Is anybody out there???

Hi all!
Wow. More than a month has gone by since I've posted. This term has been difficult. Immunology blows me away!
I would love to know how others are doing? There are a few of you in class with me but this term has not been one for reflection and bonding like last term. I miss it.
I think a lot of us are getting close to graduating. What are everyone's plans? I know we range in ages so I would love to hear what you're doing with your degrees.
Be well!

Immunology

OH MY GAWD!!!!

Has anyone out there taken this class? I'm drowning here and it's only the 2nd week.

glub
glub
glub

Today, this moment, I am grateful.

Many years ago, it was my routine on the weekends, to drive to the town I currently reside, to walk on the beach. Every other weekend, my sister would come from Chicago and join me. We would walk and scour for rocks, glass, and other cool beach finds. It was our favorite thing to do together. She moved to Virginia some years back and I was in the habit of doing alone. In the last year, I have gotten out of the habit of doing 6:30 am walks because, well, I live here now and I can go any time I want to. :)
This last Monday, my sister and I decided to start walking together again. We leave our homes at the same time, I walk to my lake and she walks to hers. We meander and meet back at home base an hour later. Home base is our computers that supply out constant and daily interactions. I miss her presence but as I walk, I know she is with me.
We both feel better; mind, body, and spirit. 

Approving of myself

Hmmm, I've seem to have written about this before. However, I've learned the card picks you and not the other way around. My favorite deck of cards, the Language of Letting Go, is today's source. It's about letting go of the need for approval by others. It's about knowing who you are and liking that person.

I believe sometimes it's difficult to let go of the need for approval from others or caring what others think. I also believe it gets easier to do as we grow older and more experienced. Personally, I gave up caring what other people think about me or my actions many moons ago. This comes with living a good life though. I think they go hand in hand. When I lied and lead a dishonest life, I felt the need to for constant approval by others. Now, I lead a good life, an honest and ethical one. My intended thoughts, words, and actions are good and healthy. There's no need for anyone to approve of anything because it's all good in the first place!

What are you intentions? Do they come from a good place? Are you true and good to yourself? What do you do to make sure your intentions are honorable?

Would love to know how anyone resolves those small conflicts that arise in life that may be questionable.

Be well and have fun!

Happy Spring!!!

Yesterday was beautiful. My husband and I watched a storm over the lake. The light show was incredible. The appreciation of nature is an amazing characteristic to possess. Do you take the time to be still for a moment in nature?

Today's card, from Dr. Dyer, says to keep an open mind to everything yet attach to nothing. Fitting for me; I pulled it right after doing the subtle mind meditation.  At the same time it also means to avoid being judgmental and to keep an open mind to the possibilities of the knowledge of others. I strive to practice this and yet it is often very easy and comfortable to fall into that idea of thinking what I know is true and what you know is not. I think we're all guilty of that once or twice in our lifetime. :)

However, in doing so, we're caught up in closing off learning and isn't that what life is all about? Sometimes, we have to jump out of our comfort zone and try something new. So, I'm going to practice intentional listening. See what I learn today from someones opinion or conversation. It's a big world out there and so much to learn.

One of the questions at my dinner table is "What did you learn new today?" I will challenge myself, and you, with that same question. What did you learn new today? It can be simple or intense. I'd love to hear about it.

Give up your personal history

(taken from Dr. Dyer's Success & Inner Peace deck)

Get out of the wake! Just like the trail a forward racing boat leaves in the water, our past is behind us. Are you caught in the wake of a turmoiled past? How can we get out of the wake and be open to the experiences in front of us; in the smooth, unrippled waters of tomorrow?

I'm letting go of the person I was in the past. I was not always a good person. I did things I am not proud of. However, this need not be who I am today. I have no regrets but I have learned from my mistakes and choose to go forward every day. I also am practicing forgiveness for those who cannot see how I have changed. They hold on to the past and their resentments toward me. I can no longer take the blame for causing those feelings. I will not be a part of their unhappiness.

Is there something you're holding on to limiting your experience? Name it. Write it down. Contemplate what it is that holds you? What do you gain from holding on to this thought? Now, imagine what life will be like when you let it go? What does that picture look like? Make it real. Get out that journal, that sketch pad, or collage it and hang it on the wall. Live in that vision and make it real.

(go on...do it!!! You've got 15 minutes in there to spare...I know you do!)

Day one of the evolution of the blog

To be honest, I have no idea where this blog is going. There are so many things I want to talk about, so many interests, so many thoughts. I have not yet decided.
In the meantime, I thought the best place to start was just to start. So, here I am.
Today was the first day this year it really felt like spring. Sunshine, high of almost 60, and a storm slowing making its way here. Here is the southern most point of Lake Michigan. The place I call home and no matter where I lived (although I never got very far) this was always home.
I am Ellen, a beach bum. Walker of the beach, lover of rocks and sand. I hope to share a little bit of that in this blogging journey and take you with me toward whole health and happiness.
It's going to be fun!

