I cannot believe it has come to an end. It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot through this course. Looking back at our coursework, I have realized that maybe I need to make some changes in my life. Recently I have had a lot going on and I have not been able to start this new journey of me. I have had some bumps in my road, and hopefully in the near future that will change.
I was able to review my coursework that I did in unit 3 and see where I rated my psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. All three were ranked in about a 5 standing. I am still there or actually a little worse right now. I have been going through a lot lately and have not had the chance to make any change in this yet, but I plan on making a big step out of it real soon. I was about to say opportunity, but there is no opportunity like now and I know that. I just have to wake up and realize that now is best then tomorrow to make a change. I first need to change myself before I change others, and I know that. This course has made me realize that. The future has yet to begin for me in the world of my change, but it will real soon. I know there is a lot I need to change in myself, but things take one step at a time. This new journey is about to begin in baby steps.
~Nancy
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Unit 9 Final Project
It is important
for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, physically,
and spiritually because it is important for a professional to know who they are
inside and outside. Many professionals
think they know who they really are, but in the long run they realize they do
not. It is the same thing for people who
are not professionals; we are always trying to figure out who we are on the
inside and who we are on the outside. It
is a tough journey, but many of us have to go through it. If a health and wellness professional knows
who they are then it might be easier for them to treat the patient as a whole.
It is important for the professional
to develop psychologically because they need to have compassion for the
patient, and understanding of where the patient is coming from. They have to be emotionally stable, to show
the patient they understand what it means to have many mixed emotions. A professional has to have the knowledge of
knowing the different psychological signs that a patient is going through. They need to have the experience of knowing
the different psychological signs so that way the professional knows how and
when to address the issue. Sometimes you
cannot address the issue straight on, so it is important to pick the right
point, and so that way experience is necessary for a health and wellness
professional.
It is also important to grow
spiritually so they understand their purpose in this life. A health and wellness professional needs to
be spiritually bound so they can teach others to find their journey in
life. Also, they need to teach others
how others in their life should be treated, how they should treat
themselves. Growing spiritually is a
difficult task, and professionals have probably used up a lot of their time trying
to figure out who they are spiritually.
I think it takes a while or even one’s self-journey to figure that
out. You cannot teach someone to be spiritual;
you can only show them the right path for them to go. I think that a professional cannot show you
where to look in a book, rather show you how they found their spiritual
path. There are many patients who have a
different spiritual path then our own, so it is important for them to have an
open mind and allow different opinions to flow through. It is important for one not to be judgmental
of another’s opinion on what spirituality means. Spirituality can affect one’s
health. “Medical studies have confirmed
that spirituality can have a profound effect on mental states. In a study of
men who were hospitalized, nearly half rated religion as helpful in coping with
their illness. A second study showed that the more religious patients were, the
more quickly they recovered from some disorders. A third study revealed that
high levels of hope and optimism, key factors in fighting depression, were
found among those who strictly practiced their religion” (Kids Health, 2012).
A health and wellness professional
needs to be developed physically to show their patients that it is important to
stay healthy in their life. It is
important for a professional to show their patient that eating healthy and
exercising is very important as developing the mind. They have to understand that physically,
emotionally, and spiritually go hand in hand, and so it is important for the
professional to be healthy. They have to
show their patients the right track on eating healthy foods, and staying away
from bad behaviors that will eventually make them lose their way of life.
Being developed physically,
spiritually, and psychologically will make a physician a well-rounded
individual. They need to show that it is
important for all three aspects to be one for the body to feel whole. All three
of these aspects cannot be developed overnight; each one will take a while, but
in the end you will feel whole and the professional will able to teach what
they taught themselves.
For myself, I think I need to
develop all three of these aspects. I
have not found myself spiritually, physically, or psychologically yet. I still have much room for improvement, and I
think my journey through life will help me develop each one of these
aspects. I used the scale 1-10 to rate
my psychological, physical, and spiritual journey.
My rate for physical well-being is
about a 5. There is a lot of stuff that
I need to fix about my physical body.
First off, I need to eat a lot healthier and I need to relax a lot more. Stress is affecting my body more now than
ever before. At least now I have been
implementing more of a physical activity routine. Hopefully, I can stick to it and not give
up. My goal is work out about 2 times
per week, and then increase the days and time.
I do not want to go head first into it, because then I might give
up. I find it better to start it slowly,
and then work my way up. I have joined a
gym in my area, but I think during the summer I would like the use the outdoor
area for more physical exercise. I could
take long walks on the beach and get my exercise that way, instead of being indoors.
