Sunday, May 30, 2010
Unit 10 post
In unit 3, I scored myself a 7 or 8 in a lot of areas and now I would give myself more an 8 or 9 always with room for improvement. I think I really did learn a lot in this class about myself and have become very aware of why and how I do things in order to make changes. There are so many great tools we learned in this course that have made a big difference in the quality of my life these days. I knew meditation was good for you but I never really realized just how good it was. I am now much calmer and focused in so many areas of my self, which is great. I have been keeping up with my daily meditations, workouts, and diet and really focusing on getter better while at the same time taking time out from work to play and let my hair down a bit more. I am learning balance, which has always been hard for me, but harmony is what I am striving for because I want my mind and body to work together from now on. I started this course not realizing how interrelated our minds and bodies where. I had read about it in theory but never did any exercise such as the subtle mind, loving kindness, to prove it to myself. I do believe now that they are one the same. I feel much more at peace with myself and have really started a new relationship with the new me. I listen more to my inner voice and I am learning to accept and change things in my life accordingly. My awareness has been taken to new heights and the world looks different to me now. I think well actually I know because I have been told by friends that I seem much more calmer and happier these days and I know it is from all I have learned in this class and have put to use. I think we lead by example and I am striving to be a good example for whomever or whatever I teach in life after my journey here is over.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Unit 9 Project
I Introduction:
It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically because if you want to make yourself more credible than you have to have the knowledge and background to grasp the entire picture in order to really understand and help someone else. To be an effective healer you have to practice what you preach in order to lead the way. I am dealing with many areas in my life that I need to develop in order to achieve the goals I have for myself. I am trying to restore my physical health at this time by exercising, eating extremely clean and taking natural supplements and herbs instead of chemical drugs in order to heal my body naturally. I also am learning to get back in touch with my spirituality because I am still trying to find my place in this world and understand what I came down here to do. Psychologically I am pretty savvy because I really try and face my problems head on and I deal with the issues in my life as they arise with a few steps back at times, but I am "aware" which is the most important aspect. I really understand why I do the things I do and I am learning to change the behaviors in my life that are holding me back instead of pushing me forwards which is key.
II Assessment:
I have assessed my health in each domain by looking inside myself and using the reading material to gain better understanding of how to get in touch with myself. I think some of my scores have gotten higher since I started this class because again I have become much more aware of my surroundings and myself. However, I still need practice in some areas so physically I would score myself an eight because I am still trying to get back into the shape I was in when I was surfing waves in Hawaii. I know my body has changed from my surgery but I believe enough in myself that I can make myself even stronger than I was before because I have the tools within and without along with the plan and desire to follow them. I would give myself a nine psychologically because there is always room for growth but I really do understand myself and I have come along way from my younger years when I didn't have clue. I am sure if I as writing this paper 10 years from now I would say the same thing though. I have learned to confront issues as they happen and not to harbor grudges. I am not afraid to speak up, show love, and have learned there is no need for pride when it comes to saying what you truly mean. I have learned to cut ties with people that have hurt me and have forgiven them in my own way and let go. I have learned to embrace the future with dreams and goals and to never be afraid of leaving my comfort zone and trying something new. I have learned that money can't buy happiness and that happiness comes from within yourself because some of my best moments were in the company of friends and family and are priceless. I have learned that you take yourself wherever you go and home is always in your heart. Teeth are made for smiling too and not just for eating and the beauty of life is that despite all the day-to-day complaints we have, it is truly sweet if we focus on the positive. On that note, I would give my spirituality an eight because I feel like I have so much yet to learn in that realm. However, when I do search within myself I do feel a strong connection to those around my environment and me. I do believe that most people are innately good and that we are all searching for our own personal happiness and place in this world "in the end."
III Goal development:
One goal I have for myself physically is to get back into shape and fit back into my old clothes because I liked the way I looked back then but I also really liked the energy I had when I was in shape. I carried myself differently when I was in shape and I was more comfortable in my own skin. Psychologically my goal is to find a new job that is less stressful and lets me be more creative in the way I think. My job now is stressful and not because the work is, hard but because of the micro managing that takes place. Spiritually I would like to dip into my sixth sense more because as child, it was very strong and at times I can still pick up on little things but I would like to develop it more. I would like to bring more harmony between my mind, body and spirit.
