Loving Kindness

I really tried to so well on this exercise this week.  I settled down to repeat my phrases, and try to concentrate.  It was, honestly, a total bust.  I ran the OKC marathon Sunday, and tried to fit this in on Monday.  This wasn't my first race by a long shot, but I was exhausted nonetheless.  I tried to listen to the voice, but once again was distracted by the voice itself. 

Next week will be much better!

Amanda (so sore!!)

Comparing the two with my scatter-brain

This week was much easier in my opinion to accomplish.  I have a hard to with the narration, much like last time, but I seemed to get the hang of it.  There seemed to be less instruction which allowed me a little more freedom.  I get carried away with the actual instruction, and the lesson is ruined.  I had to start over because I was imaging the narrator recording the narration in a sound studio. 
...what kind of studio...  are there musical instruments from other sessions... like a Fender guitar?  I have a Fender guitar... I need to play again... Stevie Ray Vaughn isn't going to just leap from my fingers...  OH!!  Lesson... darn it... start over..

That's what it was like until I quieted my mind down.  I just need a bit to get the day out of my head, and find the time to relax.  My subtle mind is like a bull in a China shop!

I did learn that less instruction is much better for me, and I'll try again to see if I get better results.

Medidate on loving kindness

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

I had a hard time concentrating on the meditation as usual.  We learned this week that it is a higher level of consciousness to be able to really meditate.  I am not there obviously.   I found the looping noised distracting in themselves. I felt like Julia Roberts in 'Eat, Pray, Love' when she's trying to mediate.  She closes her eyes, concentrates, starts wiggling, and opens her eyes.  She looks up, and it's only been like 5 minutes.  I would not recommend this to my friends, because they have a hard time sitting still as well. We are more outdoorsy people who could work through problems better on a long run.

1. 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?

A mental workout is using your brain for brain teasers, word games, recalling info, or anything else that makes you comb your memory for info.  There are neat websites with games to keep your mind sharp, and crossword puzzles are a great addition as well.  Research has proven that the brain needs this kind of activity to keep sharp.  
I love crosswords, academic bowls (my son just took state!), trivial pursuit, and lots of books!

Unit 3

1. Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why? 

On a scale of 1-10 a would rate my physical well-being at a 9.  My spiritual well being at a 5, and my psychological well being at an 8.  I believe I am a very happy well-adjusted person.  I am a hard worker, I enjoy my work, I love my family, and my home is very peaceful.  I wasn't always thay way, but it is a conscious effort on my part. 

1. Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).

A physical goal is to become more limber, and stretch everyday.  I often workout too hard, and am sore much longer then necessary.   I ignore the boring stuff like stretching, and wearing the proper shoes sometimes.  I could get more our of life without being sore as often.

A spiritual goal would be to take more time for God.  I read a Bible-study at work often, but it's mostly historical data.  I need to suspend the 'fact checking' nature of mine, and let faith take over.

A psychological goal would be to worry less about silly things.  I often say up at night worrying about what if's.

1. What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?

 Yoga, talks with my Priest, and mediation to quiet the mind would be very helpful. 

1. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)

I found it frustrating because I had issues with my computer.  I needed to have a more time to relax and listen to the lesson.  I guess it made me realize that I multitask way to much.  

Journey To Relaxation

I took the Journey to Relaxation today after work.  It is a guided meditation available at:  http://www.kushs.net/kaplan/HW420/JourneyOn.mp3

The bells are very soothing, and it becomes easier to relax as the voice guides you.  I personally felt antsy during the exercise, and am uncomfortable with guided practices.  I believe I have the hardest time with keeping my mind still enough to enjoy it.  I find myself anticipating the next part of the journey instead of enjoying what is going on in the moment.  I believe this is one the of the things I am not naturally good at.  My dislike of yoga would have given me away from the start for the same reason.

Breathe!!!

Welcome Statement

Welcome to my blog!  This is a wonderful way to post my ideas, and creative experiences while doing classes with Kaplan University.  Feel free to read, respond, or post whatever you feel on this lovely day!