Unit 10

Review your unit 3 personal assessment of your psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. Reflect on these areas. How did you score yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 in unit 3? How do you score yourself now? Has the score changed? Why or why not?

At the beginning of this course I scored my psychological well-being an 8 and my score has not changed. I still feel this is my strongest area and I will continue to strengthen it through numerous practices. I did by a book on Ayurveda and a new journal. I have not finished reading it but I have been incorporating small recommendations into my daily practices.

I actually lowered my score on my physical well-being after I did a more intense assessment on myself; from a 7 to a 5. I needed to be honest with myself about food and the whys and hows of my eating habits. I’ve incorporated mindful eating practices and started a food journal. Back in week 3 I was in the middle of my 21 day yoga challenge. I haven’t stopped yet. I’ve done yoga every day since January.

I’ve left my spirituality score at a 6 although I have made movement in the area. I just don’t feel it’s been long enough for me to feel comfortable changing my rating. I have incorporated the subtle mind practice into my daily routine and I’m excited to report that my husband and I are registered for a half day retreat at the Shambhala Center in Chicago. I am looking forward to this continuous journey.

Review the goals and activities you set for yourself in each area. Have you made progress toward the goals? Explain.

As I stated above, I have made progress in each area. They are small but significant steps. I made goals and have been following the steps needed to achieve them. I will continue to practice whole health practices daily.

Have you implemented the activities you chose for your well-being in each of the three areas? Explain.

I have implemented the activities I talked about in week 3 and in week 9. I’m very pleased with how they are all working out.

Summarize your personal experience throughout this course. Have you developed improved well-being? What has been rewarding? What has been difficult? How will this experience improve your ability to assist others?

This course has had a huge influence on how I perceive myself, my healing abilities, and my healing capabilities. I fully believe my well-being has improved from practicing the subtle mind practice and following through with my assessment. It was rewarding to read about Dacher’s idea of a wellness center because that is the same type of place I’ve dreamed about working. Getting to know my classmates has also been extremely rewarding. All of their discussions have contributed to my deeper understanding of their personalities and I feel I’ve connected to a few more because of this class. I have honestly not found anything difficult during the last ten weeks of this course! I think this class has broadened my understanding of how important it is to provide choices for others that are as unique as they are. What works for me may not work for people I’m helping as they may benefit from something I don’t necessarily practice. Keeping an open mind about various healing modalities is key.

Thank you, everyone, for sharing with me, “listening” to me, and providing information and feedback! I wish everyone the best thoughts toward their future classes, goals, and careers!

Be well!

Unit 9 final project

I.              Introduction:
Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

Integral health involves reaching the highest potential in health and wellness. This does not necessarily mean an absence of disease. Instead it involves reaching whole health and happiness. Whole health and happiness involves developing psychologically, spiritually, and physically (Dacher, 2006). Additionally, developing these aspects involve a thorough introspective path toward achieving a deeper, more understanding of the inner self and inner healing capabilities.

Dacher (2006) believes each of us, at birth, are given these capabilities but are all too often preoccupied, too busy, or too quick to seek the fast and easy way to alleviate suffering to realize our highest potential. Reaching our highest potential of healing involves patience, work, and dedication to ourselves in mind, body, and spirit. In American society, it is easy to see how this is not the common mindset as our current health care system is focused only on the biological and disease-fighting model. Dacher (2006) discusses how the time is now to begin this inner journey because the paradigm shift is happening. In order for health professionals to be of benefit to others and to guide others in their own healing, they must first begin to heal themselves. Health professionals must bring into “practice a more comprehensive and meaningful approach to health and healing,” (Dacher, 2006).

To achieve my personal and professional goals, I must continue to develop all aspects of my life; mind, body, spirit, worldly. Because integral health involves all these areas, I cannot leave one out because they are all interconnected and cannot be separated. In order to reach my ultimate goal of human flourishing I must allow myself to be guided by the five principles of integral healing; holistic, evolutionary, intentional, person-centered, and dynamic (Dacher, 2006).

Integral health involves a transformation process with each level building on the other. The psychospiritual domain involves developing past the sensorimotor level and reaching higher consciousness through the witnessing mind to the calm-abiding mind, and finally arriving at unity consciousness (Dacher, 2006). To reach my biological goals understanding how my body works anatomically and physiologically evolves into making the mind/body connection and yet further into a “vast and inclusive existence” of the spiritual/body connection (Dacher, 2006). Promoting growth in the interpersonal aspect of my life encompasses shifting from “I to you to us to all of us,” (Dacher, 2006). Everything I want for myself I need to give to others. This understanding of how I am connected to everyone begins with understanding my own survival leading to creative expression towards others (Dacher, 2006). When this level is achieved, I can begin my journey toward a deeper meaning and purposeful fulfillment, and finally arrive at a place where I can be of service to the world around me (Dacher, 2006).