My spiritual well-being is about a
5. I am still trying to be in touch with
my 'spiritual' surroundings. I have been
trying to relate my spirituality to Mother Nature, and what she has to offer
me. I rated it a 5 because I am still
learning the process of being one with my surroundings. It is a hard process to learn, but it is
fun. I was never a spiritual person, but
lately I think I need to be more in touch with it. One of my goals for this summer is to enjoy
the outside more, and to go to other states and enjoy the nature that it has to
offer. I have not gone camping in a
while, so I think that it would be a good idea to get some family and friends
and enjoy camping. There are so many
places in my area that I can camp at, and I want to be able to take advantage
of it. Many people do not have that
advantage, like I do.
I will rate my psychological
well-being as maybe a 4.5. I have been
going through a lot of rough times lately, and I have finally able to deal with
a lot of past issues that have been coming up.
These issues have been affecting me for so long that I thought it is
time to start dealing with them and moving on.
Instead of being a victim, I rather be a survivor. To be a survivor you need to overcome past
issues that are constantly affecting your life.
Talking to other people who have experienced the same thing that I have
might make it easier for me to overcome some of the obstacles in my life that I
am dealing with. I find it might be
easier to locate a support group to get some advice to deal with the current
issues.
In order to implement my physical goal,
I have two different strategies that might work for me. My first strategy is to work out a plan with
my endocrinologist. I have been having
problems with my thyroid, so I have been gaining weight. I have started a plan with my doctor to see
what medicines are best for me to go back to my normal weight. Right now, I am not at the weight I am
supposed to be and it is hurting me physically and mentally. We are going to implement a plan on seeing
what natural and conventional methods will help me get back to my original
weight. I do not want to rely on
medicine, but for now I have to and hopefully in the future I can just rely on
natural products to keep my thyroid in check.
Also, I think I should find a work out buddy. Finding a work out buddy could keep me in
check and not let me give up on losing weight.
I think finding someone to work out with can help me stick to my goals
and not give up.
Psychologically, I am seeking out a
therapist so I can stop thinking negative thoughts about myself, and help me
get through past issues that I have been holding onto for a very long
time. Seeking a therapist will help me
achieve my other goals because I will be more focused and more determined to
fight for what I want to fight for.
Meditation will also help me through this process as well. I want to do at least 10 minutes of
meditation per night so I can have a sound sleep. I also want to find some meditation CDs that
I might like; especially sound of nature.
Spiritually, I think I will work
this one out with my sister in law. She
is in tune with mother earth and her surroundings, and I think I will take one
day out of the week to meet with her and work on my spiritual side. She follows mother earth and what mother
earth can bring her. She listens to her
surroundings and she believes in what energy flows through her. I think this is very interesting, so I would
like to be part of it, so I can grow spiritually.
I decided to use Dacher’s
Preparation method to prepare me for a future growth in each of these aspects:
spiritual, psychological, and physical.
I followed Dacher’s Preparation to get me started in this new experience
that I will encounter in finding who I truly am. Dacher uses loving-kindness, skillful action,
and silence and stillness to allow someone to flow to their new self and new beginnings
(Dacher, 2006). Dacher (2006) states: “At
first, we need to have faith that will motivate us to rechannel our energy from
the exclusive pursuit of outer health and healing to a holistic and
evolutionary integral approach. We
accomplish this by reminding ourselves again and again about the unique and precious
opportunities of human life, especially our life” (p. 50).
I will begin this new journey by
using the concept loving-kindness. I
will be recognizing that others have feelings; just like me. I will be sensitive to other’s needs, as they
are to mine. I will be patient with
others, as I learn to be patient with myself.
I will be open to the differences that surround me. Dacher (2006) states: “The mind drives our
outer actions so the mind is where we must being” (p. 51). I must start out in my mind for my body and
mind to become one. If I start out
psychologically and spiritually, then I will be able to fix my physical
well-being to. Dacher (2006) states in
his skillful action section that “what is learned can be changed” (p. 53). I fear that I have learned too many negative
thing; such as thinking negative about myself and treating my body in a
negative way, by eating unhealthy and unnatural things. I fear that I cannot change my past, and
learn a new beginning.
In the next six months I will make a
promise to myself to change the unhealthy feeling and unhealthy behaviors that
I have. I will promise myself through
notes that I will be able to conquer anything that I put my mind too. I will also realize that change is hard to
do, but if I put my mind to it I can accomplish anything that I want to
do. I will not let fear take over my
mind and body, and I will not let fear force me to give up on becoming someone
that I have always wanted to become. I
will drive away any type of fear that I have through my spiritual and
psychological growth. Once I have
established those goals, I will work on my physical well-being. I need to tell myself that I can do anything,
and that I can accomplish this task.
