My Personal Assessment: Physical, Psychological, & Spiritual Health & Wellness.

This rose is for all of my unity conscious and extremely loving and kind classmates and Professor. Remember to take moments in life to smell the roses. You deserve the break.


Thanks for sharing this journey with me.


Review your unit 3 personal assessment of your psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. Reflect on these areas. How did you score yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 in unit 3? How do you score yourself now? Has the score changed? Why or why not?





1. My physical personal assessment in unit 3 was 91/2. I now score myself at a 9. There was
a decrease because more emphasis was on my psychological and spiritual aspect.

2. My spiritual and psychological personal assessment increased from 9 to 91/2 due to the fact that I took a class on Creating Wellness-The psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing. During the class, I focused on the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. My intention was to increase the development of my psychological (inner) and my spiritual (innermost) aspects, not the body (outer).

Review the goals and activities you set for yourself in each area. Have you made progress toward the goals? Explain.

1. My physical goals were to maintain physical fitness by walking two times a week. I have progressed toward this goal.

2. My spiritual goal was to meditate on a regular basis and create an area for relaxation in my home. I have progressed in this area.

3. My psychological goal was to read uplifting book and listen to uplifting music through the day. I have made progress in this area.

Have you implemented the activities you chose for your well-being in each of the three areas? Explain.

1. My physical activities that I chose for my well being has not been implemented by walking, but I have implemented other types of physical activities to supplement. As I walk through life I feel that I am on a mission to spread positive vibes. I exercise on an as needed basis; however, I do believe that it is necessary to use my mind and spirit to complement my body. I think a certain weight limit and my body adapts to that. I do not live to eat I eat to live. I detoxify to get rid of toxicity and stretch and always maintain a good posture. I am balanced.

2. My spiritual goal has been implemented. I do meditate on a regular basis and it is so awesome. I also have a special area in my home for meditation. I believe in prayer. This is my connection to the Higher Power. I believe that I was created to be a positive change on earth. I always feel relaxed, elated, and in tune with what I called the spiritual forces of the universe. It is the feeling and knowing that this class is a part of my spiritual journey.

3. My psychological goals have been implemented. I read inspiring books and listen to music that keeps me focused on being positive, powerful, and highly effective in this life. I practice what is necessary to rise above life adversities, and I surround myself with positive people.

Summarize your personal experience throughout this course. Have you developed improved well-being? What has been rewarding? What has been difficult? How will this experience improve your ability to assist others?



My experience in this class is extraordinarily enormous. I have developed and improved my well being by implementing contemplative practices in my personal life to foster mental fitness. I do not see anthing taught as being difficult. My mind is being transformed as disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred; fear, worry confusion, and doubt are reduced. At the same time, positive emotions such as patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness, are enhanced.

This experience has reminded me that: It does not matter what adversities we go through in life, what matters it is how we handle the adversities. I can respond to stressful situations and use them to help me succeed.
I feel healthy, full of life, and increasingly connected to all life as I finally gain access to my inner healing sources of help, which are loving kindness of an open heart and the wisdom of an open mind. These sources will take me toward sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
I realize even more how important it is to have the knowledge of contemplative practices. My mindfulness practices keep me in my present moment. I now know how to tame my mind to negative circumstances. I am now aware and can delete any unconstructive way of thinking, and bring it to tranquility, and that is very rewarding.



How will this experience improve your ability to assist others?
This experience will help me improve my ability to assist others by transforming any task into a voluntary act of service rather than an obligation. I will no longer feel as if it is something I have I choose to do because I am called to serve. I can now consciously make decisions to embrace situation that are thrust upon me and use them to learn and to grow.
As I progress in my development, the world becomes a place for inspired appearance. I continue to give, not take. I know that what I give to the world comes back to me as a renewed and revitalized sense of health, happiness, and wholeness. I will continue to contribute by expressing an increased appreciation for others, acting with loving kindness and bringing care and compassion into daily life.
I am experiencing how to be a basic and necessary component of a healthy human being. My clients will see me as an example of happiness and wellness, and they will want happiness and wellness. I will give it because I will have it. Anything I do in life must be mirrored in my own life for it to take a full effect on those who are observing us. Life is a domino effect. It is do as I do.



