Integral Assessment & Loving Kindness

I read the integral assessment chapter and with a million things already going on in my mind, I did my best to retain any information.  But basically, what I got out of the assessment after doing the Loving Kindness mediation (which I was not really a fan of already), I believe I am supposed to asses myself and recognize my strengths and weaknesses and build upon that and make them both better. Right? 

I didn't really discover anything new about myself while doing this meditation and the assessment.  But, what I was able to take out of this, is that right now I am going through several important events coming up.  And, I was able to focus and have positive thoughts about myself, what I do well, and what I will do well.  I guess it was more like positive reinforcement because I was able to visualize myself doing a really good job.  

I was able to do this because the exercise asked that I put myself in a relaxed and safe place and then to repeat phrases which basically was asking to relieve suffering from others, wishing good health among others, and happiness and wholeness.  Although I was able to chant the words, I wasn't specifically wishing these things among certain people.  So, in a sense I was wishing it upon people I don't know,  Which is odd to me.  Which is why my mind was wondering and I was still fighting thoughts about myself and preparing for this camp I have to go to.  Perhaps this exercise would have been more beneficial if I was wishing good health upon people whom I know and love.  Like my family.  This would have been more realistic to me and would have been genuine.  Otherwise, I felt like I was just saying words.  So, I guess again, I just really couldn't get into it.  Again, I have a lot going on and some important events coming up.  Maybe after these events have passed I can try this again and maybe more whole heartily. 

The Subtle Mind Practice

When I first started listening to the "Subtle Mind Practice," I did start to feel an immediate ease of tension.  I think it was because of the sounds of the waves.  I really enjoy listening to the waves, makes me wish my upcoming vacation to Cancun in May would hurry up and get here.  So, the biggest difference for me between this mp3 and the "Loving Kindness" mp3, is that this practice was able to grab my attention right away.  Whereas the other audio practice lost my attention seconds after I clicked play.  

However, again with this audio stuff, it's just not my thing.  I have to really put myself in an environment where I can truly rest my mind and try to pay attention to what the audio is asking of me.  Truthfully, I want to get this work done quickly, so my fiance' and I can enjoy ourselves on our boat later on this evening.  But, when I go to get massages, I plan on being relaxed and not rushed, and there I can truly listen to my thoughts and let myself go.  But, during the work week when I have a million things I want to get done and this Kaplan stuff on top of everything, I can't really get into these audio brain practices.  


When I think of connecting spiritual wellness to mental physical wellness, the first thing that comes to mind is happiness.  I don't know why, but it does.  The biggest term I like to use when I think of spiritual wellness is peace of mind.  I think that people who are truly engaged and intune to their spiritual side have more peace of mind and all around just happier people. Maybe because it gives them a boost of confidence and they feel there is a higher power looking out for them, I don't know.  But, these people tend to be more confident and probably try to live healthier lives which is related to physical wellness.  

I don't really have that much of a spiritual side.  I was forced into religion as a young girl, and I didn't like that sense of pressure.  Then of course, like many would say, "why does such horrible things happen to such great people?"  Those kind of thoughts also has me questioning spirituality.  However, I do enjoy life and I enjoy living on this planet.  And even without spiritual wellness, my physical wellness is pretty superior.  And, I live a happy life everyday. 

Unit 4 Loving & Kindness

Ok, so I listened to the "loving and kindness" audio.  Honestly, I guess I would have to say I did find it beneficial.  I haven't been officially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, but I am pretty sure I have some kind of an attention deficiency disorder.  Especially when I have other things already on my mind.  Like today, what is on my mind is getting all my work done for Kaplan so I can leave for Vegas tomorrow and come back Monday night and not have to rush to turn my work in on time! Lol. Seriously, what heels am I going to wear with the new dress I bought today for Vegas?? So, getting back to the point and question.  Yes, I think it is beneficial to take some time to yourself, relax, and get into your own mind and heart.  I wouldn't recommend this to others just because it didn't grab me enough to keep my attention. Vegas or not.  My circle of friends and family are like minded.  If someone I know is feeling stressed out, I would more than likely recommend a massage and maybe some cocktails. :) 

What is the concept of "mental workout"? I would say a mental workout is anything that mentally makes you stronger.  Those of us concerned about our health typically think of ways to get our bodies stronger, but how many of us ever think about making our minds stronger?  Probably because it never really crossed our minds.  The only thing I really knew was to continue to read to help increase your vocabulary. Other than that, I figured my brain was as strong as its going to get. However, research clearly shows that taking the time to focus on yourself and listen to your inner thoughts actually makes us stronger mentally.  And with that said, I am going to start doing mental workouts along with my physical work outs.  I'm going to start with reading more. However, my first order of business to take action on my mental workouts is visualization.  I am going to visualize having an awesome time in Vegas and winning at the blackjack table!! 

Physical wellbeing, Spiritual well-being, Psychological well-being

If I had to seriously rate these three states of well being with one being the lowest and ten being the highest rating, I would rate my physical well being a ten, my spiritual well being a four, and my Psychological well being an eight.  My physical well being obviously gets a ten because I can confidently state that my physical appearance and health is impeccable.  I work out five to six days a week, my diet is rather healthy and health conscious, and I am constantly staying active with my part time career as a college basketball official and just in general for fun, I like to stay active.  My spiritual well being on the other hand is rated rather low.  I'd like to say I believe in God.  But, I do not practice any particular type of religion.  I often find myself questioning why certain things would happen if there really is a God.  I feel like God is just something to believe in to give people peace of mind when dealing with something difficult.  And lastly, my psychological well being is not perfect because no one really is.  However, I spend most of my days feeling happy and dealing with situations in a rather intelligent manner.

Trying to develop a goal for these three states of well being is difficult. For my physical well being my goal is obviously to maintain it.  My psychological goal would be to continue to stay open minded.  However, I do not really have a spiritual God because I am just not that spiritual of a person nor do I ever plan to be in the future.

An exercise that I could use to make these ratings go up is to continue to do what I am already doing.  Which is living life to the fullest, not taking anything for granted, and continue to show compassion for myself and others around me.

I did get a chance to listen to that relaxation clip.  Honestly, my goal right now is to get all my home work done so I can move on to enjoy the next couple of days before the next unit starts.  So, couldn't really quite get into it right now.  I'm sure when I have the time and space, it is very relaxing.  Taking time for yourself and focusing on your breathing and surroundings is always relaxing.  I think I'll go ahead and make a reservation for a massage this week. :)

Unit 2 - Reflective Statement

Hello all, my name is Grace Glenn.  I am 30 years old, reside in Roseville, Ca.  I am currently engaged and plan on getting married in Cancun May 19, 2013.  I own a concrete pumping company and I officiate women's college basketball.  So, with that said, health, wellness, and fitness are my priorities other than family and friends.  I like to spend my down time at the gym, on the golf course, or playing video games.  My  future goals is to continue to grow my construction business and work the Final Four basketball tournament for NCAA women's basketball.  I do not have any kids, but I have plenty of dogs.  Having kids seems like a burden for me.  Not only will they add more responsibilities to me, but also put stress and set me back on my fitness achievements.  I enjoy traveling the world at the drop of a dime because I can.  I guess reflecting on my life, I am pretty blessed. I am financially stable, have a wonderful and supportive family, close group of friends in which we are all pretty like minded, a wonderful hubby that loves me, my health is in fabulous condition, and I get to enjoy life and do whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it

.  I hope you enjoy my blog site, welcome to the Queens Domain.