I will use my family and friends to
guide me through this new process that I will be starting. I always try to start this new journey, but
then I give up. I will seek out someone
who will motivate me to meet all my demands and help me fight all my
fears. I will start out by using a therapist
to help me fight the past feelings that I once had, and I will use my therapist
to allow me to fight for what I want in the future. Many of us will become therapists in the
future, but many of us do not realize that maybe we should seek out some sort
of therapy now to help with our new beginnings.
It took me a long time to realize that maybe I need to talk to someone
about my feelings. I sought this person
out, and I can say that I have begun my new journey.
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publication
Monday, May 14, 2012
Unit 8: Meditation and Subtle Mind
The two practices that I chose to encorporate in my holistic journey this week is obtaining a subtle mind through the use of meditation. Lately, there has been so much chatter going on in my head and I have been trying to use meditation, that I have always used, to get rid of certain so called chatter within my head. I have been using the same form of meditation for a very long time, and lately it has not been working.
The three levels of the subtle mind are witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness. The witnessing mind is when our mind is so confused that it cannot focus on a given topic or situation. Meditating is a great way to train the mind, and ease the mind as well. When there is constant 'chatter' in our mind, it is hard to focus, so meditating is something that should be used in our personal life on every given day(Dacher, 2006). “With practice and practice, the active mind is gradually tamed and subdued. It’s transformed from its usual state of busyness to an increasingly sustained and effortless stillness. When the stillness is stable, we refer to this as the mind of calm-abiding. Calm-abiding is an unusual and remarkable accomplishment. The mind is undisturbed by the thoughts, feelings, and images that usually occupy our awareness. These mental movements simply arise and fall without drawing our attention or interest. We develop a ‘Teflon’ mind. It is a great ocean unaffected by the rising and falling of waves” (Dacher, 2006, p. 73).
With a calm-abiding mind, we can accomplish pretty much anything that we want. This is a type of mind where no other thoughts can dishevel our current important thought. This is great when we are taking tests for school, and we need to focus on the current information that is relevant for the test. "When we finally stop clinging to the movements of our mind, we discover that what we feared to be emptiness is actually our essence- a still mind and open heart that is free, at ease, and one with all existence. Witnessing and calm-abding are preparation for this fall into our deepest self. That is unity consciousness" (Dacher, 2006, p. 74). When our mind is at ease, and ready to learn new information, our bodies are more relaxed. If we allow our minds to relax on a daily basis then we can inhale more information and be relaxed at the same time.
We all have busy days, and sometimes those busy days get the best of us. We become annoyed with every little thing, and every person. Sometimes, we do not mean to be like this, but our 'untrained' mind takes over. I believe if you count to ten before you talk to someone either at work or at home then you are able to avoid conflict. We need to relax our minds before tackling a new paper that has a deadline, or a party that has to be thrown at your house because it is your child's birthday. We all want those days where everything is planned out and nothing goes wrong, but that is not the typical day for many or yet all of us. We cannot plan everything, but we can learn how to relax our minds before unplanned parties need to be planned. Meditation and different forms of energy balancing techniques can help us to release the stress and inhale the ability to control the uncontrollable.
Reference
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
The three levels of the subtle mind are witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness. The witnessing mind is when our mind is so confused that it cannot focus on a given topic or situation. Meditating is a great way to train the mind, and ease the mind as well. When there is constant 'chatter' in our mind, it is hard to focus, so meditating is something that should be used in our personal life on every given day(Dacher, 2006). “With practice and practice, the active mind is gradually tamed and subdued. It’s transformed from its usual state of busyness to an increasingly sustained and effortless stillness. When the stillness is stable, we refer to this as the mind of calm-abiding. Calm-abiding is an unusual and remarkable accomplishment. The mind is undisturbed by the thoughts, feelings, and images that usually occupy our awareness. These mental movements simply arise and fall without drawing our attention or interest. We develop a ‘Teflon’ mind. It is a great ocean unaffected by the rising and falling of waves” (Dacher, 2006, p. 73).
With a calm-abiding mind, we can accomplish pretty much anything that we want. This is a type of mind where no other thoughts can dishevel our current important thought. This is great when we are taking tests for school, and we need to focus on the current information that is relevant for the test. "When we finally stop clinging to the movements of our mind, we discover that what we feared to be emptiness is actually our essence- a still mind and open heart that is free, at ease, and one with all existence. Witnessing and calm-abding are preparation for this fall into our deepest self. That is unity consciousness" (Dacher, 2006, p. 74). When our mind is at ease, and ready to learn new information, our bodies are more relaxed. If we allow our minds to relax on a daily basis then we can inhale more information and be relaxed at the same time.
We all have busy days, and sometimes those busy days get the best of us. We become annoyed with every little thing, and every person. Sometimes, we do not mean to be like this, but our 'untrained' mind takes over. I believe if you count to ten before you talk to someone either at work or at home then you are able to avoid conflict. We need to relax our minds before tackling a new paper that has a deadline, or a party that has to be thrown at your house because it is your child's birthday. We all want those days where everything is planned out and nothing goes wrong, but that is not the typical day for many or yet all of us. We cannot plan everything, but we can learn how to relax our minds before unplanned parties need to be planned. Meditation and different forms of energy balancing techniques can help us to release the stress and inhale the ability to control the uncontrollable.
Reference
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Unit 7 Practice What We Preach
I have been going through a lot lately, and when I did the exercise I started thinking about someone that I did not want to think about it. I tried my hardest to think of someone that I wanted to think about, but then it went back to the person that I could not get out of my mind. I thought this exercise was a little hard for me. If I was in a better state of mind (calm mind) then maybe it would of been a lot easier for me to think of someone I wanted to think of, but it was very difficult for me to picture the person that I wanted to. I think that if you train your mind to think of someone you want to think about, then maybe it would of been easier. This is really the only exercise that I really could not get any results from. At least the other meditation practices actually allowed me to be calm, but this one actually made me more stressed.
Meditation has increased my mind the last few weeks because it actually allowed me to calm my inner feelings and control my outer ones. I feel like I am more one with myself, and even feel even more connected with myself amd others then I did before. Yes, this exercise was a little difficult for me, and that is because I am thinking of someone that I am trying to forget. I also realize that there are a bunch of people who do care for me, but I tend to push them away. I feel that if I continue some of the breathing and meditation exercises, then I would probably benefit more from this exercise then I did with the other exercises, but as of right now I cannot allow myself to feel what these exercises are capable of allowing us to feel within ourselves.
"One cannot lead another while one has not gone themselves" means that for example meditation: you should not teach and talk about meditation if you have not meditated yourself, and I think it is important to express one's feelings on a specific topic if only you have experienced it some way or another. It is about practicing what we preach, and not being a hypocrite. If you have not experienced something what you are trying to lead to others, then how can one lead?
Do you have an obligation to your clients to be developing your health psychologically, physically, and spiritually? Yes, I feel that one does have an obligation to always to continue to grow psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I think we all continue to grow in these aspects every day of our lives. We experience new experiences and feelings every different day, and I believe these experiences help us grow in one way or another.
How can you implement psychological and spiritual growth in your personal life? I can implement psychological and spiritual growth in my life getting to know what my true feelings are. I think if you can tell yourself and others the truth about yourself then you will able to grow within yourself, and then with any other aspect in your life. I also feel that if you continue to tell yourself the truth about yourself, then everything will fall into its own place, and then in turn will help you grow psychologically and spiritually.
Meditation has increased my mind the last few weeks because it actually allowed me to calm my inner feelings and control my outer ones. I feel like I am more one with myself, and even feel even more connected with myself amd others then I did before. Yes, this exercise was a little difficult for me, and that is because I am thinking of someone that I am trying to forget. I also realize that there are a bunch of people who do care for me, but I tend to push them away. I feel that if I continue some of the breathing and meditation exercises, then I would probably benefit more from this exercise then I did with the other exercises, but as of right now I cannot allow myself to feel what these exercises are capable of allowing us to feel within ourselves.
"One cannot lead another while one has not gone themselves" means that for example meditation: you should not teach and talk about meditation if you have not meditated yourself, and I think it is important to express one's feelings on a specific topic if only you have experienced it some way or another. It is about practicing what we preach, and not being a hypocrite. If you have not experienced something what you are trying to lead to others, then how can one lead?
Do you have an obligation to your clients to be developing your health psychologically, physically, and spiritually? Yes, I feel that one does have an obligation to always to continue to grow psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I think we all continue to grow in these aspects every day of our lives. We experience new experiences and feelings every different day, and I believe these experiences help us grow in one way or another.
