I am Better than Unit 3

Physically I am still an eight and I must add happier but needing improvements with my fat content level. I am sure I will conquer this situation promptly and soon.  Spiritually, I have risen from seven to nine mainly due to connecting to my inner-self and father figure. Meditation practices have really made an impact on my spiritual and psychological outlook towards my abilities, knowledge and drive. Psychologically I am now a nine from a six due to spiritual advancement and support. I have more faith, connections, and emotional fervor now than in unit 3. New friendships and companions have entered my realm of influence and communion; I see similarities in thinking and interests. Even past adversaries seek my help and I freely give them my support as we respect each other’s gifts and value. I have grown and want to share, exchange and converse with others my unraveled passions for health and happiness. The main topic, for me that I want to share, is that you have control of your thinking process. Stop for a minute! And realize that, you can witness passing information in front of you but don’t have to react to it until you interject compassion, understanding and respect for life before responding to it. Qualify your remarks and respond in kind… we are all one great universe of beings that are equal and precious.

Assignment 9

Hector Bill

Kaplan University

HW420-01: Creating Wellness-Psych. & Spirit.

Mark Maule

 

 

Introduction

Like the title of my paper says, it is important to practice what you preach. Having experienced and developed an appreciation of the methods of integral health can better serve clients and patients who seek your advice and guidance. The challenges of taking those first new steps into an adventure of a new lifestyle are exciting, bewildering and sometimes frightening. The achievements that follow will feed the hunger for more results/outcomes with daily reminders internally setting a mindful-tone to watch your dietary considerations, time management with scheduling, and physical participation hopefully in something gratifying thus sustainable. If a client asks, I can state my personal journey, as a “mind” thinking that contemplated change is needed (overweight, depressed and have low self-esteem), finding a solution (exercise program, P90X & yoga) that works for you and is enjoyable, being consistent by tracking progress with a calendar and/or other means, keeping a journal for emotional feelings and diet, getting daily support from friends or family (watch-out, some friends could get jealous), and staying consistent with a time frame to workout. Exercise is wonderful and provides the body release from the effects of stress, builds sexy muscle and melts fat, increases oxygen to the body and increases alertness, makes a connection to psychology with improved cognition and positive feelings, physically provides cardiovascular and anaerobic strength, and spiritually by relaxing the “monkey mind” so you can go within to “self” easily.

After a great workout, or even a mediocre workout, the experience is one of accomplishment and satisfaction that transcends throughout the day to help fight worry. I have found daily exercise to relieve my mind's wondering tendencies thereby allowing me greater focus, concentration and analytical thinking abilities.  Our bodies are meant to move and we respect our bodies, mind and spirit by performing routines that satisfy that biological and psychospiritual need. This process allows for better communication with our body, fitness and spiritual growth. A restless mind can be tamed through physical exertion to access better the inner-mind and spirit. Hiking is a great way to satisfy physical needs and witness natures rhythms, energies and vibrations which also access our inner-selves for clearer thinking and calmness with the universal mind. We also eliminate toxins and excess hormones that pollute our thinking, immunity and metabolism by intentional movement at a level of moderate to intensive for thirty minute or more. But also short burst of exercise with intensity like sprints with proper warm-up and cool-downs are effective along with brisk walking in intervals. "Variety is the spice of life!"

I can improve in all areas of my person spiritually, mentally and physically. Times and circumstances change. What worked yesterday will not necessarily work today. Our bodies change with age, as do our minds and needs. Finding solutions to life’s demands requires awareness, commitment and searching. I have been extremely fit, fat and in the middle grounds throughout my life, so staying focused on priorities is the key to happiness, as is being flexible. Extreme physical fitness is my goal; my mind prepares and psyches itself up for the task I am contemplating, as I visualize my body the way I want it to be, sends signals to my tissues, muscles and cells to prepare for the inevitable shape I desire. Mental exercise and thinking with spiritual energy and determination is the root of my power and the outcome will manifest physically. We use all aspects of “wholeness” when we utilize spirit, psychology and our physical bodies into action.               

