What is the concept of "mental workout". What does research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
There are not many things in life that can be achieved and maintained without nuturing and practice. We don't learn to read just by opening a book, it takes time and practice. We don't learn how to master walking, running or playing sports just by being on the field, or on the court, we have to practice, practice and practice. Sometimes we have to practice and fail, get up and practice some more before we actually learn. Everything we know and do is something that we achieved from practicing over and over again. The same dedication is necessary for our psychospiritual health if we wish to achieve the maximum benefits that it has to offer. The concept of "mental workout" is diligently setting aside at least one hour per day to partake in one or both of the contemplative practices that exercise our ability to connect with our consciousness and inner self. Through the consistent effort to practice these two contemplative practices we are able to diminish our personal level of self-centerdness and open up our mind, hearts and souls to all of the life that is around us. It helps us to be a peace with our existence in this world.
Research has shown that when people stop worrying so much about themselves and their lives and actually spend that energy on helping, accepting and loving others, they are happier and more fulfilled then ever before. I believe that you have to give to get, so if you are always helping others when you need it someone will help you. A person cannot be selfish with all the love, compassion, kindness, hope, faith and generosity that they are given. We are each overflowing with goodness that we can give. Research has also shown that people who practice mental workouts such as loving-kindness tend to be healthier and have less stress because they do not internalize every little detail to the point of stress.
The only way to strengthen your psychospiritual life and the health of your consciousness is to meditate and practice using the contemplative exercises describe in our book. There are other methods that are helpful also. The overall goal is to get your mind to its peaceful natural state and nurture your inner self. I am sure that after practicing for a consistent amount of time it will become easier and almost natural to be in touch with your psychospiritual side and the rewards wisdom, knowledge, health and happiness will be way beyond what you ever imagined.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Unit 4 (late)
Unit 4 (late)
I already try to incorporate meditation into my daily routine. It doesn't always happen because I am forever doing a hundred things at one time it seems. My life is an ebb and flow, because it rotates around our construction drilling business. In the drilling business it is either feast or famine, but never consistent. So there are times that I am trying to manage the office of the drilling company, manage my clothing boutique, manage my household, be a wife, be a mother, be a friend, be a student, volunteer for my husbands foundation (www.vettix.org) and design jewelery, clothing and unique pieces of leather. Some days things just flow and I can devote time to everything on my list. Other days it is chaos from the time I get up until I pass out from exhaustion. I am making head way in my goal of making more time for my spiritual health and Wicca by dedicating one room in our house as "my" room where I can escape. In this room I feel free, relieved, and at peace. This is where I try to start my day and where I like to end my day if at all possible. The problem is that once I get into "my" room I don't want to leave.
Because I have practiced meditation, the Loving-Kindness exercise was just another technique for opening my heart and embracing myself and all of life. I did really feel a sense of openness, compassion and love when I expanded my focus beyond those who reside in my life and to those beyond who are suffering right now. It seems that are world is full of people who have lost hope and I have so much compassion for them. I would definately recommend this practice to others because I truly believe that the practice of Loving-Kindness does open up your heart and allow emotions to be felt that are often pushed aside.
I already try to incorporate meditation into my daily routine. It doesn't always happen because I am forever doing a hundred things at one time it seems. My life is an ebb and flow, because it rotates around our construction drilling business. In the drilling business it is either feast or famine, but never consistent. So there are times that I am trying to manage the office of the drilling company, manage my clothing boutique, manage my household, be a wife, be a mother, be a friend, be a student, volunteer for my husbands foundation (www.vettix.org) and design jewelery, clothing and unique pieces of leather. Some days things just flow and I can devote time to everything on my list. Other days it is chaos from the time I get up until I pass out from exhaustion. I am making head way in my goal of making more time for my spiritual health and Wicca by dedicating one room in our house as "my" room where I can escape. In this room I feel free, relieved, and at peace. This is where I try to start my day and where I like to end my day if at all possible. The problem is that once I get into "my" room I don't want to leave.
Because I have practiced meditation, the Loving-Kindness exercise was just another technique for opening my heart and embracing myself and all of life. I did really feel a sense of openness, compassion and love when I expanded my focus beyond those who reside in my life and to those beyond who are suffering right now. It seems that are world is full of people who have lost hope and I have so much compassion for them. I would definately recommend this practice to others because I truly believe that the practice of Loving-Kindness does open up your heart and allow emotions to be felt that are often pushed aside.
What a week....
Well last week and unit 4 came and went so fast. It is weeks like the last couple that make me seriously wonder how I ever thought I could fit school into my already over booked life. But I successfully made it through, but my school work took a beating. But it was all worth it because the work that we are doing is really impacting people everywhere.
