When we first started this class and based on a scale of 1 - 10,
I gave to myself a level 8 in the follwing areas:
1) Physical
2) Spiritual
3) Psychological
Then, I agreed to improve these levels of health by adding more:
1) Physical - Exercise and a better diet to my weekly schedule.
2) Spiritual - Prayer to my daily schedule.
3) Psychological - Meditation time to my weekly schedule.
Now, at the end of this class, I would say that all three of my levels of health, have gone up from an eight to a level 9. This is because, the meditation - psychological exercises have helped me to be more able to focus on what I need to do. This, in turn, has helped the other two aspects of my health - physical and spiritual. I still have some more work to do on this, but advancing slowly might be better than a "Quick Fix."
Monday, July 19, 2010
INTEGRAL HEALING - WHAT I LEARNED FROM THIS CLASS - UNIT 10
First, the definition of the Integral Healing approach, can best be described by one of its pioneers,
Elliott Dacher. Dacher (2006), states that Integral Health is: “self-generated and self-cultivated, that leads to a comprehensive, holistic, and far-reaching healing of body, mind, and spirit and that is immune to life’s adversities, including disease, aging, and death” (p. 3).
The following meditation exercise from this class, were the most helpful to me and based on my professional
judgement, I think that they would be the most beneficial to my future clients because:
1) Subtle Mind Meditation - This helps for a person to learn how to calm the mind, so that you can see things from a non-judging point of view. This also helps, so that you can feel more united with the rest of humanity.
2) Integral Assessment - This helps for a person to be able to calm the mind and then ask “what is the source of my distress?” If you can calm your mind, the answers will arrive to you.
3) Loving Kindness Meditation - This helps for a person to be able to give and receive love for others, ourselves and even to our enemies. With all of the negativity in the world, this is very important (the Universal Loving Kindness Meditation is very similar to this one, but it works on a universal scale.)
The other meditations from this class were not quite as helpful for me, but I would definitely keep them in mind for the future. However, I would only recommend them for the advanced meditator. For instance:
1) The Crime of the Century - This could work well for someone, who would like to work through their chakras. Although, it would be the most helpful for the person to have an understanding of what each of the chakras centers and their corresponding colors meant, prior to the exercise. People who remain stuck in their healing, could benefit from this if they are unaware of the source of the problem.
2) The Meeting of Asclepius - This might be a good one for someone, who is asking for the guidance from a loved one or leader if they were stuck in a personality pattern or a problem cycle. For instance, many people in the world, would ask the leader of their faith. e.g. Jesus, Buddha, Moses or Mohammed to submerge their soul or heart with theirs, so that they can make the right decisions.
Then as far as learning about the basic information of the Integral Health philosophy, it was very helpful to learn about the following:
1) That this process is based on the “Five Guiding Principles of the Integral Approach to Healing” as follows:
a) Holistic
b) Evolutionary
c) Intentional
d) Person-Centered
e) Dynamic
2) That the four aspects of our “holistic” (whole) human healing experiences are based on:
a) Psychospiritual - Conative, Cognitive, Emotional
b) Biological - Fitness, Nutrition, Self-Regulation
c) Interpersonal - Personal, Family, Community
d) Worldly - Generatively, Social Activision, Work
3) Some very important websites to keep as a reference are:
a) Integral Institute - http://www.integralinstitute.org/
b) Integral Health and Human flourishing - http://www.elliottdacher.org/html/main.html
c) Integral Life - http://integrallife.com/
Last, it is very important to continue keeping our minds with the thoughts of well-being, love, kindness, joy, gratitude, optimission and health to promote ourselves as "Mental Olympians." The more that we continue to practice these positive thoughts, the more mentally integrated that our minds will become. Based on this gamma wave mind state, we should continue to state the motto “Go Gamma.”
Please feel free to keep in touch with me via this blog. Cheers to a Happy Precious Life!
Maria Lee Wey
Future BS, CTN and Writer
******************************************************
References
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Integral institute. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://www.integralinstitute.org/
Integral life: Free to be fully human. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://integrallife.com/
Ours is a precious human life. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://www.elliottdacher.org/html/main.html
Elliott Dacher. Dacher (2006), states that Integral Health is: “self-generated and self-cultivated, that leads to a comprehensive, holistic, and far-reaching healing of body, mind, and spirit and that is immune to life’s adversities, including disease, aging, and death” (p. 3).
The following meditation exercise from this class, were the most helpful to me and based on my professional
judgement, I think that they would be the most beneficial to my future clients because:
1) Subtle Mind Meditation - This helps for a person to learn how to calm the mind, so that you can see things from a non-judging point of view. This also helps, so that you can feel more united with the rest of humanity.
2) Integral Assessment - This helps for a person to be able to calm the mind and then ask “what is the source of my distress?” If you can calm your mind, the answers will arrive to you.
3) Loving Kindness Meditation - This helps for a person to be able to give and receive love for others, ourselves and even to our enemies. With all of the negativity in the world, this is very important (the Universal Loving Kindness Meditation is very similar to this one, but it works on a universal scale.)
The other meditations from this class were not quite as helpful for me, but I would definitely keep them in mind for the future. However, I would only recommend them for the advanced meditator. For instance:
1) The Crime of the Century - This could work well for someone, who would like to work through their chakras. Although, it would be the most helpful for the person to have an understanding of what each of the chakras centers and their corresponding colors meant, prior to the exercise. People who remain stuck in their healing, could benefit from this if they are unaware of the source of the problem.
2) The Meeting of Asclepius - This might be a good one for someone, who is asking for the guidance from a loved one or leader if they were stuck in a personality pattern or a problem cycle. For instance, many people in the world, would ask the leader of their faith. e.g. Jesus, Buddha, Moses or Mohammed to submerge their soul or heart with theirs, so that they can make the right decisions.