How can you implement psychological and spiritual growth in your personal life? I can implement psychological and spiritual growth in my life getting to know what my true feelings are. I think if you can tell yourself and others the truth about yourself then you will able to grow within yourself, and then with any other aspect in your life. I also feel that if you continue to tell yourself the truth about yourself, then everything will fall into its own place, and then in turn will help you grow psychologically and spiritually.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Unit 6 Blog
The loving kindness meditation exercise actually made a significant improvement to my mood. At the moment of the exercise I was feeling tense, stresses, and annoyed. I felt like this was the best time to meditate; due to the fact I was feeling all kinds of negativity around me. It took me awhile to memorize the sentences, but eventually I got the gist of it and was able to remember the most important words. I started feeling calm after about 5 minutes and I continued to do the meditation exercise. I usually do not meditate more than 5 minutes, but I felt this one had my full attention. It definitely served as an antidote for my anger that I was feeling. Lately I have been feeling anger and a lot of stress, so this exercise helped me a lot. I feel that I let the anger take over my heart and my mind, and I realized it was just making me sick inside to feel that way.
When it comes to the Integral Assessment I feel that my psychospiritual and interpersonal are aspects of my life that have been giving me a lot of difficulty. I feel that I have lost who I am spiritually and personally and need to gain it back. It is scary to lose who you are, and the scariest part is when you realize it. I am taking one day at a time, but I am sure in the next few months my level will increase and I will find my way back. I am lost right now, but I will eventually find my way back. Doing meditation, like the loving kindness exercise, I could definitely find my way back. It will be hard, but challenge is always a good thing. Sometimes you have to work for what you want.
~Nancy Lasprugato
When it comes to the Integral Assessment I feel that my psychospiritual and interpersonal are aspects of my life that have been giving me a lot of difficulty. I feel that I have lost who I am spiritually and personally and need to gain it back. It is scary to lose who you are, and the scariest part is when you realize it. I am taking one day at a time, but I am sure in the next few months my level will increase and I will find my way back. I am lost right now, but I will eventually find my way back. Doing meditation, like the loving kindness exercise, I could definitely find my way back. It will be hard, but challenge is always a good thing. Sometimes you have to work for what you want.
~Nancy Lasprugato
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Unit 5 Wellness and Healing
The subtle mind exercise is a great exercise if you have a lot of 'chatter' going on in the mind, but it seems a little too long for me. If I had the time to sit and meditate more than I do now, then it would be great, but like I said it is a little too long for me. It is a great experience to encounter, but for me, who has been using meditation for awhile, I rather do a 5 minute breathing exercise to relax myself before I go to bed or I go to work. Focusing on the way you breath is the key to meditation, and it is the key to these exercises. Loving-kindness exercise is also a great exercise for learning to breath from within and trying to focus. For this unit, we have been focusing on the subtle mind and higher consciousness and I believe both exercises focus clearly on both. It takes a lot of practice to learn your mind and learn how to breath during meditation, but these exercises are great for that. Yes, some of them are a little long, but if you are looking for the quality of meditation, then starting with these exercises is great. Loving-kindness actually did make me feel better about myself, and allow my heart to open up a little more. I did not think this exercise was going to affect me, because I have used meditation frequently, but I guess I was wrong.
Mental and physical wellness is connected to our spiritual wellness. We all seek that perfection within our lives, but you need to break down each part to meet wholeness or that oneness; I might say. You cannot have one without the other. It is like saying that you cannot have pizza without something on top of the doe. Each one is connected one way or another. To seek spiritual wellness, you need to be able to have positive thought process and hopefully, and healthy body. Sometimes people focus on the body, before focusing on the mind and that is why they cannot seek a spiritual wellness. If you want to create a semi-perfect body or a healthy body, you need to focus on the mind. You need to tell the mind that my body will become healthy and my body will heal itself through my thoughts, feelings, and the way I treat the whole being.
I can talk a good talk, but what it comes down to is that I have not been healthy in the mind or in the body. I have been stressing myself out over the littlest stuff, which in turn has made my body ache. I have noticed this for awhile, but I have not done anything about it; until recently. I realize that I cannot help others until I help myself, and I need to focus on reality. My reality is that in order for my body to heal from stress, then I need to exercise my mind. It took awhile for me to realize it. I think I just finally woke up and realized how I have been treating my mind and my body.
