Today's blog answers the following questions. However, I think it's only fair to say that it's been a challenging week, and possibly the end of next week, would have different results. Heck, the end of the day might bring different results. But, here goes! It's all about reflection, right?
- Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why?
On a scale of 1-10, I would rate my physical wellbeing as an 8 or 9. I believe there is always room for improvement, however I'm free of disease, I feel great, and I really have no physical complaints whatsoever. I also feel my spiritual well-being is around the 7 or 8's. I'm on a new journey of becoming closer to God and realizing just how blessed I am that I'm his child. I still struggle from time to time believing that I am deserving (which is a bad word, because who really is?) of his love. However, he shows me everyday, that despite my imperfections, he does love me, and all I have to do is believe. Lucky me!
So, now psychological well-being...ugh! It was up there with everything else for awhile, but this is the one area that I struggle with the most. Stress management has never been one of my strong points, and while it has improved over the past few years, lately it has been challenged. And not to point fingers or anything, but this class is killing me! I'm sure if I can master this whole meditating thing, it will be a huge step in the right direction, but constant failure is not good for the human soul. I'm struggling with feeling like I will never reach optimal well-being because I prefer active meditation as opposed to still meditation.
2. Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).
My physical goals are to just keep doing what I'm doing. I enjoy exercise, running and competing in different things. My next competition is a Tough Mudder here in San Diego, and I love having something to look forward too. My goals for my spiritual well-being is to grow closer and closer to God and to learn to listen to him and make sure I'm doing what he wants me to be doing instead of wandering aimlessly doing what I think should be done. Psychological goals are to just get to a place where little things, like sitting still and meditating, don't send me down the slippery slope back to the bottom of the hill I was previously happily climbing.
3. What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?
An activity that I would like to implement into my physical life would be TRX training. It's a great way to build core strength and balance, my two weaknesses.
Spiritually, I just added a new activity, which is my journey to reading the bible in a year. I've done this in the past, but this time I'm looking forward to really put thought into what I'm reading, and study it. Psychological activity that I'm trying (and still failing) is meditating. I really hate sitting still (just sayin').
4. Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)
Ugh! Frustration is an understatement! I did it right this time. House was empty, I had already gone running, so I was pretty relaxed and in a great state of mind. It was perfect. Then I laid down and pushed play. It started out okay, I was feeling relaxed, and then I was starting to giggle a little at the idea of my anus being a window with a red light beam shining through it (which I'm sure is not the image the guy was going for, but he did say to let the thoughts just come). After a quick reminder to myself to focus, I started breathing again like he said, and all was fine for about 30 seconds, before I started thinking: "Does this guy ever shut up? Doesn't he know I still have to blog about this? Does he really think that making me imagine myself as a disco ball is relaxing? Ooh, now dancing in my living room naked because I finally got the house to myself could be fun!" And it went down hill from there. Fail! But don't think I didn't follow through with the dancing in the living room to relift my spirits!
I would have to agree with you, unfortunately it has been a challenging week for me also. But, tomorrow's another day with different possibilities and today is nearly over. I really enjoyed reading your blog and can relate to a lot of it. I am an active person and it is hard for me at times to sit still and relax my body along with my mind long enough for it to have any beneficial effects. I really haven't heard much about active meditation. Do you just mean like walking, hiking, etc. while releasing your thoughts? I had a hard time trying to rate myself and my psychological well-being. Different days, different experiences, different people can all have an effect on my psychological well-being, but I would have to first allow them to. That is what I try to remind myself of everyday, that the past is the past and the future hasn't happened yet, to live in the present. That is so hard to do at times though. I will allow my mood to dampen due to past experiences and memories, so I try to realize when this is happening in order to break the cycle. I am becoming more and more aware of my thoughts which has definitely played a positive role in my psychological well-being. I like to stay physically active and exercise as well. When I begin to stress I like to get outside to get fresh air and walk through the woods. That is the perfect meditation for me, the beauty of nature and releasing all the negativity in order to truly let go and move on. Thoughts will overwhelm me at times and I have to find a way to erase them and exercise or physical activity has always played as a beneficial factor in my psychological well-being. Great blog and the best of luck in your pursuit!
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post! I was totally lacking in wit when writing mine this week. I am tired and sleep-deprived. I thought a similar thought about the light come from the anus, and was amused. I like to laugh, and your post made me laugh out loud (literally). I also appreciate your disco ball analogy. This exercise did not work for me as well this time. I did it with my kids at school, and no distractions, and I was pretty disappointed. I was ready to relax, too since this mother of four had time to even attempt to relax. It was kind of a let down. This class seems to be trying to help us find our own relaxation niche, and what works for some may not work for others, so do not get discouraged. Perhaps one of these weeks will come up with something that you can appreciate! Thanks again!
Amy