So a little history.... My husband loves sports, especially football. We have one of those "we interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season" kind of marriages. I have tried to embrace this love of his, even taking a workshop to try and understand the game better. Which it did help me to understand the game better, but it didn't ignite this football passion inside. We have season tickets to the Arizona Cardinals (I know) and that allowed us to get two tickets to the Superbowl when it was here in Phoenix in 2008. Well I had already been to a Superbowl a few years earlier in Detroit (Seattle/Pittsburgh) and really didn't have any desire to go again, especially when I wasn't fond of either team that was playing. So I gave my ticket to the only other person that I know who loves football as much as my husband, his best friend Mike. So Mike is a Navy Veteran and my husband is a Marine Veteran and they have that "military brotherhood" mindset about them, and they were very affected by all the military personnel that were involved in the opening ceremonies but then not allowed to stay for the game. This was especially bothersome since there were so many empty seats in the stadium. So they started a non-profit 501c3 foundation called The Veteran Tickets Foundation or Vettix for short (www.vettix.org). So for the last 4 years Mike, my husband and 3 other founding members have volunteered endless hours making phone calls, writing letters and going to meetings to try and obtain as many donated tickets as possible to anything and everything. Then they turn around and give the tickets without prejudice to veterans, active military and their families as a "thank-you" for service and sacrifice. How does it work you ask? Well people do have to go sign up and then mail in a copy of their DD214 for validation. You have to imagine the magnitude of what these guys were taking on. There is no other foundation out there like this. And at a time when times are tough and budgets are tight, they are able to give people a night off to go have some fun. There are endless thank-you's from people. It really has touched me in a way I didn't expect. Who knew that angels wore dogtags.
So last week we were in Boston trying to get those teams to donate to Vettix. That is one of the last cities that we need to partnership with, but boy are they tough. We will get them though.....
So a little history.... My husband loves sports, especially football. We have one of those "we interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season" kind of marriages. I have tried to embrace this love of his, even taking a workshop to try and understand the game better. Which it did help me to understand the game better, but it didn't ignite this football passion inside. We have season tickets to the Arizona Cardinals (I know) and that allowed us to get two tickets to the Superbowl when it was here in Phoenix in 2008. Well I had already been to a Superbowl a few years earlier in Detroit (Seattle/Pittsburgh) and really didn't have any desire to go again, especially when I wasn't fond of either team that was playing. So I gave my ticket to the only other person that I know who loves football as much as my husband, his best friend Mike. So Mike is a Navy Veteran and my husband is a Marine Veteran and they have that "military brotherhood" mindset about them, and they were very affected by all the military personnel that were involved in the opening ceremonies but then not allowed to stay for the game. This was especially bothersome since there were so many empty seats in the stadium. So they started a non-profit 501c3 foundation called The Veteran Tickets Foundation or Vettix for short (www.vettix.org). So for the last 4 years Mike, my husband and 3 other founding members have volunteered endless hours making phone calls, writing letters and going to meetings to try and obtain as many donated tickets as possible to anything and everything. Then they turn around and give the tickets without prejudice to veterans, active military and their families as a "thank-you" for service and sacrifice. How does it work you ask? Well people do have to go sign up and then mail in a copy of their DD214 for validation. You have to imagine the magnitude of what these guys were taking on. There is no other foundation out there like this. And at a time when times are tough and budgets are tight, they are able to give people a night off to go have some fun. There are endless thank-you's from people. It really has touched me in a way I didn't expect. Who knew that angels wore dogtags.
So last week we were in Boston trying to get those teams to donate to Vettix. That is one of the last cities that we need to partnership with, but boy are they tough. We will get them though.....
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Unit 3 Activities
Unit 3 Activities
I don't think that I need to implement any new habits or activities into my life at this time. I just need to consistently enroll myself in those activities that I know bring about the results that I want in all three areas. I am fortunate that I have a great support system of friends and best friends and I get to see my besties at least once a month. They have made a radical difference in the quality of my life and the things that are of the utmost importance to me.
I don't think that I need to implement any new habits or activities into my life at this time. I just need to consistently enroll myself in those activities that I know bring about the results that I want in all three areas. I am fortunate that I have a great support system of friends and best friends and I get to see my besties at least once a month. They have made a radical difference in the quality of my life and the things that are of the utmost importance to me.