Then as far as learning about the basic information of the Integral Health philosophy, it was very helpful to learn about the following:
1) That this process is based on the “Five Guiding Principles of the Integral Approach to Healing” as follows:
a) Holistic
b) Evolutionary
c) Intentional
d) Person-Centered
e) Dynamic
2) That the four aspects of our “holistic” (whole) human healing experiences are based on:
a) Psychospiritual - Conative, Cognitive, Emotional
b) Biological - Fitness, Nutrition, Self-Regulation
c) Interpersonal - Personal, Family, Community
d) Worldly - Generatively, Social Activision, Work
3) Some very important websites to keep as a reference are:
a) Integral Institute - http://www.integralinstitute.org/
b) Integral Health and Human flourishing - http://www.elliottdacher.org/html/main.html
c) Integral Life - http://integrallife.com/
Last, it is very important to continue keeping our minds with the thoughts of well-being, love, kindness, joy, gratitude, optimission and health to promote ourselves as "Mental Olympians." The more that we continue to practice these positive thoughts, the more mentally integrated that our minds will become. Based on this gamma wave mind state, we should continue to state the motto “Go Gamma.”
Please feel free to keep in touch with me via this blog. Cheers to a Happy Precious Life!
Maria Lee Wey
Future BS, CTN and Writer
******************************************************
References
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Integral institute. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://www.integralinstitute.org/
Integral life: Free to be fully human. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://integrallife.com/
Ours is a precious human life. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://www.elliottdacher.org/html/main.html
Monday, July 12, 2010
PERSONAL APPLICATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING - UNIT 9
The Integral Health Plan: The Path for Spiritual, Physical, and Psychological Growth
The following is an integral health plan that can help promote spiritual, physical and psychological growth. The steps for this path are noted in the order of: 1) introduction, 2) assessment, 3) goal development,
4) practices for personal health and 5) commitment.
Introduction
It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically because in order to set the example, we must have full integral health in our own lives first. This is because we are transforming medicine and evolving it to a new level, not just expanding the medical protocol. As the practitioner, we must enter the transforming process if we are to change the medicine that we are practicing. Although, this is a great opportunity, so that we can “walk the talk” as fully trained healers to this underdeveloped aspect of our current modern day medicine. An explanation of this process is explained as How to Become Agents of More Expansive Health:
1) Begin with Our Own Life Through Hands on Learning >
Practice Psychological Development and Contemplative Practice Exceptionally.
2) Understand the Process of Healing Firsthand as We Evolve Into a More Integral Healthy Life >
Experience the Benefits Ourselves.
3) Come to Know the Alleviation of Suffering and Human Flourishing >
See That it is More Than Just Ideas.
4) Gain Confidence and Trust with This Health Practice >
Help Others End Human Suffering Through This Same Healing Method.
5) Personal Work Becomes a Sacred Responsibility to Create a Better World
> Health and Healing Become Alive for Us.
6) Return of the “Soul of Medicine” > See That This is the Natural State.
(Dacher, 2006).
The areas that I need to develop most in my life in order to achieve the human flourishing goals that I have for myself are based on the four aspects of human experience––biological, worldly, interpersonal and psychospiritual––and their progressive levels to each.
Since, for the most part, I am maintaining pretty well in the areas of biological, worldly and interpersonal,
I would say that the most work that I need to do falls in the category of psychospiritual as follows:
1) Conative - Need to motivate my values more from that of “ instinctual, and reactive” fear to more of
“wisdom, wholeness, oneness, compassion and universal loving kindness” vision and values.
2) Cognitive - Need to stabilize my level of cognition more from that of “reactive, conditioned, and self-
protective” to more of “meaning, purpose and fulfillment” essential truth of non-cognitive state of pure awareness.
3) Emotional - Need to stabilize my emotions more from being dominated by my desires, anger, and fear”
reactive states to more of “neutral state between afflictive emotions and transient pleasure” stable and expansive emotions (Dacher, 2006).
Assessment
Based on the most current integral development assessment, the areas of my spiritual, physical, and psychological wellness, were placed on a bar graph, just as Ken Wilbur, the inventor of the integral theory, suggested. Thus, on a scale of 1 - 10, the following areas of my life were scored at:
1) Nutrition, Generativity - Level 10 for excellent
2) Fitness, Self-Regulation, Social Activism, Work - Level 8 for very good
3) Personal, Family, Community - Level 6 for good
4) Conative, Cognitive, Emotional - Level 4 for fair
Even though I am still working with a low paying job, while attending college, I place a number one importance on my diet as far as nutrition is concerned. My high level of generativity is also reflected with this, since I make it a point to pass on information to others about, where to purchase low cost healthy food. In the areas of fitness, self-regulation and social activism, I really do try. However, due to my very busy work and college schedule, this is not as high as it could be right now. It will improve though, once I graduate from college and have more free time. The same holds true, for my personal, family and community health. Although, I make it a point to contact my family, who live far away from where I live, either by way of e-mail or telephone calls. Then, I do get out with friends, during school terms breaks or holidays. If there is a volunteer program going on for the community at my work place, which does not require after hours work, I often volunteer here as well. The last area of conative, cognitive and emotional all tested out as fair right now with this assessment but this is because I am just now learning the integral health meditation exercises(Dacher, 2006).
Goal Development
In reference to my physical, psychological (mental) and spiritual health, I must say that the goal development has been most challenging to maintain perfectly as a designated routine. However, giving up is not an option that I plan on doing, so I will continue to write out my goals from this day and after. Very importantly, I plan on keeping my physical fitness routine and to maintain a healthy diet. Then, most certainly for my psychological health, I plan to visit the Integral Health Institute web site and to practice the integral health exercises that I learned from this Creating Wellness: Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing class. Next, most definitely for my spiritual health, I plan to attend the periodic workshops that are offered from my faith group and to continue with meditation and prayer at my home in the evenings. For example the Domain Goal Developments:
1) Physical - Goal 1 - Keep a physical exercise routine. Goal 2 - Maintain a good diet.
2) Psychological -Goal 1 - Visit integral health institute web site. Goal 2 - Practice integral health persona from exercises.
3) Spiritual - Goal 1 - Attend workshops from my faith group. Goal 2 - Meditation and pray at my home.
(Dacher, 2006).
