The Loving-kindness meditation exercise is a
pleasant and relatively easy one to complete.
I like how convenient it is. I
found that by doing this exercise, I felt a growing sense of peace within
myself. The words are so powerful that
although I started the meditation without much feeling, repeating the phrases
pulled me in so that I was able to say them with much fervor. I did not expect that it would have that effect
on me. Despite not being able to
meditate the full 10 minutes, I feel that I was still able to benefit because
of the calm it had promoted.
In doing the integral assessment, I was able to understand
more clearly the reason for and importance of its practice. Of the four quadrants, I chose to focus on
the biological. Despite starting an
exercise routine, I feel there are other areas within that quadrant that needs
attention. I feel I’ve neglected this
aspect, in efforts to improve the others.
I started to reflect more on my growing interest in participating in a
mind/body activity, such as Tai chi and thought about how much my entire self
would benefit from it. Another thought
that repeatedly came to mind was nutrition. Admittedly, I do not make the best
nutritional choices. If I want to live a
more integral life, I would surely have to change that. I struggle with this because I am a major “foodie”. It doesn’t help that I was brought up in a
culture that emphasizes eating in social events…we have fiestas for every
reason! I felt very inclined to attend
my chiropractor’s food makeover workshop. I’ve been interested in attending his workshop
but have put it off – this assessment forced me to admit that the reason for
delay is because I fear this change…I am weak.
Overall, I thought these exercises extremely
beneficial. I hope to include both
practices into my routine.
Making changes to your eating habits will take some time, but if you make slow gradual changes you might be more successful than eliminating something completely-at least that has been my experience. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteNicole,
ReplyDeleteI find it refreshing to hear that you are trying to better yourself inside and out. There are so many people that do not focus on themselves. I am one of those people, but I am trying to change the way I see things. My mother keeps telling me that I cannot continue to care for my children and family if I do not start taking better care of myself. This course has really helped me to realize how true that statement is. I wish you the best in your journey to health and happiness.
Stephanie
Hi Nicole!
ReplyDeleteOut if all the exercises so far, I prefer this unit 6 meditation exercise. It wasn't forcing you to do things or feel a certain way of which our bodies and mind are not used to. Indeed it was convenient. Yes the words are also powerful, and it was funny to me, because while praying, I usually pray using similar words (lol. Anyway, I am glad you are making changes for the betterment of your health. It's a tough thing to do, but with a clear and conscious mind, you will gain more strength and be fine.
Hey Nicole!
ReplyDeleteI think setting a weight loss goal is a great way to track your progress physically. I love food as well so I know how hard it is to get into a healthy routine especially when our culture does not support that very well most of the time. At least you have found what does not work for you. Sometimes you have to work from that perspective to find out what works.
I'm so sorry that you have to deal with your husband being away a lot and then getting deployed! We have a lot of people up here in Minot dealing with that because there is a major airforce base up here. It is so hard on them and I know that I could not deal with it. You sound like a very strong person to me! if we can just remember how to give everything to God and know it will all be towards our good then we can make it through and from reading your posts I truly believe you can! Good luck and if you need anything at all please don't hesitate to contact me on my blog and let me know! You will be in my prayers!