II.            Assessment:
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?

Dacher (2006) recommends using the six principles of integral assessment to be the guide to integral health:

1.      We achieve integral health to alleviate suffering. We ask ourselves what causes us distress and where can best grow?

2.      We must understand the difference between short- and long-term reliefs and choose the appropriate remedy at the right time. This involves understanding our needs and the source of the distress.

3.      We must understand the difference between instant gratification and long-term prosperity. Distinguishing between inner and outer fulfillment aids in the finding of true integral health.

4.      Our psychospiritual development requires our intentional awareness.

5.      Our self-assessment relies on the ability to listen from a higher consciousness. It equally relies on a teacher to help guide us through the process.

6.      Our assessment is as dynamic and evolutionary as our lives and must be reviewed as our lives and present circumstances change.

Spiritually, I score my current wellness at a 6. My distress level is low as I believe I am on the right path and it is not something needing to be rushed. I admit before this class I was not active in my spiritual development. I have read a lot and am strong in my beliefs but lacked in actual practice. My intent is to be more active in my meditation practices. This intentional awareness involves me taking the time each day to practice the subtle mind and loving-kindness. These practices will enable me to reduce “mental chatter”, love myself more deeply, and send that love and kindness to others.

I rate myself a 5 physically. This is a lower rating than I originally gave myself a few weeks ago. Delving deeper into the biological aspect of my health, I realized there are more ways I can be intentionally active in my physical health. I am confident I am doing what is appropriate for me at this time in the fitness realm. However, when it comes to nutrition, Dacher (2006) recommends being “mindful and intentional” in diet and food choices reflecting “a concern for environmental sustainability, world poverty, and animal suffering.” Keeping this in mind, I believe I would benefit from dedicating more time, attention, and intention to this area.

The psychological aspect is where I believe I am strongest and I score myself at an 8. This aspect has received more attention than other areas for many years. In order to maintain and foster further development, I must continue practicing the techniques of keeping a healthy mind. At the same time, I must continue to challenge myself in learning new things that contribute positively to my life. This challenge also involves sharing what I have learned with others.

III.           Goal development:
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

My first goal for my physical development is to gain control over my diet by determining how much food I am really eating and explore ways I can make better choices in amounts consumed.

I have two immediate goals for my psychological development. The first simply is continuing my educational journey as I have 5 more classes to finish before I graduate. School is my career at this present time and my intentions are to be the best student I can be while learning everything given to me during this process. At the same time, there are other techniques I would like to add to my health and wellness tool bag. I want to become more knowledgeable in aromatherapy, mindful meditation, and Ayurveda.

My goal for my spiritual development overlaps with the above mentioned goal of learning more about mindfulness and mindful meditation. I intend to continue my current meditation practices. Furthermore, another aspect of this goal is finding a mentor to assist me with this journey.

IV.          Practices for personal health:
What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

In the physical domain, my intentions are to continue learning and putting into practice mindful eating. Mindful eating is being aware of the “positive and nurturing opportunities available through food preparation and consumption by respecting your own inner wisdom”, choosing nourishing yet tastefully pleasing foods, learning to be aware of judgments toward foods, and becoming aware of the cues related to “physical hunger and satiety,”  (Center for Mindful Eating, 2006), Moreover, people who eat mindfully are aware of the effects caused by unmindful eating and begin reflection and awareness of how to achieve specific health goals through eating. I believe this practice will teach me how to be aware of how much I am eating, when I am hungry, and when I am full. Additionally, making sure I am eating proper serving sizes will further my goal of proper nutrition.

My fitness strategy involves continuing my current workout and exercise schedule. I weight lift 4 days a week with each day working a different major muscle group. I practice yoga every day ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. I use my elliptical 2-3 days a week and I try to walk at least 2 miles a day, depending on the weather. As the weather becomes warmer, I will spend more time walking.

The strategies I have in furthering my psychological development are to continue practicing intentional positive behaviors. Although I do not work at this time, I still love having a schedule. Keeping a flexible schedule allows me to prepare the ground for my integral health. My activities should be done in loving-kindness, skillful action, and silence and stillness (Dacher, 2006). For example, some of my current activities include exercising, practicing yoga, meditation, schoolwork, making jewelry, and keeping a visual journal. Another strategy I intend to pursue is to be more active in blogging after this class is over. I am not sure of the details yet but I want it to combine what I am learning and practicing and at the same time relating it to the name; Philosophy of a Beach Bum.

            I am very excited about my intentions for furthering my spiritual development. I located a Shambhala center in Chicago, about 2 hours from my home, and plan on visiting to see if this is something I can integrate into my life. There is a half day program next month geared toward beginners or those who want to stabilize their meditation practice. I will continue my yoga and meditation practices as these continue to further my deeper consciousness and awareness.

V.           Commitment:
How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?

We must assess ourselves regularly to assure we are gaining health in the areas we want to experience growth. Dacher (2006) uses biographs and a dynamic graph as examples of tools Ken Wilber recommends to track progress. In the past I have used a wellness wheel as a means of guidance and assessment toward growth (Wright State University, 2003). There are many versions of wellness wheels and they can be as simple or as intricate as desired.  I would like to create a wellness wheel incorporating all the aspects of integral health. The questions included in the wellness wheel will be able to track progress or show the lack of if there has been no growth.