Unit 3 Goals
Unit 3 Goals
I am very fortunate that I share a life with a husband who thinks like I do and has the same mental, physical and psychological mentality that I do. One of the best gifts any of our friends ever gave us was the suggestion to have a marriage counselor as a valid part of a healthy marriage. And they were right, for ten years we have had our wonderful marriage, personal, family counselor in our life breaking our marriage down into workable goals and one month at a time. After all forever can seem like a very long time without a referee. So with this in mind I would set my goals as such:
A - Physical Wellbeing Goal: We travel alot so it is easy for me to be social and drink beer. About six months ago I set the goal that I was not going to drink during the week, and I would only drink two beers per night on the weekends if we were out. Well with Burningman and football (We interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season) it is easy to consume more alcohol then I would like. So my physical goal is to be more mindful of my diet and specifically drinking and to do some form of physical activity each day when we are traveling. For instance this weekend we will be in Boston, so I think some walking around in the city would be a healthy alternative instead of grabbing a cab everywhere.
B - Spiritual Wellbeing Goal: I am coming off of such a spiritual and magical week at Burningman with the full moon and all and I would like to keep my spiritual awareness more present in my daily activities. My goal is to meditate each day, practice my spells and be the Witch that I claim to be every hour of every day.
C - Psychological Wellbeing Goal: My goal here is to keep my mind and my personal relationship with me as healthy as possible and not let the negetive, unhealthy and unhappiness that is currently residing in some of my closest friends and family members lives to infiltrate my life. I need to keep my boundaries, be helpful and supportive with enough room to breath. It is okay for me to be a ear to listen, or a voice of reason but I can't be the "fixer" of all that is wrong. They must find that in themselves.
I am very fortunate that I share a life with a husband who thinks like I do and has the same mental, physical and psychological mentality that I do. One of the best gifts any of our friends ever gave us was the suggestion to have a marriage counselor as a valid part of a healthy marriage. And they were right, for ten years we have had our wonderful marriage, personal, family counselor in our life breaking our marriage down into workable goals and one month at a time. After all forever can seem like a very long time without a referee. So with this in mind I would set my goals as such:
A - Physical Wellbeing Goal: We travel alot so it is easy for me to be social and drink beer. About six months ago I set the goal that I was not going to drink during the week, and I would only drink two beers per night on the weekends if we were out. Well with Burningman and football (We interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season) it is easy to consume more alcohol then I would like. So my physical goal is to be more mindful of my diet and specifically drinking and to do some form of physical activity each day when we are traveling. For instance this weekend we will be in Boston, so I think some walking around in the city would be a healthy alternative instead of grabbing a cab everywhere.
B - Spiritual Wellbeing Goal: I am coming off of such a spiritual and magical week at Burningman with the full moon and all and I would like to keep my spiritual awareness more present in my daily activities. My goal is to meditate each day, practice my spells and be the Witch that I claim to be every hour of every day.
C - Psychological Wellbeing Goal: My goal here is to keep my mind and my personal relationship with me as healthy as possible and not let the negetive, unhealthy and unhappiness that is currently residing in some of my closest friends and family members lives to infiltrate my life. I need to keep my boundaries, be helpful and supportive with enough room to breath. It is okay for me to be a ear to listen, or a voice of reason but I can't be the "fixer" of all that is wrong. They must find that in themselves.
Unit 3 Blog Assignment
Unit 3 Blog Assignment
It may have been just a happy coincidence that I spent most of the day trying to concentrate on school and my mind constantly wandering back to the Playa and Burningman. Many of us who attend the festival say we are going "home" as we make the yearly trek to Black Rock City. I have been alot of places in the world, but nowhere as simple and yet so fulfilling and magical as Burningman. The experiences and memories you make there really transcend your life for the better. So today as much as I tried to fight it I was reflecting those magical 10 days. Therefore I couldn't help but reflect on my life back here in Peoria and smile that I have so much to be thankful for, and that my life is filled with so many great people and such overwhelming love and happiness. So based on these reflections I would rate on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being optimal well being):
A - Physical Wellbeing is currently at around a healthy 8 - 9. I am not the healthiest I could be in regards to BMI even though I exercise consistently with a personal trainer 4 times a week. This is the first time that I am loosing weight by following healthy eating habits and exercise. In the past I was the anorexic/bulimic just don't eat mentality for weight loss. The problem is that the more great foods my husband introduces me to, the harder it is to just stop eating, not to mention how unhealthy it is. So at 5'4" and 131 lbs I have made the attempt at eating more and working out more and slowly watching my body morph. Besides my personal trainer I am on the go all day long. I don't sit down except to do homework :) or eat...What is that saying "When my feet hit the ground in the morning the devil says S*%t she's up".