Now, I can step back and observe my mind and its thoughts, feelings, and images rather than automatically reacting to them. I engage in positive, powerful, and highly effective communication that is beneficial for others, and my health and well being.

I have sustained quietness and access the therapeutic resources of my mind which are loving kindness of an open heart and the wisdom of an open mind. Peace, tranquility, and loving kindness deepens my interactions, and I have a calm and steady temperament in how I react to others, rather than being excitable or given to apparent irrational behaviors.

I can take the enchanting power of my wisdom, as an inner alternative to keep our mind, heart, and spirit in the excellence of my work and life. I can give spiritual significance to the whole procedure and transform a forceful request into enormous resources. I have the ability to look at tasks and put my whole heart into it, instead of complaining about it while I complete it. I do not prosper because the world is perfect; I prosper because I bring loveliness and courage to it. I am taking what may seem uninteresting, possessing it as my own, and transform it into an act of service, artistic ability, and holiness. I am learning to live my work with great honesty and spirit as I move toward the awareness and inner truth from which my genuine calling will naturally take place in its own time. My visualization of the human capabilities from the beginning, is that they have goodness and wisdom, warmth and intelligence and can be additional developed in their daily life, so that it radiates out to their family, friends, community and society.

I know that the influence of the environment is connected in the development of the brain, the personality, and the mental maturing of children and youth, so therefore, I will continue to expose contemplative practices and how it can enrich child and adolescent development. I will propose the necessity it’s for the goals of education and the social-emotional and awareness skills that young people need to be successful not only in school, but in life, society, and as contributing citizens of the world.

The programs for young people will in some way nurture them in the adults who will model in a child’s life and development, as parents and extended family members, child-care and early education professionals, nurses and doctors, teachers and school leaders.

We are the adults now, they are our future adults. We can do it!




References
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Creating Wellness- Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing: COME WITH ME ON MY JOURNEY

A JOURNEY OF THE BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT...
FOLLOW ME...

A MOMENT FOR REFLECTION: Reflection: A reflection is an idea or careful thought produced by careful consideration. It is a clear liking or end result of something.


Today, I introduce to you the end result of HW420 Creating Wellness-Psychological & Spiritual Aspects of Healing. Follow me on my journey, my journey of physical, psychological, and spiritual health and wellness.


KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! My people perish for a lack of Knowledge. We do not have to perish anymore.

I Introduction:

Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

For professionals in the health and wellness field, it is most vital and of the greatest significance, to incorporate integral health practices into their own lives, to help establish the outcome of health and wellness. Once they include the integral health practices, they experience how to be a basic and necessary component of a healthy human being, psychologically, spiritually and physically. They can only develop and evolve potential that is already within them, therefore, they cannot give what they do not possess. When clients see them as an example of happiness and wellness, they will want happiness and wellness. They too must be what they want the world to become. The wisdom and loving-kindness they gain from their personal development affects both their interpersonal relationships, and worldly experiences.
Anything we do in life must be mirrored in our own lives for it to take a full effect on those who are observing us. When we are completely engaged in the healing process, we are informed and can more effectively help clients. Not being developed in those areas can hurt the clients. The saying “What goes around, comes around,” is true. Life is a domino effect. All of us are suppose to be on earth to make a positive difference. It should not be do as I say, but do as I do. We cannot lead others where we have not been, or it would be the blind leading the blind.

As a health and wellness professional, I must consider the importance in my development physically, psychologically, and spiritually, by attaining knowledge in integral health to alleviate unnecessary suffering. It is necessary that I first begin with my inner self, that I may expand my awareness. I will continue my education in health and wellness, for this is the area I need to develop in order to be highly effective, and achieve the goals I have for myself.

II Assessment:<
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?


I inspect my health in each area carefully, in order to judge its qualities and appropriateness, by paying special attention to needless suffering. I had mental suffering that was caused by grief, anxiety, and unhappiness, and I looked for resources of promising enhancement.
I look within to reflect on my own purpose and meaning to bring about a transformation in these areas. My health inspection helped me learn to observe and be proactive, not reactive. I now know how to alleviate needless suffering by learning when to let things go, and when to change the arrangement.