The strategies that I plan to implement to help foster the growth of each of my physical, psychological, and spiritual domain goals (2 each) are as Practices for Personal Health:
1) Physical - First, I would keep a weekly physical exercise routine at placed of employment noon classes
three times per week. Then, second, I would maintain a good daily diet, which includes items from all of the main food groups. In addition, organic, vegetarian, omega 3 & 6 oils, water with stevia sweetener only.
2) Psychological - First, I would visit the integral health institute web site - http://www.integralinstitute.org/ -
on a bi-monthly basis to obtain current information. Then, second, I would practice the integral health exercises of the Chakra - Crime of the Century, Subtle Mind, Loving Kindness, Integral Assessment and the Asclepian Meditations when time permitted and based on “What is the right time for me?” rule for an integral health persona.
3) Spiritual - First, I would attend my weekly faith group meetings and bi-annual workshops. Second, I would meditate and pray at my home, each late evening on my yoga blanket that is set out in my living room in front of the meditation table (Dacher, 2006).
Commitment
A way that I could assess my progress or lack of progress, during the next six months, could be from the use of a bar graph chart, just as mentioned in the previous Assessment section. For example the bar graph chart could be created, using all 12 of the progressive levels –– fitness, nutrition, self-regulation, generativity, social, activism, work, personal, family, community, conative, cognitive and emotional –– from the four aspects of human experience –– biological, worldly, interpersonal and psychospiritual and weekly check marks could be placed under each section, every day for the level that I check out to assess my health level of spirit, body and mind.
The strategies that I could use to help assist with maintaining my long-term practices for health and wellness, could be to keep a log book of this Commitment Chart up on my wall, like a monthly calendar. This would be a wonderful way to monitor my progress. In addition, and at a glance, I could see what areas that I need to improve in and if there are any patterns that might be occurring. There would be no need to incorporate rewards, since the results at their highest level would be the reward itself. This would be that of total integral health (Wilbur, 2010).
The following is an integral health plan that can help promote spiritual, physical and psychological growth. The steps for this path are noted in the order of: 1) introduction, 2) assessment, 3) goal development, 4) practices for personal health and 5) commitment. In conclusion and to promote this health plan, it will continue to be necessary to practice the meditation exercises and to monitor the level of our health to gain the maximum benefits. Initially, this should be done with the guidance of a practitioner and from the support of a center for human flourishing. Then, very importantly, one must forever remember to “Meet with Asclepius”, the wise healer, who resides within each of us, who will help guide us through the exercises and the entire integral health process at all times (Dacher, 2006).
References
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Wilbur, K. (2010). Waves, streams, states, and self--A summary of my psychological mode. Retrieved July 12, 2010 from ttp://wilber.shambhala.com/html/books/psych_model/psych_model1.cfm/
PLEASE NOTE:
The tables in my final paper would not transfer properly, so I just added the italized heading of each in an example format.
The following is an integral health plan that can help promote spiritual, physical and psychological growth. The steps for this path are noted in the order of: 1) introduction, 2) assessment, 3) goal development,
4) practices for personal health and 5) commitment.
Introduction
It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically because in order to set the example, we must have full integral health in our own lives first. This is because we are transforming medicine and evolving it to a new level, not just expanding the medical protocol. As the practitioner, we must enter the transforming process if we are to change the medicine that we are practicing. Although, this is a great opportunity, so that we can “walk the talk” as fully trained healers to this underdeveloped aspect of our current modern day medicine. An explanation of this process is explained as How to Become Agents of More Expansive Health:
1) Begin with Our Own Life Through Hands on Learning >
Practice Psychological Development and Contemplative Practice Exceptionally.
2) Understand the Process of Healing Firsthand as We Evolve Into a More Integral Healthy Life >
Experience the Benefits Ourselves.
3) Come to Know the Alleviation of Suffering and Human Flourishing >
See That it is More Than Just Ideas.
4) Gain Confidence and Trust with This Health Practice >
Help Others End Human Suffering Through This Same Healing Method.
5) Personal Work Becomes a Sacred Responsibility to Create a Better World
> Health and Healing Become Alive for Us.
6) Return of the “Soul of Medicine” > See That This is the Natural State.
(Dacher, 2006).
The areas that I need to develop most in my life in order to achieve the human flourishing goals that I have for myself are based on the four aspects of human experience––biological, worldly, interpersonal and psychospiritual––and their progressive levels to each.
Since, for the most part, I am maintaining pretty well in the areas of biological, worldly and interpersonal,
I would say that the most work that I need to do falls in the category of psychospiritual as follows:
1) Conative - Need to motivate my values more from that of “ instinctual, and reactive” fear to more of
“wisdom, wholeness, oneness, compassion and universal loving kindness” vision and values.
2) Cognitive - Need to stabilize my level of cognition more from that of “reactive, conditioned, and self-
protective” to more of “meaning, purpose and fulfillment” essential truth of non-cognitive state of pure awareness.
3) Emotional - Need to stabilize my emotions more from being dominated by my desires, anger, and fear”
reactive states to more of “neutral state between afflictive emotions and transient pleasure” stable and expansive emotions (Dacher, 2006).
Assessment
Based on the most current integral development assessment, the areas of my spiritual, physical, and psychological wellness, were placed on a bar graph, just as Ken Wilbur, the inventor of the integral theory, suggested. Thus, on a scale of 1 - 10, the following areas of my life were scored at:
1) Nutrition, Generativity - Level 10 for excellent
2) Fitness, Self-Regulation, Social Activism, Work - Level 8 for very good
3) Personal, Family, Community - Level 6 for good
4) Conative, Cognitive, Emotional - Level 4 for fair
Even though I am still working with a low paying job, while attending college, I place a number one importance on my diet as far as nutrition is concerned. My high level of generativity is also reflected with this, since I make it a point to pass on information to others about, where to purchase low cost healthy food. In the areas of fitness, self-regulation and social activism, I really do try. However, due to my very busy work and college schedule, this is not as high as it could be right now. It will improve though, once I graduate from college and have more free time. The same holds true, for my personal, family and community health. Although, I make it a point to contact my family, who live far away from where I live, either by way of e-mail or telephone calls. Then, I do get out with friends, during school terms breaks or holidays. If there is a volunteer program going on for the community at my work place, which does not require after hours work, I often volunteer here as well. The last area of conative, cognitive and emotional all tested out as fair right now with this assessment but this is because I am just now learning the integral health meditation exercises(Dacher, 2006).
