Unit 5

So it seems like I am always griping about these exercises. Anyone who follows my blog knows how much I dislike these guided meditations. There are lots of theories about why but the truth is that I have been practicing higher consciousness meditations for so long that these elementary exercises are just distracting for me. So this week I thought I would try something different and use the meditation in a way that challenged me a little bit. On friday, I got this tattoo on my ankle. I have other tattoos so I know that they hurt but this one was going to be close to the bone so I knew it would REALLY hurt. I decided to do the meditation while I was getting the tattoo to see if I could remove myself from an hour and a half of pain. I am happy to report that it worked. I still don't like these guided meditations but I enjoyed the challenge of trying to stay focused while being repeatedly jabbed with a needle. The tattoo represents grounding energy..in case you are wondering. :)

Unit 4 Update

So I was finally able to listen to the exercise and did not enjoy it. I have difficulty listening to these kinds of tapes for a number of reasons which I wont go into here but when required to listen to them I always end up stressed and irritated and the desired effect is lost. I would much rather listen to some beautiful classical music which I find much more inspiring and relaxing.

As for "mental training" (not a term I like), I have found the most effective way for me to practice l"loving kindness" as Dr. Dacher says or "gratitude" as is my own practice is to send blessings and gratitude to who or what has caused me to fall into the lower energies. It is a simple choice that I have made to stay in the positive energy flow as much as possible. As with any "training" program, there has to be a commitment by the participants.

So blessings to you Dr. Dacher, I am grateful for the experience of your loving kindness experience.

Unit 4

I was not able to get my CD to play so I will talk about the loving kindness exercise and the mental workout concept. I make no secret that I don't resonate with Dr. Dacher and the concept of loving kindness is one area where we disagree. In my work with energy, a state of gratitude is where the highest energies are. While love and kindness produce very positive energies, they are not the highest energies. So the visualizations that I do are with gratitude. It is difficult to be in a constant state of gratitude but I believe that if that can be attained then one has reached a state of well being and wholeness. When I have been wronged or hurt by someone, I will immediately say a prayer on their behalf and then send them gratitude for the experience and surround them and myself with beautiful healing energy. This keeps me in a state of gratitude and keeps me out of the lower energies of hurt, anger, and resentment. I am able to do this because I simply made a choice that I would and than began practicing it-I guess it is what Dr Dacher calls a mental workout, I call it a shift in thinking. A workout sounds like there should be sweat involved and I prefer a more gentle approach.

While I may not agree with everything Dr. Dacher says, I am so grateful to him for introducing his integral health concepts for each of us to explore.

Namaste'

Unit 3

So I am suppose to give an assessment of by physical well being, my spiritual well being and my psychological well being. Somehow this doesnt sit well with me. I don't like sharing things that are this personal, but perhaps this just part of my journey.

My physical health is good. I have chronic asthma that can be a challenge but it is well controlled with medications. I am a vegetarian trying to go vegan-I just cant seem to give up my cheese. Its the only animal product I havent eliminated from my diet, although I have significantly reduced my consumption. I will just keep working at it. My challenge with work, school, and family is fitting in some exercise. I have learned to break it up into little bits throughout the day.

My spiritual health is great and has been since I gave up organized religion. My spirituality is deeply personal and I don't care to say anymore about that. If I had to set a goal for my siritual health, it might be to move closer to the ocean. I am very connected to the water and the energy of the colors of the water are healing for me.

My psychological health is good (my husband might argue that). Because I am an empath and the type of work that I do, I have to keep my psychological health in check all the time. Being able to feel other peoples feelings, especially in a state of crisis can be overwhelming. I have learned how to manage this and shield myself from t when necessary. My goal for this area is to find my time for stillness and silence. My second goal is to stay present. Since I am a "do-er", I can easily have my energy 10 steps down the road instead of focused on the moment. In the words of my friend the medicine man, I need to "stay here".

I don't usually seperate myself into sections like this assignment has required. I veiw myself and others as an energy being where there is no seperation of mind-body-spirit so this has been an interesting exercise.

Are you a "be" er or a "do" er?

Something that I have learned about myself over the years is that I am a "do"er not a "be" er. I don't know how to just be, I always have to do. Most of the time this suits me just fine, but as in the case of the assignment for this week...not so much. I hate meditation, it is like time out for me. If I am going to meditate or just quiet my mind, I have to do it in a way that lets me "do" without thinking too much. I LOVE to walk labrynths. I am convinces that they were put on this earth just for me. There is one near my home and anyone is welcome to use it if you bring a rock to contribute to creating the next one. I have always wanted to build one in my own yard, imagining that the building is just as contemplative as walking one, but there is never enough time. So, I rake pine needles on my acre of land instead-it is another "do"ing activity that puts me in a meditative state.