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. 

Fighter Diet

My wife and I have been doing a new diet that she wanted to try called the fighter diet. It involves eating a lot of vegetables and cutting grains and sugar from your meals except for one or two days per week. Today happens to be day 7 of us being on the first stage of this diet. The first stage last 6 weeks and it is actually called the Fighter Diet Extreme. You are only supposed to do it 6 weeks max. It entails eating a reduced calorie diet revolving around proteins, vegetables and healthy fats such as fish oil and flax. During this stage 6 days per week you cannot eat grains, fruits and oils (other than fish oil and flax). On day 7, you can eat any grains and healthy oils you want. You still must choose healthy foods on day 7; limit the "white" foods like sugar and white flour. Today is my day 7 and I'm kind of excited. This morning I had a piece of multigrain toast and it tasted wonderful!! It's funny I know. I also made a green smoothie consisting of 4 oz spinach, 6 oz broccoli, 2 oz blueberries, 3.5 oz bananas, 1 medium naval orange, 1 scoop vanilla whey protein and 1 tbsp flax seed. It was quite good. Later today I will be eating some whole wheat pasta along with lean ground beef. Its been a long time since I have ate spaghetti. If you would like more info into what diet I am talking about go to fight diet, there is a blog there and more info about the diet.