Goal Development
In reference to my physical, psychological (mental) and spiritual health, I must say that the goal development has been most challenging to maintain perfectly as a designated routine. However, giving up is not an option that I plan on doing, so I will continue to write out my goals from this day and after. Very importantly, I plan on keeping my physical fitness routine and to maintain a healthy diet. Then, most certainly for my psychological health, I plan to visit the Integral Health Institute web site and to practice the integral health exercises that I learned from this Creating Wellness: Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing class. Next, most definitely for my spiritual health, I plan to attend the periodic workshops that are offered from my faith group and to continue with meditation and prayer at my home in the evenings. For example the Domain Goal Developments:
1) Physical - Goal 1 - Keep a physical exercise routine. Goal 2 - Maintain a good diet.
2) Psychological -Goal 1 - Visit integral health institute web site. Goal 2 - Practice integral health persona from exercises.
3) Spiritual - Goal 1 - Attend workshops from my faith group. Goal 2 - Meditation and pray at my home.
(Dacher, 2006).
The strategies that I plan to implement to help foster the growth of each of my physical, psychological, and spiritual domain goals (2 each) are as Practices for Personal Health:
1) Physical - First, I would keep a weekly physical exercise routine at placed of employment noon classes
three times per week. Then, second, I would maintain a good daily diet, which includes items from all of the main food groups. In addition, organic, vegetarian, omega 3 & 6 oils, water with stevia sweetener only.
2) Psychological - First, I would visit the integral health institute web site - http://www.integralinstitute.org/ -
on a bi-monthly basis to obtain current information. Then, second, I would practice the integral health exercises of the Chakra - Crime of the Century, Subtle Mind, Loving Kindness, Integral Assessment and the Asclepian Meditations when time permitted and based on “What is the right time for me?” rule for an integral health persona.
3) Spiritual - First, I would attend my weekly faith group meetings and bi-annual workshops. Second, I would meditate and pray at my home, each late evening on my yoga blanket that is set out in my living room in front of the meditation table (Dacher, 2006).
Commitment
A way that I could assess my progress or lack of progress, during the next six months, could be from the use of a bar graph chart, just as mentioned in the previous Assessment section. For example the bar graph chart could be created, using all 12 of the progressive levels –– fitness, nutrition, self-regulation, generativity, social, activism, work, personal, family, community, conative, cognitive and emotional –– from the four aspects of human experience –– biological, worldly, interpersonal and psychospiritual and weekly check marks could be placed under each section, every day for the level that I check out to assess my health level of spirit, body and mind.
The strategies that I could use to help assist with maintaining my long-term practices for health and wellness, could be to keep a log book of this Commitment Chart up on my wall, like a monthly calendar. This would be a wonderful way to monitor my progress. In addition, and at a glance, I could see what areas that I need to improve in and if there are any patterns that might be occurring. There would be no need to incorporate rewards, since the results at their highest level would be the reward itself. This would be that of total integral health (Wilbur, 2010).
The following is an integral health plan that can help promote spiritual, physical and psychological growth. The steps for this path are noted in the order of: 1) introduction, 2) assessment, 3) goal development, 4) practices for personal health and 5) commitment. In conclusion and to promote this health plan, it will continue to be necessary to practice the meditation exercises and to monitor the level of our health to gain the maximum benefits. Initially, this should be done with the guidance of a practitioner and from the support of a center for human flourishing. Then, very importantly, one must forever remember to “Meet with Asclepius”, the wise healer, who resides within each of us, who will help guide us through the exercises and the entire integral health process at all times (Dacher, 2006).
References
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Wilbur, K. (2010). Waves, streams, states, and self--A summary of my psychological mode. Retrieved July 12, 2010 from ttp://wilber.shambhala.com/html/books/psych_model/psych_model1.cfm/
PLEASE NOTE:
The tables in my final paper would not transfer properly, so I just added the italized heading of each in an example format.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
PRACTICES THAT ARE THE MOST BENEFICIAL IN THIS COURSE - UNIT 8
Based on the exercises that I have so far completed in this course, the most beneficial practice sessions for me have been the: 1) Integral Assessment and the 2) Loving Kindness Meditation.
During these past few weeks, I have been working with the Integral Assessment to help identify what areas of my life are the sources of my distress. Thus by sitting in a comfortable position, with my eyes closed, I am able to still my mind and ask “what aspect of my life - Psychospiritual, Biological, Interpersonal, or Worldly - is the source of my difficulty or my suffering?” Since I was so successful with my first few attempts for this practice, I have continued to work with it. This is an example of the last one that I did:
1) Question: What is wrong with my computer? Why can I not get it to work? Is it me?
2) Answer: Psychospiritual - You need to think more POSITIVE. Keep trouble-shooting. Don’t give up.
During this term, I have used the Loving Kindness Meditation with some great results. During this meditation, I am able to quiet my mind and concentrate on sending love to another person, who I love (one who is content and another loved one, who is suffering), myself, and to strangers. Since I did very well with my first few attempts, I just recently practiced this for the following reason:
1) Problem: Having problems with those, who behave NEGATIVE towards me in my life.
2) Solution: Practice the Loving Kindness Meditation. Then, even though I am firm with these people, I do not harbor hatred towards them. Try to hold them in the “light of God” for direction. It seems to work. This is probably because as they say “Like attracts like.” There can be no tug of war if the other side firmly agrees not to participate.
Thus by continuing the Integral Assessment practice of quieting my mind, I am able to see the answers to my life’s problems with more clarity. By continuing with the Loving Kindness meditation, I am able to lift the negative energy that I sometimes get from others, off of my shoulders and to obtain a calmer state of mind.
Last, I would definitely recommend the 1) Integral Assessment and the 2) Loving Kindness Meditation to my clients for the same reasons that I find them helpful for my own integral health. This is due to the fact that making health decisions and dealing with other people, do tend to be some of the most crucial issues that many of us face. Yes, these areas seem to cause a vast amount of stress in most of our lives.
