Unit 4 Blog

Unit 4 Loving Kindness Exercise

I found concept of the loving kindness exercise to be pretty interesting.  My mind wandered a bit the first time I completed the exercise.  The second time though, I was able to push aside thoughts that tried to sneak into my mind.  A yoga instructor once told us to pick the unwanted thoughts out of our winds, push them aside, and let them flow away down the imaginary river as we imaging ourselves just floating in place.  This technique is very relaxing and has worked well for me, especially with negative or stressful thoughts.  In regards to pleasant memories that sneak into my thoughts, making me smile but interfering with my meditation, I try to welcome them into my mind and accept the positive vibe the give me, and then  allow them flow down the stream as well.  Once I remembered this advice, I was really able to relax and focus on the voice of the woman presenting the exercise.  

I have heard people say that the brain is a muscle, and continually mentally exercising it in a positive way is bound to keep us healthier, more focused, and organized.  For me, when I stay focused and concentrate on what I need to do to succeed, I try to stay positive about the decision I have made, no matter the obstacles, and do the best I can to stay on focused on achieving my goal. Continually learning about new topic or issue that interests me has keep my mind positive, and I believe healthier as well….

Thanks for listening,

~ Cheryl

Unit 3 Blog

Hello All ~

I would say that my physical well being in an 8.  My BMI indicates I am slightly overweight and I could stand to lose 10 pounds.  I have recently (within the last 18 months) quit smoking, eliminated aspartame from my diet, tried to significantly reduce the amount of processed foods my family consumes, gone mostly organic with fruits, veggies and dairy products and buy mostly locally raised meats, and committed to a regular exercise routine.  My goal started about 2 years ago, when my Husband and I decided that our family needed to be make healthier choices.  We realized that our habits were crucial in informing the lifelong habits of our Daughters.  To assist us in reaching our goal of a healthier lifestyle, we have started walking and hiking more, being conscious of what we eat, and continually motivate and encourage each other along our journey.

Spiritually I would also rate myself at an 8.  I know that religion is not the only way to measure spirituality, but for my Family, belonging to an open and affirming Church, the United Church of Christ, has brought religion to the forefront of our spirituality.  To see my daughters involved in the choir and youth group, my husband and myself volunteering at bean suppers, and having a community of people that are truly open-minded and accepting of everyone’s beliefs, has brought the Church back into my life.  The goal I to set for myself about 5 years ago, was to find a Church that would do exactly that.  To be more of a spiritual person, I have also started to incorporate Yoga and meditation into my life.

I would rate my mental well being at a 7.  I try to stay as positive as possible and not sweat the small stuff, but I have to admit that I am human, and that is not always possible.  I try to incorporate relaxation and stress-releasing techniques into my daily routine and I do manage to stay positive for a while.  Then life seems to get in the way, and I tend to get busier and busier and I have less time for “Me”.  When I let it overwhelm me, I can see a negative attitude try to take hold and bring me down.  The goal I have set is to try to recognize when this is happening and not fall into negative cycle.

I really enjoyed the relaxation exercise, The Crime of the Century, I was able to concentrate and really put aside all my thoughts and truly relax.

Peace,

~ Cheryl 

Unit 2 Blog

As someone who loves Yoga and meditation, I think the more soothing and comforting an instructors voice is, the more you can truly relax.  It has taken me a long time to learn how to fully clear my mind, let go of all thoughts, and completely focus on a speaker’s voice while meditating.  While listening to the journey on relaxation exercise, I was willing to do whatever the speaker asked me to do to try to get into the deepest relaxation possible.  I always find visual imagery and the power of suggestion amazing.  By just completely focusing, listening to exactly what the speaker asked us to do, and absorbing his positive mood, I can honestly say I felt more relaxed and energized when the exercise was over.   

Peace,

~ Cheryl  

Unit 1 Blog

Well here I am, blogging.  I guess you actually can teach an old dog new tricks.  That's why I named my blog, "It is never to late to start something new."  People think I am crazy because I cannot stay still for long, I have to be doing something.  So here I am, going back to school at 41 and blogging!!