In the end I feel success :)

Hey Everyone,

I want to say first and foremost that I have enjoyed this blog think way more than I thought I would. I have learned through all of you, and appreciated all the kind words and encouragement with this term as you all know its been a rough one for me!!! So Much Thanks to you all :)

As for reflection, due to my life right now I would say my fitness has went down a little, but I am working on getting that back to normal, we all have to fall down in order to build back up, and I am in a slum per say with this side. My spiritual is the same as it was due to time, but will be skyrocketing come January, and my psychological well-being that is better. Being home with my family and away from what was keeping me down has really helped me open my eyes to what is next and best for me. Its time to figure my life out, and I cant wait for the journey to unfold. I plan on attending a retreat for meditation, and next year I want to go overseas to a third world country and help them build up a city or some kind of labor intensive work in a foreign place that I can help people and learn something new and be in a culture I have never heard of. I am so excited to start looking into all of this, but I will be finishing my degree first.

I work on my goals regularly, but I need to get a better schedule in my life in order for me to succeed  I think. Chaos in my life causes chaos in my goals. None of the stuff we have learned is on the back burner at all, but its all in my head and I have to work out the best way to accomplish what is best for me. After I ponder with it for a little while, and spend Holidays with my family then its time for the nitty gritty effort in really evolving and flourishing my life :) For the first time I am not overwhelmed with what is next, I am living for now.

I wish all of you the best and ill be updating randomly if you are interested. Thanks again for everything :) and good luck!

My project...Best of luck to you all and prayers for me to achieve my goals :)

      I feel it is vital for health and wellness professionals to grow psychologically, spiritually, and physically in order to keep up with a world that is ever changing. Something we need to do is maintain a constant within ourselves in order to provide help for others seeking transformation, and help. If we know ourselves inside and out it becomes easier to help someone else figure it out. Not because they are the same as us, but because we understand the tools and have the knowledge it takes to get them there no matter what obstacle they face.

      I need to make my spirituality a priority, and my psyche and physical habits more of a constant in order to complete this transformation and feel confident in helping others. I do believe no one will ever reach perfect potential, but we can all constantly strive to reach it. Once I am making a daily effort to improve upon something in my life, then I will feel like I can change someone else’s life if they are ready.

      Over the course of this class in assessing myself on a 1-10 scale; I rate my spirituality at a low 2 because I have the interest to learn about all things religion, and a connection with faith, but I don’t go to church and I pray when I remember rather than everyday. Physically I rate myself at a 5 because I have come far in my efforts and lost a lot of weight, but in my life right now I have back slid in my habits, and am fighting to maintain my healthy life style choices. Lastly, I rate my psychological health at maybe a 4 or 5. I am satisfied with my life but only for the moment, and then from there I have no idea what is next. This is exciting and scary at the same time. It causes me stress, and happiness. I know I am making choices to better my future, but my present is all over the place. I have turned my everday life upside down, and need a more constant in order to focus on today rather than tomorrow. I need to find a balance, a place that drives me to success, but fulfills my present, and I don’t have that right now so I feel my psyche is drastically different from day to day, and even within each day.

      Goals for me are a tough one, because I am living my life a bit by whim right now. I would say in spirituality my goal would be to attend church more often, and if I don’t feel satisfied in church to find a retreat to attend in order feel or gain some clarity on the direction of my life. This would also be beneficial for my psychological state. I do have a goal for that though, and it is to find peace once I get to Hawaii. I want to get closer to figuring out my career, and what is next in my life. That is the whole point of going there. Hawaii is hopefully going to catapult me into a new way of thinking and taking on life. This will calm my psychological state. As for my physical health I need to reinforce better eating habits. I have continued going to the gym, but am not satisfied with my workouts. I must find a place that makes me feel like the gym in Cali did, but eating habits are more important at this point. My goal is to find a way to control unnecessary cravings, and eating when I am emotional. I want to get to my goal weight and maintain it.

      Strategies in reaching my goals are also tough for me, because Im not really a thinker, I just do. With that being said, for my spirituality goals getting up and going to church at least one Sunday would be beneficial. Once done with church maybe an exercise I could do would be almost meditative in evaluating how I feel after. How did church affect me? Did I feel as if I took anything from it? Will I go back? As far as a retreat, my practice would be finding a day long one that I know I can handle, and then journaling about it. I have a hard time concentrating on meditation, and if I journal about it I may be able to find the thing that actually makes it feel successful. With my psychological goals, I need to practice taking the pressure off. Exercising positive thought, and encouraging words for myself that will help me deal with the minimal stress I have that is overwhelming. I also need to really sit down and do some soul searching on what I want from my future. I need to figure out my life because right now it is a mess. Everything I thought I had or was going to have is different. I need to come to terms with that and find a way to internally feel satisfied again. I want one of my practices to be loving kindness as well, because though I think it is time to be “selfish” and figure out myself, I need to practices loving kindness in order to not forget others as well because I am too wrapped up in myself. Physically I can reach my goals by practicing calorie counting again that proved successful for me before, and I need to get to a doctor to evaluate my knee because that is keeping me from running which is a huge love of mine, and since I cant do that Im not feeling fulfilled in any workout I do. I would also like to practice making my own workouts because I was so reliant on my trainer in Cali I feel like I am failing on my own and I wont have anyone but me forever and I need to fulfill myself in my physical efforts. How I will implement any of these things is to take on something new everyday, and grow. Journal my success and try harder if I fail.

      I will assess my progress by the journal I intend on starting. I will also have pictures, or voice memos that I will take in order to keep myself on track. I will practice meditation if I feel overwhelmed, and hopefully become successful in peaceful practice. I will not overlook stress, I will face it and deal with it in order for it to not derail my progress, and I will find a positive support system that motivates me to stay on track. I use my fitness pal to track progress as well. I have fallen off that a bit, but will be refocusing on that. I think my strategy for maintain long-term goals is to understand what I am doing and why I am doing it. Accountability, talking to people, encouraging people and being successful. Spread the word if you will. I wish you all success and hopefully an attitude adjustment on my part will help me in my goals I have now shared with you all. J

Commitment to continuing my inner efforts :)

Hey Y'all,
So as I reflected this week on the practices we have done I still like the same ones. I like the first one we did in week two. This one seemed very simple, and helpful to me seeing as how I am having a tough time with all this calming stuff. The guys voice was still calming, and to follow his direction was pretty easy for me to relax and understand the principle behind meditation. I will keep this one for the future for sure. The next favorite was the one we did this week. Imagining three different moments when we felt extreme happiness, wholeness, or at peace. Then we put those emotions into one feeling, and that was the goal of integral health. This one to me was awesome, because there are several times lately I have felt a glimpse of this feeling they have been talking about all term. This exercise helps me understand how to achieve more of it, and to enhance it. I will be practicing this one more often. I want to achieve an inner peace with myself and others that makes me happy every day. I want people to feel my happiness and feed from it. I need this to remind me how can and am capable of feeling and strive for that everyday!!!

I feel like I can implement these exercises as mental fitness because it is still hard for me to calm my mind. So taking a few minuets even every week when things feel overwhelming taking time off to do my "mental homework" would in the end help me be able to stay in this place of peace.  It is a workout to get myself the time or place to even do these practices, and the second one is beneficial because it gives me a feeling to constantly work toward. This is a necessary challenge for me to accomplish my inner peace im seeking. As far as when I can implement the second exercise I would say in the morning this would be best, because that would help me all day live to achieve that feeling.

Not easy, but still trying with an open mind!

Hey Guys/Girls,

This visualization was a complete fail for me. Not because I wanst relaxed, but because I just couldnt connect with it. I imagined someone wise, but that person kept changing because of what she was saying. Also, I dont know if I know someone that wise in my life that I respect on a level to advance me in my practice of relaxation. There was also a lot going on during this exercise. The waves, the talking, the light, and the person along with relaxing. I felt it was too busy for me to really understand how to do it all...this meditation thing is not getting easier, but more difficult for me.

I am not really stressed anymore, but I am giving in to bad eating habits since I got home, so need to practices some behavior techniques in order to get back on track. I hope in the next few weeks I can connect with all of this in order to continue it after the class is over. I do believe in the power behind meditation, but some work for some people, and others work for others so I just need to find my niche for practice. :) I am hopeful though.

I feel the saying "Once can not lead another where one has not gone himself" is a practice what you preach concept. Just worded differently. I have discussed this in class maybe even this one, but I do believe one can have extreme knowledge of something without practicing it, but I do not believe they can evoke the passion in order to convince or transform someone else in said concept if they dont practice it they just know everything about it. People are emotional and if there is not a connection we loose interest. So for the teacher not practicing will get old eventually and they will stop learning, and the "student" will loose confidence in the ability if they are concerned about the teachers motives or intent in the concept.

I think in the concept of health we do have an obligation to better our wellness in all aspects for ourselves and our clients. The key to being successful in anything is to stay on top of the changing times, and learn as much as possible and grow continuously! We do this personally and professionally. I just need to hone in on skills to stay positive, and regain willpower. With this huge change in my life last month I need to adjust, and enforce positive habits rather than fall into the easier negative ones.

