Unit 6

The exercise of universal loving-kindness sort of confused me. I tried to relax and clear my mind. I really wanted this to start to work but I found myself not only reading the phrases but my mind continued to wander. Then I tried to just read the words and found myself reading before and after wondering if I was doing this right. After the 10 minutes or so were up, then I wondered if I am just not at that place yet and need to clear my mind more or at least better. It seems as though the day that happens affects how calm the mind is. I know that during the summer, I can sit on my deck and just stare into the forest and be at such ease with everything but now I cannot. I really think I am not there yet.
Deep down I know this can work. I honestly feel the work I need to concentrate on is forgiveness and calming my mind. There is a lot of anger and this will help. We all make mistakes and over the years I have made a few. I want to work on this and let things go since they are just annoying and getting in the way. I love how this works with just letting go of the thoughts and healing from within but never knew what it was or how. This class is teaching me the reasons why some things have worked while others have not.
Craig Touchette

Listening and comparing the two practices did not convince me anymore that what I know. I know that this works and that with practice and patience it does wonders for the better of my health. But I really did not understand "breathing in someone else's pains". I tried to understand what that person is going through but since I don't know the pain, I cannot help. Like I said before, my wife has MS and I would love to be able to alleviate even some of the pain. The breathing relaxes me and I understand much better how the breathing and mind are connected, when the breathing is easy, steady, and relaxed; the mind can be relaxed. Obviously, I am not there yet.
Spiritual wellness links with physical and mental wellness as a whole. One cannot be fully whole without all the links together. I believe that everyone believes in something better whether it is science, religion, or whatever. Prayer has been proven to work even in small ways but perception is the key. Does the person really want prayer to work? Is the body capable of getting better by "thinking it better"? As a member of humankind, I hope it is possible, but also as an amateur scientist, I would like to see the proof. I believe but don't know why or even how. I just do.
Craig Touchette

Unit 4

I listened to the subtle mind but did not find it as relaxing. The breathing awareness does work and I plan on using this to "tame my mind" but I did not like the water in the background. Being from Maine and so close to the coast, I know that the waves are crashing onto the rocks. I also see the waves as they come over the rocks and then ebb back out to sea. I don't find that gentle but it can be relaxing and somewhat mesmerizing. These practices are challenging for me because my mind is noisy and uncontrolled. Maybe I am one that cannot attain that peace and calm.

Mental training is a daily task just as this is. The more one tries to calm the mind the stronger the mind should get so these may work hand-in-hand. These workouts can work on many different aspects of not only clearing the mind of clutter and noise but awaken the mind to a better life style with a happier sense of being. It could also strengthen the immune system in coordination with yoga to strengthen the body and make it more flexible. A flexible mind sounds pretty good.

Week 3

Week 3 we are to answer these questions on how we rate ourselves:
1a. My physical well being I would say is a 7. I tend to eat what I want when I want. I also love to hike and be in the outdoors so I feel it is a trade off. Of course I know better for what I eat but I know that life is short and I really like to enjoy the moment so if a piece of pizza or a Twinkie is there then why not enjoy it. Just my thought.
b. My spiritual well being is closer to a 9. I believe in God, and I am not ashamed to say so. I strive everyday to try and do the right things not because I am afraid for my soul but it is just the right thing to do. I am always thinking of helping my fellow people no matter what I think of them because they deserve to be treated as I would want to be treated.
c. My psychological well being is something else. I am a veteran and have some nightmares sometimes just remembering. I know it would be good to see someone for them but I feel they are part of me so why would I change what I made myself. I rate that at a 6 but it has gotten better over the years and I am opening up more because of this.
2. My goal is to continue to improve my psychological well being. I know it will happen and my family and friends make all the difference. That is why they are there. They help by being there when I need them but not to push.
3. My activities are boy scouts. I am always going out on a hike or trip and seeing them become excellent citizens makes all the difference. It helps my soul regenerate because they are the future as is all the children. These ones just can be the leaders and pass on the knowledge and skills that I learned and then taught so maybe I do live some through them.

4. I did not understand this exercise as much. I imagined or tried to imagine the colors but didn't relax because that is not who I am. Somehow I know this would work for some but it hasn't worked for me. I am going to keep trying but this one did little to relax me but did make me giggle a little thinking of a rainbow coming out of me. If you knew me, you would know that probably would not happen. Thank you