Another useful strategy includes setting specific goals when doing an integral assessment. Because there are so many aspects involved in achieving integral health keeping a journal would be beneficial. Keeping track of what we do on a daily basis, how we feel, and what stressors happen, etc., can contribute to our awareness of our strengths and areas we need to seek improvement.

Dacher (2006) discusses how the path for integral health is a unique one centered on our own uniqueness. The tools we use on this path may change as we go along because our issues and situations change. We need to open and flexible in everything we do, learn, and practice. “The only constant is the need for psychospiritual development,” (Dacher, 2006).

References

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: The Path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic    Health Publications.

Center for Mindful Eating. (n.d.). The Principles of mindful eating. Retrieved March 2, 2011        from: http://www.tcme.org/principles.htm

Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago. Retrieved March 4, 2011from:   http://www.chicago.shambhala.org/.

Wright State University. (2003). Wellness Wheel. Wellness & Recreation @ WSU. Promoting       and Supporting a Healthy Lifestyle. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from:    http://www.wright.edu/admin/wellness/wellnesswheel.htm

Happy Friday!

The sun is shining here in Northwest Indiana. There's fresh snow on the ground. I had a tremendous yoga practice and meditation this morning! I just wanted to put it out there how grateful I am for this wonderfully beautiful day!

If you practice yoga, check out this sequence:
http://21daychallenge.yogajournal.com/challenge/day/20?utm_source=YogaChallenge&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=YogaChallenge

Change

"Amidst the rush of worldly comings and goings, observe how endings become beginnings." (Taken from one of Dr. Dyer's calendars.)

I believe most people struggle with change. It's the not knowing what will happen; the lack of predictability, the lack of control. If we move through our lives, intentional in our actions toward our goals, the rest will follow. I have to practice letting go of what I do not have control over, knowing the Universe will bring me what I need, when I need it. That knowing is what allows me to get through each worry, each struggle, each issue. Gentle reminders to myself are needed every day, sometimes every moment, to release and breath.
I have to start small. Knowing what it is I want and be thoughtful in obtaining it. Then, I have to let it go, and allow it to come to me.
Sometimes, I get surprised at what it given. Sometimes what is given is something entirely new!

Rambling done! Have a sweet day!

Unit 8

At this stage in my journey, the Loving-Kindness and the Subtle Mind, have been very beneficial for me. I have been doing one or the other every day.
I practice the Loving-Kindness for two reasons. One for sending loving-kindness to those I love and then I practice it because there are those I still feel some resentment towards. This practice allows me to continue to let go of the resentment holding me back from reaching a deeper peace and serenity. Specifically, I turn my attentions toward my mother and my ex husband, each for different reasons. This aids me helping to forgive them without dealing directly with them. Dealing with them directly about issues has never worked and I continually work on accepting them for who they are. I still have a relationship with my mom but it is not the one I would prefer and I need to let that vision go in order to enjoy what we do have. I have not spoken to or seen my ex husband in over 3 years. I prefer it this way but I still need to work on letting my anger toward him go.
The Subtle-Mind practice just brings me a sense of deeper awareness. It really does allow for the mental chatter to be unclogged from my brain. It still amazes me how just 15 minutes a day can make me feel rejuvenated yet calm and centered.
I will continue practicing these daily and I plan to move it to twice daily when I feel I'm ready.

Take care!

Success is an inside job -

(from the Inner Peace Cards by Dr. Dyer)

What makes you relaxed? How do you bring peace into your life? Can you be confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating? At the same time?
This reminds me of the mindful person so in tune with the present moment they were not startled by unexpected noise during meditation. Ahh, to achieve that level of calm and sense of serenity is a lofty, but realistic goal. I am able to achieve it in small doses. Sometimes, it is while practicing  yoga or lifting weights. Sometimes, it is pouring water or typing this sentence. The moments are sometimes fleeting but meaningful. The present moment can never be duplicated. It's now and then it's over.

Challenge yourself to be present in the moment while doing something ordinary or routine. Really notice how your phone feels in your hand, the keys under your fingers. Or, eating that delicious, healthy smoothie. ;) How does it really taste? Can you describe how it feels to pet your dog or cat?

That's today's ramblings!
Be well.

Divine wisdom guides me

This appears to be the card I wrote about not too long ago. Must have meant I needed to hear it, again. Today, I believe this means I am safe in knowing that all of the choices I make today will be the right choices. As long as I am able to let go of the things I have no control over, I am safe.

A side note: Thank you all for prayers and good thoughts directed at my son's family. Baby is holding her own, assisted with oxygen and Mom is stable and still unconscious. We were able to spend some time with son and get him out of the hospital for a few hours. Thank you all again.

