Practice the universal Loving Kindness (meditation) exercise on p. 93.
Complete the Integral Assessment discussed in chapter 11 (p.115).
1. There are a couple of areas in my life that are significant sources of stress; first is the fact that we lost our oldest son nearly a year ago, it's a constant sourse of pain and stress, second is trying to keep up with work (two jobs), TKD and school and to manage enough time to spend with my boys so they feel like I'm there for them when needed.
2.
- Describe the exercise and assessment process. What did you discover about yourself? What area have you chosen to be a focus of growth and development? Why? What are some specific exercises or activities that you can implement to foster greater wellness in this area?
The exercise was okay. I was so crazy busy this week that it was hard to sit and do it on my own, a guided practice is easier I think.
The assessment, well that was easy enough other than digging deep and determining what it is I need to change or achieve to become more intuned to my inner self. Understanding where I need to make changes and determining what it will take to do so was a large part of the assesment process. I know that I allow my stress to escalate and control my life and I am determined to end that process. My husband calls it spiraling and that's sometimes how it feels. I would like to learn to better deal with the loss of our oldest son and not let it be such a source of stress in my life although it will always be a part of me I don't have to let it define who I am or how I live my life. I also need to learn to handle lifes difficult moments with more grace. Stress is a part of life but I need to learn to accept it and not get upset by it.
Exercise is my first and foremost need in life, it's my stress reliever, my outlet but since learning the contemplative practices I want to work those into my daily life and keep them there. Even if it's just a few minutes here and there. I will find peace in my heart and discover my inner self, I just need time to work at it.
Boy It sounds like you had one heck of a week! I have been there and totally understand.I am glad that you were able to try the the exercise, I think that these exercises are great ways to teach us to deal with the stresses in our lives. Do you think that the exercise was not guided on purpose, I thought maybe it it was about getting us to be able to quite our mind and push away the negative thoughts on our own. Would love to know what you think!
ReplyDeleteRachel S.
I posted my blog late This week too, it seems sometimes life gets in the way of everything we try to accomplish. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your oldest son. Things like that are harder to deal with for some than it is for others. A few years ago I lost my second pregnancy and it took me a long time to not be overcome with emotions on a day to day basis. I thought I was broken, because it took me so long to heal and accept. But, in reality, the way anyone copes with loss is okay. Try not to beat yourself up about it being a stress in your life. It just takes time to heal.
ReplyDeleteExercise is also a way to release stress for me, but I tend to get discouraged and find excuses not to do it, in turn making myself more stressed out.
Amanda