IV Practices for personal health:
The strategy to foster physical growth is to work hard with my personal trainer to get stronger and leaner again. Also sticking with my diet and natural supplements is equally important in improving my health. I also am having my blood work monitored with my doctor in order to straighten out my hormones and thyroid and I am grateful she is understanding and on the same page as me when it comes to the natural treatment plan I have opted for. Psychologically I am learning that some environments like my job aren't going to change and only I can change. Therefore, I am actively seeking new employment but the economy has killed the job market. I am now finding other ways to cope in the meantime, mostly by putting things in perspective and realizing that misery likes company and not to let other people bring me down. I smile, laugh and refuse to be miserable while doing things one at a time and realizing that it always gets done and there is no need to get anxious or upset. I also am learning to take some "me" time instead of working all the time, which again is why I am only taking one class this summer. Spiritually I have been practicing the meditation techniques we have learned this semester with some visualization techniques as well. I am now learning to tap into my own inner wisdom for the answers instead of always searching externally for the "hows" and "whys" to everything. I am learning to see life with new eyes and that includes people too. I also have bee practicing yoga, which I really like because not only does it help in flexibility but it also helps me in calming my minds and centering myself into the "now." I can't wait to do on the beach on vacation this summer.
V Commitment:
I will assess my progress in six months by how I look and feel both mentally and physically opposed to how I feel right now. I plan to continue what I have learned in this class because of the positive effects it has had on me and by reading more on integral health practices. I love the concept, I wish there were more centers that provided this type of healing, but hopefully in the future there will be. I think the strategy that will assist me the most in maintaining long-term practices for heath and wellness is "practice," and making it a daily habit. It takes years to develop bad habits and it can take years to develop good habits to undo the bad. Staying focused on the positive and retraining my thinking is a big part of that change. I have been really trying to change the way I think about life and my health in order to make those changes. Everyday is a new day of better health and vitality so I only see myself getting stronger in the future. This class has definitely shown me how powerful the mind really is and that is where more than half of the battle takes place. "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically because if you want to make yourself more credible than you have to have the knowledge and background to grasp the entire picture in order to really understand and help someone else. To be an effective healer you have to practice what you preach in order to lead the way. I am dealing with many areas in my life that I need to develop in order to achieve the goals I have for myself. I am trying to restore my physical health at this time by exercising, eating extremely clean and taking natural supplements and herbs instead of chemical drugs in order to heal my body naturally. I also am learning to get back in touch with my spirituality because I am still trying to find my place in this world and understand what I came down here to do. Psychologically I am pretty savvy because I really try and face my problems head on and I deal with the issues in my life as they arise with a few steps back at times, but I am "aware" which is the most important aspect. I really understand why I do the things I do and I am learning to change the behaviors in my life that are holding me back instead of pushing me forwards which is key.
II Assessment:
I have assessed my health in each domain by looking inside myself and using the reading material to gain better understanding of how to get in touch with myself. I think some of my scores have gotten higher since I started this class because again I have become much more aware of my surroundings and myself. However, I still need practice in some areas so physically I would score myself an eight because I am still trying to get back into the shape I was in when I was surfing waves in Hawaii. I know my body has changed from my surgery but I believe enough in myself that I can make myself even stronger than I was before because I have the tools within and without along with the plan and desire to follow them. I would give myself a nine psychologically because there is always room for growth but I really do understand myself and I have come along way from my younger years when I didn't have clue. I am sure if I as writing this paper 10 years from now I would say the same thing though. I have learned to confront issues as they happen and not to harbor grudges. I am not afraid to speak up, show love, and have learned there is no need for pride when it comes to saying what you truly mean. I have learned to cut ties with people that have hurt me and have forgiven them in my own way and let go. I have learned to embrace the future with dreams and goals and to never be afraid of leaving my comfort zone and trying something new. I have learned that money can't buy happiness and that happiness comes from within yourself because some of my best moments were in the company of friends and family and are priceless. I have learned that you take yourself wherever you go and home is always in your heart. Teeth are made for smiling too and not just for eating and the beauty of life is that despite all the day-to-day complaints we have, it is truly sweet if we focus on the positive. On that note, I would give my spirituality an eight because I feel like I have so much yet to learn in that realm. However, when I do search within myself I do feel a strong connection to those around my environment and me. I do believe that most people are innately good and that we are all searching for our own personal happiness and place in this world "in the end."
III Goal development:
One goal I have for myself physically is to get back into shape and fit back into my old clothes because I liked the way I looked back then but I also really liked the energy I had when I was in shape. I carried myself differently when I was in shape and I was more comfortable in my own skin. Psychologically my goal is to find a new job that is less stressful and lets me be more creative in the way I think. My job now is stressful and not because the work is, hard but because of the micro managing that takes place. Spiritually I would like to dip into my sixth sense more because as child, it was very strong and at times I can still pick up on little things but I would like to develop it more. I would like to bring more harmony between my mind, body and spirit.