In need of some prayers, please

My oldest step son has a girlfriend with MD. She has been hospitalized for the past few weeks with H1N1. She was 6 months pregnant. We just got news they had to put her into another medicated coma, her lung collapsed when they put in a tracheotomy, and they delivered her baby girl at just under 4lbs. Baby is strong right now, Mom not so much. Son is very overwhelmed. Please put them in your prayers today and send them healing thoughts.
With all my heart, we thank you so very much.

Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that weaken you.

(A Dr. Dyer card from 10 Secrets...)

Today, I was going to put off meditation until later in the day. Weakened thought turned around and did it anyway. I'm so glad I did. Each time I meditate, practice yoga, and/or coordinate my breathing with lifting weights I feel so much MORE.

I'm in a position I've never been in before. For the first time in my life, I am not the bread winner in the family. I'm very blessed to be in a position to stay home and attend school full time. My husband has just returned to work and now I am really a stay-at-home mom. I'm not struggling but simply exploring why I seem to have a bit of a hard time accepting this as the amazing thing it is. The feminist in me, the influence of society, and the talkings of some members of my family get into my head. I know I am fortunate in my position. At the same time, my husband and I put effort and planning into making this possible and it's difficult to understand the opposition I get from some people. I am going to continue meditating on letting this go and practicing loving-kindness for those who don't get it.

On a lighter note, it smells like spring outside and I just may go stomp around in puddles.

Unit 7 Meeting Aesclepius

What a beautiful day! The sun is shining here in NW Indiana and the temp is high at 43 degrees!

I have to admit I was a little skeptical going in to this meditation simply because I didn't think I was ready. I've been meditating every day this week with the subtle mind meditation and loving it. Being able to concentrate on my breathing is much easier than visualization and imagery for me. However, I used my Dad as my focal point and went deep a few times. When my attention wandered, I was able to bring my focus back each time for just a few more moments. When I was done, I felt very connected to my father and the earth. (note: my Dad passed away in 2003.)

Each time I meditate or practice deep breathing, I feel a little more centered, clearer, and I always gain more confidence in myself. This confidence isn't about anything specific. It's just I get more of a sense that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing right now. Each step I take, each activity I do, each thought I have just seems more right. I'm going to continue doing the things I do. I'm also going to start exploring the possibility of finding a mentor, a guide, to help me take my journey to another level. But, until then, I'm going to pay some closer attention to my assessment and start outlining more paths on this journey.

"One can not lead another where one has not gone him or herself," is another way of explaining how we, as healers, must fully experience our paths and our journeys to whole health and happiness (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005). Although everyone is unique and their journey's will be equally different, we must commit ourselves to our own healing in order to guide others. I believe we do have a responsibility to our clients for our own development. This is to not say we won't have issues or experiences but we should be able to practice awareness and have the ability to address them in the appropriate manner. As I stated previously, I am going to continue meditating, working on and exploring my assessment, and begin looking for a mentor.

Be well everyone!

Reference

Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., Micozzi, M.S. (2005). Consciousness & healing: Integral approaches to   mind-body medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Aromatherapy

Hey all!
Does anyone know a legit site to go to for certification for aromatherapy? There's nothing in my area and there are so many sites, I'm not sure where to start?
Thanks in advance!

Unit 6

Hey readers!

The universal loving-kindness meditation is a wonderful exercise in expressing the desire to achieve, well, loving and kindness toward others. I definitely like this exercise and will continue to practice it. I tended to get caught up in not knowing what I was supposed to be saying. So then I’d open my eyes to read and really have to bring my focus back.

The assessment process is very similar to the wellness wheel I use for myself and clients. I believe I’m fairly balanced. I also believe I’ve made some progress in many areas if I compare this assessment to the last wellness wheel I did. I discovered I’ve made some progress in the area of interpersonal and psychospiritual flourishing.

One of the areas I believe needs to have more focus is in the worldly aspect. I am not currently working in my field or my former field (mental health). But, I struggle with letting that go and just being in the moment of the journey of learning. On the other hand, I’m itching to be with clients again. To be helping people. I miss it and in this path I’ve been on I’ve discovered I don’t want to work for someone else, i.e. an organization or company. So, I’ve been making lists and mulling over ideas. I believe I need to continue this educational journey, continue meditating, and check out some places of interest for possible future work.

Would love ideas, inputs, or words of wisdom!

Be well!

Unit 5 Project on Mental Fitness

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B8yXrQCUwokYMTExMDY1MzMtYzQ2Ni00MWNhLThkYTgtZGFlZjRkNDI2NDE1&hl=en

Truth

Today's card is about truth and integrity. Well, to tell the truth today, I just don't feel good. I got slammed with an ear/sinus infection yesterday. I don't usually get sick but thanks to a past drug problem, I have really horrible sinus issues and every once in a while it makes for an ear infection. Blah!
But, it's another beautiful snowy day in my world. I'm going to finish up my assignment, do some yoga, and rest.