Reference
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
During these past few weeks, I have been working with the Integral Assessment to help identify what areas of my life are the sources of my distress. Thus by sitting in a comfortable position, with my eyes closed, I am able to still my mind and ask “what aspect of my life - Psychospiritual, Biological, Interpersonal, or Worldly - is the source of my difficulty or my suffering?” Since I was so successful with my first few attempts for this practice, I have continued to work with it. This is an example of the last one that I did:
1) Question: What is wrong with my computer? Why can I not get it to work? Is it me?
2) Answer: Psychospiritual - You need to think more POSITIVE. Keep trouble-shooting. Don’t give up.
During this term, I have used the Loving Kindness Meditation with some great results. During this meditation, I am able to quiet my mind and concentrate on sending love to another person, who I love (one who is content and another loved one, who is suffering), myself, and to strangers. Since I did very well with my first few attempts, I just recently practiced this for the following reason:
1) Problem: Having problems with those, who behave NEGATIVE towards me in my life.
2) Solution: Practice the Loving Kindness Meditation. Then, even though I am firm with these people, I do not harbor hatred towards them. Try to hold them in the “light of God” for direction. It seems to work. This is probably because as they say “Like attracts like.” There can be no tug of war if the other side firmly agrees not to participate.
Thus by continuing the Integral Assessment practice of quieting my mind, I am able to see the answers to my life’s problems with more clarity. By continuing with the Loving Kindness meditation, I am able to lift the negative energy that I sometimes get from others, off of my shoulders and to obtain a calmer state of mind.
Last, I would definitely recommend the 1) Integral Assessment and the 2) Loving Kindness Meditation to my clients for the same reasons that I find them helpful for my own integral health. This is due to the fact that making health decisions and dealing with other people, do tend to be some of the most crucial issues that many of us face. Yes, these areas seem to cause a vast amount of stress in most of our lives.
Reference
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Monday, June 28, 2010
"Meeting Asciepius" - Unit 7
The following is a description of my meditative practice:
I was able to sit comfortably and quite my mind for the Asciepius Meditation. Then, I visualized that my grandmother, who passed away two years ago, was in front of me. I even called out her name twice to make sure that she knew that I wanted to meditate with her. Just to make sure, prior to the meditation, I asked her how she remembered me. Then, some words that I have forgotten about popped into my head. e.g. 1) the chocolate fudge and the earrings that I used to give to her for Christmas, and 2) the walks that we used to take with each other. I also felt a tickling on my right arm that seemed “unique”, so I figured that she had heard me and was ready to commune meditatively.
Next, I formed a white light around the crown of her head. Then, I allowed all of this light to permeate my mind, so that it would purify my thoughts, feelings and images . This was so that my mind would transform into the type of mind that she had. Then, I allowed a strong beam of light to connect from her throat and over to mine. Thus purified my heart with kindness, love, and compassion, which transformed my heart to be just as hers.
After this, my mind, voice, and heart was ready to take on the persona of my wise grandmother. In doing so, I felt all of the love that she felt for the world, and for her children when she used to walk on this earth, during her last lifetime. At the same time, I could sense that she was trying to tell me that this, or “love” was the most important thing to gain in this world. Then, we can prepare for the world to come.
Last I allowed my grandmother to turn into a bright white light, which entered my body from my forehead and slowly overtook my entire being, until “I” became the wise one. I stayed in this meditative state, until I felt totally absorbed in the mind set of my grandmother. The Asciepius state of the healer of the mind, body, and speech. However, after awhile I realized that these aspects have always been inside of me, even though it was easier to see these inner qualities of myself as another person. Asclepius is none other than the natural and wise essence of my heart and mind. The healer within me that will lead me to integral health.
In my opinion, the saying: "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” means that we as students of the Integral Health program, must continue to master this path. Otherwise, how can we effectively lead our clients through a healthier path, such as this? If we experience the transformation from ill health to integral health by using the proper steps, we will fully understand how to lead another down the same path, even if there are stumbling blocks along the way. We, as practitioners have an obligation to practice what we preach, and that is to be of sound mind, body and spirit.
I was able to sit comfortably and quite my mind for the Asciepius Meditation. Then, I visualized that my grandmother, who passed away two years ago, was in front of me. I even called out her name twice to make sure that she knew that I wanted to meditate with her. Just to make sure, prior to the meditation, I asked her how she remembered me. Then, some words that I have forgotten about popped into my head. e.g. 1) the chocolate fudge and the earrings that I used to give to her for Christmas, and 2) the walks that we used to take with each other. I also felt a tickling on my right arm that seemed “unique”, so I figured that she had heard me and was ready to commune meditatively.
Next, I formed a white light around the crown of her head. Then, I allowed all of this light to permeate my mind, so that it would purify my thoughts, feelings and images . This was so that my mind would transform into the type of mind that she had. Then, I allowed a strong beam of light to connect from her throat and over to mine. Thus purified my heart with kindness, love, and compassion, which transformed my heart to be just as hers.
After this, my mind, voice, and heart was ready to take on the persona of my wise grandmother. In doing so, I felt all of the love that she felt for the world, and for her children when she used to walk on this earth, during her last lifetime. At the same time, I could sense that she was trying to tell me that this, or “love” was the most important thing to gain in this world. Then, we can prepare for the world to come.
Last I allowed my grandmother to turn into a bright white light, which entered my body from my forehead and slowly overtook my entire being, until “I” became the wise one. I stayed in this meditative state, until I felt totally absorbed in the mind set of my grandmother. The Asciepius state of the healer of the mind, body, and speech. However, after awhile I realized that these aspects have always been inside of me, even though it was easier to see these inner qualities of myself as another person. Asclepius is none other than the natural and wise essence of my heart and mind. The healer within me that will lead me to integral health.