Assessment

On a scale of 1 through 5, as a whole I rate myself an eight, but I am always striving for improvement. Psychologically (8) I am fit and always reading, listening to music (New Age or Classical) and researching how we are one with nature, the cosmos and universe. This in turn inspires and lights my spiritual candle. Physically I am an eight and have made great strides with weight management and fitness. I love to work-out, walk, hike, swim, run, and canoe. This is a great time to share the love of physical activity with the family and teach my kids how nature is one with us. Five years ago I was obese, type two diabetic and depressed. Those conditions are related to thought, and vice-a-versa. My spiritual self has awakened and is higher than my other two aspects; I would say a nine due to my focus on improving my spiritual “real-self”. I first recognized my spiritual self as a child, going hand and hand to church with my grandmother, who answered as many questions as she could that I queried. I stayed in-tune and aware of my soul and listened to myself deep within for guidance and comfort. I really never felt alone or disconnected but I did have anger towards my upbringing and impoverished condition. I have forgiving myself and parents for the troubles we endured, knowing that they did their best under those circumstances and their mental fortitude. I learned young that substance addiction (alcohol, tobacco and drugs) is something to avoid and can ruin a family life!  

Goal Development

Physically my goal and struggle has been keeping the fat off, so back to basics, no more beer connoisseur for me, just plain water and kombucha. It’s all about diet, an hour a day of intense physical activity and Tony Horton. I need to lose ten pounds of blubber to get back my slim male figure. I thoroughly enjoy physical exercise and partake in it four to six days a week but like I said it’s the diet. I am fit but need to lose the beer-belly! By the way, I am a happy drinker thanks to my parent’s dramas.

Psychologically, I have more forgiving to do and must meditate on them to find the abuser. I have been wronged and need to rectify a mental picture. I can forgive without their presence and will do so. I have a healthy attitude towards others and have dedicated myself to improving my attitudes, perceptions and emotions. What I see is love and respect towards myself, fellow man-kind and of course our beautiful planet. What I witness in my emotions and attitudes is like watching a movie. I can view my mental pictures and attached emotions, critique them and go within for guidance before I respond to the world. My goal is to solidify the lessons I have already learned by reading, becoming a professional in the field of holistic medicine, and continuing my research and education.

Spiritually, I will not stop enjoying the journey, taking trips into nature, reading about Buddha and gurus, Christ and the Almighty, oneness and the cosmos, unity consciousness and infinite wisdom. Through loving-kindness and universal love, respect for all species plus taking care of our habitat, planet Earth, we can change our world to include every one of us valuable precious entities. My job will be to help others see we are all the same people, that we should be grateful for what we have been giving to protect and respect. We need to help those who need help with their journey, not just throw them away like trash. That is the human thing to do and a universal oneness principal to value. 

Practice for Personal Health

Physically I have a structured program to follow. I can log into Team Beachbody to track my workouts, get fitness advice and nutrition suggestions and recipes. I have in my possessions many fitness programs, but I am bored with them and need new stimulation. So, I will order P90X2 and follow that program to completion just like I did the others. Second, I will make sure I eat better by following the nutrition plan that comes with the program, shopping for only the things on the diet plan. My obstacle is drinking my calories, so I will not purchase beverages with sugar or alcohol.

Intention will steer my efforts psychologically. What I have learned to do better from this class is to become the driver of my vehicle with purpose. My grandmother used to say, “Your body is a vessel and you are the captain of the ship!” I will use the practices suggested in our text for Contemplative Practice, A Taste of Human Flourishing and Journey to the Center (Dacher, 2006) to still my restless mind into condition just like P90X does for my body. I have found mental fitness exercises to be of great value and a welcomed addition to my arsenal and tool bag of practices. The mountains are a great place to escape and regenerate my mind. My retreats can be physical or just visual adventures, depends on my need and days off. At work, I use visualization practices with breathing techniques. At home audio CD’s, yoga or formal meditation sessions using mind focus of breath or love-one. I usually visualize calmness settings while driving silently down the highway or retreating outdoors to look at the sky, breathe fresh air or do mental imagery in the bathroom for short periods. A few minutes is all I need to build-up strength, courage and determination to finish my duties. Sometimes work assignments are used to redirect my focus and get into the creative mood of consciousness.   

