In Unit 3 I scored myself on a scale of 1-10 in my psychological, spiritual and physical well-being somewhat differently than I do now in that, psychologically, I gave myself a 10, which I still do, but spiritually, I think I gave myself a 5, in that at the time, I really didn't know what was happening to me spiritually. I hadn't been to church in months and felt no desire to return, so naturally, I thought something was wrong with me. Now I would give myself a 9 because I have come to realize what was happening, and still is happening to me in that realm, I have learned to be alone, not to need others to validate my status or soul's standing with God, and I have learned that there may be more than one way to get to Heaven and not to look down on other ways that are just as "right" as I've been taught my whole life. Physically, I still would say a 5 because, honestly, I still haven't done anything really different as far as meeting my goals to return to the gym, I guess I'll figure it out though.
The ways I have implemented the activities I chose for my well-being goals has been to be more open-minded towards other paths to God. I took my studies of Buddhism very seriously as well as the one I did on the Chinese methods and am not opposed to suggestions that there are many ways to wholeness, happiness and health.
I would definitely say I have developed improved well-being, learning techniques that teach me how to focus on my breathing in potentially stressful situations, using visualization to aid me physically and focusing on turning negative thoughts into positive ones. The rewarding areas for me were the visualization exercises and studying the different cultural practices of the Navajo, Chinese and Tibetan. The most difficult exercise for me consistently was the meditations, just forcing myself to sit still like that for such a long period of time, not engaging all the time, simply being quiet and listening was almost torture. The way this experience will help me assist others will be because of what I've learned, understood and been able to literally apply to my own personal life can be an example to others searching for different approaches to integral health choices. Like was established early on, if we have not stepped out of the box and tried something new, how can we encourage others too?
Jada,
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job with integral self healing. It looks like you have learned a lot about yourself throughout this course. You have improved in many areas. The only thing you have left to do is battle the gym. You can do it!! Once you get the initial visit done, it is easy from there. Working out will become part of your routine just as brushing your teeth. You will be amazed at how much physical activity helps your mental brain. Good luck in your future and personal growth and development!!
Nice blog. It shows that you have taken away many positive things for this course and that you have effectively applied what we have been learning and as a result, have seen it manifest itself in your life. I share your appreciation for the visualization exercises. I have recently begun to implement them with success. I have been using meditation for some time and I must admit that it has numerous benefits but it takes some practice. I'm sure if you continue to work at it, you will discover that it is really helpful and it gets easier the more you become comfortable with it. Best wishes to you as you progress forward.
ReplyDeleteHello Jada,
ReplyDeleteVery nice it seems as if you have definitely grown and started your new path in a very positive and rewarding direction. I too like you, am looking for different ways, spiritually, to grown and flourish, and like you, I am not afraid of going in a different direction other than just christianity. I myself am probably going in the Buddhism direction and going to try to learn the art of meditation. I wish you luck in your future ventures and on this new journey in life! It was a pleasure working with in class!
Hi Jada,
ReplyDeleteThat’s an interesting way of looking at your spiritual development, and I like that you rated yourself higher in that area just for realizing what was happening, and not because you’ve made any major adjustments or improvements. It’s a different take on it, and it shows that each person looks at these areas differently, and that what might be a progressive step for some may not be anything for someone else. I think that just knowing what is going in your spiritual life is a step in the right direction of developing this area of your life. I think the physical aspect may be hard to improve on because it requires such a commitment, but once you have a spot in your life to make that commitment, it will all fall into place nicely.
Good luck to you in your future endeavors!
Donna
Hi Jada,
ReplyDeleteI think that you have made such improvements since the beginning of our term. Its ok to get relaxed on some areas in your life every now and then as long as you are able to recognize it when you do and then jump back up into where you need to be. Life is full of so many different twists and turns so it's understandable for us to get behind in things. It has been so nice getting to know you throughout our class, I wish you the best of luck with finishing up your degree.
Thank you,
Caitlin Rogers
Great reflection. You have made such amazing strides in a short amount of time, best of luck as you continue to explore your spirituality.
ReplyDeleteJada,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed following you this term. I hope that you will still post from time to time and let us know how you're doing! Thank you for being so open and honest about your personal trials and triumphs! I am glad to know you have improved in some areas and are still working towards improving. I wish you luck and hope to "see" you in future classes!! :) xoxo
Jo
Jada, congratulations on the successes you have enjoyed so far, continue to work toward your goals and you will surely accomplish what you have set out for yourself. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAmanda