Unit 5.. Still getting the hang of things...
Last week I listened to a Mp3 that my professor provided me with called
loving kindness. I listed to approximately 20 minutes of soothing words
on "loving kindness". I thought it was OK, and I didn't immediately take
it in mentally. However, the week progressed I found myself faced with
various situations and I thought to myself. Give loving kindness and you
will receive loving kindness. In those moments, after it happened a few
times, I found myself less anxious. I didn't commit these situations to
memory and I wasn't as stressed. It was almost as if it became a part
of my subconscious in a way. Initially when I listed to it I was truly
concerned if it would be beneficial, as my mind began to wonder and
focus on other things in those 20 minutes. This was frustrating for me
because I felt like I needed to listen to this recording several times
to truly "get it". I eventually noticed that I didn't have to get it
immediatly, my mind did and it affected my thought process in different
situations. In comparison to this weeks reading of Dasher, Integral
Health. The Path to Human Flourishing I read about he Subtle Mind. This
was different compared to loving kindness because it focused on my
ability to tame my thoughts. It stated in the begining that it would
take some practice, but it was at my own pace. It centered my attention
on just me. Closing my eyes focus on my breathing and how to bring my
mind back to my gradual breaths became an immediate ideal practice. The
way that we breath affects our minds, just as the food we eat affects
our health and our minds to be specific. Breathing is a part of noticing
how powerful the brain is and to remind you of how much control you
have.
Mental and physical wellness tie directly into spiritual wellness. All
three of these cannot be completely achieved unless there is a healthy
balance of them. Mind, body and soul are the keys to holistic health and
wellness. I have learned that I cannot skip any of these factors and I
will not flourish if I am locking one or the other. I will give you an
direct example of how it pertains to my life on a daily basis. I work a
full time job in cooperate America at least 40 hours a week. I commute
over an hour each way and I am starting my own business. On a daily
basis I become anxious and overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities
that I have taken on. This journey of total and complete wellness means
everything to me so I apply it to my everyday life. My mind has a clear
understanding of what I must achieve to maintain what is being asked of
me at work. My body will stand the test of time and not drag or fall
asleep on me when I have the desire to stay up and complete my
assignment. I provide myself with the fuel that is needed, good, clean
food so keep me going with sustainable energy. My spiritual wellness
bring it all together. It is a necessary component to develop
spiritually into my own individual comfort level so that I may know
myself and manifest to my highest potential.
Terrence Lorenzo Green