  

Commitment

I have been on this trek for over five years now, so my commitment is progressive and constant. Continuous learning has been and will be my creed for a lifetime, as well practicing what I encourage as supportive and solutions. All this while listening respectfully to what my clients feel as what is right for them. We are so lucky to have the internet, cell phones, libraries, websites, associations, institutions, and personal diligence to find solutions to chronic conditions that biomedical approaches haven’t been able remedy. What a concept, the whole person, mind, body and spirit as the healer which is available through the opening of guided passages, new discoveries, intuitive inward listening, and a community of support and encouragement. I am addicted to learning about health and wellness, that evolving integral view that encompasses Eastern and Western approaches but also opens up the field to include self-centered, dynamic and holistic possibilities to the patient for self-discovery. My profession and passion is here now, along with my focus and determination to help others find solutions to their problems that empower them to seek higher consciousness and physical health. I have taking the steps myself, so I can be a witness and guild to others to find solutions. Just thinking about that inspires me to move forward to find meaningful ways to assist others find health, enlightenment and universal love, so we can work together to spread the news we have found something useful to combat disease that is effective, non-invasive and shows the potential of self-healing with communal assistance. My whole life I have sought something useful. I have found my calling in life and its humanities destiny. Through reconnecting to our Mother Earth and Father Sun Image in the universe, calming our minds to hear the messages, and working in unison as a whole, we will overcome our many obstacles through divine wisdom and loving-kindness which will bring in a new level of reality and existence for humanity.   

Reference:

Dacher, E. S. (2006). The Integral the Path to Human Flourishing Health. Laguna Beach, CA : Basic Heaith Publication.

Inner Peace for Health: I chose loving-kindness which gets me into the moo...

Inner Peace for Health: I chose loving-kindness which gets me into the moo...: I chose loving-kindness which gets me into the mood of calmness and sharing and the Journey to the Center for Human Flourishing that I use...

I chose loving-kindness which gets me into the mood of calmness and sharing and the Journey to the Center for Human Flourishing that I use to visualize a place of community healing and interactions with various types of people, professional and patients. Loving-Kindness audio can be listened to anytime of the day but I might prefer it before going out into the world. By being at peace inwardly, I can express this happiness to my co-workers, bosses and customers. I have noticed, as has other that I smile a lot and always seem at ease. I love that I can share my outlook and demeanor with the world without even speaking a word. It must my aurora and positive energy I expelled outwards.

I love to take vacations every day. Why not take a little one to help relieve tension and recollect energy and focus. Singing inside also helps me relax my soul and makes the time flyby. When I close my eyes, I can see a great place that house great healers and patients. We commune and help each other through compassion, sharing our energies and thoughts, love and kindness, and finding chemistry between practitioner and fellow seekers of wellness. All aspects of healing are utilized to find solutions to satisfy the mind, body and spirit. The journey is the place to focus, with it comes understanding and realization (Dacher, 2006). Heath, happiness, and wholeness can grow and thrive in a process of expansion and progression, trusting that you will get there and will find your way thus eventually have the tools for sustained health and wellness at home. I dream and visualize this place, breathing in and out my worries and stresses, knowing my visit was wholesome and invigorating to my soul, body and mind.

Dacher, E. S. (2006). The Integral the Path to Human Flourishing Health. Laguna Beach, CA : Basic Heaith Publication.

Empowerment via the Wise

Again we take an adventure into our minds and visualize someone wise, loving and admired. I chose my grandmother Josephine Wolfin who was the wisest and most gifted person I have ever met. She radiated love, compassion and kindness to all she encountered, served at fellowships and lived a life according to God. She shared with me the Devine wisdom she knew and took me hand-in-hand to church after church. Of all the people I have had the pleasure of meeting in my life, grandma sits at a high place of honor in my heart and I love her more than I can ever express! At the center, I see her lovely face, smile and hear calling my nickname, “Wuzzy?” And for some reason I can also smell her tortillas… My mind is immediately energized, happy and relaxed. I am filled with love, completely surrounded by her spiritual arms greeting me and saying, “Hello!” Every cell in my body is alive and active with excitement. I feel tons of energy flowing all around me like a light bulb glowing and warm heat of contentment. When I need uplifting, this is a place to visit to regenerate my spirit, mind and body. I feel energized, whole and empowered when I mediate and or pray.