Have fun!

That is today's card taken from "The Answer is Simple" deck by Sonia Choquette. I love laughing! I love to make people laugh. I did post a link yesterday to share my laughter with others. I hope you enjoyed it. If not, please take a few minutes to watch it. Institute it in your work place. It's hilarious! I'm not sure what I will do for fun today. I don't plan it. It just happens. I do believe a good belly laugh can make the day so much brighter.

Have you ever played the "ha" game? The first person yells "ha", then the 2nd person yells, "ha, ha", etc. You have to start over every time someone really starts laughing.

Be well everyone!

Humor therapy for this beautiful snow day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhlQfXUk7w

Unit 5 The subtle mind practice

I very much enjoyed the subtle mind practice. (Thank you, Professor for doc sharing it) I’m used to meditating in nature with no voices. So, the sound of the waves and my own breathing felt very natural to me. My focus did drift off at times and it was funny because the thoughts were so random and were of no issue to me. I was able to continue pulling back to focusing on my breathing and a few times I was aware but unaware. It was awesome!

Not to say that I don’t like the loving-kindness meditation because I think it has a purpose and I will continue to use it. However, the subtle mind practice is more to my liking. I think it really depends if I want to find peace and clarity or if I want to send some thoughts out to the universe.

I think of my yoga practice as an example of finding a connection of spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. The more I practice, the more I am in tune with my breathing and the movement of my body. When I am holding a pose for any length of time, I have to reach deeper inside myself for strength. And, a lot of the times, it is not physical strength that I’m looking for. It goes beyond that. I have to find a place in my mind where only I exist and at the same time, I’m existing outside my body and mind. 

Ahhhhhh

Organic, dark chocolate, almond milk. Need I say more?

My life is a mirror

Ah, what a beautiful Monday. We're expecting a lot of snow in my part of the universe. I'm looking forward to it. I know it will be beautiful

Today's reflection comes from Louise Hay's Power Thought deck. "The people in my life are really mirrors of me. This affords me the opportunity to grow and change."

I take this to mean I give to others what I believe they want and in turn, take from them what I feel I need. Complementary giving and receiving of love, nurturing, and laughter. We should all surround ourselves with the type of people we want to be. Everyone has a gift to share. What's yours?

A purpose

When I quit my job last year, I didn't have much of a plan except to go to school. I loved what I did as a group counselor, I loved my clients, and I loved my co-workers. I became unfulfilled and knew what I was teaching and learning with my clients was fighting against the grain of what our mental health system pushes. I often questioned myself and pondered with my husband: What am I going to do with another degree? Why can't I find something and stick to it? What do I want to be when I grow up? I know that I am in a very fortunate and blessed situation. Yesterday, I read how the world needs more people to take the teachings and the research and begin their journey so they can spread it and teach others. And so I feel as if I have purpose in my journey. I no longer feel the urge to rush through and do something; I am doing something. This is the purpose.
-Don't just do something, sit there!

Passion

(From the deck, "Self-Care Cards," by Cheryl Richardson)

I have a wonderful life and in these past few weeks I've restarted down the path, influenced by my classes, to begin going further. And, I'm loving it.  I was talking to my husband earlier and started crying for no particular reason. I was trying to explain how my feelings can sometimes be a little overwhelming and the tears just started to pour. How does it get this good? How can I give this to the ones I love who I watch struggling? And then I pull the passion card; "Let your passion take flight." What I'm doing for myself has a purpose for others. I'm sure of it. I may not know how it will play out but I for this moment, I will keep learning, smiling, and spreading the love!

Unit 4 Loving Kindness Practice

I’m not new to mediation but because I’m a wee bit out of intended practice I honestly had trouble the first few minutes. Somewhere during the last portion of sending health and joy to strangers I lost awareness that I was even listening to the CD. Breathing definitely influenced this. As my breath became deeper, I was gone. When the voice came back, I came back.

I did find it beneficial and would recommend it to others. I don’t think it was difficult. In fact I felt it to be much easier than others I’ve done in the past. Meditation itself is something you need to get used to and that comes with practice. I plan on doing the recommendation of twice a day for a week.

Dacher (2009) points out if we want to learn something, we study. If we want to be strong and fit physically, we exercise. The concept of a mental workout is simply devoting the time, effort, and energy to thinking a certain way. Studies are showing the transformation of the mind aids in increased “resistance to mental distress and physical disease,” (Dacher, 2009). In addition, it increases “our healing capacities, and promotes well-being.”

Implementing this type of practice to foster my own psychological health is easy. Dacher recommends a mere 15 minutes at least once, preferably twice, a day to practice loving kindness. The positive intentional thoughts combined with breathing awareness are the perfect beginning.

Reference

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: The Path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic    Health Publications.