IV Practices for personal health:
The strategy to foster physical growth is to work hard with my personal trainer to get stronger and leaner again. Also sticking with my diet and natural supplements is equally important in improving my health. I also am having my blood work monitored with my doctor in order to straighten out my hormones and thyroid and I am grateful she is understanding and on the same page as me when it comes to the natural treatment plan I have opted for. Psychologically I am learning that some environments like my job aren't going to change and only I can change. Therefore, I am actively seeking new employment but the economy has killed the job market. I am now finding other ways to cope in the meantime, mostly by putting things in perspective and realizing that misery likes company and not to let other people bring me down. I smile, laugh and refuse to be miserable while doing things one at a time and realizing that it always gets done and there is no need to get anxious or upset. I also am learning to take some "me" time instead of working all the time, which again is why I am only taking one class this summer. Spiritually I have been practicing the meditation techniques we have learned this semester with some visualization techniques as well. I am now learning to tap into my own inner wisdom for the answers instead of always searching externally for the "hows" and "whys" to everything. I am learning to see life with new eyes and that includes people too. I also have bee practicing yoga, which I really like because not only does it help in flexibility but it also helps me in calming my minds and centering myself into the "now." I can't wait to do on the beach on vacation this summer.
V Commitment:
I will assess my progress in six months by how I look and feel both mentally and physically opposed to how I feel right now. I plan to continue what I have learned in this class because of the positive effects it has had on me and by reading more on integral health practices. I love the concept, I wish there were more centers that provided this type of healing, but hopefully in the future there will be. I think the strategy that will assist me the most in maintaining long-term practices for heath and wellness is "practice," and making it a daily habit. It takes years to develop bad habits and it can take years to develop good habits to undo the bad. Staying focused on the positive and retraining my thinking is a big part of that change. I have been really trying to change the way I think about life and my health in order to make those changes. Everyday is a new day of better health and vitality so I only see myself getting stronger in the future. This class has definitely shown me how powerful the mind really is and that is where more than half of the battle takes place. "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Unit 8 Post
The two exercises that I feel are most beneficial are visualization and meditation because I tend to use both of the most. I use visualization with meditation in order to calm my mind and relax and sometimes I do it right before bed, which helps me to fall asleep easier and faster. I also use visualization for motivation because I know when I am sweating and dying on the elliptical I am thinking in my mind about what I want to look like and how I am going to feel etc. I picture myself healthy, happy, and strong and it helps me sometimes get through a workout that I didn't want to do. I try and picture the end result sometimes as a motivator towards a goal.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Unit 7 Post
I had trouble with track 4# on the cd mostly because my mind has been all over the place lately. My great aunt passed away during the week and I had the funeral etc on Saturday and it has just been hard to focus. I think with more practice it will be a beneficial exercise in the future and I was glad there was no static. I just have to keep on practicing.
One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself. I think it is important to have an understanding about what you are talking about because it makes you more credible. How can you know or tell someone that something works if you've never tried it yourself. I think you have to learn from within in order to teach and have a good grounding on yourself first. I think by getting to know yourself from the inside out you have more to offer those around you. I think you have to live it to preach it personally and that comes from time, practice, exploring, and expanding your mind to a whole realm of possibilities. I know I am learning a lot about myself this year through school and life and I know I have grown in many ways this year and with knowledge comes more growth and understanding.
One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself. I think it is important to have an understanding about what you are talking about because it makes you more credible. How can you know or tell someone that something works if you've never tried it yourself. I think you have to learn from within in order to teach and have a good grounding on yourself first. I think by getting to know yourself from the inside out you have more to offer those around you. I think you have to live it to preach it personally and that comes from time, practice, exploring, and expanding your mind to a whole realm of possibilities. I know I am learning a lot about myself this year through school and life and I know I have grown in many ways this year and with knowledge comes more growth and understanding.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Unit 6
I think I have come a long way in a lot of areas in my life both physically and mentally but I need to rengage with my psychospiritual side. First of all I tend to second guess myself too much or over anaylze things and make them more complicated then they need to be. I want to learn how to trust myself and just let go and not keep looking back. I want to see things differently with new eyes in a more positive light. I think with my job being so bad while being stressed with school and keeping up good grades and some sort of social life,I have neglected the side of myself that used to be more carefree and fun. I have become more robotic lately just going through the motions and wishing my life away weekend to weekend. I need to start listening to my inner voice and make more changes so that my future is more positive. It is time I took another step instead of side stepping things.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Unit 5 Post
I felt the subtle mind exercise was easier to do than the Loving Kindness exercise because I was able to focus better except for the static again which again scared me half to death. It was easier for me to quiet my mind with the subtle mind exercise and concentrate on my breathing and visualize easier. I understand the concept of the Loving Kindness exercise by promoting kindness and having a more peaceful attitude towards life and people in general but that is harder to do sometimes with all of life's frustrations.