~Nancy Lasprugato
Mental and physical wellness is connected to our spiritual wellness. We all seek that perfection within our lives, but you need to break down each part to meet wholeness or that oneness; I might say. You cannot have one without the other. It is like saying that you cannot have pizza without something on top of the doe. Each one is connected one way or another. To seek spiritual wellness, you need to be able to have positive thought process and hopefully, and healthy body. Sometimes people focus on the body, before focusing on the mind and that is why they cannot seek a spiritual wellness. If you want to create a semi-perfect body or a healthy body, you need to focus on the mind. You need to tell the mind that my body will become healthy and my body will heal itself through my thoughts, feelings, and the way I treat the whole being.
I can talk a good talk, but what it comes down to is that I have not been healthy in the mind or in the body. I have been stressing myself out over the littlest stuff, which in turn has made my body ache. I have noticed this for awhile, but I have not done anything about it; until recently. I realize that I cannot help others until I help myself, and I need to focus on reality. My reality is that in order for my body to heal from stress, then I need to exercise my mind. It took awhile for me to realize it. I think I just finally woke up and realized how I have been treating my mind and my body.
~Nancy Lasprugato
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Unit 4 Relaxtion
I really liked the exercise. I actually listened to it twice because I became so relaxed. The first time I fell asleep, and then I restarted it; then I played it again in front of one of my friends. I liked what the speech was about. Likeness attracts likeness, and so on. If you are kind to people, then hopefully those people will be kind to you. When you go into work or anywhere with a smile, then chances are people will actually will feel happier because they see that smile on your face. Smiles on the face can help someone who has lost somebody or is stressed within their lives. Actually, when I put a smile on my face all day I felt so much better about myself. It did not matter if someone said something mean to me, I still felt great about myself. I always have felt that if you think positive, then positive will come your way. It is the same thing if you think negative emotions. People will feel that negativity and become negative themselves.
I had a hard time with the part where you had to think about a person who is suffering. When I got to the part about how to try to help that person who is suffering, I began to cry. I think that part was very difficult for myself, and it might be difficult for others as well. I know we all try to think how we can help others who are ill or in bad place right now, but we try to think of other things so we do not have to think about the suffering that is happening in our families lives. This exercise made me think more of it, so I had to stop with that part.
I always find it beneficial to do an exercise like this. I use it in my daily lives and they actually work. I do not think it was difficult, and I find that others might benefit from it. Some people might not be able to relax their mind if they are stressed with so many different thoughts going on in their head. I always recommend exercises that have to do with the mind or meditation. I also say to someone I know; you have to try this exercise I did for class, you will love it. I campaign for people to do some of the exercises, but it is clearly up to them if they will do it or not.
The concept of a mental workout is to exercise your mind, and prepare it for whatever comes it way. It is like working out the body, but it is being able to concentrate on something. Having a healthy mind can help the body and spirit to be healthy. Mental workout helps you to concentrate and helps you relax your thoughts. "As we undertake contemplative practice and explore the largely uncharted frontier of the mind, we will find a wealth of knowledge and capacity whose significance extends to our entire being. The knowledge impacts on our body, mind, and spirit. In this way, contemplative practice, which is the method that drives psycho spiritual development, is actually an all-encompassing multidimensional integral practice. It is a way of 'cross-training' our body, mind, and spirit all at the same time. It makes the most efficient and comprehensive use of our time. This is why psycho spiritual development is a foundational aspect of integral health" (Dacher, 2006, p. 64).
"There are two types of contemplative practice. The first is loving-kindness. It opens our heart to others and gradually diminishes self-centeredness, priming our mind for further development. The second addresses the three levels of the subtle mind-witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness. It opens our mind and reveals a penetrating wisdom that knows the truth of our life and of existence" (Dacher, 2006, p. 64).
"Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action. Mental stimulation improves brain function and actually protects against cognitive decline, as does physical exercise. The human brain is able to continually adapt and rewire itself. Even in old age, it can grow new neurons. Severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, whereas most age-related losses in memory or motor skills simply result from inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In other words, use it or lose it" (Franklin Institute, 2004).
I usually meditate to get my 'mind-going' in the morning. Meditation can help you concentrate, and also help you relax your mind before a test or before you go to bed. I try to at least meditate twice a day. People always make fun of me because I always say I will be back in five minutes; I have to go meditate. I think it is hysterical, because I have caught my friends actually doing behind my back. Maybe, I should try it more often through out the day, because I have been under a lot of stressed lately.
Reference
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publication
Franklin Institute (2004). Retrieved on April 14, 2012, from The Human Brain: http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html
~Nancy Lasprugato
I had a hard time with the part where you had to think about a person who is suffering. When I got to the part about how to try to help that person who is suffering, I began to cry. I think that part was very difficult for myself, and it might be difficult for others as well. I know we all try to think how we can help others who are ill or in bad place right now, but we try to think of other things so we do not have to think about the suffering that is happening in our families lives. This exercise made me think more of it, so I had to stop with that part.