My daily reflection

Being lovable taken from The Language of Letting Go deck. I believe we don't choose the cards, the cards choose you. That being said, today's card is the reaffirmation that I am lovable even when there are people who don't love me for who I am. I believe people change and this change is seen in their intentional words and behaviors. However, because others remain fixated on their old perceptions, they cannot move forward to see what has evolved. Relating this to my mom, I can relate to her in a way that allows me to continue being who I am without the need to PROVE to her how I am. I can also relate this to others from my past with blinders on to who I have become. And, today, it's okay. I'm good.
Enjoy the beauty in the moment!

Approving of myself

Good morning everyone! What a glorious day! Today's reflection comes from the Language of Letting Go deck and it deals with acceptance and approval. Funny. In my stress management class, we've been journaling so issues with my mother have been on my mind. I've always been the trouble maker, the black sheep of the family. They (being my mom, step father, uncles, etc) still treat me as if I'm 12 and always wrong. Nothing I have ever done has ever been good enough. Now, don't get me wrong, I have been a trouble maker. I've lied, stolen, done drugs. But, that was an Ellen a long time ago. The Ellen now is pretty damn awesome, if I do say so myself. They don't see it. What I am learning is how to let go of the need for their approval. I am being true to myself now and leading a good and true life. The people who really know me see that and those are the relationships I will continue to cultivate.
Enjoy all your moments today everyone!

Definition of success

I'm really loving Louise Hay's power thought deck so today's affirmation comes from it again. "Everything I touch is a success."  Now, I define success as happiness within myself and my intentions. However, once in a while, I struggle with it. Usually I struggle when I'm around people who define their (and others) success on material goods and through career advancement. I don't have many of those people in my life but there are a few. If we are all unique why can't we understand success for one may not be success for another? I think I'm a successful person. Why? Not because I'm wealthy or live in a big house or drive a new car. I'm successful because I accept where I am right now, right here. Everything I have done has brought me right here.
How do you define YOUR success?

Power of the present moment

I had a busy day today. I worked from 3:30am - 10:30am, then off to brunch with friends, and then a birthday party for friends 3 year old twins. To be honest, I normally would have talked myself out of practicing yoga (day 12 of yoga journal's challenge) or doing anything else productive. However, if intentional actions are paramount in healing and each action or activity we take should have meaning, then the present moment is the place to start. That being said, I practiced yoga for 30 minutes and pulled another card from Louise Hay's deck, "Power Thought Cards." And, what card did I pull? "The point of power is always in the present moment." HA!
Like dreams, these cards can be personally interpreted to fit the individual. I'm reminded every moment counts, every moment means something, is the directional force of the next moment. I have the power to be present instead of absent from the moment. I hope that makes sense. :)

Divine wisdom guides me

That is the card I pulled for today. It is taken from Louise L. Hay's deck, "Power Thought" cards. Again, it is connected to this journey I am on recently. The Universe guides me to make the right choices toward my goals. I know when I listen, I can find the right answers. I only have to open myself up to see what those choices are and know that I am safe. That's a lot to think about.
Hope all is well out there in cyberspace.

Just breathe

Today's card was from the deck, "The Elemental Forces of Creation Oracle." It's an interesting deck. 

Today's card was focused on the element of Air and breathing. I'm learning a lot about breathing lately. In my yoga practice, we are taught to make our inhales equal to our exhales. When we want to lower our blood pressure, we exhale for a second more than our inhale. This is helpful for anxious moments, anger, and sleep. I will take time to be mindful of my breath.

Today I will see myself the way I'd like to be.

Today's card comes from Dr. Dyer's "10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace" deck. I pulled the 8th secret - Treat yourself as if you already are what you'd like to be. Hmmmm. Interesting considering this has been on my mind lately. Add last night's meditation exercise into the mix and I really believe the Universe is trying to tell me something. I've been in the community mental health field for over 10 years, working with people who suffer from chronic mental illness and addiction. The people I'm used to working with are the people most avoid on the street. They are the ones on public assistance, that always look disheveled, that have borderline IQs, etc. And, I love them. I was doing good work with my group until changes in the system made it impossible for me to do my job the way my clients (and I) needed. So, I left and decided to go to school (again). And, I've been struggling with what I was going to do with another degree. Where did I want this to take me? How can I heal the people I'm passionate about helping outside the realm of diagnoses? I've been pondering that question for a year now. Then I started this class. And, I feel as if I've found a home. I'm not sure where this path is going to lead yet but I'm going to actively pursue this interest until I'm there.

Reflections on my mind-body-spirit

This weeks relaxation exercise was very beneficial. I had to restart it twice because I really wanted to be in a place with no distractions. And, honestly, in the beginning, I found it a little difficult to focus. Soon, however, I was there. The colors were vibrant. Particularly when I was envisioning yellow radiating from my third chakra, the solar plexus. It was as if my body was filled with shock waves. This is interesting because the chakra located here is associated with self-confidence, one's ability to choose direction, and make (and mean) decisions (Pond, 2008). These things have been on my mind recently. Particularly the direction this path is taking me on. It has only been in the past 2 weeks that I've been given a glimpse of where I may be going. This exercise was a bit of an eye opener; telling me I need to continue looking down this particular road.

Now to answer a few more questions about where I am, what my goals are, and how I'm going to achieve them.

Physically, I would rate my well-being a 7. I have made tremendous strides in eliminating foods from my diet that make me sick and cause me pain. I exercise (almost) daily and I also know I need to put more effort into my yoga practice. Yoga is a continuous journey and there is always room for improvement. I want to be as flexible as I can possibly be.
Goal: Yoga to be natural every day occurrence.
Plan: I'm going to continue my 21 day yoga challenge (for those interested see www.yogajournal.com) and build my yoga library so I have a different sequence every day to avoid boredom with routine.

Spiritually: I would rate my well-being a 6. Although I think a lot about it, I don't actually do a lot about it. This class has sparked something in me and I believe the path may prove to be the right one. I want to dedicate more time in this area.
Goal: Spend time each day with a daily meditation card.
Plan: I must have 15 boxes of daily meditation cards sitting on my bookshelf from when I was a counselor. I will start putting them to my own use.

Psychological: I would rate my well-being an 8. This is the area I feel most successful in but with everything, there is always room for evolving to the next level.
Goal: Spend 30-60 minutes daily, learning something new in Ayurveda.
Plan: Buy a comprehensive book on Ayurveda, a new journal, and begin learning how to incorporate this model into my life.

When I look back at what I wrote I wonder if my goals and plans are reversed.
I look forward to input from others and more ideas on what I can do to make my plans successful.

 Reference
Pond, D. (2008). Chakras for beginners: A Guide to balancing your chakra energies. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn.

Mindfulness in adornment

I read an article a month or so ago (I believe it was in Yoga Journal) about the pride and care women in India take in preparing themselves for the day. It was written by a visiting American yoga student and made her think about the personal time and effort we should value when it comes to our outside adornment. And, how this can be a practice in mindfulness allowing our minds to fully concentrate on ourselves for those few precious moments we have before we take on the rest of the world.
Some who know a little about me know I am an advocate for health at any size. Part of this health and wellness outlook requires we appreciate how feel inside because this reflects how we look (and feel) on the outside.The onslaught of the emphasis on youth and beauty can have affects on anyone, even one that tends to fight against the grain. I consider myself healthy, inside and out and yet I am 42 years old and there are changes I take notice of and need to pay attention to. Making a mindful practice of my daily beauty routine has really allowed a fuller connection to my personal idea of what makes me beautiful. And, when I believe I look beautiful, I feel beautiful. This feeling radiates out.
Ayurveda recommends, as part of your daily morning routine, an oiled foot massage. Choosing an oil, spending 5-10 minutes indulging in pressure points and aromatherapy can activate circulation and awaken the senses. Throw your socks on over your feet and you may be surprised how good you feel. It is something I make time for every day.
Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Starting new habits

Although this blogging is new to me, I see the point of an online journal. So, why not? I hope my ramblings do not offend or bore.
My sister and I had a breakthrough with my mother yesterday. My mom is 72 years old and a chronic dieter. My two sisters, my mom, and I exchange emails on a daily basis as a way to keep in touch. We started discussing integral health and wellness and media influences on body image. She finally admitted she is obsessed with food but doesn't quite know why. My mother never admits things like that so this is progress.
This is important because I do care about what I look like. I think taking pride in how you look is healthy but I'm not the "ideal." And, it's taken a long time for me to learn to be comfortable with that. Partly because weight was so drummed into my head growing up. Partly, because, well, it's difficult to be ok as an extra large in a vast majority of smalls. Maybe this extra large 42 year old can teach the 72 year old medium to be good with herself as she is. It's a goal anyway.
Be well.

Reflection on meditation

In just the first week of class I realize how much I have neglected practicing meditation. I practice mindfulness and often feel I'm getting what I need from my walks in the woods or the beach. However, upon returning from this guided meditation exercise I realize how much I have missed this type of peacefulness. This purpose driven practice of relaxation.
I almost seemed to have forgotten what it was like to be able to control my body by simply telling it to do something. Funny how surprised I was when my fingers warmed immediately upon telling them to do so. Funny how they cooled and tingled when I told them to do so. That's what this is all about. Controlling the body. Letting the body know and understand that my mind wants nothing more than to have it reflect the happiness I feel inside. I have been experiencing the beginnings of arthritis in two of my fingers of my right hand. This meditation exercise may be the extra help I need in learning to counteract the wonderful signs of an aging body.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we may not recognize the reason immediately but there is always a purpose.

Hello everyone!

And welcome to my new blog. I've never done this but love the concept. I hope everyone enjoys reading what I have to say and I welcome comments and constructive criticism.
As you can tell by the title, I am a beach bum. I will start posting pictures of what I refer to as my beach although I am forced to share it with others. :)
Of course, I don't mind sharing it as long as it is respected for the beauty it offers.
I'm excited about what insights I will gain from this experience!
Have a wonderfully fantastic day!