Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Unit 8 Beneficial Practices

After considering the meditative practices done this semester, I would have to choose the Subtle Mind practice and Meeting Aesclepius as being the most beneficial for me.

The Subtle Mind practice allowed me to actually begin meditating the way I use to and because of the familiarity, was able to do it more easily than the other pracices.  Subtle Mind showed me that even if you have not participated in meditative practices for a long time, anyone is able to accomplish it and it comes back to you like riding a bicycle.

I enjoyed Meeting Aesclepius because of the result I attained.  Feeling as though I made contact with one of my spirit guides and the utter compassion, love, and knowledge shared was extraordinary. 

Implementing both of these practices would help me unwind from a hard day at work but I want to start sharing these experiences with my husband and children.  I really want them to feel the inner peace and joy that can be had when the mind is at peace and at rest.  I also believe that it would help my six year old with her outbursts and being so dramatic.  I am hoping that seeing a difference in Mommy will want her to make a difference in herself. 

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Meeting Aesclepius

I have to be truthful.  I have not been able to spend as much time with my meditative practices as I have wanted.  I could tell though that I needed to take the time to meditate because I was getting grumpier and grumpier as the week went on. 

I very much enjoyed the experience of track 4 "Meeting Aesclepius".  I believe I was actually able to connect with one of my spirit guides.  I haven't done that in quite some time.  When we were actually connected with the beam of white light, I could feel the warm, compassion, and knowledge.  I have always been very spiritual however during stressful times, I tend to lean on myself to solve problems and not on my faith.  That is slowly changing and I think I will continue with these meditations once the class is done. 

I can feel the difference in my mind and spirit when I do these meditations.  I am more calm, think more positively and proactively, and my compassion towards others is definitely greater. 

"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself", means to me that if you haven't experienced something, it is hard to relate to the person you are trying to help.  This would apply in the healthcare field in an area where someone has struggled for many years and you or your family members have never dealt with the same situation. 

I do feel you have an obligation to your clients to be developing health psychologically, physically, and spiritually.  If I client sees you "walking the walk and talking the talk", they can see the changes in you and stir the desire to better themselves in the process.  So by helping yourself, you may be helping others on their journey to help themselves.

I will continue to my meditative practices and strive to do more spiritually empowering exercises and start including my children and husband.  This is knowledge to be shared not horded and kept for yourself.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Loving kindness and assessment

The lines to the loving kindness meditation reminded me of the core values of Reiki so after I read the meditation and practiced it I went to my Reiki values.  I find that they blend well together.  Not only do you look out for someone other than yourself, the Reiki values help you to become the person you want to become while helping others. 

When I focused on the assessment , I discovered that I do not take any time out for myself and I believe my psychospiritual side needs more work. I keep thinking when I am done with this project then I can schedule time for me.  Well that never seems to happen.  I do give of myself and time to others though. I did find that I do volunteer in the community but it is usually connected to my job.  It is easier when you have students that need to get out in the community for experience in their field and you have to go with them.  However, I do want to start volunteering at my childrens' school where I can also show my kids that I do love them and want them to prosper.  I think that may be selfish also, but it is a start. 

I think just practicing meditations on a regular basis and speaking and demonstrating my Reiki that I can get back on the path I was a few years ago.  I was so much calmer, happier, and healtier then.  Time to reconnect. 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Subtle Mind

I found this exercise easier than the loving kindness due to it having less directions that was to be followed.  It allowed me to focus on my breath and when I could focus just on that point, I was actually able to acknowledge when there was background stuff going on and then able to let it go very easily.  This exercise allowed me to toch on a phase in my life that I have not had contact with in some time.  It really felt great to truly relax and just exist. 

When our minds are at ease, I believe our spirits are able to communicate easier to ourselves and the higher power and the body can slow down and work the way it is supposed to instead of rushed and ramped up like my normal everyday life.  I am working on the mind exercises because I want to live a peaceful, happy, and whole life, not just busy, flyby, and stressed out life.  That is not life but a one way ticket to disease. 

Very enjoyable exercise.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Loving Kindness Exercise Unit 4

My experience with this exercise was very peaceful and allowed my mind to relax and actually be able to open up an just be.  The practice was very beneficial because it helped me find the path back to where I once was.  The Loving Kindness exercise reminded me of Reiki due to the fact that one must love fully and the intent to help others be present.  Not only did the Loving Kindness exercise reach out to others but it benefits the listener as well which is a lot like how Reiki works.  Really liked it and would recommend.

The concept of a mental workout to me is using parts of the brain that may not be accessible at all times.  Meditation allows individuals to relax in such a way that our brain can forget the stressors of life for a bit gain a calm and peaceful atmosphere where I believe is when new neurological paths can be built.  I know from fact that when you meditate or work your brain in a different manner than normal you tend to reduce the anger, worry, hatred that many people experience in their lives.  I also think when we exercise our minds in different ways, we tend to delay or prevent physical ailments, such as dementia or Alzheimers.  It keeps us smart, sharp, calm, peaceful, and happy.  

I do enjoy meditating, reading, crosswords puzzles, and other games that help stimulate the mind and I believe these activities help foster psychological health.