Contemplative Practices

So I decided to start this weeks blog activities a little early because me and my family are going to the Lake of the Ozarks for the weekend for some rest and relaxation and I don't know if there will be internet connection there or not.  I figured I would do the exercise a couple of days and post about it and then do the exercises over the weekend (if I can) and then post again when I get home.  We will see how it goes. I actually started this Monday night instead of Wednesday and while the exercise speaks of doing it twice daily, this is impractical because I work 2 jobs so I'll have to do what I can.

Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

The first night, Monday, I found getting into this exercise to be kind of difficult, I think that the stress that I have been under was not really letting me relax and focus on it enough.  I like the thought process behind this exercise though and intend on really working on it because I think it will be extremely beneficial for me.

Night number two, which because of a crazy schedule ended up being on Wednesday, went slightly better.  It's hard to get into a good meditative state when your kids keep walking in to talk to you, waiting until they go to bed means it's bedtime for me so once again I had a hard time staying focused though I am finding that I can get into the exercise a little better.

Night number three, Thursday, success! I was able to get into a meditative state and stay there.  I am really starting to enjoy this one a lot more.  I like how it guides you to focus on others and not just yourself.  I will hold my recommendations for later in the week so that I can give a fully informed answer.  Until then... 

What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

The concept of mental workout is best explained as working the mind on a daily basis so as to "evolve our psychospiritual life and access it's capacities". Our text even states that a mental workout can structurally change areas of the brain! Some of the benefits of  a mental workout include; an influence on our physiology, hormonal system and immune system. We can also gain the ability to change our brains circuitry to enhance our well-being.  Memory, attention, perception, imagery and other menal functions are positively impacted as well.  Another benefit is a reduction of disturbing emotions; ager, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt while enhancing emotions that are postitive such as patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness. All of these benefits are well worth the workout for sure.  It's stated in our reading that contemplative practices are a good way to improve our psychological health.

More to come...this week is getting interesting.

Crime of the Century

Oh boy where do I begin. 

Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why?

A) I would have to rank my physical well-being at about a 7 mostly due to the fact that while I am physically active in martial arts my weight is still more than it should be and I have a terrible sweet tooth that I sometimes find hard to control. My physical health isn't too bad but I do have issues with stress headaches.
B) My spriritual well-being would have to be around a 6 because I really have a hard time even understanding what spiritual well-being is so if I don't understand it well then how can I develop it adequately. I do use meditation but I'm not even sure if that applies.
C) Psychological well-being, this I would rank at about a 7-8.  I have never suffered from any psychological problems but I will say that I do have plenty of stress in my life that really can take me down on occasion.

Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).

Physical- my goal to improve my physical well-being would have to start with increasing my physical activity by being more consistent with my martial arts training and taking walks.

Spiritual- I'm not sure how to improve this...I have a very hard time with this aspect of life.

Psychological- reduce stress!!! That's first and foremost! I need to find better ways to unwind and calm my mind so I can deal with all of lifes craziness. I think that my physical goal will do a lot to help with this as well as finding some time for myself.

What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?

Some things I can do to achieve my goals would be to maybe find a moment to incorporate yoga into my day. This would increase my physical fitness as well as to help me to clear my mind and increase my sense of peacefulness.  I think that increasing my martial arts training will help too, it works my body as well as my mind. 

1. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)

I did not even make it through this exercise.  I would start really relaxing and getting into the exercise and then would start to doze off, then startling awake only to have to try to relax again. Kind of frustrating

Journey on Relaxation Exercise

Professor and class,
I feel amazingly relaxed after that exercise.  I have done relaxation techniques since I was a kid although as I've gotten older I haven't done them as often.  This was a different technique than what I am used to though. I like the imagery and found it very effective, even with my kids interrupting to tell me goodnight.  One of the reasons I use relaxation is when I am having trouble falling asleep and it seems to help me every time.  I'm looking forward to further exercises!
Marlyn

Welcome all!!

Just a quick note to welcome those of you who wish to read my reflections and observations concerning what I'm learning at the present.  I will try my hardest to not ramble and bore those who take the time to check in.  I hope that I am able to effectively portray my thoughts and ideas and welcome any and all feedback.

For those who are unaware, this blog is intended to be used for a course that has to deal with, among other things, meditation and how it can aid in achieving a not only a better state of mind but an increased sense of wellness as well in other words, the mind-body connection. To my classmates, let's get this party started and good luck in the term!