Saturday, May 17, 2014

Integral Practices Review (Unit 8)

          Over the past eight weeks I have participated in many practices intended to foster development of the mind, body, and spirit.  From units two through seven there were the "Journey On", "Crime of the Century", "Loving-Kindness", the "Subtle Mind", "Universal Loving-Kindness" and then "Meeting Aesclepius" exercises.  If I had to choose two of these practices as favorites I would start out with the "Journey On" activity in unit two and then it's a toss up between the "Universal Loving-Kindness" and "Meeting Aesclepius" activities of recent study.

         The "Journey On" activity is certainly a favorite because it was my first experience with both guided meditation and visualization.  I had practiced meditation prior to this, but found the guided experience to be remarkable as it took me to a whole other level than I previously experienced.  While this practice left me feeling very relaxed and happy, the most impressive benefit was that the neck pain I had feeling for weeks before hand suddenly disappeared.  I can see myself definitely using this guided activity, or similar ones that focus on directing the blood flow through the body, again when I have issues with muscular tension or pain.

          For the sake of the assignment I am going to go with the "Universal Loving-Kindness" activity as my second favorite.  There are several reasons I enjoyed this activity...first of all it was rather short so it is easier to fit into a hectic day, and also because it seemed really beneficial in reframing a negative mind.  My favorite part of the meditation was stating the words "may I assist..." and how inspiring it was to say these phrases out loud.  As an aspiring wellness coach I can see myself practicing this activity regularly to help motivate me in the pursuit of my career goals.

8 comments:

  1. Megan,
    I really enjoyed the Universal Loving Kindness activity as well and found it to be a good exercise that people can fit into a busy schedule. When you look at everything you try to pack into a day between work, home life, friends, school, etc. it can seem impossible to fit in time for yourself. I think even if you can stop the chaos for 5 or 10 minutes and do one of these relaxation exercise you will affect your overall health in positive ways. I have found that short meditations when I first wake up work the best for me because once I'm up and going it's full speed ahead. When is your favorite time to relax and meditate?

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    1. Hi James, first thing in the morning is the best time for me as well. I find when I wait till the afternoon or later in the day I have a harder time focusing and tend to have more thoughts popping up in my mind. On days that I do not work in the morning I like to spend a good 30 minutes meditating and it feels great, though the short 10 minute practices on busier days are just as beneficial. Thanks for your feedback!

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  2. Megan,

    I feel that over the course of this term that meditation has become easier and more a weekly thing for me and doing these exercises have brought so much benefit to all of us in this course!
    It's great that you can see yourself using these techniques in the future and pass on as a wellness coach!

    Best of luck,

    - David

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    1. I feel the same way David! I cannot say enough what a great experience this course has been.

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  3. Megan, how exciting that you realized such a physical benefit from the visualization meditation from unit 2! The absolute fact that mind can heal body is amazing to truly realize. I was reading a book this past week and the author was saying that in the 1970s he had a physical illness that lasted for years without any relief, despite multiple medications and treatments. He finally turned to regulating his breath, and he learned how cleansing breath might give him some relief. He really committed himself to the practice, his long-term illness was healed and he has had no recurrence. I was amazed by this account. The book is called "The Miracle of Mindfulness" if you are interested. Thanks for sharing your experience, Megan!

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    1. Hi Holly, it really is an amazing realization. I'll have to look into that book, it sounds like a good read. My "library" and I both are going to miss all your book suggestions!

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  4. I enjoyed reading about your personal experiences with each guided exercise. Your descriptions were very thorough and it felt as though I myself were experiencing them along with you. I enjoyed practicing the two exercises you mentioned, and felt both relaxed and refreshed after my own experiences. I'm glad to read that your physical self began to heal once you started practicing these exercises; I'm sure this will help to motivate you to practice regularly.

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  5. Megan,

    Loving-Kindness was also one of my favorites. It was brief but effective, which is how I like it. I too am an aspiring health and wellness coach and I was considering sharing this experience with the clients I already have. I think I need to practice it more myself first, but I think others will find it both enjoyable and beneficial.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and good luck in your future endeavors.

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