I hope everyone has a great week and the best success in whatever they are doing :)

Practice makes perfect...or does it?

Hey Everyone,
I am a bit behind this week I have been Job Hunting...one of the worst things ever! haha Seems appropriate for all the reading this week and how we should work to be better not to nag about it, but working sucks! hah I have a love hate relationship with it. Needless to say I have a long way to go with all this stuff. :) The first exercise on loving kindness seemed easy and I did sit for 10 minuets and chant internally my mantra. Difference this week is did I really feel it...Did I really care at the time about the words I was saying, or the effectiveness of it. Nope! I didnt. I have been a bit selfish this week not proud of it, but thats what this is for right. Growth. I at first was very into this integral approach stuff, but im having my doubts now. I agree with most of it, but some of it is difficult for me. Only time will tell I guess.

As for the second part the assessment I HAVE A LOT OF WORK AHEAD OF ME!! I love that though, because I don't like being bored so advancing myself in efforts to improve and help others is a perfect way to pass the time. Also helps me tolerate other humans sometimes. I want to perfect my fitness for myself, promote loving kindness to my family because they are a bit unmotivated for anything and it kind of brings me down. I would rather bring people up than allow them to bring me down. I hate that! To be honest I would like to enhance almost all aspects of the assessment. Not that I am a horrible person or bad at everything, but I just want to be better...at everything. That was the result of my exercise this week.

The things I can do in order to succeed would be enforcing the changes in my life I know will better my attitude sometimes. Approach situations differently as to not let things bother me. Meditate or center myself more often so I can willingly and happily help others. I need a specific one for work though. Haven't figured that one out yet....working on it though. So anyway sorry to be such a drag this week, but my head isnt in the game. To be continued to hopefully a more successful week next time.

 I wish you all the best though :)

On my way to unity consciousness....

Hi Guys!!

So for me the subtle mind was an easier practice than the loving kindness. I found myself relaxed enough to fall asleep. For me to have a calm enough mind to doze off is good because it seems to never stop for me. I don't sleep solid because my mind is busy. So relaxation to this point is great! On the other hand I dozed off like 3 times in 22 minuets. Haha So this is a problem because I am supposed to be learning how to initiate thought and witness the lack of thought rather than have a blank mind and go to sleep. One day Ill get there I hope. I did find myself, because of the music I think, drifting in a raft with nothing around. No distractions, no thought,  no worries just the waves and sound of water. This was nice for me, I wasn't in a panic or worried I was calm and at peace. I guess I am getting the basics of this peace thing, but it will still take much more time and practice for me to fully understand and attain a unity consciousness.

The differences between the loving kindness and subtle mind for me wasn't frustrating, but easier to understand and follow. I think that in order to manifest love in someone else you must first be able to do so within yourself. That being said I think we should practice subtle mind first. It would come easier for us to do the loving kindness exercise if we knew how to manage our thoughts rather than have a busy mind that we don't know how to or haven't even practiced controlling yet.

I believe spiritual wellness is something that you have to learn for yourself. I think in my journey my next step is to learn about religion. All religion, not just the one I was raised to think was right. I want to know all the different types and answer all my uncertainties about it in order for me to make a sound decision. It for me is the same as politics as far as understanding goes. I cant make a vote until I know all sides. I do believe it is necessary to have spiritual wellness in order to be completely happy. We not only need someone or thing we believe in to carry us at times to release that stress too, but we need to know that no matter what there is a plan for us out there that we are in search of. Something were striving to a place of ultimate serenity.  The difference between spiritual wellness and physical wellness is that has physical results that you can see, mental wellness has an endorphin rush that you can feel, and the spiritual wellness until you maintain it can be misunderstood or construed to be an illusion or false emotion. In my opinion anyway. I hope everyone that reads this enjoys and as always no one is offended. Good luck to you in your journey as mine is starting to make since and become clear its going to take a while and that I am ok with :)

Manifest loving kindness

Hey Everyone,
So this week was the wrap up of my cross country journey. So I am excited to say I am home safe, and very happy to be here. Some unexpected stressors have come up since I got here, but its ok nothing I cant handle. I have felt a little overwhelmed again this week it seems to go back and forth, hopefully now that Im officially home I can do some serious concentrating on my meditation, and happiness.

This all being said the exercise this week was a bit hard. I cant focus on a normal day for like 3 minuets for a relaxation technique much less everyday. I would love to do it in the morning so this next week Im going to try and do this exercise again, because this week it just didn't happen. I tried a few times, but waking up in a hotel with a 4 year old or driving for 12 hours I didn't make time for the exercise like I should have. I do think with more effort this could have been more beneficial, but thats my problem. I am trying to put more effort into all aspects of my life so its gets hard some days. I would recommend practicing the loving kindness to others simply because we need to love ourselves and others so this is a practice that will help you evolve in both areas.

