Friday, July 6, 2012

Unit 5 - the Subtle Mind

Hi,
Another wonderful exercise to complete...I really enjoyed this one.

Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including benefits, frustrations, etc. 
In the Loving-Kindness exercise, I had to focus on different types of situations whereas, in the Subtle mind exercise, it was easier to focus on my breathing (either the rise and fall of my chest or in/out of my nostrils).  The Subtle mind exercise was better for me because I was able to concentrate on my focus point and not have to recall what I should be doing on the “in-breath” in the Loving-Kindness exercise (kind of confusing).  I was able to reach my relaxation state quicker in the Subtle mind exercise than the Loving Kindness exercise and was able to redirect my mind to the focus point when the mind was distracted.  I enjoy both exercises; however, I will use the Loving Kindness exercise when I get upset or annoyed with someone (family or friend) and think about the person that is close to me that brings me much joy and happiness.  My body will settle and relax to the natural state of peacefulness. 
The integral approach is looking at the whole rather than the parts and that the mind/body is connected.

Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.  The integral approach is looking at the whole rather than the parts and that wellness is the integration of all these components: the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.  Spiritual wellness may involve activities such as meditation, prayer or yoga to reach that state. However, many of us may look at spiritual wellness separately.   The importance to a holistic approach is very important to achieve total wellness.  I have always practiced physical and mental wellness but have neglected spiritual awareness.  It is beginning to come clear why each of these aspects is vital in reaching a holistic approach.  Theses dimensions may contribute to our own quality of life.

Marivic

2 comments:

  1. Hi Marivic,
    Awesome post. I found this practice a challenge like the first but to have to focus more on me was my challenge. I do think though by practicing #1 and continue to review loving kindness this will also come. I also have been working more on physical end then my spiritual end. My mental wellness has improved and will continue because I am aware it needs. I have learned to be more patience with things in my life but do need to work on this when it comes to my kids, I'm not always patience with them. But its a journey and I am aware of changes that I have made and need to continue to make in order to move in my journey. Thanks
    Nanc

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  2. Just wondering what you might be doing to improve your spiritual wellness? I probably need to do the same, but frankly I have never been interested in spiritual practices. I am not religous so I guess I would have to practice meditation or yoga, but those are not things that I am accustomed to doing. I have a hard time concentrated on the weekly exercises as well. It isn't that I don't have time, but there is always something that needs to be done you know.

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