B - Spiritual Wellbeing is currently at a high of 10 right now. I am a practicing Witch and there was a full moon on the friday at Burningman. There is nothing like you, other like minded people, the moon and mother earth to lift your spiritual energies up to run wild. This class has also had a very positive effect on my spiritual wellbeing. It is nice to see validation in writing in regards to your personal beliefs in one's ability to control and dictate their health, well-being and life.
C - Psychological Wellbeing is currently at a 8 to 9 I would say. It would be a 10 all the time except that I have the pleaser of working with not so positive, always ill employees on a daily basis. There are also many family members and my step-son that are dealing with health issues, or mental health issues and it is necessary but at times difficult to stay enrolled enough to help but not so much that it becomes my problem.
Overall my life is the perfect, perfect for me. I am healthy, happy, in love, achieving goals, spiritually in-tune, socially active, humble and appreciative for the life that I get to live and the people I get to share my life with. I have a great husband, wonderful stepsons, extraordinary friends and really no complaints.
It may have been just a happy coincidence that I spent most of the day trying to concentrate on school and my mind constantly wandering back to the Playa and Burningman. Many of us who attend the festival say we are going "home" as we make the yearly trek to Black Rock City. I have been alot of places in the world, but nowhere as simple and yet so fulfilling and magical as Burningman. The experiences and memories you make there really transcend your life for the better. So today as much as I tried to fight it I was reflecting those magical 10 days. Therefore I couldn't help but reflect on my life back here in Peoria and smile that I have so much to be thankful for, and that my life is filled with so many great people and such overwhelming love and happiness. So based on these reflections I would rate on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being optimal well being):
A - Physical Wellbeing is currently at around a healthy 8 - 9. I am not the healthiest I could be in regards to BMI even though I exercise consistently with a personal trainer 4 times a week. This is the first time that I am loosing weight by following healthy eating habits and exercise. In the past I was the anorexic/bulimic just don't eat mentality for weight loss. The problem is that the more great foods my husband introduces me to, the harder it is to just stop eating, not to mention how unhealthy it is. So at 5'4" and 131 lbs I have made the attempt at eating more and working out more and slowly watching my body morph. Besides my personal trainer I am on the go all day long. I don't sit down except to do homework :) or eat...What is that saying "When my feet hit the ground in the morning the devil says S*%t she's up".
B - Spiritual Wellbeing is currently at a high of 10 right now. I am a practicing Witch and there was a full moon on the friday at Burningman. There is nothing like you, other like minded people, the moon and mother earth to lift your spiritual energies up to run wild. This class has also had a very positive effect on my spiritual wellbeing. It is nice to see validation in writing in regards to your personal beliefs in one's ability to control and dictate their health, well-being and life.
C - Psychological Wellbeing is currently at a 8 to 9 I would say. It would be a 10 all the time except that I have the pleaser of working with not so positive, always ill employees on a daily basis. There are also many family members and my step-son that are dealing with health issues, or mental health issues and it is necessary but at times difficult to stay enrolled enough to help but not so much that it becomes my problem.
Overall my life is the perfect, perfect for me. I am healthy, happy, in love, achieving goals, spiritually in-tune, socially active, humble and appreciative for the life that I get to live and the people I get to share my life with. I have a great husband, wonderful stepsons, extraordinary friends and really no complaints.
Burningman 2012
Hi all......here's hoping you are all healthy and happy in your life journey. I am still in my Burningman bubble :) It is really hard to immerse yourself back into this society when you have spent 10 days in a completely opposite mindset with 60,000 other wonderful people. If you have never heard of Burningman go check out www.burningman.com. It truly is a magical, spiritual, fun, positive, happy, heart warming, more love then you know what to do with....kind of experience. This was our 2nd year and we are already planning next years trek to Black Rock City.
So the upside is that I am still in my positive, loving, happy Burningman bubble. The downside is that I spent to much time out on The Playa during it's many white out dust storms this year and brought a little, well probably alot of it home with me in my lungs. I tried to ignored the raspy voice, scratchy throat and my sick husband, but doubling up on the vitamins, sleep and fluids just couldn't make it go away. So yesterday I started a Z pack and hopefully this respiratory infection won't get to comfortable and will move on. I don't got time to be sick... places to go and people to see.
So the upside is that I am still in my positive, loving, happy Burningman bubble. The downside is that I spent to much time out on The Playa during it's many white out dust storms this year and brought a little, well probably alot of it home with me in my lungs. I tried to ignored the raspy voice, scratchy throat and my sick husband, but doubling up on the vitamins, sleep and fluids just couldn't make it go away. So yesterday I started a Z pack and hopefully this respiratory infection won't get to comfortable and will move on. I don't got time to be sick... places to go and people to see.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)