Wow, it was hard for me to choose what I liked the best. I got something out of each and every exercise. I already meditate so that wasn't anything out of the ordinary, although I did learn about the principles behind meditation and that was good. I guess the exercises most beneficial for me would have to be the integral assessment and the mindfulness practices.
Integral assessment encompasses what I feel is necessary in order to evolve and develop further. It's too easy to slip back into old patterns and behaviors and sometimes I don't even realize it's happening. This practice will help me to check-in with myself and re-evaluate what I need to do in order to flow with life and keep my mind, body and spirit in balance. Last week I was feeling out of sorts and did not know why. I took the time to do a quick assessment and found I was tired. I realized that I had gone to bed an hour later than ususal every night and it caught up with me. Needless to say, this week I am back on track and feeling much better.
I loved the mindfulness practices! I loved that they can be done anytime and anywhere. For me it is something I can do no matter how busy I am. I also think this is an excellent alternative for those who turn their nose up at meditation. They can access a meditative state without actually meditating. I personally like of focusing on an object or occurance that we would normally take for granted. I like the idea observing myself doing something without judgement. I am going to teach this method to my mother (who has cancer) and hopefully she it can help to alleviate some of her pain.
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I too have liked the minfulness exercise. I have been trying to use gratefulness each day I awaken with limited mobility. It can be hard but I am slowly getting there.
ReplyDeleteSomething else you could try with your mother that I have used in hospice is music therapy. Find different kinds of music that evoke happiness and play them throughout the house. The last lady I cared for, we played gospel music a lot in her room and while it was playing she required less methadone for pain relief.
Have you always been able to meditate on a regular basis? How did you get yourself to do that. I find I am always busy and when I am not I am asleep. Sounds like HALT comes into play more often than we realize. I like the integral assessment as well. It is very easy to check in with ourselves rather than waiting until we feel so bad we go to the doctor. We can be our own worst enemy.
ReplyDeleteIt is refreshing to hear that one who already adopts meditation has gained something from this class. I guess you have a deeper appreciation for it. You have chosen some great aspects of our class. The integral assesment was high on my list as well. It is so important to take the time and realize what needs to be worked on. Just like a grocery list, this assesment can ensure that we don't forget the imporatnt things. And I think our mental health is very important! Thanks so much for sharing and I am glad you have enjoyed this class.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you are going to help your mother through her difficult ordeal. One of the best things about this class is not only to find techniques to help ourselves, but it also gives us tools to help others whether it is friends and family or future patients/clients. I hope you continue to share your experiences with others. You might not be able to reach them all, but if you can reach just a few people it is surely worthwhile.