from you.
Karin