In my opinion, the saying: "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” means that we as students of the Integral Health program, must continue to master this path. Otherwise, how can we effectively lead our clients through a healthier path, such as this? If we experience the transformation from ill health to integral health by using the proper steps, we will fully understand how to lead another down the same path, even if there are stumbling blocks along the way. We, as practitioners have an obligation to practice what we preach, and that is to be of sound mind, body and spirit.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Universal Loving Kindness (Meditation) and Integral Assessment - Unit 6
The Practice of the Universal Loving Kindness (Meditation) Exercise
When working with this Loving Kindness meditation, I did as such:
1. I sat in a comfortable position and closed my eyes for a minute or two of rest.
2. After I relaxed and stilled my mind, I recited the following:
• May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.
• May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
• May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.
• May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness.
(Dacher, 2006).
While I was reciting this, I felt a universal connection to all of life. Since I have no prejudices to anyone in regard to race, ethnic group or religion, this exercise was not too difficult for me to do. As an additional touch, I also visualized the consciousness level of our world, surrounded by the beautiful light of God’s love to help promote a higher understanding of differences.
The Completion of the Integral Assessment
When working with the Integral Assessment to identify my areas of distress, I did as suggested:
1. I sat in a comfortable position and closed my eyes.
2. While in stillness, I concentrated on my life and asked myself “what aspect of my life - Psychospiritual, Biological, Interpersonal, or Worldly - is the source of my difficulty or my suffering?”
3. The area that came up was that of the Interpersonal section of “Community.” After meditating further, I realized that I am still in conflict as to whether or not, I should move closer to my family, who live in the Ozark mountains. That is, the Ozark mountains, where there is very little opportunity, or to stay in the Washington, DC area, where there is plenty of opportunity (where I have lived since 1997 after I transferred out of the service from my second duty station.) After I asked this question, I remembered what sincere troubled times that I had, while living in the Ozarks from the years of 1977 - 1992. e.g. there were no jobs, and somehow many of the rural people, who I went to school with all, seemed to be very fundamental and prejudice. Some of the people were very nice, but many I could not relate to. Was it just my luck at the time, or was this as difficult as it seemed to be? My family chose to retire there to escape the Minnesota winters, where my grandmother was from, however, the warmer climate of the Ozarks of where my grandfather was from was not perfect, either. Other ideas, came in to my mind such as… If, I do transfer back to live closer to my home and family, am I willing to take this chance again? Is my family worth it? I am sure that I could meet a few nice friends, and then if I meet adversity, then I can just ignore it. Is my family worth this?
Then what about employment? I only have five more years of grueling work and then I can retire from the 20 years that I put in with the federal government and the military. It might be better to just wait until then with the way that the economy is. If I had a pension, then I could start a business? However, it is so sad to think that I will never live near my mother again… My decisions all lean towards that of staying in Maryland, where I am now. I will continue to meditate on this. Maybe God will send to me a miracle and then I can take an entire month off from work like some of the professionals do, once I graduate (Dacher, 2006).
I just found out that my paternal great grandmother, Mamalta Catalina also worked for 20 years of her life... or did nothing but work, like I have and then she finally settled down with the man who my father calls "Papa Eurgo." Guess that I followed her footsteps, without realizing it until now! However, with integral health, one can go far at any age.
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
When working with this Loving Kindness meditation, I did as such:
1. I sat in a comfortable position and closed my eyes for a minute or two of rest.
2. After I relaxed and stilled my mind, I recited the following:
• May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.
• May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
• May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.
• May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness.
(Dacher, 2006).
While I was reciting this, I felt a universal connection to all of life. Since I have no prejudices to anyone in regard to race, ethnic group or religion, this exercise was not too difficult for me to do. As an additional touch, I also visualized the consciousness level of our world, surrounded by the beautiful light of God’s love to help promote a higher understanding of differences.
The Completion of the Integral Assessment
When working with the Integral Assessment to identify my areas of distress, I did as suggested:
1. I sat in a comfortable position and closed my eyes.
2. While in stillness, I concentrated on my life and asked myself “what aspect of my life - Psychospiritual, Biological, Interpersonal, or Worldly - is the source of my difficulty or my suffering?”
3. The area that came up was that of the Interpersonal section of “Community.” After meditating further, I realized that I am still in conflict as to whether or not, I should move closer to my family, who live in the Ozark mountains. That is, the Ozark mountains, where there is very little opportunity, or to stay in the Washington, DC area, where there is plenty of opportunity (where I have lived since 1997 after I transferred out of the service from my second duty station.) After I asked this question, I remembered what sincere troubled times that I had, while living in the Ozarks from the years of 1977 - 1992. e.g. there were no jobs, and somehow many of the rural people, who I went to school with all, seemed to be very fundamental and prejudice. Some of the people were very nice, but many I could not relate to. Was it just my luck at the time, or was this as difficult as it seemed to be? My family chose to retire there to escape the Minnesota winters, where my grandmother was from, however, the warmer climate of the Ozarks of where my grandfather was from was not perfect, either. Other ideas, came in to my mind such as… If, I do transfer back to live closer to my home and family, am I willing to take this chance again? Is my family worth it? I am sure that I could meet a few nice friends, and then if I meet adversity, then I can just ignore it. Is my family worth this?
Then what about employment? I only have five more years of grueling work and then I can retire from the 20 years that I put in with the federal government and the military. It might be better to just wait until then with the way that the economy is. If I had a pension, then I could start a business? However, it is so sad to think that I will never live near my mother again… My decisions all lean towards that of staying in Maryland, where I am now. I will continue to meditate on this. Maybe God will send to me a miracle and then I can take an entire month off from work like some of the professionals do, once I graduate (Dacher, 2006).
I just found out that my paternal great grandmother, Mamalta Catalina also worked for 20 years of her life... or did nothing but work, like I have and then she finally settled down with the man who my father calls "Papa Eurgo." Guess that I followed her footsteps, without realizing it until now! However, with integral health, one can go far at any age.
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
SUBTLE MIND - UNIT 5
The Meditation Exercise Reflection
The “Loving Kindness” exercise is a four part meditation of sending love out to your loved ones, enemies, yourself and then out to everyone in the world by that of using "the breath" to inhale pain and to exhale love. The "Subtle Mind" exercise is a three part meditation of the witnessing, calm-abiding and unifying the conscious mind.
