When I did the universal loving-kindness exercise it started out with me just saying the words. After a few minutes I began to feel this sense of lightness and the words seemed to float away out into space and time. I was using my positive energy to push the words out into the world.
The integral assessment exercise was a lot more involved. I didn’t feel like I had enough time to properly reflect on each part and each question within each part. I think the first question was the easiest to answer. The biological aspect of my life is the source of difficulty and suffering. I have a handle on my nutritional needs but I need to get a handle on my fitness and self-regulation aspects. I must aim for more physical activity in each day so that I can get my body to achieve a level of homeostasis. The area of my life that is ready for growth and development is the psychospiritual quadrant. My emotional development needs some serious help because my stress level is taking my emotions all over the grid.
In some aspects of my life I am taking on too much while in others I am taking on too little. I know that I need to keep myself healthy, both for myself and for my girls. However, it is easier to sit back and read a book and use my school work as the excuse why I don’t exercise as often as I should. Finding time to develop and adhere to a regular exercise routine is not easy in my house but I will be making more of a conscious effort to do what I am supposed to do. If I can get my stress level under control it will help self-regulation.
Now that I am nearing the end of my degree program my stress level will change. I now have the task of finding the right Master’s program but I have been diligently working on that. I have also looked into certifications and other programs that can and will enhance the degree I am seeking. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of my shoulders at the moment so again, this helps with my stress level. I will meditate more and use more visualization exercises and guided mental imagery to help keep me focused and stress-free. I will also commit myself to enjoying a healthy workout since the exercise equipment will be moved into the sunroom in the backyard. I can enjoy the sun, the view, and the outdoors while getting healthy. This will give me a better mindset for pursuing my path to human flourishing.
Although I know you have a lot going on, you have recognized what you need to do to tweak things a bit to benefit your well-being. Some say the hardest step is that first step out the door, or in your case, to the sun room. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! I love how you have identified each area that needs attention but also what you are currently doing to help yourself. Keep up the great work! Allow some me time in there.
Be well!
Hello Manibri. Perhaps setting a small goal of strols after dinner would be a good start. Then, working on at least 2 days a week in the morning of physical activity. Personally, I enjoy working out at the gym. It takes me away from the home and I can concentrate better. I do have a yoga cd I do at home twice a week, but I clean my room first, close the door, put on some candles and go for it. You will find your stress levels melting and your energy lifting.
ReplyDeleteYou are off to a great start and that is realizing what needs to be done to better yourself and your life. Good luck in your education. It seems you have been working very hard and have great goals.
We all have excuses for not doing something we have been wanting to do for ourselves. Mine is going to church. Well, this morning I am going. Getting ready in 5 min. It's a way of making it a priority. Talk to you soon.
I feel the same way. I have only one more semester to go and I vow that I will incorporate more exercise into my routine. Although we know that if we add exercise to our daily routine at this point, it will reduce our stress levels. Somehow, I think it will only add to mine because it will take up more time. I think since we have such a small amount of time to go before we are done, we should make a list and our schedule for when we have completed our degrees. This will give us something to look forward to and it will also put us on the right path to start our future. Good Luck. Carol
ReplyDeleteYou are on your way to a better life; by taking the time to reflect and assess your life's aspirations and aspects of human development you have taken initiative for mindful change. I understand how much school takes up so much of our time and leaves us with a good reason to rationalize why not to exercise. I've been there and done that. Identifying were your stress levels are at, why you are stressed out, and how you cope is all part of integral health and truthful assessment of one's life. I am glad to hear you are using visualization and mental imagery to focus on positive affirmations and coping with stress. We are all different, unique individualities gives us subjective ways we deal with life's stressors. Positive affirmation and mental imagery may not be enough to relieve and deal with stress adequately (it wasn't for me). Diet and exercise also helped to manage stress levels. I wish heaven under the sun when you workout. A little bit everyday is all you need to start. I wish you good health and good things in your life's quest. Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you have a lot going in your life currently. I know that if you continue to work diligently towards your goals you will acheive them. It is important that we are aware of the things we need to work on and improve on, I believe it is the first step to change. So continue to acknowledge them until the changes began to become a reality and not simply a notion. Good luck and God bless.
ReplyDeleteGigi
Sounds like your plate is pretty full. One thing I can suggest is really taking the time to refelct on all your situations. Make the choices that benefit you the best. You have the be the driver of your destiny, in this life problems will come and go and its really how we deal with them that poses a definition of our true characters.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great grasp on what aspects you feel you should work on, and that is most of the battle in my opinion! Because you have a lot of excess stress, the exercise program you start will be great in getting rid of this. I know a good run always makes me feel better mentally than when I started. Doing something for yourself each day, such as exercise, is a great way to keep yourself healthier physically as well. Usually if I don't have much time in the day, I will exercise for just 10 minute increments throughout the day so that it fits into my schedule. Good luck with your future education plans and I wish you well! Beth
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