Unit 6

The Loving kindness exercise was difficult to focus on in the beginning, but after a few deep breaths, I was able to focus and concentrate.The exercise made me feel happy to be thinking of others, peaceful, for at least ten minutes, and relaxed. I found myself really "feeling" the statements.

The Integral Assessment was an eye opener. I have been so busy with school, work, kids, that I had put my interpersonal needs on the back burner. I think we prioritize what we need and when we need it. My focus right now is getting my son off to college and completing my degree.. in that order. When I have accomplished these things, I can reevaluate, adjust, and decide which area to conquer next.

Loving Kindness

This exercise focused on loving kindness and the subtle mind exercise. The loving kindness exericise was beneficial and easier as it focued on the inner self and the feelings toward others. I found it easier to concentrate with this exercise because I had one focus and particularly I thought of my brother who is having some health issues. The subtle mind exercise was more difficult, I find it hard to be in complete stillness, or what I like to refer to as being idle even for short periods of time.

I believe spiritual and physical wellness are interconnected. I believe if you are spiritually connected and sound, physcial wellness and health can be achieved. Cleansing of the mind through some spiritual act, such as prayer and faith can bring whole body connection.

Unit 4 Loving Kindness

At the beginning of the exercise, I found it difficult to concentrate and relax, to wired from the day. The sound of waves washing ashore was the most relaxing. I found myself staring into the rainbow of colors lost in thought. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around a loved one's suffering. As the exericise continued, I found myself drifing, becoming tense about completing assignments, struggling with not feeling well, but loving the waves. I also liked envisioning enemies. I don't like to profess them, but sitting quietly gave me power, at least in my thoughts.

A mental workout is accessing the capacities and capabilities of the mind daily. The proven benefits of a mental workout is the progressive development of the consciousness and the power of the mind to heal (Dacher, 2006). Daily I can use mental workouts by exhibiting loving kindness, and training the mind; by learning from experiences to gain wisdom, experience and knowledge.

Unit 3 Exercise

Based on the assessments and reflection exercise, I rate my physical well being -5. I have been over weigh, but not obese, for the last five years. I hae often lost weight and gained it back. Even though I am unbelievably busy every day, I need to get this body physically moving. I rate my spiritual well being-9. I have "mental talks" with God throughout the day, and I spend time reading spiritual readings. Even though I lead a hectic life, I keep myself grounded by always at some point, having some me time; to walk, meditate, and enjoy just being alive. I rate my psychologial well being-8. My friends tell me I am to calm. I very seldom worry, what's the reason for it, and I keep my emotions in check by thinking before I react in any situation.

My goals are to become more physically active by sticking to a regular exercise routine such as the treadmill, pilates, or aerobic. I also hope to become healthier and alleviate the need for some daily medications. Spiritually and pshcyhologically, I plan to keep doing what I have been... working so far. I would like to learn more about yoga. Keeping my stress levels at a minimum is important to me.

My experience with The Crime of the Century relaxation exercise was for the most part good. I found it hard to concentrate with the distraction of not feeling well. Although I wasn't totally relaxed, it is a good exercise to do when I can totally let go.