Initially, I rated myself as a 7 physically, a 5 psychologically, and a 9 spiritually. After taking this course, I would say that these numbers have definitely changed. I have not made very many improvement physically, and since being pregnant, I think that my physical well-being as actually gone down somewhat. I often feel sluggish and nauseated and do not exercise nearly as much as I used to. As such, I would rate myself as a 6 now. Spiritually, I feel like I still would rank highly as a 9. Psychologically, however, I definitely feel like my ranking has increased. After taking some real time to practice meditation and other relaxation techniques, I finally feel like I have the potential to allow my mind to calm down when needed. As such, I would rate myself as a 7 now psychologically.
After reviewing my goals, I also feel like I am making improvements. While I unfortunately am exercising less now than I previously was, I have gotten better psychologically and spiritually. I am slowly but surely meeting my goals of incorporating more meditation and mindfulness exercises in my life. From a spiritual perspective, I have also begun to keep a journal, which has helped me to reflect on the blessings of my life.
I do think that it takes a lot to really adapt change into a person’s life, but I am doing better as each day goes by. I am learning to adapt specific activities into my life to help me further progress in my goals. I am trying to incorporate both the relaxation techniques that were suggested to us in this class as well as yoga a few times a week. I have noticed that allowing my mind to unwind has enabled me to feel more calm and less stressed out. As such, I find that I am able to sleep better at night and in turn, have more energy throughout the day. As I am beginning to feel better and better with the pregnancy, I am also starting to bring in more exercise throughout my week. I try to walk a few times a week, which helps keep me motivated.
I think this class has been very rewarding. I think that the exercises that we did and the readings we were assigned really helped us students realize that meditation and relaxation techniques can in fact be implemented into a person’s life. I feel that as a result of exploring both my psychological and spiritual sides, I have a deeper understanding of myself and a more well rounded sense of well being. From my experiences, I feel that I will be able to show others how simple changes into a person’s life can make a really big difference in the end. Hopefully my experiences will be able to inspire others to get healthy as well.
Aimee Fairbanks
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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Hello Aimee,
ReplyDeleteAs we come to the end of this course, it really is the beginning of something new. I can tell that you are being honest in your experiences, which is important to others. Thank you for sharing, each week you gave me something new to look forward to. I enjoyed reading your blog posts. Let's keep in touch and hopefully I will have you in some of my future classes. Best
Wishes with your new baby on the way!!
Amiee,
ReplyDeleteIt truly has been a special experience to share this class with you. I have enjoyed being a part of your life and a part of your journey. Good luck to you as you continue to move onward and most importantily, good luck with your new baby!!!
May God continue to richly bless you!
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI think our experiences are similar with the choice of activities such as yoga and meditation for further psychospiritual development. Those are definitely great suggestions for others and I hope that we are both able to inspire others to create goals to develop their internal environment just as we did. I wish you well with your goals and I encourage you to continue walking to stay physically healthy. I was taking daily walks in my neighborhood with a good friend of mine when it was warmer outside. Perhaps finding a friend with a similar goal would give you the inspiration you need to keep you going! Don't give up! I wish you well as you are getting ready to embrace motherhood and congratulations! I hope the pregnancy is a positive experience for you and your baby!
Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI have looked forward to reading your posts each week and can tell that you have definitely made some positive progress!
I think if each of us have learned at least one postive thing we can do for ourselves, then the class was a success!
I wish you the very best for a healthy baby and much happiness! And please tell your husband good luck in the next season! We'll be watchin' here in Atlanta! :)
Many blessings,
Michelle
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are noticing the changes going on through your life and have really enjoyed reading your posts throughout this course. I think it is wonderful that you are keeping a journel and hope that in the years that come when you look back and read it on some cold rainy day, it brings back fond thoughts and inspiriation for you.
I can relate to the feeling sluggish during pregnancy but I don't necessarily think that's anything that you are doing "wrong"... there's two of you now and no matter how healthy your body is, it's still going to be tired as your baby continues to grow. On the upside the temporary insanity usually only lasts nine months and then the real madness begins! :) I wish your family nothing but the best and hope that you will continue to take time out for yourself even after the little one has arrived. Moms may seem superhuman and all, but in reality, we're just like everyone else and we need that personal time too- don't ever forget that you are worth that time!
Best wishes,
Jen
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteYou know, sometimes getting through the day is a blessing within itself. As I read your post, I was reminded of my wife during her pregnancy. She was a very active person and it was very frustrating for her that she could not workout like she wanted while she was pregnant. She told me that walking or stretching was all she could do some days. Please don't worry, the fitness will come back. Thank you for your post, once again. I am glad that you and your husband get to share the blessing of having a child.
Best of luck to you,
Aaron
Aimee, congratulations to you all on your pregnancy. I hope as you pass into the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, that the hormones settle down and the need for crackers and ginger capsules for the nausea diminish. The meditation should come in very handy during the birthing process. But, don't forget to consider the epidural catheter to be placed in your back, to assist with pain management during final phases of labor. As a nurse, each time I witness the miracle of birth, I cry. Its an amazing process that you all will cherish forever.
ReplyDeleteAs a new mom, those relaxation and yoga sessions will come in pretty handy when the little one is not yet sleeping through the night. Good luck to you and your family. It was terrific sharing this class with you all.
Respectfully, Steve Tardy