These meditations had the similarities of “witnessing your thoughts”, versus just grasping and clinging to them (this can give you room to create new ideas and to throw out negative patterns.) These meditations were different in that the Loving Kindness exercise was about sending out “love” and the Subtle Mind exercise was about "stilling the mind, and witnessing your thoughts, so that you can connect to a unity consciousness state" (this allows you to calm the mind, so that can you can replace activity with intention, and feel connected to all of life.)
It took me a three times to be able to do the Subtle Mind meditation. In addition, like the Loving Kindness meditation, I felt that a lot of energy had been lifted off of my shoulders, and that I had a much calmer mind, after I finished.
The Connection of the Spiritual Wellness to Mental and Physical Wellness
This connection can be explained by when we are able to eliminate the thoughts of negativity, such as hate, anger and jealousy with that of positive thoughts. This calmer state of mind helps the physical body function better. For example, this can be done with the biofeedback techniques of breathing and visualization to decrease sensitivity to pain, diminishes circulatory problems, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
This is all manifested in my personal life, when I spend time with meditation, prayer and affirmation therapy.
The “Loving Kindness” exercise is a four part meditation of sending love out to your loved ones, enemies, yourself and then out to everyone in the world by that of using "the breath" to inhale pain and to exhale love. The "Subtle Mind" exercise is a three part meditation of the witnessing, calm-abiding and unifying the conscious mind.
These meditations had the similarities of “witnessing your thoughts”, versus just grasping and clinging to them (this can give you room to create new ideas and to throw out negative patterns.) These meditations were different in that the Loving Kindness exercise was about sending out “love” and the Subtle Mind exercise was about "stilling the mind, and witnessing your thoughts, so that you can connect to a unity consciousness state" (this allows you to calm the mind, so that can you can replace activity with intention, and feel connected to all of life.)
It took me a three times to be able to do the Subtle Mind meditation. In addition, like the Loving Kindness meditation, I felt that a lot of energy had been lifted off of my shoulders, and that I had a much calmer mind, after I finished.
The Connection of the Spiritual Wellness to Mental and Physical Wellness
This connection can be explained by when we are able to eliminate the thoughts of negativity, such as hate, anger and jealousy with that of positive thoughts. This calmer state of mind helps the physical body function better. For example, this can be done with the biofeedback techniques of breathing and visualization to decrease sensitivity to pain, diminishes circulatory problems, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
This is all manifested in my personal life, when I spend time with meditation, prayer and affirmation therapy.
Monday, June 7, 2010
LOVING KINDNESS - UNIT 4
To describe my experience, this is what occurred:
1. I visualized a loved one. This was my mother. I saw the two of us walking along the beach in our sundresses. Then, I saw a vision of us working in my mother’s organic garden that she has at her home in the Ozark mountains. Next, I let all of the love that I feel for her, fill my heart and then I sent this to her.
2. I took the love in my heart that I feel for my mother, and sent it to myself, while I sat in
a meditative state. During this meditation, I did not grasp at any way that I felt and I was at total peace with myself and the sensations of my body. After awhile, I went deeper into my mind and just “observed” what I felt. The sensations that I felt were those of having a full stomach of grape juice from the glass that I had, just prior to this exercise. I also felt the soft jersey sheet that was wrapped around my body and the coolness of the morning air. Finally, I felt rested and at ease.
3. I saw a loved one who was suffering. This was my father. I breathed in all of his pain and sadness from what happened during the Vietnam era, with my inhale. Then, I sent all my love and good will for him with my exhale.
4. I saw many strangers, who were suffering. I also breathed in all of their pain and sadness with my inhale, and then I sent love and good will for them with my exhale. I continued to do this same thing for my enemies.
This gave to me the sensation of 1) energy being lifted off of my shoulders and a 2) calmer state of mind.
In addition, I found that this exercise was somewhat difficult to do, during my first attempt. However, with my second attempt, it was much easier. I did find it to be beneficial in that I was able to end my day with thinking being able to think about my loved ones, and sending them good will. It also helped me to relax. I would recommend this to others because it does seem to lift negative energy from your shoulders and, very importantly, we all need to relax!
1. The concept of a mental workout, means to train the mind to think in a more positive way. This can be done from the use of a guided meditation. This is because, when we have thoughts of pure love, compassion and kindness, our brains set in a gamma wave status or to "go gamma." This has been clinically shown to improve our memory and perception. In addition, and after long term guided meditative practice, it also cause our normal mental state to “go gamma.” Ultimately, this helps end all suffering and produce a life of flourishing.
So, spread the word "Go Gamma!"
1. I visualized a loved one. This was my mother. I saw the two of us walking along the beach in our sundresses. Then, I saw a vision of us working in my mother’s organic garden that she has at her home in the Ozark mountains. Next, I let all of the love that I feel for her, fill my heart and then I sent this to her.
2. I took the love in my heart that I feel for my mother, and sent it to myself, while I sat in
a meditative state. During this meditation, I did not grasp at any way that I felt and I was at total peace with myself and the sensations of my body. After awhile, I went deeper into my mind and just “observed” what I felt. The sensations that I felt were those of having a full stomach of grape juice from the glass that I had, just prior to this exercise. I also felt the soft jersey sheet that was wrapped around my body and the coolness of the morning air. Finally, I felt rested and at ease.
3. I saw a loved one who was suffering. This was my father. I breathed in all of his pain and sadness from what happened during the Vietnam era, with my inhale. Then, I sent all my love and good will for him with my exhale.
4. I saw many strangers, who were suffering. I also breathed in all of their pain and sadness with my inhale, and then I sent love and good will for them with my exhale. I continued to do this same thing for my enemies.
This gave to me the sensation of 1) energy being lifted off of my shoulders and a 2) calmer state of mind.
In addition, I found that this exercise was somewhat difficult to do, during my first attempt. However, with my second attempt, it was much easier. I did find it to be beneficial in that I was able to end my day with thinking being able to think about my loved ones, and sending them good will. It also helped me to relax. I would recommend this to others because it does seem to lift negative energy from your shoulders and, very importantly, we all need to relax!
