Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?
This was an interesting unit for me simply because this is all very new to me. I think that we each have our own way of relaxation and getting in touch with our inner self, however actually sitting down and having a method for which we can connect with yourself and find that inner peace, is something foreign to most people, including me. I live a very busy lifestyle with three kids, (soon to be four), full time work, and full time school, so "me" time is essentially non existent at this point, but I did want to dedicate myself to this exercise and give it a shot. I think that the exercise overall was relaxing, however I can see how it would have been much more beneficial if I had an area to escape to that was entirely silent so I could concentrate on nothing more than me, but reality is I was distracted and I didn't feel like I was able to fully dedicate myself to the exercise, therefore I don't think I was able to receive the full benefit of it. I think it would depend on the person whether or not I would recommend this to them, I say that because not everybody would feel comfortable doing this exercise.
What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?
A mental workout is an activity that allows a higher state of awareness, when we do mental workouts we are able to access the more subtle levels of the mind. I believe that a mental workout is when we are able to essentially train our brain in areas that we want or need to, and create a better sense of who we are internally, by allowing us to gather our thoughts and feelings and concentrate on the here the now and the "me", which very rarely happens in life. The proven benefits of a mental workout is that it creates a greater sense of awareness and that we gain access to the more subtle levels of the mind, witnessing consciousness, the mental state of calm abiding, and the pure awareness of a unity consciousness (Dacher, 2006). I think that mental workouts can be fostered into your psychological health first by being open-minded and accepting, if you are not willing to make a change or give it a try you will certainly not be successful in your endeavor, so this is very important. The whole process of mental workout is very new to me, so it is a completely new learning process.
I wish you all another great week of fun and learning.
Michelle
Michelle, I always enjoy reading your blogs and have to say it is really hard to find the time to sit back and relax and really have time for yourself especially with having a young family, being pregnant, (congrats) and working full time. My suggestion to you would be even for just 5 minutes after the kids are in bed and let yourself decompress. Take it from someone who has been there and done that..it's amazing how helpful it is. We all need a break from the stresses of the day to reconnect with our inner souls. Have a fantastic, relaxing weekend.. I will be working:)
ReplyDeleteRachel
Rachel,
DeleteThank you for your kind words. I love your idea of 5 minutes of "me" time, it's really not to much to ask for and I could certainly pull it off, I think it's a great idea. Thanks for your support.
Michelle
Did you have a chance to perform the exercise on multiple days to see if it could be effective or did you think that since the mental workout could not be achieved within a quiet location there was no point in continuing with the experience? Congratulations by the way on your pregnancy and I applaud you for all that you partake in within your regular daily life schedule. However, do you ever feel overwhelmed with all that you have to do? Do you think that blocking out some alone time would be beneficial to your overall well-being and health? I do not have children but I can only imagine I would want some alone time to collect my thoughts and rejuvenate so I can continue on with my day or to be a better mother. I personally would need it to relieve stress. Do you utilize other ways to relax or calm your mind? I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors and all of your school work.
ReplyDeleteHeather,
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read and comment on my blog, as well as your kind words. As long as I can remember I have always been a really busy person, I almost think I thrive for it, I suppose I have a certain passion for a bit of controlled chaos, but it works for me. There are subtle things I do in life that I consider "me" time and although to many other people it would be silly it works for me, for example a simple shower or long bath is my "me" time I literally let all of my stressors lift away and focus on the good in my life and problem solve for areas of my life that are stressing me out, I try not to let stress linger within myself for to long, I also love to sew, which I usually do after the kids go to bed and that again is "me" time, just me and my sewing machine, it gives me a lot of time to just think and focus on something that I love doing. I also wish you the very best of luck Heather, this is a great course.
Michelle
Hi Michelle , I enjoy reading your blogg and your thoughts on the exercise. I have 2 daughters and work full time and with school , I too rarely find the time to give to myself. I can't imagine with 3 kids and 1 on the way ! WOW. I like your comment about being open minded with trying new exercises , I think thats where we can get stuck, because we become acustomed to what we are comfortable with. I always wonder if it's fear or the unfamiliararity or if we just get so set in our ways that we are not open to try new things. Have a good weekend and good luck with your school work.:-)
ReplyDeleteHello Trace,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. Its nice to know that there are so many of us mom's that are out there and driven to do well in life, juggling kids, school, and work but its all for a very good reason and the benefits will far outweight the struggles we face in the moment. I think it is interesting that we can all identify what works for us as individuals and for our families, and I think that helps with that fear and unfamiliarity. Keep up the good work, I appreciate your comments.
Michelle
Hey!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the effort girl! You are a superwoman for sure with all you have on your plate. Do you consider yourself the type of person that finds a lot to do/demands for the day as a motivator or a stressor? I was reading in our text how some people thrive on task and juggling MANY things at once. And others are stressed out by this and that is what is more harmful to their health. I have many friends in the first catagory but being someone that falls into the latter I couldn't understand how they functioned and stayed well.
Even if you take away some aspects of this course and mold them to fit you and help you in your individual wellness it's all been worth it.
Really enjoyed your post for this week! :)
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
DeleteThank you for your reply and nice comments. How exciting I have never been called superwoman before :-)
Actually I don't ever feel overwhelmed with the life I have, in a weird and geekish kind of way I really like the controlled chaos that I have created in my life, not only is it a motivator for me but it is also a method to keep me grounded, there is not a single element in my life that just landed here, I chose to have a big family (my biggest and most rewarding accomplishment), I chose school, and I chose my career, everything else seems to just fall into place, and thats what I love about life, the ability to accomodate and acclimate. I'm glad you enjoyed my post, I enjoyed your response.
Michelle
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI also struggle with finding "me" time and really don't feel like I am able to focus on my psychological and spiritual health as often as I should. I am amazed at how much our physical, spiritual and psychological health and well-being can affect our daily lives and overall health. I also had a hard time concentrating during the Loving-Kindness exercise but I think it is important to try it again to see if I can find a sense of calm, peace and relaxation. Great blog! Take care, Tiffany Stein