If I had to give myself a rating on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of three areas, (physical, spiritual and psychological) I would first focus on the physical aspects of myself. This past weekend, I participated in the Mud Factor Seriously Fun 5k Obstacle Run, with my brother(all the money went to MS research, which our grandfather had). I prepared myself more for the obstacles than the running, thinking they were going to be the difficult part, and I was wrong! I after that experience, I think I would give myself a 5 for physical well being. My body is not in poor shape, but I have just learned that it is not in as good of shape as I would have thought. Next year, we want to participate in the Tough Mudder run, which is twice as long with twice as many obstacles, (all the proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project) so my goal over the next year is to go from a 5 to an 8. My spiritual well being I will rate at a 7. I have a fairly good relationship with the universe around me, and although not a practicing Catholic (for the most part) as I feel much more connected to God and the spirits in nature not in a church or cathedral, I know where I feel most connected. I would like to improve to an 8 or 9, and be able to more articulately describe my sense of spirituality to others.
Lastly, I would give my psychological well being a 7 as well. Although I have a fairly healthy mind, I am still overcome time to time by feelings of severe anxiety, dread, and apprehension. I also have a tendency to hold onto stress, and not let it go. I think that through mediation, I could work up to a 9 in a fairly short amount of time, and be more at peace in times of stress.
As far as our guided meditation for this week, I felt it was a bit too long, although I did like the grounding phrases that accompanied each stage, and each part of the body. I may use this technique again, but shorten it to fit my needs. I may also listen to it again, and memorize each phrase with each part of the body, and use them for quick relaxation techniques along with deep breathing, when ever I feel anxious about something, or stressed and angry about work.
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| My brother and I after the Mud Run |
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Hello Catherine,
ReplyDeleteGreat post...the mud run looks fun...it's admirable that it's for a good cause. It seems like you have great goals for the future regarding mind/body/spirit...and tailoring the exercise to fit your situation is a great idea...also: fantastic title for this blog (!) -Take care. -John Vondra.
The mud run looks so fun! Was it one of those with the obstacles? I just did the Graffiti run and I had a blast!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine, I admire your determination to see an activity such as the Mud run through to the end, it looks like it would be a trying yet rewarding experience! I have never partaken of anything such as that, and in the shape I currently am in, I'm not so sure I'm ready for anything like that.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I think you articulate your connection to things quite well based on what I've read in your blog. Great work, and I look forward to reading more about your experiences with the things we are asked to consider in this class. You have a very interesting way of perceiving and articulating things, and I'm with John that the name of your blog is great, the book that inspired you sounds fascinating - who is the author again? I guess i could look it up in your other blog, lol. Anyhoo, thanks for sharing and thanks for the good read *high five*