UNIT 6 Intimacy and spiritual union

The Universal loving-kindness and Integral assessment exercises were very interesting! Doing the Loving kindness exercise really gave me some insight into how I can relate to others, specifically my husband and children on a daily basis. Expressing empathy, happiness and kindness may allow for me to open my heart and mind and engage in emotional intimacy. Even though I have been married for 5 years I really can have problems with emotional intimacy, feeling, seeing, caring for one another is hard sometimes in a busy, two working parent household. But realizing that it just takes a moment.
Using the integral assessment allowed for me to take time in the quiet, the stillness of my home, to focus on growth and development is critical.
Both exercises really opened my eyes to relationships and happiness (which I am not an expert on by any means :0))

Angie

Unit 5 (early post) :)))))

SUBTLE MIND VS. LOVING-KINDNESS:

Really the two practices work interchangeably to develop our minds, body and spirit. Although the Subtle mind practice gives an opportunity to observe how the mind works with mental movements (Dacher, 2006).
The loving-kindness practice seems to focus on healing through forgiveness and loving kindness.
Mental and physical wellness are similar in that our nervous system is our mobile messenger and we it goes back and forth from mind to body and back again. So the correlation between the two is similar and can help us teach our mind to achieve goals physically as well.
Using Yoga for me is a mind-body practice that I try and use daily, for relaxation and to bring myself more in touch with mind/body. It is relaxing and after words I feel stretched, relaxed, calm, and at peace.

Reference:

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral medicine: the path to human flourishing. Basic health publications. 

Unit 4 revised

I hope you can read this I was having issues with my last blog?!

The exercise this week was very calming and I loved the music and the sound of the ocean waves. It reminds me of one of our favorite vacation spots in Oregon, Manzanita. It was very helpful listening to this mp3 while I was reading and doing school work, and actually I have recommended it to a friend already.

The concept of this exercise seems to be to gain more mental clarity, relaxing, reducing "mind clutter" and freeing ourselves from harsh feelings we may harbor towards ourselves or others. By doing this exercise we may release negative emotions and foster more positive ones.

unit 4

The exercise this week was very calming and I loved the music and the sound of the ocean waves. It reminds me of one of our favorite vacation spots in Oregon, Manzanita. It was very helpful listening to this mp3 while I was reading and doing school work, and actually I have recommended it to a friend already.
The concept of this exercise seems to be to gain more mental clarity, relaxing, reducing "mind clutter" and freeing ourselves from harsh feelings we may harbor towards ourselves or others. By doing this exercise we may release negative emotions and foster more positive ones.

Unit 3 reflection....

The ratings for this assignment were slightly challenging for me as I have a hard time relaxing ;(. With this, my ratings for A- my physical well being is a 5. The reason why is because when I am stressed it reflects on my physical health, and stress is around me at all times! B- my spiritual well-being is about a 5 as well at this current time, along with my psychological at a 5 as well. I have had some recent stressful situations that I must try and reflect on and create more positive experiences. My goal is to meditate on a daily basis, (wich I started yesterday) by doing yoga for a short time in the yard in the wonderful sun, breathing slowly and relaxing. By doing this daily, I can clear my brain of chatter and create a quietness. 
The exercise was very relaxing and gave me confidence while listening to it. I felt a positive, warm energy while listening to it and felt as peace and ease. It was very comforting. 

Angie 

Reflection of my first blog

This is the first time I have ever done a blog and am quite intrigued, yet nervous! I want you all to enjoy my blog! 

The journey I had with the relaxation technique, " autogenic training" really was helpful! I suffer from a lot of stress (as we all do) and really will use the technique when I'm having a hard day or stressful situation. Additionally, when my mind is wandering at night in bed I can use these techniques to relax and use my mind and body to relax. 

I am excited to hear more about everyone's blogs!

Angie H.