Spiritual wellbeing- I rate myself at a 9. I believe in prayer. This is my connection to the Higher Power, the Ultimate. I believe that I was created to be a positive change on earth. I always feel relaxed and elated. I pray within myself and stay grounded. Sometimes I feel so light, so relaxed, that is when I know that I am in tuned with what I called the spiritual forces of the universe. It is the feeling and knowing that this class is a part of my spiritual journey.

Physical wellbeing- I rate myself at a 91/2. All of my life I believed in the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. I always feel connected to a higher power. As I walk through life I feel that I am on a mission to spread positive vibes. I exercise on an as needed basis; however, I do believe that it is necessary to use my mind and spirit to complement my body. I think a certain weight limit and my body adapts to that. I do not live to eat, I eat to live. I detoxify my body to get rid of toxicity. I stretch and always maintain a good posture. I am balanced.

Psychological wellbeing- I rate myself at a 9. I am learning to discard behaviors and attitudes that affect me and replace them with loving kindness. I read and listen to music that keeps me focused on being positive, powerful, and highly effective in this life. I practice what is necessary to rise above life adversities.


III Goal development:
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

Physical- I want to maintain my body, in a profound, and physically powerful, condition, and be free of disease. I can do this by learning to inspect my daily activities and the environment in which I partake of, and remove unnecessary noise and disorder. I must eat healthy and exercise regularly, so I can achieve the most priceless wellness physically.

Spiritual- I want to show great refinement and concern with the higher things in life, rest in my innate state of tranquility and simplicity, and not affected by the difficulties of life. I can achieve this goal through contemplative practices, and then I can obtain optimal wellness in my spirit.

Psychological (mental health) - I want to maintain a happy and peaceful mentality. I want o transform my mind by deleting disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt. At the same time I want to enhance positive emotions such as patience, loving kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness. By learning what is necessary to develop my life, I can discard what is negative and replace it with loving kindness, so I can acquire ultimate wellness in my mind.

IV Practices for personal health:

What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

Physical wellness:
Dancing/Exercise- I will use a CD called Turbo Jam that I bought to dance/exercise at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week before I begin my daily routines.

Stretching/Breathing- I will use a quiet area on my porch that overlook the beach, and do relaxation movements that stretches and tones my body, while I inhale and exhale deep breaths. I will implement this practice three to four times a week before I begin any of my daily routines.

Psychological Wellness-
Developing my psychological wellness- I will be furthering my education in health and wellness. I will continue to gain information in physical, psychological, and spiritual awareness. I have implemented this by taking classes online and to graduate in 1 ½ years with a degree.


Music therapy- I will listen to positive music that develops and relaxes my psychological well being throughout my day. During the day I listen to soft relaxation music that promotes relaxation and awareness of happiness and wellness.

Spiritual wellness:

Creative visualization- I will meditate using creative meditation at least three times a week for 20 minutes before I begin my daily routines. This will be early in the morning when it is quiet. I will implement this by finding a comfortable seat in a quiet area of my home. I will close my eyes, and bring to mind one of my happiest moments, and allow it to permeate my awareness. As it unfolds, I will allow it to enter my whole being. I will permit the feeling to intensify as a waterfall that gently cascades my body, mind, and spirit. As my being become relaxed, and light, I will pause and take time to sense the connection and harmony.

I will reflect these qualities, throughout, and I will think about what it feels like. When I feel complete, I will slowly return to the time and place of the room.

Mindful Meditation- Mindful reflection means staying in my present moment by taming my mind to negative circumstances. I will focus my attention on sound, my breath, movement, and various other parts of my daily experience. I am aware of my thoughts and feelings which helps me understand my emotions and emotional reactions, allows me more control and the ability to make choices in how I respond to difficulties, rather than habitually reacting.


For a few moments each day, I will stop, find a quiet area, and look inward. In this way I will continuously train my mind to stay in its present moment. When finished, I will slowly return to the time and space of the quiet area, giving myself a few moments to consider what I have learned.

V Commitment:

How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategy can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?

I will evaluate my development or lack of development in the next six month by using a line of development chart and review it on a bi-weekly basis. The lines of development are very important to my health and healing. They also provide a revelation of my maturity from body to mind to spirit and this will make a distinction if I am successful.
As I practice, I will evaluate if I am being actively attentive in transforming my mind by reducing disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt while enhancing positive emotions such as tolerance, affection, kindheartedness, honesty, acceptance, and happiness. What is the source and character of my motivation? I will be able to evaluate if I am motivated by survival needs, psychological needs, or spiritual necessities? I can vary that by seeing if I am continuing to transform any of my everyday jobs into a charitable act of service rather than a duty. I will know that is that is taking place when I no longer feel as if it is something I have to do, but rather, something I want to do. If I am able to consciously make decisions to embrace circumstances that are forced upon me and use them to learn and to grow.

My strategy would be to continue to practice and know that my benefits will be integral health. Once I am practicing, I know that I can give what I have because I will be happy, healthy, and whole, so therefore, I can lead others where I have been. Over time I will know if I am progressing because as I continue to develop, there will come a time when I will no longer have to develop the mind-set through practice, loving-kindness will be exposed as a natural and effortless practice. This knowledge is motivation and I will use it to assist me in maintaining my long-term practices for happiness, health, and wholeness.

My Passion: To serve you in health, happiness, and wholeness.<


Here I am, are you ready to heal? Are you ready for Integral Health?


THANKS TO MY PROFESSOR AND ALL MY CLASSMATES FOR SHARING THIS JOURNEY WITH ME

UNIT 8 BLOG
1. Review the exercises and practice sessions you have completed in this course. (Loving Kindness, Subtle mind, Visualization, meditation etc.) Choose two practices that you have determined to be most beneficial. How can you implement these practices in your personal life to foster “mental fitness”? Provide specific examples.
When I reviewed the exercises and practice sessions I have completed in this course, it was extremely difficult for me to choose only two practices that I determined to be most beneficial.


The first exercise I chose was: The subtle mind practice. The subtle mind practice took me from the outer (body), to inner (mind), to innermost (spirit). When we deny one aspect of life, sooner or later we notice the price, personally and culturally, of our blindness. This taught me not to forget any areas of the human experience, body, mind, and spirit, as a whole. It will present itself again and demand recognition of it rights as our life force continues to seek balance of inner and outer alone that can lead to sustained health, happiness, and wholeness (Dacher, p. 25).
I can implement the subtle mind practice into my personal life to foster “mental fitness” by using the model of mental workout. Mental workout implies the same process that I use to exercise and work out my muscles, can be used to work out specific areas of my brain and it can result in structural change. I will schedule a certain amount of time each day, preferably in the early morning when my mind is more likely to be still before I begin my day by day activities. I will set aside a place in my home that is private, comfortable, and is very quiet.


Using the breath as my focal point, I can either focus on the rising and falling of my chest in the breathing cycle or the movement of the breath in and out of my nostrils with each inhalation and exhalation. I will begin by bringing my attention to my focal point. Staring with 10 deep in breath and out breaths I will settle into the natural ease of my mind and body, breathing comfortably while maintaining firm concentration on my chosen focal point.
When thoughts, feelings, sensations, or images distract my attention, I will notice them and gently return my attention to my breath. I will watch y mind carefully. If it escapes from the focus on my breath, I will bring it right back. As my mind responds and its mental activity quiets down, I will gradually ease up on my grip on the breath and pause here for several minutes and practice this focused concentration technique.
When my mind is less apt to grasp on mental movements, I will grip on my breath. When my mind is fully stabilized in stillness, I can slowly release my grip and shift my attention from the breathing cycle to the stillness itself which becomes my focal point. If my mind begins to wander, I will return to my breath until it resettles then I may ease up once again, shift my attention to the stillness and abide in the stillness as I continue my inquiry. I will release my mind and allow it to float free and experience everything with clarity and vividness, but attach to nothing.
For a few moments each day I can stop, look inward, and rest in this inner home. In this way I will continuously train my mind to re-center itself in its innermost essence. When finished, I will slowly return to the time and space of the room, giving myself a few moments to consider what I have learned. Through mental training I will gain access to the more subtle levels of the mind. My fully developed mind cultivates the qualities of human flourishing which are health, happiness, and wholeness. As I continue to develop there will come a time when I will no longer have to cultivate the attitude through practice, loving-kindness will reveal itself as a natural and effortless practice (Dacher, p. 75-77).



The second exercise I chose was: A Visualization: Meeting Asclepius. This visualization brought much serenity to my life. I was calmer at handling situations because I have been able to observe instead of reacting. It was a great experience getting to know my guide, inner healer, and gift giver. I feel extremely healthy and happy in my body, mind, and spirit. I felt great knowing that the wise person, my subtle mind, was already a part of me, as my inner guidance and is always there to guide and support me into integral health is a wonderful feeling. This makes me feel stronger and better able to practice in the world, like a faucet giving water first to myself, and then to others.

I can implement the visualization: Meeting Asclepius into my personal life to foster “mental fitness” by making time to visit with my inner healer. I will find a comfortable seat, close my eyes, and visualize the image of a very wise loving man or woman. I will choose an individual, alive, or passed on, whom I respect and honor and with whom I feel a special sense of connection or create one. I will stabilize the image in front of me and notice all the details about the person as I commune with them and feel their presence. As I reflect on their qualities and characteristics, their peace, wisdom, compassion, love, and joy, their image will become my focal point and deepen.
As the image stabilizes in my mind, I will allow a strong beam of white light to form at their head and then allow it to enter my mind, bathing and purifying my thoughts, and feelings. Taking all the time I need, I will slowly transform my mind into their mind and take all the time I need for this transformation to fully evolve.
Next, I will allow another beam of light to form and emanate from their throat, and allow their energy to bathe and purify my speech, and take on the qualities of loving, wise, and sensitive speech, so it can become the speech of this wise person. I will take my time so this transformation takes place. As I experience my mind, voice, and heart, I will take on the qualities of this wise person. I will become this person.

Next, I will allow the entire image of this wise person to dissolve into a bright white light, and allow it to enter my body through my forehead Slowly, it will permeate my entire being, from my cells, to my organs, so that my body can become this wise person. I will think about what it feels like. I will think about what it will be like to have the wisdom and support of this wise and inner healer assisting me in my integral journey. For the next few moments, I will experience what it is like to be such a person, to be able to experience myself as a wise and loving healer in body, mind, and speech.
I have learned that this wise and caring person is me. Asclepius is none other than the wise essence of my heart and mind. I will remain a few moments in this natural and noble essence. When I feel complete, I will slowly return to the time and place of the room, remembering that my ever present inner healer will support and guide me toward integral health (Dacher, pp.56-57).
On a daily basis, the mental training is transforming my mind by reducing disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt while enhancing positive emotions such as patience, loving kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness. When I am around people who yell and scream, I gently tell them to calm down. The mental transformation, acting through mind/body connection, provides enhanced resistance to mental distress and physical disease, expands my healing capacities and promotes well being. I am gaining access to the more subtle levels of the mind, which cultivates the qualities of human flourishing, health, happiness, and wholeness. (Dacher, p.63).

Reference :
Dascher S, Elliot. Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. CA: Basic Health Publication, 2006

Mindful Meditation

The practices for the week brought more serenity to my life. I was calmer at handling situations because I have been able to observe instead of reacting. Meditation causes me to look at life differently. It is a great experience getting to know my guide, inner healer, and gift giver. I feel extremely healthy and happy in my body, mind, and spirit. I felt great knowing that the wise person, my subtle mind, was already a part of me. Knowing that my inner guidance is always there to guide me and support me into integral health is a wonderful feeling. To know you have a guide and support make you feel stronger and better able to practice in the world.