I always find it beneficial to do an exercise like this. I use it in my daily lives and they actually work. I do not think it was difficult, and I find that others might benefit from it. Some people might not be able to relax their mind if they are stressed with so many different thoughts going on in their head. I always recommend exercises that have to do with the mind or meditation. I also say to someone I know; you have to try this exercise I did for class, you will love it. I campaign for people to do some of the exercises, but it is clearly up to them if they will do it or not.
The concept of a mental workout is to exercise your mind, and prepare it for whatever comes it way. It is like working out the body, but it is being able to concentrate on something. Having a healthy mind can help the body and spirit to be healthy. Mental workout helps you to concentrate and helps you relax your thoughts. "As we undertake contemplative practice and explore the largely uncharted frontier of the mind, we will find a wealth of knowledge and capacity whose significance extends to our entire being. The knowledge impacts on our body, mind, and spirit. In this way, contemplative practice, which is the method that drives psycho spiritual development, is actually an all-encompassing multidimensional integral practice. It is a way of 'cross-training' our body, mind, and spirit all at the same time. It makes the most efficient and comprehensive use of our time. This is why psycho spiritual development is a foundational aspect of integral health" (Dacher, 2006, p. 64).
"There are two types of contemplative practice. The first is loving-kindness. It opens our heart to others and gradually diminishes self-centeredness, priming our mind for further development. The second addresses the three levels of the subtle mind-witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness. It opens our mind and reveals a penetrating wisdom that knows the truth of our life and of existence" (Dacher, 2006, p. 64).
"Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action. Mental stimulation improves brain function and actually protects against cognitive decline, as does physical exercise. The human brain is able to continually adapt and rewire itself. Even in old age, it can grow new neurons. Severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, whereas most age-related losses in memory or motor skills simply result from inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In other words, use it or lose it" (Franklin Institute, 2004).
I usually meditate to get my 'mind-going' in the morning. Meditation can help you concentrate, and also help you relax your mind before a test or before you go to bed. I try to at least meditate twice a day. People always make fun of me because I always say I will be back in five minutes; I have to go meditate. I think it is hysterical, because I have caught my friends actually doing behind my back. Maybe, I should try it more often through out the day, because I have been under a lot of stressed lately.
Reference
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publication
Franklin Institute (2004). Retrieved on April 14, 2012, from The Human Brain: http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html
~Nancy Lasprugato
Monday, April 9, 2012
Crime of the Century Relaxation Unit 3
The relaxation exercise was the best. After a long day of being with my family for the holiday, I realized I waited the perfect day to do this assignment. After everybody left, I decided to listen to the recording and I felt so much better. Being with family for the holidays can be so stressful, so it is crucial to always find something that can relax you after they all leave. Doing this relaxation exercise calmed me after a long time. The breathing exercises that were involved with the recording helped me to enjoy the rest of the evening. All the tension left my body, and I felt like I could face any obstacle that would come my way during the rest of the evening. Every time I took I breath I felt like the stress was just leaving my body. I should do this more often when company comes over.
~Nancy Lasprugato
~Nancy Lasprugato
Unit 3 Post Well-Being
Wow. Where do I view my well-being; I never thought of that before. It is kind of interesting when you're sitting and thinking about your well-being. It actually opens up your mind a little more then you were about 5 minutes ago.
My rate for physical well-being is about a 5. There is a lot of stuff that I need to fix about my physical body. First off, I need to eat a lot healthier and I need to relax a lot more. Stress is affecting my body more now than ever before. At least now I have been implementing more of a physical activity routine. Hopefully, I can stick to it and not give up. My goal is work out about 2 times per week, and then increase the days and time. I do not want to go head first into it, because then I might give up. I find it better to start it slowly, and then work my way up. I have joined a gym in my area, but I think during the summer I would like the use the outdoor area for more physical exercise. I could take long walks on the beach and get my exercise that way, instead of being indoors.
My spiritual well-being is about a 5. I am still trying to be in touch with my 'spiritual' surroundings. I have been trying to relate my spirituality to Mother Nature, and what she has to offer me. I rated it a 5 because I am still learning the process of being one with my surroundings. It is a hard process to learn, but it is fun. I was never a spiritual person, but lately I think I need to be more in touch with it. One of my goals for this summer is to enjoy the outside more, and to go to other states and enjoy the nature that it has to offer. I have not gone camping in a while, so I think that it would be a good idea to get some family and friends and enjoy camping. There are so many places in my area that I can camp at, and I want to be able to take advantage of it. Many people do not have that advantage, like I do.
