This
week we were asked to reflect on our own personal level of wellness in the
following areas; physically, psychologically, and spiritually using a scale of 1
to 10 with 10 being optimal well-being. Physically I would rate myself at an 8
because I am generally healthy but I know there are habits that I could change
that would increase my level of physical wellness. Psychologically I would rate
myself at an 8 because I am very strong-minded. I generally have a positive
outlook on everything that comes my way. There are times when I begin to feel
down but I tell myself that things could be worse and that everything happens
for a reason, therefore it is better to deal with what comes and turn it into
something positive and productive. Spiritually I would rate myself at an 8 as
well. I have taken steps over the past few years to try and get in touch with my
spiritual side. I enjoy nature and the simplicities in life. The numbers are so
close which shows me that they are very closely related.
I
can think of several goals on the physical level that I would like to achieve. I
would like to increase my strength and flexibility, be able to run a mile
without my knee hurting, and to incorporate more exercise into my life routine
to 6 days a week instead of 3 so that I can feel better and reach a healthier
physical level. On the spiritual level I would like to dig deeper inside to get
more in tune with myself. I am always worrying about everyone else that I tend
to get lost in what I am really wanting and feeling. I still want to embrace
others, but to be able to sit and tune into my own mind when I choose to would
be a fantastic accomplishment. Psychologically I would like to feed on my
positive outlook and increase my self-esteem.
Having
faith can motivate us to take our energy and re-channel it to an evolutionary
and holistic approach. Loving-kindness can open our hearts and ensure the
cooperation and help of others. Minimizing outer experiences that are disturbing
can lessen stress and open space for development. Striving to have an oasis of
solitude and silence every day will enhance the process (Dacher, 2006). To reach
my physical goals I can increase my yoga exercises from once a week to twice a
week. This can increase my strength and flexibility which will probably allow my
knee to be able to handle more activity. To be able to increase the days of the
week I engage in physical activity I can begin by waking up a few minutes
earlier every day and then increase this time every week until I have a new
schedule built that is comfortable and routine. To reach my spiritual goals I
will spend more time outside with my family taking pictures and appreciating all
of the beauty that life has to offer. To reach my psychological goals I will
engage in more meditation and relaxation exercises. I can strive to do this
every day so that I am able to have that quietness to block out stressors and
get in touch with my inner being.
The
relaxation exercise this week used a form of rainbow meditation. This required
using my imagination to imagine my body as a prism and when a beam of light
shines through it, seven colors beamed from different parts of my body. The
process guided through relaxation, breathing, and introducing each beam of light
in a different color of the rainbow. Each color meant something different. After
all the colors showed, the colors were brought together to surround me in a beam
of white light. Bringing myself back, I was surprised to feel awake and
energized. This exercise really allowed me to focus on each part as the exercise
went through. I did feel very relaxed throughout the process and could envision
the vividly bright colors. When the exercise concluded I was able to feel
energized and ready to complete the tasks that needed to be done. I think it was
very beneficial and could have positive results if used on a regular basis.
“A
bucket is not filled with water by the first or last drop. It is filled by the
collection of a very large number of drops” (Dacher, p58).
References:
Dacher,
E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna
Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of waking up earlier gradually to increase your physical exercise. I need to incorporate this into my life as well. I just find it easier to stay up later and wake up later. I want to be more productive as a person and get more stuff done throughout the day. I read that you would like to increase flexibility and not have your knee hurting during running. Have you considered exercising in a pool? I hear it's easier on your joints and muscles. Well good luck this week in class!
Hi Jenny. I tend to stay up very late to accomplish things that need to be done. Unfortunately, this tends to make me feel a little sluggish when I wake up. I need to change my train of thought and tell myself that I can wake up energized and refreshed. Thank you for the suggestion of exercising in a pool. I incorporate exercise in water during the summer months but since it is winter, there is limited access to pools in my area. There is one pool open for public swim but it is never open during times that I am available. I found a wonderful resource for stretching and breathing exercises that I am very excited to start using!
DeleteHello Cindy,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you were able to take full advantage of the Crime of the Century exercise! I also found this exercise to be very beneficial. I made a point to bookmark the link on my computer so I can fully utilize the relaxation method. It seems that you have a very well balanced wellness as well. You stated that you would like to increase your yoga practice from once a week to twice a week and that sounds very beneficial to me. I also have had knee problems in the past and at first it was hard for me to practice yoga. I began going every other day and it is amazing the benefits it has had on not only my physical well being but my spiritual well being in addition. You have done a great job on your blog!
Thanks Stephani. My knee injury goes back to my high school days and being a cheerleader. One wrong move and my knee has never been the same. Perhaps using the tools learned from this class I can train my mind and body by telling myself that my knee is fine, it doesn't hurt, and I can run miles. =)
DeleteHi Cindy
ReplyDeleteI like waking up early to get more things done,when I was over weight by about 100 lbs I all ways said I dont have the time.My trainer said if you get up early and make it your first thing to do in the morning you will be done with it and don't have to look back the rest of the day.So if you really wanted to work on your knee do it first because you come first not your job.I also started to take one extra yoga class each week and im glad because you can feel so good about your self .Good luck on improving your self remember mind over matter.
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that making it a point to get up a bit earlier in the morning to allow yourself to get more things done is a great strategy. I personally have done the same in the past, getting up a 7am instead of 8am to make sure I have time to work out every day, and it has worked for me, I know it would work for you or anyone who really wants a positive change in their lives. I also think it is a great idea to try to incorporate more silence and meditation in your life, this could be done at the end of the day to help you unwind at the end of a busy day. Taking the meditation practice we did in this weeks exercise is a great starting point for those who don't know where to start. I also really enjoyed the exercise, I actually use this type of method on a regular basis and find it to be very uplifting and energzing after the fact.
Take care,
Stacey Smith