“One cannot lead another where one has not gone before.”
I believe this statement points out to the reality that in order for a person to have an impact on another’s life, that person needs to have experienced that same state or pathway. This is something that is perceived by others when one merely “talks the talk”. That type of leading comes infected with a hollowness that is unconsciously perceived by the second person. When one has walked a pathway before, there is integrity in the voice; a calm confidence that radiates from the heart . . . and this causes the other person to open up and trust.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Unit 7 – Meeting Asciepius
In practicing the exercise associated with this unit, I visualized a very dear friend who went out of his way to mentor me. He was a Catholic Priest; an Oblate of Mary Immaculate. It was not difficult to visualize him because we shared many experiences in Yosemite and the John Muyr Woods . . . I did not need to visualize the light emanating from him at all because I could feel his tremendous love for people. I was 21 then, a Mexican kid from the Projects just starting in what would become my faith for the rest of my life.
I visualized him, just as I once experienced, sitting on a rock on the banks of a river as we conversed and shared a bottle of California wine and French bread; communion. I remember thinking then, and still believe he was one of the most beautiful persons I have ever met; full of love and radiating peace and the joy of discovery to everyone he came in contact with.
As I reflected on how he had taken the time to reach out to a confused young man as I, and realized how important he was to me during that time. I asked myself why did he take that time with me? It was because he was a Healer . . . and then, suddenly, it dawned on me that now I can serve others by giving of my time and my full intention to help them find themselves and their healing. My time has come, and I have started now.
I visualized him, just as I once experienced, sitting on a rock on the banks of a river as we conversed and shared a bottle of California wine and French bread; communion. I remember thinking then, and still believe he was one of the most beautiful persons I have ever met; full of love and radiating peace and the joy of discovery to everyone he came in contact with.
As I reflected on how he had taken the time to reach out to a confused young man as I, and realized how important he was to me during that time. I asked myself why did he take that time with me? It was because he was a Healer . . . and then, suddenly, it dawned on me that now I can serve others by giving of my time and my full intention to help them find themselves and their healing. My time has come, and I have started now.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Unit 6 - Integral Assessment exercise
I followed the steps recommended by Dacher (2006) in follow through to my own Integral Assessment. This involves cultivating a still and silent mind and then focusing on the four quadrants of the Integral Model that relate to the capacity of human experience: The Psychospiritual, the Biological, the Interpersonal, and the Worldly; and then taking inventory of myself to discover what areas in my current state need my attention. I then made use of the question, “What area of my life is ready for growth and development?” (Dacher, 2006), and discovered that I need to address each of life’s quadrants.
I saw my Biology - specifically in terms of my own self-regulation and health promotion. I then tried to visualize what practices this will require and saw that I need to receive a medical assessment of my current health, and saw that I need is to see a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in pursuit of a holistic overview and approach to promoting my optimum health; and that this would be a beginning of practice that can include TCM diagnosis, acupuncture and herbal treatment. I saw that I need to go to bed earlier so that I get sufficient sleep, as well as engage in deep breathing, bodily exercise and practicing a still mind and saw myself as learning Tai Chi or Qi-gong.
In the Psychospiritual domain of my life, I recognized that I need to return to my practice of reading the Bible every night and every morning, that I need to address myself to my Creator as a friend to friend more frequently; and that I need to daily practice a still mind as a means of relieving the sources of stress in my life.
In the Interpersonal area, I saw that I need to make myself available to ministry in my Church by arriving an hour early and properly prepared so that I can be seen by others as someone ready to serve. I also saw that I need to practice loving kindness by reaching out to others in more than simply a greeting; something that can also serve so that I can become more engaged in the life of other persons, thereby reducing my feeling of aloneness.
In term of my Worldly capacity, I need to recognize my calling as a Mentor to other, younger persons who reach out to me (including my Son-in-Law), as well as those requesting my recommendations for their health and wellness. I also saw the need for my Social Activism in the simple form of collaborating with my Daughter and my Grandchildren’s zest for recycling.
