Unit 8

The loving kindness exercise by far was the main one that actually seemed to do anything for me though the visualization one at least was fairly peaceful.  I actually got some benefit from the loving kindness exercise when I was in fairly bad pain because it helped to divert my focus some and allowed me at least a short reprieve from the pain.  I think actually using that practice if I end up eating contaminated food might actually help me deal with some of the pain and other nasty side effects because it will help me relax and focus a bit less on the pain.  In the long run having greater control and focus could help me possibly go without needing to harsh of pain medication which would be better on my body.  The visualization technique would be at least beneficial in relaxing and again that can help me with some of my pain as well.

Unit 7

The exercise this week really just got me thinking about those I have lost recently as well as those I have lost a very long time ago.  I couldn't really focus when it started going into the light emanating from body areas but over all the exercise was good for my mood.  It made me remember all of the good things that I had gone through with those loved ones and just put me in a better mood which I really did need.  When it comes to my spiritual wellness I guess the mediation has somewhat helped with organizing my thoughts and actually has come in handy when I've been stressed and in pain.  Anything that boosts my mood I find tends to help keep me more positive and focused as well as more energized as well.

Honestly the whole quote thing got to me a little because I personally believe you can help someone with something even if you haven't personally been through what they have.  You don't have to know what they feel but you do have to understand that for them whatever they are dealing with isn't easy and just have to make sure you have patience and can at least try and put yourself in their shoes.  You can at least sympathize with them that what they are dealing with is hard and at times can be painful and seem hopeless.  I'm sure nearly everyone has felt hopeless with their situation at times and even if they situations aren't the exact same you can still sympathize with the feeling involved.

   The exercise frankly was just annoying and I really couldn't focus on it.  I just lost two people I really cared about over the weekend so I found the assessment just made me think back on this weekend and the feelings that came with it.  It basically was just about self-reflection it seemed like and I typically do that as problems come up as it is.  I tend to worry about figuring out the worst parts of the problem and just work on the most pressing issues first.  I over analyze things as it is by thinking about it and trying to figure out why and just what it is that is driving me nuts.