I think the connection between spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is huge because a lot of times it is mind over matter when doing something physical. I tend to zone out a bit when I am doing cardio and get into the rhythm of the workout and daydream of a beach or place I want to go. I feel calm afterwards and much more relaxed which is great and important since I tend to be a bit high strung. Endorphins are a great high and sometimes I feel like I could run forever and never have to stop. I also have a strong belief that everything happens for a reason so may that is my way of rationalizing mentally the good and bad parts of my life. I have a strong belief that we each have a plan that we designed and that we came down here to live it out, with a little help from the other side. It might sound crazy but I think the signs we get along the way that some people don't even notice aren't really coincidences. I guess for me my spiritual wellness is tied to everything I do both mentally and physically because I never feel like I am alone, I also find what I need in order to make it to the next step, I just ask
I think the connection between spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is huge because a lot of times it is mind over matter when doing something physical. I tend to zone out a bit when I am doing cardio and get into the rhythm of the workout and daydream of a beach or place I want to go. I feel calm afterwards and much more relaxed which is great and important since I tend to be a bit high strung. Endorphins are a great high and sometimes I feel like I could run forever and never have to stop. I also have a strong belief that everything happens for a reason so may that is my way of rationalizing mentally the good and bad parts of my life. I have a strong belief that we each have a plan that we designed and that we came down here to live it out, with a little help from the other side. It might sound crazy but I think the signs we get along the way that some people don't even notice aren't really coincidences. I guess for me my spiritual wellness is tied to everything I do both mentally and physically because I never feel like I am alone, I also find what I need in order to make it to the next step, I just ask
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Unit 4 Loving Kindness & Mental Workout
I completed the Loving Kindness exercise and I thought it was hard because I had trouble focusing and not letting my mind wander to million other things going on in my life. I thought it was hard to let go of some things in my life and forgive some people that have hurt me. I usually practice forgiveness because I don't like conflict but as I have gotten older I have learned that sometimes you just have to take the negative out of your life. You can forgive but you have to let go and remove yourself sometimes from someplace or someone who isn't healthy for you to be around. I don't harbor a lot of bad feelings but I have tried in the past to talk things out with individuals who have hurt me and I have walked away if the conversation went no where. I think the exercise was good because living where I live with the hustle and bustle of everyday life sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses and smile a bit. I am a believer that everyone you meet you were meant to meet for a reason either to learn or to teach. Negative balances positive.
The mental workout was hard to focus on for me this week also but I did zone out for awhile while doing it until the static part made me jump out of my skin. I try sometimes when I can't sleep to put myself on a beach somewhere to relax myself and focus on the way the waves are rolling in, and the smell of the air. It usually helps in clearing my mind and puts me to sleep. I guess like anything else these exercise will take practice but I do believe there is something to quieting the mind.
The mental workout was hard to focus on for me this week also but I did zone out for awhile while doing it until the static part made me jump out of my skin. I try sometimes when I can't sleep to put myself on a beach somewhere to relax myself and focus on the way the waves are rolling in, and the smell of the air. It usually helps in clearing my mind and puts me to sleep. I guess like anything else these exercise will take practice but I do believe there is something to quieting the mind.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Unit 3 Post
Hi Everyone,
I normally would rate my physical wellbeing at about a 7 or 8 because since my surgery and treatments I haven't felt like a 10 in almost two years. It seems when I was on the top of my game and in the best shape of my life, I received a curve ball and got really sick. So it has been a long road to recovery with multiple treatments and drugs that have left me feeling worse sometimes than before I started treatment. I have really been trying to push myself to get back on track by cleaning up my diet, exercising regularly and taking natural supplements etc. I actually met with my doctor this past Tuesday and explained to her that I wanted to do a natural treatment plan and abandon all drugs because the side effects have really taken away from the quality of my life. So my physical wellbeing is not where it should be but I am trying to make the changes to get back to my old self. My spiritual well being is probably an 8 or 9 because I do have a strong belief in a higher power and I notice all the little coincidences around me. I always seem to get an answer to a question that has been on mind or think of someone I haven't spoken to and get a phone call from them. I do believe that energy never dies it just transforms and I also have a strong belief that we really aren't alone and have guides that help us along the way. My psychological wellbeing is probably the same as 7 or 8 because I really need to learn how to deal with stress because although I think I am dealing with it my body has been getting sick, chest pains etc which means I am not. In areas of relationships etc I am very healthy psychologically, I have no codependency problems or transference issues and I have learned to feel secure in myself as I have gotten older.