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
I saw my Biology - specifically in terms of my own self-regulation and health promotion. I then tried to visualize what practices this will require and saw that I need to receive a medical assessment of my current health, and saw that I need is to see a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in pursuit of a holistic overview and approach to promoting my optimum health; and that this would be a beginning of practice that can include TCM diagnosis, acupuncture and herbal treatment. I saw that I need to go to bed earlier so that I get sufficient sleep, as well as engage in deep breathing, bodily exercise and practicing a still mind and saw myself as learning Tai Chi or Qi-gong.
In the Psychospiritual domain of my life, I recognized that I need to return to my practice of reading the Bible every night and every morning, that I need to address myself to my Creator as a friend to friend more frequently; and that I need to daily practice a still mind as a means of relieving the sources of stress in my life.
In the Interpersonal area, I saw that I need to make myself available to ministry in my Church by arriving an hour early and properly prepared so that I can be seen by others as someone ready to serve. I also saw that I need to practice loving kindness by reaching out to others in more than simply a greeting; something that can also serve so that I can become more engaged in the life of other persons, thereby reducing my feeling of aloneness.
In term of my Worldly capacity, I need to recognize my calling as a Mentor to other, younger persons who reach out to me (including my Son-in-Law), as well as those requesting my recommendations for their health and wellness. I also saw the need for my Social Activism in the simple form of collaborating with my Daughter and my Grandchildren’s zest for recycling.
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Addendum: Unit 6 - Universal Loving Kindness exercise
July 20, 2010 . . .
After writing my answers to our Unit 6 Exercises, I have had a second thought about my unwillingness to do the Universal Loving Kindness exercise, which includes mention of the willful (intentional) desire that "all individuals" gain freedom from suffering; sustained health, happiness, and wholeness . . . I am now willing to do this exercise just as it is prescribed . . . The reason I have changed my heart about this is because after reviewing the eight principle of Integral Practice, I see that this exercise is not just an isolated activity, but rather a part of a program through which I can develop as wholly as I possibly can become.
Ever since I wrote my earlier post on the exercise; my mind (and heart) have tugged at my Self pointing out that my tethering myself to that refusal was simply my own pride and anger against those who abuse and hurt others, but that in the end the one affected would be myself in limiting me in my own Integral Development . . . I also have come to see that my clinging to that refusal was also based on my own reactivity, thereby keeping me bound from walking the talk of loving kindness. This doesn't mean that I am less inclined to disapprove of those who abuse those weaker than themselves, but that in my freeing myself, I also open the possibility of a day when even they can be healed of their sickness. "May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness."
After writing my answers to our Unit 6 Exercises, I have had a second thought about my unwillingness to do the Universal Loving Kindness exercise, which includes mention of the willful (intentional) desire that "all individuals" gain freedom from suffering; sustained health, happiness, and wholeness . . . I am now willing to do this exercise just as it is prescribed . . . The reason I have changed my heart about this is because after reviewing the eight principle of Integral Practice, I see that this exercise is not just an isolated activity, but rather a part of a program through which I can develop as wholly as I possibly can become.
Ever since I wrote my earlier post on the exercise; my mind (and heart) have tugged at my Self pointing out that my tethering myself to that refusal was simply my own pride and anger against those who abuse and hurt others, but that in the end the one affected would be myself in limiting me in my own Integral Development . . . I also have come to see that my clinging to that refusal was also based on my own reactivity, thereby keeping me bound from walking the talk of loving kindness. This doesn't mean that I am less inclined to disapprove of those who abuse those weaker than themselves, but that in my freeing myself, I also open the possibility of a day when even they can be healed of their sickness. "May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness."
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Unit 6 - Universal Loving Kindness Exercise
July 18, 2010
The Universal Loving Kindness exercises calls the closing of our eyes for a couple of minutes, and then repeating the following phrases for about ten minutes:
"May all individuals gain freedom from suffering
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering
May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness"
I could not bring myself to do it. The whole notion rubs against my grain because it would be hypocritical for me (or at best naive) . . . I cannot wish such goodness to "all individuals". There are those who don't deserve my repeating the above mentioned phrases: Child Molesters, