Unit 4 Reflections-Loving Kindness & Mental Workout

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

After completing the Loving Kindness exercise and reading Dacher's book, I found the exercise rather relaxing, although it was difficult to remain focused.  I have been extremely busy lately as I have mentioned with caring for my sick father as well as household duties and school work so knew that I couldn't put a lot of time into this. Despite this, I did notice a reduction in my stress level after the exercise. 

If  someone is having issues with showing and feeling compassion towards others, this is a great exercise for them. I am human and have days where I do not feel love and compassion but this exercise made me realize that it is something that I need to continue to work on. 

2.        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 a “mental workout” is exercising the mind daily just as one would exercise their body daily or dedicate daily time to studying.  It is not possible to evolve your psychospiritual life and access its capacities and resources without daily practice.  Research shows that consistent daily practice will show proven results (Dacher, 2006).

Implementing mental workouts to foster my psychological health is something that I really need to incorporate into my daily life.  I do believe that a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body.  I strongly believe that if you take care of your mind, a healthy body will follow.  I have attempted making small changes in trying to implement mental workouts in the past but have not done so recently.  I have had entirely too much going on lately with caring for my sick father, caring for my son and husband and taking classes.

I know that I will continue to increase my focus on my mental health and soon will be dedicating more time daily to this important aspect of my life once things slow down.

 

Reference:

Dacher, E. (2005). Integral Health The Path to Human Flourishing Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications

Unit 3 Reflections

On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), my ratings and explanations are listed below:

A-Physical wellbeing: I am rating this a 6. I am not where I used to be but I am better than I was a few years ago. I have cleaned up my diet considerably by eating on local and organic foods, no sodas, fast food or anything that I can't pronounce. I believe this has attributed to my overall health considerably. I would like to work on toning my body and losing a few pounds since I am not as physically active as I was before my son was born 3 years ago. I would like to get a bike and ride with my son to work towards attaining this goal. Implementing yoga would also help with improving my physical, spiritual and psychological well being.

B-Spiritual well-being: I would rate this a 5. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church and often felt it was restrictive. As I have gotten older, I realize that you do not have to attend church every Sunday to have a relationship with God. I have also become more spiritual and less religious. I want to allow my son and any future child that I have to choose what religion, if any, they wish to practice. I don't want to force anything on them.

C-Psychological well-being: With everything that is going on relating to my father's recent cancer diagnosis and my job uncertainty I would rate this area a 5. Supportive family and friends have made these things easier to cope with. My goal is to continue to utilize my family, friends and any other resources that I can to stay calm and sane during this stressful time. I also need to learn to take a little time out for myself. Heck, these days going to the grocery store by myself is a much needed mental vacation! Moms of toddlers and preschoolers definitely understand!

 

The Crime of the Century relaxation exercise was very effective but would have been more so if I would've picked a better time to do it. I liked how the speaker asked the listener to visualize a color and to associate it with a feeling and a body part such as the color yellow and the heart. I will try to go back and listen to the exercise when I have more time to devote to it.

 

 

Journey On Relxation Exercise Response

I found the recording very relaxing but would like to go back and listen to it when I have more time to relax. I was afraid of falling asleep because I knew I had this to do! It reminded me of yoga class, something that I truly miss and need to get back in to.

Intro and Welcome

Hi, I'm Christie. I am currently a stay at home mom to a 3 year old and wife of seven years. I am passionate about all things relating to living and raising a family naturally.

As a woman of color, I am troubled by the predominate media stereotypes of other women of color, in particular the Black woman, especially as it concerns marriage and family. Therefore, I am committed to doing my part to normalize the perception of Black women as highly educated, health-conscious wives and mothers with stable families.