I will rate my psychological well-being as maybe a 4.5. I have been going through a lot of rough times lately, and I have finally able to deal with a lot of past issues that have been coming up. These issues have been affecting me for so long that I thought it is time to start dealing with them and moving on. Instead of being a victim, I rather be a survivor. To be a survivor you need to overcome past issues that are constantly affecting your life. Talking to other people who have experienced the same thing that I have might make it easier for me to overcome some of the obstacles in my life that I am dealing with. I find it might be easier to locate a support group to get some advice to deal with the current issues.
~Nancy Lasprugato
My rate for physical well-being is about a 5. There is a lot of stuff that I need to fix about my physical body. First off, I need to eat a lot healthier and I need to relax a lot more. Stress is affecting my body more now than ever before. At least now I have been implementing more of a physical activity routine. Hopefully, I can stick to it and not give up. My goal is work out about 2 times per week, and then increase the days and time. I do not want to go head first into it, because then I might give up. I find it better to start it slowly, and then work my way up. I have joined a gym in my area, but I think during the summer I would like the use the outdoor area for more physical exercise. I could take long walks on the beach and get my exercise that way, instead of being indoors.
My spiritual well-being is about a 5. I am still trying to be in touch with my 'spiritual' surroundings. I have been trying to relate my spirituality to Mother Nature, and what she has to offer me. I rated it a 5 because I am still learning the process of being one with my surroundings. It is a hard process to learn, but it is fun. I was never a spiritual person, but lately I think I need to be more in touch with it. One of my goals for this summer is to enjoy the outside more, and to go to other states and enjoy the nature that it has to offer. I have not gone camping in a while, so I think that it would be a good idea to get some family and friends and enjoy camping. There are so many places in my area that I can camp at, and I want to be able to take advantage of it. Many people do not have that advantage, like I do.
I will rate my psychological well-being as maybe a 4.5. I have been going through a lot of rough times lately, and I have finally able to deal with a lot of past issues that have been coming up. These issues have been affecting me for so long that I thought it is time to start dealing with them and moving on. Instead of being a victim, I rather be a survivor. To be a survivor you need to overcome past issues that are constantly affecting your life. Talking to other people who have experienced the same thing that I have might make it easier for me to overcome some of the obstacles in my life that I am dealing with. I find it might be easier to locate a support group to get some advice to deal with the current issues.
~Nancy Lasprugato
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Unit 2 Relaxation Exercises
Currently, I live by the beach area in New Jersey. I decided to go to the beach and sit and take in the ocean air and the calm and serene sounds of the ocean during this time of year. I love going to the beach this time of year, because nobody is there and it is a great spot to meditate, relax, and clear your thoughts. I went to the beach and I did some breathing exercises, and I feel ten times better. I was only there for about fifteen minutes, but that is all you need. I sat in a quiet area, and an area with a good view and I inhaled deep breaths and then I exhaled calmly. I believe that we need to use our nature that surrounds us as a relaxtion technique. The ocean definitely can relax us, and it does for me. I think I am going to do this more frequently, because I feel better when I do breathing techniques at the beach then at my house. Mother Nature in herself is a relaxation technique. Embrace what we have around us.
~Nancy L.
~Nancy L.
Unit 2 Introduction
My name is Nancy Lasprugato, and I am so excited to start this blog. I am a full time worker and full time student, who likes to read and relax on her spare time. I am not sure what I want to do when I eventually graduate, but I do have some ideas. Hopefully, I can work with our school systems about healthy topics and healthy food sold in our schools. Sometimes I have a problem with time management, and I constantly work on it, but that is okay. Hope everyone enjoys this term, because it seems like it is going to be fun. Always remember that if you need to relax all you have to do is inhale and then exhale. Do a couple of breath exercises and you are good to go. Enjoy.
Nancy Lasprugato
Nancy Lasprugato
Monday, March 26, 2012
quote
Elliott S. Dacher, M.D. has written that: "We begin this journey with a simple yet profound acknowledgment-all of us want a life of authentic health, happiness, and wholeness. We want to go beyond our usual sense of health and life. We want to live with purpose, passion, intimacy, and joy"
Hello
wow i am so excited for this blog...i cannot wait to get started with it and actually use it in the future....it is time for some fun....
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