Mindfulness has encouraged the development of my psychological and spiritual wellness by causing me to see life as a place where I am needed to give hope and healing first to myself, and then to those in my pathway. It makes me feel and know that I am a faucet giving water first to myself and then to others. I feel as if I have the special tools to give to the world to ease unnecessary suffering. I actually feel as if I have evolved. I know that my knowledge can help others toward integral health. I introduced the meditation practice to the school and the secretary angrily said that the kids are the ones who need to do it. I told her it would be more of a benefit if administration participated too because everyone heals the other. She disregarded the information. My son told me not to say anything to her because she is only there to receive a check. He said she is not interested in the kids. He told me to breathe in long breaths and exhale long breaths. He was right. I observed the situation and left it alone for that moment. It is everyone’s choice to want to heal themselves and their world. I will continue to offer the mindful meditation practice to the school board and the community. I have already contacted a psychologist who promotes mindful meditation in school to request his help in distributing the information.
By scheduling a set time each day, I can continue to make use of these practices in my life to promote greater health and wellness.

I grew up in a Christian household. My father taught us about the blind leading the blind and that people perish because they lack knowledge. I see the statement “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” to have similarity. If Providers of health care must become educated in the integral health model and their knowledge will bring about awareness to the patients they provide care for. I got injured and could not walk. The doctor told me I would have to live with the pain for the rest of my life. Today I walk, and I am pain free as long as I stay focused in being pain free. I was upset with the doctor because it was a blind attitude; he was leading where he himself had not gone. I remember my dad listening and doing everything his doctors said even though he taught us differently. He died young and in a lot of pain. His health care providers in my opinion had some knowledge of health care, but had never experiences the illness he was suffering with. They needed the ability to see the divine in him and as though he was the Christ or the Buddha himself and transforms the suffering of illness into the grace of healing.
I have a responsibility to my clients to be developing my health psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I have implemented psychological and spiritual growth in my personal life, and I am working on my own spiritual evolution, to experience what the integral health model represents. As I aim towards a healthier and happier personal life, I extend my ambition toward all humankind. Tonight I am at work and I made a phone call to check on my neighbor that was having chest pain today. It is 1:30 a.m. in the morning. He thanked me again and I again told him that it is a privilege to be of service. I was able to practice in the world. I take healing very seriously and I do not like to see unnecessary suffering. If I do not experience what the model represents, then I would be one who cannot lead another where I have not been.

Exercise: Loving Kindness and the Integral assessment

I CHOOSE TO GROW: My personal assessment must be modified from time to time to accomodate the changing character of my life.

Describe the exercise and assessment process. What did you discover about yourself? What area have you chosen to be a focus of growth and development? Why? What are some specific exercises or activities that you can implement to foster greater wellness in this area?

The exercise of universal loving kindness was very clarifying as far as pointing out that at first glance it may appear that what was discussed applies only to intimate romantic relationships. But it is not so. I definitely understand that as a part of my journey because I approach people with empathetic listening, open heartedness, sensitivity, generosity, and emotional intimacy. At times it is taken as “I want to get with you.” This is when I realize it is an opportunity share integral health and wellness, the experience of higher consciousness, and the sense of oneness with others. To see another, acknowledge another, hear another, be present with another, and feel one with another --- a lover, a partner, a friend, a stranger, and I am working on an enemy (I do not feel I have any, but we never know), is a profound healing gift for oneself and the world. I have always extended these capacities beyond my close group of loved ones to all humankind. I love to embrace people (Dacher, p93).

I do believe that I am learning and growing daily. The integral assessment process is to alleviate needless suffering and to promote human flourishing. This allows me to look at my current situation and identify the areas of my life that need attention, determine the specific changes I wish to address, and establish a program of integral practice that will promote the changes. I always look for unhealthy sources of suffering and potential sources of flourishing. The integral assessment is a tool that I can use to transform my health and life from conventional to integral, from ordinary to precious. I am definitely working on developing a deep listening and guidance. I must attain an open, clear, and unbiased state of mind which is the most effective way have an accurate and precise assessment of my health and life (Dacher, pp.105- 106).
As a health and wellness professional I cannot give what I do not have. It is necessary for me to take an inventory of my life in areas where I do extremely well, and in other areas where I need development. My psychospiritual development is an important factor in integral health and in assisting others in health and wellness.

