Unit 4 - Loving Kindness

           The Loving Kindness exercise was, again,  a relaxing and eye-opening experience.  I thought about my children - I couldn't choose just one!  It is amazing how you could actually "feel" the loving sensations as she spoke.  Of course, the water/beach sounds in the background helped remind me of our awesome family vacation last year at the beach.  I did find the exercise beneficial because it helped me to stop thinking about the pressures of life and helped me to remember my reason for living:  my children.  I would therefore recommend it to others because it helps to remind us of these things.
           It was also amazing how quickly my feelings changed when I had to think about someone that is suffering.  I cannot say that this portion of the recording helped me, but it was still relaxing and it helped to de-stress my thinking on this.
            The concept of "mental workout" refers to exercising our brains through daily practices such as the Loving Kindness exercise.  It helps us to focus on other people instead of on ourselves and trains our mind to access a deeper level.  Research indicates that there is a direct affect on human flourishing and the loving thought process (Dacher, 2006).  I can personally implement these into my life by doing a daily exercise of thinking about loved ones and remembering that love when I think about those that may be sick or injured.

Stacey Falke

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: the path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

The Crime of the Century and My Wellness Overview

I would say that my physical well-being is a 7.  I love to exercise, so I feel like I stay pretty healthy and fit, but not a lot since starting school a year ago.  It is also very difficult to get healthy food options throughout the winter, so I am excited to start getting fresh produce from the farmer's market.  I am also looking forward to running again.  It is my "stress reliever"!
My spiritual well-being would be an 8.  I am a strong Christian believer, and I try to incorporate this into my entire life.  Unfortunately, I am unable to get to church as much as before school started, so again I hope to start going more frequently after graduating.
The psychological well-being gets a score of 7 - only because I am completely overwhelmed with work, school and family.  Once school is over, I will be able to dedicate more of my time to my rugrats and husband so that I can feel like a mother and wife again.
My goal for each of these areas is to begin running, go to church, and graduate!

I have to say that I am beginning to really enjoy these exercises.  It really does relax me and help me to feel less overwhelmed and stressed about all the things that are needing my attention.  I liked when he had me think about colors and being centered.  I have heard that certain colors calm and relax you.  I enjoyed feeling  like I have a meaningful purpose and my goal is very realistic and obtainable!

The Journey On reflection

The Journey On relaxation exercise was just that:  a little too relaxing.  It could be that I was up until 12:30 last night working on homework, or maybe that my little one had an accident at 2:15, or possibly that everyone was up and "rearing to go" at 6:30.  Either way, I was asleep within 3 minutes of this recording.  That guy has a very relaxing voice!  Anyway, I had to repeat the exercise after a little cat-nap, and it was very interesting.  It made me feel like I was being hypnotized when I couldn't really lift my arms.  I don't know if I liked that part of it, but it was definitely relaxing and it gave me a new way to relax when I get stressed or overwhelmed.  It is amazing how connected the mind and body is!