The Universal Loving Kindness exercise was a good exercise,
but I believe it will be easier to do over time. I had a hard time memorizing
the sentences on the first try so I had to keep glancing down which kept disturbing
my thought process. I think over time once the phrases are memorized I will be
able to keep better concentration and put more meaning behind what I am saying.
I think that this is a good exercise because we all need to open our hearts to
others and be more compassionate towards people. In today’s society we are not
as social and friendly as we once were. Back in the day everyone socialized
with their neighbors and they could count on one another. In today’s society we
hardly ever meet or speak to our neighbors. I think that this exercise would be
good for everyone to do and to remember that we are all the same, even with
differences we should still respect on another.
After closing my eyes and really focusing on what areas of
my integral assessment could improve it
surprised me to realize that I have things in almost every quadrant of my life
that could use improvement in my eyes. I feel that I have internal struggle to
always want to eat “right” and by saying this I love desserts but yet I feel
that I should limit my intake for my body’s sake. It’s an internal struggle
because I want it, so I eat it, then I feel guilt, I put nutrition in
Biological category. It’s an ongoing cycle, which leads me to the
psychospiritual aspect. I feel that I have certain emotions when it comes to my
nutrition, I am an avid health eater (minus desserts), and I always want to
strive for the “perfect” eating habits. When I steer down the wrong path I feel
guilty emotions which is part of the psychospiritual aspect of my life. I feel
that my interpersonal relationships are good, but there is always improvement somewhere,
like calling my mom more to talk to her etc. As far as the worldly category I
am struggling with the work aspect of that. I just moved to California and am
having a hard time finding a job, which I am taking personally and I probably
shouldn’t. After doing this assessment I realize that they are all connected so
I feel when one thing is out of balance in our lives; it leads to another
imbalance in another column of our life. In order to overcome this and keep
moving toward human flourishing I must come up with a plan on how to change my
life and implement. I think this is easier said than done, but important to do.
One area to focus on is my work, I am starting to volunteer at a hospital which
will help me with my worldly column and it could help other areas of my life
for the better. I am excited to see what comes out of it! I feel that exercise and
meditation will also help me keep a positive clear mind in life.
Hi Chelsey,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for moving and taking on the strenuous duty of adapting to your environment. You really shouldn't take not finding a job personally. A big issue nowadays is being too overqualified or underqualified for a job. I am sure it is not you, it may be the volume of other applicants applying for the same job. I would just keep calling them to check on the status.
As for your struggle with eating healthier, I would recommend using www.myfitnesspal.com. I have been using it since last December and actually find it quite easy to count my calories by putting in my exercise and how many calories I am burning through that. Their food database is updated all the time so you can find the nutritional value of whatever food product you are eating. Just a suggestion. Good luck with everything, good post!
Hi Chelsey,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on taking a huge and difficult step of moving to a new environment. Do not worry about finding a job it will come. These days it takes some time but it will happen when you least expect it. I also have a struggle with eating healthier. I would recommend my plate.gov. it is a resource. The food database is also updated all the time. I am also a big sweet tooth but that has been my down fall. I have found out the hard way. I have found eating fresh fruit Popsicle that have no sugar in them are really good. I do not know if you have a whole foods or a Trader Joes near you but they do have good alternatives. One thing that I have noticed If I am stressed or find my self wanting something sweet I drink a sparking flavored water and there are no calories no sodium and no sugar. It really does satisfy me. You can do anything you set your mind to. You have found a new friend in California feel free to get in touch with me I am always here for classmates and friends.
Holly
Hi,Chelsey.
ReplyDeleteI also found this exercise difficult and not very easy to do, but I agree with you that over time and with practice, everyone should do it! I believe that our society has become so overwhelmed with life in general, that we've become antisocial creatures. And we see how this has affected our world! This is a great exercise for any health and wellness professional to incorporate into their practice.
I wanted to touch on the nutrition aspect you are having difficulty with. I believe that none of us can lead the perfect life and trying to create that in itself causes stress. There is a "diet" out there called the 90/10 diet and I think it can help you with your guilt when it comes to desserts. The premise is, you eat right 90% of the time and 10% you are allowed those "guilty pleasures." What this helps to accomplish is getting rid of guilt and cravings for things you think you cannot have. I don't think depriving ourselves of some "fun" has any positive energy whatsoever. Once in awhile its nice to treat ourselves, whether is to a food or manicure...any little gift.
With time and positive thoughts, everything will come to where you are supposed to be. I think you are on the right track opening doors along the way that will only open more!
~Roz
Hi Chelsea,
ReplyDeletewell done on your blog. This was very interesting and worth reading. I had problems too. Yes, we have to open our heart to others too. I too have a lot to improve on but nothing new. I want to change my environment too. Hopefully I will move to Florida where my family are located. great blog.
Althenia Morris
I have similar eating issues. I have been a vegan for most of the past 20 years, minus 5 when I started eating eggs, cheese and fish. I went back to vegan 12 years ago. I too struggle with guilt feelings when I know I could eat better or feed my children better. I mostly all whole foods that are plant based. I do indulge on vegan cake that has lots of sugar. I have learned that being stressed is as bad as eating unhealthy. This reminder and insight from the stress management and prevention class in BS of health and wellness emphasized to me that being a perfectionist about food is not healthy. I now occasionally will eat foods that are not in my regular menus and am at peace about it.
ReplyDeletepeace,
Qadeera