I really enjoyed the Loving-Kindness exercise. I think about these ideals of freedom from suffering and finding health, happiness and wholeness for all people. The exercise opened my heart even further and I felt very calm, satisfied and peaceful at the end. I found it a little difficult to memorize the exact phrases, so I improvised a little. But once I learn them, I believe I will use this exercise every morning before leaving the house. I think it will inspire me to be more sensitive, caring and giving to others. It definitely shifts any focus I may have had on myself to a focus on all others.
I did fairly well with the assessment and the complete honesty I had to have with myself. Right now in my life, my source of difficulty (I wouldn't call it suffering) comes from the aspect of worldly...namely my job. I recently found out that I am ineligible to complete a series of tests in order to keep my job. This is a stressful situation for me, but I have found that it's opened up other doors and avenues for me to pursue my truer calling. Although I am dealing with it in a very positive way, until I have signed on to another job, it remains a stresser. My survival (and that of my children's), my creative expression, service and fulfillment are all lines that are essential, but for now survival is the most crucial. Having a steady job that pays the bills is #1 on the list. I have begun looking and have several opportunities on the horizon. I'm feeling hopeful that creatively I will find something that allows me to stay in patient care (service) which has always been a place of fulfillment for me.
Promoting integral development, in the form of biologically,would be the area I would like to explore toward growth and development. (The one after this will be psychospiritual). Once I train my body toward physical health and nutritional health, I will then turn to my mind/body health and spiritual/body health. I feel like I've begun to take these steps already. I am slowly changing our eating habits to include more nutritious and whole foods. I have recently joined a gym and am very excited to work on toning and stamina. Once I feel confident that I have reached a level where nutrition and physical activity have become a part of my life, I will pursue the mind/body healing. I have already taken small steps using meditation as a starting point. I feel more confident today about my future and what I can give to my children and others than I have in a long time!