We must all experience the path and journey for ourselves to be witness to it beauty, wisdom and knowledge. One cannot speak of its benefits as a bystander. By knowing we can share our experience and preach its wisdom confidently. Value each person as divine and worthy of our outmost respect. Bridge gaps between patient and doctor. A quested person can be seen a mile away, they can express their insights and attest to its effectiveness in healing, so yes we have an obligation to practice what we speak. My personal life is an adventure in mind development. From school to mediation I pursue with an open-mind ways to mature my consciousness by daily physical and mental training. I practice daily activities, at my discretion, resistance training, cardio vascular activity, stretching and yoga, meditation and prayer at any location available, positive reaffirmations, mental imagery, relaxing music and service to co-workers. My goal is to always be happy, calm, respectful, grateful, in shape, healthy and one with nature and the cosmos!     

Practice and Share Positive Energy

I found the Loving Kindness meditation quite outreaching and worldly; offering prayers to the world for health, happiness and wholeness. All the world is suffering, so conscious efforts by all is needed to propagate good harmonious energy and positive vibrations throughout our communities. Not only are you meditating for health and less suffering but are enlisting the mind to figure out how you can remedy the situation. These focus points got my mind rolling on how I can participate in the solution by volunteering my time and efforts to support a world less strife by suffering. I discovered that I can be a willing contributor to the outcomes of worldly events. Relations and worldly connections are my focus of effort. I have found relationship to be quite taxing on my mind, so in the past I tended to ignore people to avoid getting drawn into unpleasant situations. Today, I see people in a better light and seek the challenge of relationships. I truly see the values of the practice and lessons to learn from outside connections. Patience, community, generosity, and practicing loving-kindness are the benefits of such an adventure. Looking past the nagging personality or nasty demeanor will let us “see” the suffering of another valuable person to offer compassion and in turn soothe our own angers. Repeating these meditation exercises periodically, listening to calming music, getting out in nature and really feeling the gifts that nature offers and sharing that experience with others, listening to my spirit, and being mindful of my emotions at all times are my ways of fostering greater wellness.    

Path to Human Flourishing

It was kind of nice to hear Elliott Dasher’s voice in the introduction. My experience was a mini-vacation or timeout to disappear from the hectic world we live in. It was time for reflection of my feelings and attitudes towards others and my present mental state. I notice breathing in relaxes my entire body and I instantly go within to listen to silence or an occasional lingering thought. It assignment was not too difficult as I am familiar with these types of practices.  I like variety and trying new things, so I welcome the benefits of relaxing, giving and taking in energy to make the world a better place. This exercise is taking in suffering and exhaling positive energy for friends, family and community. We can all use each other’s prayers and healing energy. Would I recommend this adventure? Sure, we all need a sense of community and to feel we can make a difference at a spiritual level; that we have power to make change in this world, even if it’s not materialistic in nature.

A mental workout trains the mind to foster loving-kindness attitudes towards all humanity. Friends, enemies and people we don’t even know are cared for and accepted as important as us. Universal and unconditional love for all creatures is encouraged. By washing away hate, anger and fear we develop our higher state of consciousness to meet the genius within all of us, and the wise. This is practice workouts, daily committed to for mastery. As we become familiar we evolve and develop into mental fitness.

My Wellness Factor

None of this stuff is new to me. I have been awake for about three years studying various methods of meditation but started with yoga. Physically I have been better but rate myself an eight. I will go with a seven for spirituality, psychologically I am struggling maybe a six. My work stress is a factor mentally, as is present income level which will be overcome with time and graduation. Still I do dwell on past successes and decisions. Only to realize that I am moving forward with conquering new territory. Maybe its time to make new connections with people and start new friendships. That sounds exciting to me. Spiritually I miss some older people who affected me as a youth. I keep thinking about my loving mother and how she used to make me feel happy. Just her smile was enough and of course her wonderful laugh. Physically, all I need to do is start my routine again. I have been on a recharge phase for about a month now and its time to get moving again. Today was my first day back to P90X. I also started a old habit again. Keeping a daily journal for spiritual and psychological empowerment. Writing things down helps me to sort out thoughts and intentions. I am an artist but haven't done any work in over four years. Might be time to get out the paints and drawing pad or maybe take an art class to mingle and exchange ideas.

The Crime of the Century audio meditation was beneficial by helping me to relax, breath and focus on my body (Chakra colors and representations). It was not at all frustrating to me but quite refreshing.

  

My Relaxing Journey

My experience with the Journey On relaxation provided a mini retreat and taught me to redistribute mentally biological elements of my body functions by thinking first my intentions. Breathing, mental imaging and subtle control factor into a relaxing momentum and streaming biological rhythms. At the end of the audio, I fell asleep.