This weeks post is one of reflection. We are supposed to rank on a scale of 1-10 how we feel we are doing in our progress toward Integral Health then we are supposed to set goals in each area that will help us progress toward optimal health and well-being.
Physical- In the area of physical well-being I would rate myself a 5. I say a 5 because I have been steadily making progress toward the betterment of my overall health for the last few years. In January 2011 I quit smoking. I receive regular health and dental care. I am limiting my dietary intake of animal products and getting regular exercise. A goal I would like to set for myself physically would to reach a healthy maintainable weight by the end of this year. I am already taking steps to reach this goal and am exploring a vegetarian diet as a means to help me achieve it.
Spiritual- The area of spiritual well-being is one I have to admit is a grey area for me. I am going to rate myself at a 4 because I am not a traditionalist in this particular area. I believe in a higher overall state of being. A sort of spiritual collective that promotes goodwill toward all. I believe that science and people are capable of wonderful and glorious things. Nature if taken care of will provide nourishment for our bodies, mind, and soul. A goal I am setting for myself is to actively practice loving-kindness. I am trying to be mindful of my words and actions not only towards others but the environment as well.
Psychological- The area of psychological well-being I will rate as a 6. I admit I have areas of weakness the biggest being anxiety (I am a mother of teenagers and a toddler- anxiety comes with the kids). I know that I have this issue and I know there are things that I can do to lessen the anxiety and the inevitable stress it brings. The goal I have set for myself is keep a journal and to continue blogging. This helps me relieve stress, acknowledge feelings, and prioritize things.
The relaxation exercise this week was very long. I found it difficult to find a solid 20 minutes to complete the meditation. That said I did enjoy the prism aspect of the meditation. I liked the association of the colors with different regions of the body and how they translated into feelings of love, being grounded, being centered...etc.
First Kim,
ReplyDeleteI have to say I love your blog name and intro!!! AWESOME, creative and you got my attention!!! 20 minutes is a long time to "check-out and focus" on just yourself. It sounds like you have a very busy house. How do you think you might help a person new to this type meditation? Do you think it might help you in your effort to stay sane?? I have one client that I actually had her bring the kids in and I explained that mom needed time out. Her 9 year old will actually guards the door to the porch while mom enjoys a hot tea after work. The 7 year old is in charge of the timer. the twin 5 year olds get to watch one veggie tale video. It gets Mom 15-20 minutes of downtime before starting cooking. So far it is working!!!
I am looking forward to following your blog!!!
I know things will be better when my baby gets older. My teenagers have been pretty good about watching their sister for me when I need it. I have to admit the problem is mine. I tend to see the "free" or "me" time as an opportunity to organize a closet or clean out the car. I am not apt to slow down. I do think I am going to start taking a few minutes at nap time to refocus and center myself though.
DeleteHi Kim! Kudos to you on your win against cigarettes. It is a very difficult thing to do. Making a plan to get in shape is a good first step. Loving-kindness is a concept that sounds so simple but getting in the practice of acting this way everyday difficult. It is definitely something that I strive to do. Keeping a journal is beneficial in anything/everything you do. I find that acknowledging on the calendar how many days a week I exercise along with what type, helps keep me on track and pushes me to do better. Friends of mine have found that writing down what they eat makes them more aware of what they are putting in their mouths. Your blog sounds like it's going to be interesting and fun!!
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