After completing the Meeting Aesclepius exercise I found myself not overly excited about it. It was weird for me and I struggled with visualizing this wise person in my head. I tried several approaches from visualizing Jesus to my grandpa and even just creating one in my head and still struggled with the exercise overall.
So far this week I have been very consistent in using guided meditation before bed and did try it a few times in the morning. The morning sessions I need to allow more time for then I would not feel rused afterwards. However, I did feel calmer for the morning routine.
Mindfulness has really helped me in several aspects of my life. I have been more mindful in my meditation and making sure I allow time for it, I also have been practicing mindful eating approaches to help with a healthier lifestyle. I think once you begin mindful practices it spills over into all areas as I have also noticed a more mindful approach to my spiritual practices too.
I plan to continue with the morning and bedtime meditation practices and continue being more mindful in all areas. Once a behavior becomes a habit such as setting a schedule that includes the meditation you reach a greater wellness as you are practicing as you should be and excuses are not being made as to why it wasn't done that day.
"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"
This famous quote can be applied to my future career as a health and wellness provider by keeping me accountable in myself. You cannot teach someone how to do anything or make changes in their behaviors if you yourself have not or will not make the change or keep up with it. I feel we do have an obligation to ourselves and our clients to achieve overall health psychologically, physically, and spiritually. It's a continued growth so we must continue the behaviors even once we feel we can gain no more. It's at that point we need to re-analyze our practices and see what changes need to be made to continue growth in all aspects of life.
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI also had some difficulty trying to think of a wise person to focus on during this exercise. I chose to focus on Mother Theresa because she embodied compassion and kindness to all people. I have always looked up to her and thought of her as a wonderful spiritual representation. I think this exercise was meant to be challenging because it's not everyday we focus on a wise person during meditation.
I think that's great that you have been meditating consistently this week! Morning Meditation always seems to be more relaxing because your body is quiet and hasn't had to go through the stress of a busy day. I love how you described what the quote meant to you. It is so true that we must practice what we preach and truly be passionate about something if it is going to help others.
I loved reading your post this week, nicely done!
Carina
I thought this was a weird exercise as well. I wasn't to fond of how this exercise made you think. I used my wife as the person to focus on and I ended up looking at all her ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey Meyers
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteFor this exercise I used my dad, who passed away a few years ago. I have been having a hard time coping with his passing and this exercise helped me feel like his spirit was with me. I felt more at peace. I think it is very important for a person in the health and wellness field to be able to practice what they preach. Personally I feel I would have a hard time following the advice from someone who has not experienced what I have. It also provides an opportunity for both the patient and the professional to learn and grow from the experience.
Thank you for your post this week,
Christine
I think it is important to envision who makes you comfortable seeing in this light. I also applaud you for practicing meditation so often. I have got to make myself find the time to practice so often, I love the way it makes me feel and really clears my mind for the day and I'm sure it helps you sleep at night. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I think however you were able to connect, regardless of the image or visual you used, was probably most important. Everyone is comfortable with all different levels and beings of healing and whatever is right for you is going to be what you are comfortable with. What I absolutely love is when you state the mindfulness spills over into every area of your life. You are so correct! When you start being mindful about one area, such as eating, you are more mindful of other things like maybe exercise or something else similar. Mindfulness is like a chain reaction and the trickle effect can be awesome. I also agree with you that we have an obligation of growth to our clients. If we are trying to lead someone through a dark hallway, it works best when we've been down the hallway numerous times before and can warn someone of the twists and turns they will find. Growth develops trust and confidence in the provider and ultimately, that is what will grow your business besides results.
ReplyDelete