Mental workouts, this coming from me who is a very physical energetic person seemed kind of crazy a few years ago. Then I realized how important it is. To me there are two kinds of mental workouts the ones where we clear our minds and workout in a way of enhancing inner peace (meditation) and then there is the practice of brain games to enhance your "smarts". Both are important, and neither are thought about on a regular basis from most people. Research shows that meditation relaxes your inner self and allows you to retain more information long term. Brain games show that stimulation of the brain on a regular basis refreshes us on what seems like second nature or common sense. You can improve upon these things by making time for them. Its that simple, but also easier said than done. I just got through saying Im too busy changing everything to relax, but still believe I need to slow down. Its just very difficult.

I wish you all success with these techniques and in life :) 

You are your own worst critic

Hi!

In the journey this week a lot has happened. I am busy, but not stressed as I was last week. I am officially out of San Diego, and have started my journey cross country. Staying with a few friends hear and there. I have been in Denver since Saturday around 2 am. The drive by myself was long, but I did it and felt accomplished. Since then I have woke up feeling very refreshed and free. Full of excitement. This journey is making it hard to accomplish school work, but I am still doing my best.

While reflecting on myself this week things have drastically changed and I hope to only improve from here. My physical well-being is probably on a 7-8 because I feel like a rock star in the gym and my habits have continued as I am "on vacation" I had the most amazing workout yesterday in a natural red rock amphitheater and that was amazing. Not only was it motivating, but it was so pretty and peaceful. Great time to reflect! My spiritual well-being is on the low end maybe like a 3. I have to spend a lot more time on that in order to feel positive about my spirit. I intend to do a ton of that while in Hawaii in the next year. As far as my psychological well-being I'm sitting in the middle at a 5. I am in a state that is very mixed. I feel very positive about what is coming my way and my growth, but emotional that things have changed so drastically in the last two weeks even.

My goals for each area for the next 3 months is to maintain the good habits I have formed, and enforce new habits to transform my inner state of being. I want to practice meditation or calmness, continue my workout routine when Im home in the south that is a hard one along with eating right. I want to cook more healthy food. I would also like to research spiritual growth, and maybe one day go on a retreat. I need to mold my mind to think more positive. I try now, but I have been doing baby steps. I am ready to dive in!

I must say the relaxation exercise this week was very different!!! I enjoyed it. I felt relaxed. I couldnt control my breathing as I wanted to, because the altitude here in Denver is really messing with my head and lungs, but I did release some of even that tension. My body felt tingly, and Im not tired after. I want to get everything done so I can move on to what is next. I am not perfect at this and have to find my absolute calm place, but I absolutely did better this week than last week.

Here is to wishing us all a better day and week. More confident and positive in your lives. I certainly am practicing a better way and cant wait to share my journey with you next week. :)

Heres to Hoping Relaxing Exercises work for me very soon :)

The exercise I just did was relaxing, and I want to save it for a future date. The reason being I have too much going on right now that I am finding it very very difficult to focus on relaxing. I know this is the opposite of what I am supposed to do when stressed, but this week is not a good week to take time for relaxing exercises in my day. I am going to work on this very hard for the rest of the term and in life, and that is why I want to save the exercise. I love the music, but am not used to the "calming" voice talking me through a technique. This man wasn't as bad as some I have heard in similar exercises, and wouldn't mind finding more time, correction making time, to do things like this. I did feel as I was "relaxing" a sense of calm, but my brain wouldn't shut off. Therefore, I know it was not as effective as it should have been. I also have a faster heartbeat lately because of my situation and moving in less than six days thousands of miles away and not being prepared, among other things. I did also notice that it didn't make me sleepy. which normally music like this would. That was exciting that even though I know it wasn't max effective for me right now I did still gain something from the exercise. I will try this again before my long drive in hopes to leave the stress here and have a safe calming experience on my way back home in order to hopefully work on a new way of life once I get there. It is time for the next level for me and I have hope exercises and guidance will help me achieve that. :)

Welcome, Please Come In

Hi Everyone!!!

First off, I want to say this is my first blog ever and I do not really have the hang of it yet. I am excited to journey with you guys throughout term and learn and share with you all. I hope I can find things exciting and enlightening to share with you all as you read my blog. The discussions we will have in the future are exciting for me so hopefully I can write and portray these feelings to you. I am not a writer, nor do I consider myself talented in the imagination category so this is going to prove challenging for me. I hope to grow with you all and come out of this all much more confident in my abilities. :)