After reflecting on my physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being, I realized just how different I would rate these various aspects of myself. From a physical standpoint, I think I would rate myself as a 7. I try to eat healthy, and I do incorporate exercise into my schedule as often as possible. I have no real systemic illness, and I feel generally healthy. From a psychological standpoint, however, I do not always feel so well. I often let my mind get pulled in several different directions at once, and I become very easily tired and stressed out. As such, I would rate myself as a 5. I do think that my strongest sense of self is my spiritual self. I feel rather in tune with my purpose here in this life, and with a sense for a higher power of being. I can often find the beauty in the simple aspects of nature and life, and as such, I would rate myself as a 9 for spirituality.
A goal for my physical well-being would be to get more in shape and allow my body to release inner tensions. I think doing such would provide me with some "me time" and would help to reduce the stress that I feel psychologically. As such, a goal for my psychological self could also be finding stress reducing activities to help keep my mind more focused and less tired. While I feel pretty strongly about my spiritual side, I think I would like to continue to learn how to understand the meaning and my purpose in life by seeing the beauty in the simplicity of life.
To gain a better physical sense of self, I think that allowing exercise to be more regular or scheduled into my daily activities will greatly help. It will enable my body to be even more healthy and will also allow me some time to let the stresses of the day pass me by. From a psychological standpoint, I think that practicing mindfulness or meditation will enable me to practice keeping my mind centered on a single thought (such as deep breathing), which will not leave much room for me to worry about everything else that is bothering me in life. While meditation may also help me spirituality, I think that incorporating both prayer and keeping a journal will help me accomplish my goal of seeking a deeper purpose to life. Prayer will allow me to reconnect with that higher power and remind me of the meaning of life. I also think that writing down my spiritual thoughts in a journal will help me accomplish this feat as well as I can reflect on the good things I see in my environment and surroundings.
After completing the Crime of the Century exercise, I felt similar to the way I did last week with the last exercise. I did feel quite relaxed, but again, not reenergized. I also decided to do this activity at a different time of day than previously, but I found myself easily distracted by what was going on around me. I could hear my neighbors outside, the rain and the wind, and my dog drinking out of the toilet! I just could not seem to focus on the task at hand. Finally, I just paused the exercise and moved to an even quieter location (I thought I WAS in a quiet location at first!). After that, I did continue the exercise and found I was able to concentrate somewhat more than before. I liked envisioning the vibrant colors that the speaker was describing. I also found that when he said things like "now say to yourself, I feel centered", I could feel a true sense of calmness overtake my body. I think that it will take me some time to finally be able to fully concentrate on these visualization exercises, but until that time, I still really enjoy them!
Aimee Fairbanks
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean about getting in shape. You have very realistic goals to work towards and you seem to be already on your way. It is very easy to get so caught up in life. It is important that you take some time for yourself to relax and rest. Good luck with your goal!
HI! Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI had a harder time relaxing with this exercise than the first but I did finally and when I was done I was more clear. I think I a different kind of stressed than I was with the first exercise and I don't mentally picture things well, and that made this harder for me. But I liked the exercise and may do it before I go to sleep some night and see if it makes any difference since I did it first think in the morning this time.
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a pretty good idea of what is going on with you. Personally this week's exercises have helped me identify areas that aren't necessarilly "Problem" areas, but that are more like areas that could definitely use some improvement. You have some great ideas on ways to help improve upon your current well being and you sound very grounded:) Again, I can relate with the stressors and sometimes feeling like we let that get a little bit out of control but I believe the exercises and this class in general have already made improvments that were not available before. Thank you for sharing!
-Jen
Hello Aimee,
ReplyDeleteYour comment about your dog drinking out the toilet made me laugh out loud! :) I have a cat who does the same thing and rarely do I catch him before it's too late!
I really enjoyed reading your post. I think it's great that we feel vulnerable enough to post some fairly personal things on this forum. It's a wonderful tool to write in a journal. I have enjoyed writing on the blog the last couple weeks. It's also a journal in a sense...but maybe writing in your personal journal would be a great tool for reflection and a release of sorts....try it & I think you might find it'll do wonders for you! :)
Good luck!
Hello Aimee,
ReplyDeleteReflecting on this exercise was very difficult for me. I had a hard time concentrating, it seemed as though everything distracted me. My experience was totally different from the previous one. Hopefully I will have better success next time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views with us.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI like that you see achieving your physical goals as part of your me time. It is so important to give yourself some time everyday - just to reenergize and refocus yourself. Good luck on your goals - I think that you'll be able to achieve tham.
Sarah
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI think that you have some very realistic goals in place. Your journal idea was great. I think that writing in your journal will certainly help you towards your goals. If you don't mind, I might try that too. Journal writing is special because you can look back and reflect on your previous thoughts. It is a great way evolve as a person, too.
Aaron
Hi Aimee - I enjoyed reading your post. Several times you made the connection between the physical and psychological aspects of health in your own life - that physical activity can reduce stress and tension. I think you are really on the right track here. I know that it really works for me. Over the past week I haven't been physically active - I think I am on some type of holiday strike! I have been sleeping in, eating too much sugar and not exercising. The result is that I am more irritable, less able to concentrate and seem to take everything personally! A good hour on the elliptical would fix this! I look forward to sharing your journey toward wellness - thank you for sharing this week!
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