1. Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?
I found my experience with the Loving Kindness mp3 to be difficult. I am not sure if it is the time of day that I am trying to listen to these exercises or is it that my mind will just not relax enough. I was hoping that the exercises in this class would be very helpful, but so far I have not found any that I like. I would recommend the Loving Kindness to others because they might find a benefit from it. I think that meditation is not a one size fits all type of relaxation. What works for me might not necessarily work for the next person and vice versa. I am really starting to try and open my mind to integral health and I think that if the Loving Kindness exercise can help one person than I have helped that person take a step toward a healthy mind.
2. What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
The concept of “mental workout” is exercising the mind daily just like you would exercise your body daily or dedicate daily time to studying. It is not possible to evolve your psychospiritual life and access its capacities and resources without daily practice. Research shows that consistent daily practice will show proven results (Dacher, 2006).
Implementing mental workouts to foster my psychological health is something that I really need to incorporate into my daily life. A healthy mind is just as important if not more important than physical health. I believe that if you take care of your mind, a healthy body will follow. I have tried to take ‘baby steps’ in trying to implement mental workouts. This morning, I tried to take just a few minutes to clear my mind before I started my day. I also found myself trying to just relax my mind during the day. I was taking the elevator at work (and was alone) so I thought this would be good time to close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, and try to clear my mind just for a few minutes. I also tried to focus on pleasant things during my long commute this morning such as the cooler air and the pretty blue sky with the fluffy clouds. I was trying to really take in a different appreciate for items that I take for granted on a daily basis.
I know that I will continue to increase my focus on my mental health and soon will be dedicating more time daily to this important aspect of my life.
Resource:
Dacher, E. (2005). Integral Health The Path to Human Flourishing
Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications
Taking the elevator alone to have a quiet moment is a great idea. I have trouble finding quiet time in my day, and this is a good example of something I could also take advantage of. Some of my quiet time is found on the train in the morning, which is funny since I am surrounded by people, but in the morning there is very little talking. Appreciating that down time is something that can help us focus and relax before our day.
ReplyDeleteJessica
ReplyDeleteSometimes I get my best mental workout when I am working out. I love to run and enjoy the surroundings and sometimes that is when I pray or really focus on something. Running outside is somewhat of a mental imagery for me. I try to go in trails where I will see wildlife and really enjoy sitting down taking a break and taking in the stillness of the woods and animals around me. I have taken some great pics from when I went running in the woods and just looking at them gives me a peaceful feeling.
I didn't like this exercise that much either but I do love the mental imagery types because I can really focus on what they want me to visualize because those types of things are what I love so maybe that is easier. Hope you find something that helps you or that works for you!