Unit 5 Experience of the subtle mind practice and the connection of spiritual wellness to mind/body connection.

1. Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.

I took this exercise serious from the very beginning. I did not take the loving kindness exercise serious at the beginning, but it did not take long for me to relax. I had a lot going on then and I have a lot going on now. I worked eight
nights with one day off and did not realize the mental strain until I started my homework. We lost two staff and my altruism kicked in. I could not function mentally so I decided to do this exercise. I did not sense a deep relaxation at the beginning of my breathing. I actually felt tired, and my shoulders and neck felt heavy because I was probably focusing on my breathing too firmly. The ocean sound felt as if was moving too fast for me. I stopped the Cd, waited for a few minutes and pressed play again and my intention to relax took over. This time I breathed slower and longer and that made an overall difference. I breathe very slow and long breath and went into a much deeper state of relaxation. All of a sudden an excruciating noise filled my eardrums. The exercise Cd was not working. It sounded as if the ocean became mad and the waves were crashing against the shore. I was disappointed.
I read it from the book and it was allright. I felt a bit more relax and lighter with this exercise from the beginning of the Cd. I feel if I was able to listen to the whole track, it would have taken me into the full lightness and ease of my mind. I contribute that to the rising and falling of the breaths. I do not feel as if I had too much distraction going on. I was able to stay focused. We do have the ability to make our bodies comfortable and should implement it into our lives daily.

2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life. The mind body and spirit are always impacting one another. It is simply not possible to fully know or reach the subtler levels of the mind/body or spiritual body without a profound, hardy, and sustained health. The connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is a gradual process of development which results in stability. As we reach toward the higher level of consciousness and progressively experience the more subtle aspects of the mind/body, we finally get a glimpse of the spiritual body. If the spiritual aspect is not developed, it will disturb the mental and physical aspects. Our time is greater as we perceive the interconnection of the body, mind, and spirit. An ease and lightness enters our life and cleanse our mind and body. In this manner, biological development progressively extends our ability to prevent mental distress and physical illness, enhances recovery from disease, and promotes integral health, happiness, and wholeness. A healthy inner life leads to a healthy outer life. This is the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness (Dacher, p.84).

The connection is manifested in my personal life by my experience of the full range and interconnectedness of human biology as it moves from a solid anatomical body to a subtle/mind body to an immaterial spiritual body. My mind, body, and spirit are always impacting one another other as a whole. I have constancy in my life because of my gradual process of development through contemplative practices. If my spiritual wellness is not developed, it will disturb my mental and physical wellness. My time is greater as I perceive the interconnection of the body, mind, and spirit. An ease and lightness enters my life and cleanse my mind and body. The development of my biological life has progressively extended my ability to prevent mental suffering and physical disease, improve my recovery from disease, and promotes my integral health, happiness, and wholeness. My healthy inner life leads to my healthy outer life. This is how the connection of my spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is manifesting in my life.

The loving kindness exercise was very rewarding. I sent blessings in the area of loving kindness and an increasing concern and compassion for the well being of all the inhabitant of the earth. This is my encouragement to use relaxation exercises to find their calm mind.2. What is the concept of “Mental Workout? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a Mental Work Out? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
The concept of Mental Workout implies the same process that you use to exercise and work out your muscles, can be used to work out specific areas of the brain and it can result in structural change.
Research studies indicate that mental training can transform the mind by reducing disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt while enhancing positive emotions such as patience, loving kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness. The mental transformation, acting through mind/body connection, provides enhanced resistance to mental distress and physical disease expands our healing capacities and promotes well being.
I can implement mental workouts to foster my psychological health by applying contemplative practice in my life daily to gain access to the deeper levels of my mind. This will tame the mind’s ceaseless activities that obscure higher states of awareness. Through mental training I will gain access to the more subtle levels of the mind. My fully developed mind cultivates the qualities of human flourishing which are health, happiness, and wholeness. As I continue to develop there will come a time when I will no longer have to cultivate the attitude through practice, loving-kindness will reveal itself as a a natural and effortless practice.