Beneficial for my mind

Of the four practices (Loving-Kindness, Subtle Mind, Visualization and Meditation) that we have done this term, I found that visualization and meditation to be most beneficial to me. I was able to do both and feel like I had accomplished something. When we did loving-kindness, it seemed difficult to focus my mind on what the speaker was saying. Visualization was very easy for me to do because I have been to many places that I loved to be at. Visualizing these places easily bring me at ease and to a calm place where I can focus my mind. Meditation as a whole is very calming and lets me focus my mind on the tasks that I want to complete. I am able to focus and not allow random thoughts take me off of the task that I am trying to complete. It also helps me realize that the things that I cannot control should not deter me from what I'm trying to do.

Loving-Kindness, Integral Assesment

My main area of focus is worldly flourishing. Work has been and remains my biggest obstacle in living a happy life. I have made progress in recent months, but I still have a long way to go. I also could strive to become more active in volunteering more at the shelters and habitat for humanity.

I did the loving-kindness exercise. In the end, my mind was in a state of action. It wanted to end the suffering of those that I was thinking about. I cannot say it put me in a peaceful state.

Loving Kindness Vs Subtle Mind

I have done both the Loving-Kindness and Subtle mind exercises. Both are used to reach the inner mind and clear the mind of random thoughts. In the loving-kindness, you focus on a person that you love or care deeply for. You use the focus to reach your inner self. The subtle mind exercise uses your breathing as a focal point. When ever your mind begins to wonder, you go back to focusing on your breathing. You focus on the movement of your chest while breathing; it’s all about keeping your mind clear intentionally by focusing on breathing. I personally like the subtle mind practice better. I felt a calming and was able to focus more on my breathing than trying to turn outer love into inner love and a clear mind.

Spiritual wellness is connected to mental and physical wellness because all 3 form the human existence. The mind, body and soul make up a human’s presence on Earth. Without one of these, it is impossible to have a healthy other 2.

Loving Kindness 2

I just realized I had done the wrong thing. I just went through the exercise listening to the MP3. It was a totally different experience then when I went to the part. It was a little more difficult listening to the lady give instructions and talk. I did however find the sounds of the waves peaceful. In the end I did find it very beneficial and would recommend doing the exercise to someone else. I felt my mind was "free" after the exercise was complete.

Loving-Kindness

Hello Class,
  I found this practice to be a little challenging. It was easy to think of someone that is dear to me (my wife), but finding a place that was quiet and that I would not have any interruptions was hard. I have 2 small children and a teenager. On top of that my wife's family was in town and I have 2 dogs. One of the dogs loves to make noise. After several attempts of trying to find somewhere in the house, I realized that I would have to leave. I ended up going to the park. There was a nice breeze and it was very easy for me to relax and do the exercise. I do not think I fully completed the exercise that it was supposed to be done, but I did feel better afterwards.

Cycling and ZRunning

My friend asked me to start training for a triathlon with him. I didn't have a bike and I haven't swam in years but yet the thought of doing something so out the norm got me excited. I quickly bought a road bike and I have been riding it to the gym almost every morning. I have also began running every other day. I found an app that keeps track of cycling and running by GPS. It also has training plans for certain events. I am now following the 10K training plan. I'll keep you posted.

Fighter Diet Update

I have officially been on the fighter diet for 2 weeks and 3 days. I have cheated a few times, but I try my best to stay on course. It is an extremely hard diet to follow while traveling. My wife and I found that out when we went to the beach. There is not quick stop meals for this diet. We ended up going to the grocery story and buying a rotisserie chicken and a couple bags of pre-made salad. The one thing I do like about the diet is that by having to eat so many vegetables, I actually can tolerate them more now. I have lost 12 lbs and 3% body fat.