My goal physically is to just get healthy and lose the weight I gained from the medications I was on. I am already on a specific diet plan and exercise because I started with a new personal trainer over a month a ago. Spiritually I would love to learn how to use my sixth sense more and intuitiveness, it may sound weird but I feel less connected being on all the medications I'm on. I want to develop a routine where I allow some quiet and down time for myself daily. My psychological goal is to find a new job because I am completely miserable there and it's not a healthy environment to spend over 40 hours a week in. Our new president is a bit of a type A personality and a control freak with no EQ and he sets the tone for the entire office. We aren't aloud to speak to each other, they monitor how long we take bathroom breaks, we can't use our cell phones, or access the internet so we have no outlets for a mental break during the day. It is like being in a prison camp and it is not healthy psychologically. I thought I could stay here until I was done with school but I don't think I can. I know the economy is bad but I am actively looking for something else. I have been there 6 years and I think it took 12 years off my life and I know with getting sick that the psychological effects of this place are tapping into my physical wellbeing. So I have updated resume and have been monster.com searching for a new start.
I really liked the relaxation exercise this week with the colors and I could almost feel the warmth from each color. I think there is a lot to say for being connected to yourself and the world around you. I liked how calm and balanced I felt afterwards.
I normally would rate my physical wellbeing at about a 7 or 8 because since my surgery and treatments I haven't felt like a 10 in almost two years. It seems when I was on the top of my game and in the best shape of my life, I received a curve ball and got really sick. So it has been a long road to recovery with multiple treatments and drugs that have left me feeling worse sometimes than before I started treatment. I have really been trying to push myself to get back on track by cleaning up my diet, exercising regularly and taking natural supplements etc. I actually met with my doctor this past Tuesday and explained to her that I wanted to do a natural treatment plan and abandon all drugs because the side effects have really taken away from the quality of my life. So my physical wellbeing is not where it should be but I am trying to make the changes to get back to my old self. My spiritual well being is probably an 8 or 9 because I do have a strong belief in a higher power and I notice all the little coincidences around me. I always seem to get an answer to a question that has been on mind or think of someone I haven't spoken to and get a phone call from them. I do believe that energy never dies it just transforms and I also have a strong belief that we really aren't alone and have guides that help us along the way. My psychological wellbeing is probably the same as 7 or 8 because I really need to learn how to deal with stress because although I think I am dealing with it my body has been getting sick, chest pains etc which means I am not. In areas of relationships etc I am very healthy psychologically, I have no codependency problems or transference issues and I have learned to feel secure in myself as I have gotten older.
My goal physically is to just get healthy and lose the weight I gained from the medications I was on. I am already on a specific diet plan and exercise because I started with a new personal trainer over a month a ago. Spiritually I would love to learn how to use my sixth sense more and intuitiveness, it may sound weird but I feel less connected being on all the medications I'm on. I want to develop a routine where I allow some quiet and down time for myself daily. My psychological goal is to find a new job because I am completely miserable there and it's not a healthy environment to spend over 40 hours a week in. Our new president is a bit of a type A personality and a control freak with no EQ and he sets the tone for the entire office. We aren't aloud to speak to each other, they monitor how long we take bathroom breaks, we can't use our cell phones, or access the internet so we have no outlets for a mental break during the day. It is like being in a prison camp and it is not healthy psychologically. I thought I could stay here until I was done with school but I don't think I can. I know the economy is bad but I am actively looking for something else. I have been there 6 years and I think it took 12 years off my life and I know with getting sick that the psychological effects of this place are tapping into my physical wellbeing. So I have updated resume and have been monster.com searching for a new start.
I really liked the relaxation exercise this week with the colors and I could almost feel the warmth from each color. I think there is a lot to say for being connected to yourself and the world around you. I liked how calm and balanced I felt afterwards.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Unit 2 Post
Hi everyone it has been quite a busy week but I am enjoying the sunshine and warm weather we are finally having here in New Jersey. It is supposed to get up to 75 degrees tomorrow yay! I think I might take my book consciousness and healing to sit on the beach tomorrow and relax a bit, probably with a sweatshirt though since it is always cooler by the shore. So my reflective statement is "If you think you can't you're right and if you think you can you're right too" I love the truth in it. Mind over matter really because I think anything is possible if you believe you can accomplish it. Also I must have really liked the relaxation exercise because I fell asleep so you can't more relaxed than that lol However I liked how it helped in focusing on the different body parts. It was also nice to take a few minutes to unwind a bit and have some "me" time.
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