1. The concept of a mental workout, means to train the mind to think in a more positive way. This can be done from the use of a guided meditation. This is because, when we have thoughts of pure love, compassion and kindness, our brains set in a gamma wave status or to "go gamma." This has been clinically shown to improve our memory and perception. In addition, and after long term guided meditative practice, it also cause our normal mental state to “go gamma.” Ultimately, this helps end all suffering and produce a life of flourishing.
So, spread the word "Go Gamma!"
Sunday, May 30, 2010
JOURNEY ON RELAXATION - UNIT 3
My Reflection on the “The Crime of the Century” Guided Exercise is as follows:
I was able to relax my body with my breathing. Then, while I was in this relaxation state, I saw myself as a “prism” that had round windows of light - of all colors of the rainbow - shining on me. While these lights were systematically shining on me, I recited the following phrases twice for each color at these specific locations:
1. Red ---------- Base of my spine -- “I feel grounded”
2. Orange ------ Lower stomach ---- “I feel centered”
3. Yellow ------ Upper stomach ----- “I feel loved”
4. Green ------- Heart --------------- “I choose to love”
5. Blue -------- Throat -------------- “My life has meaningful purpose”
6. Indigo ------ Forehead ------------ “I feel balanced”
7. Violet ------ Crown of head ------- “I feel connected”
Towards the end of the meditation, I brought all of these seven colors of the rainbow through the top part of my head to merge them all into white light. Then, I this white light surrounded my body, and I recited “my body is calm and relaxed.” Thus, I was very calm and relaxed with connection, balance, purpose, love, centered, and grounded totally of mind, body and spirit.
I really enjoyed this meditation, I was amazed at how relaxed that I was able to get. I honestly was able to feel the different colored lights at the specific areas of my body.
Last, and so I should be able to produce this same feeling at a later time, just by reciting
The words “My body is calm and relaxed.”
I was able to relax my body with my breathing. Then, while I was in this relaxation state, I saw myself as a “prism” that had round windows of light - of all colors of the rainbow - shining on me. While these lights were systematically shining on me, I recited the following phrases twice for each color at these specific locations:
1. Red ---------- Base of my spine -- “I feel grounded”
2. Orange ------ Lower stomach ---- “I feel centered”
3. Yellow ------ Upper stomach ----- “I feel loved”
4. Green ------- Heart --------------- “I choose to love”
5. Blue -------- Throat -------------- “My life has meaningful purpose”
6. Indigo ------ Forehead ------------ “I feel balanced”
7. Violet ------ Crown of head ------- “I feel connected”
Towards the end of the meditation, I brought all of these seven colors of the rainbow through the top part of my head to merge them all into white light. Then, I this white light surrounded my body, and I recited “my body is calm and relaxed.” Thus, I was very calm and relaxed with connection, balance, purpose, love, centered, and grounded totally of mind, body and spirit.
I really enjoyed this meditation, I was amazed at how relaxed that I was able to get. I honestly was able to feel the different colored lights at the specific areas of my body.
Last, and so I should be able to produce this same feeling at a later time, just by reciting
The words “My body is calm and relaxed.”
MOMENTS OF REFLECTION - UNIT 3
Based on my reflection, I would rate the following on a scale of 1 - 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing):
A - Physical wellbeing - 8 - My physical well-being would be at the “good” status, due to the fact that I keep a healthy diet of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a low fat vegetarian diet. I also attend exercise classes twice a week, and try to incorporate exercise on occasion in the evenings at my home after I work on my college studies.
B - Spiritual well-being - 8 - My spiritual well-being, would be a the “good” status, due to the fact that I
Incorporate about three times throughout the week for prayer and meditation (a” one on one” talk with God and a meditational listening.)
C - Psychological - 8 - My psychological well-being, would be at the “good” stage, due to the fact that I try to take mental breaks throughout the day to help sort, relax, and inspire my mind.
The activities that I would implement to be able to move towards a goal in each of the following areas would be:
A - Physical wellbeing - 8 - To incorporate one more exercise class to my week by attending one more yoga-lattes classes during my daily work place lunch break. To concentrate on eating a low well-balance diet, even when temptations occur.
B - Spiritual wellbeing - 8 - To spend more time with my spirituality each week b y going back to attending my Search for God study group.
C - Psychological - 8 - To build up my mental thought processes by reciting daily affirmations, while in a meditation state. To sort out my life problems, and goal decisions by journaling in the notebook that I keep for doing so.
A - Physical wellbeing - 8 - My physical well-being would be at the “good” status, due to the fact that I keep a healthy diet of organic fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a low fat vegetarian diet. I also attend exercise classes twice a week, and try to incorporate exercise on occasion in the evenings at my home after I work on my college studies.
B - Spiritual well-being - 8 - My spiritual well-being, would be a the “good” status, due to the fact that I
Incorporate about three times throughout the week for prayer and meditation (a” one on one” talk with God and a meditational listening.)
C - Psychological - 8 - My psychological well-being, would be at the “good” stage, due to the fact that I try to take mental breaks throughout the day to help sort, relax, and inspire my mind.
The activities that I would implement to be able to move towards a goal in each of the following areas would be:
A - Physical wellbeing - 8 - To incorporate one more exercise class to my week by attending one more yoga-lattes classes during my daily work place lunch break. To concentrate on eating a low well-balance diet, even when temptations occur.
B - Spiritual wellbeing - 8 - To spend more time with my spirituality each week b y going back to attending my Search for God study group.
C - Psychological - 8 - To build up my mental thought processes by reciting daily affirmations, while in a meditation state. To sort out my life problems, and goal decisions by journaling in the notebook that I keep for doing so.
Monday, May 24, 2010
MEDITATIVE AFFIRMATION - EXTRA NOTE
Recite this affirmation twice a day in a meditative state to help combat the stress in your life:
"I am a calm and confident person, even in the most stressful of situations.”
"I am a calm and confident person, even in the most stressful of situations.”
Saturday, May 22, 2010
WELCOME!
Welcome to Natural Wellness of Mind - Body - Spirit.
Where Your "Total Health" is Your "Destination."
Where Your "Total Health" is Your "Destination."
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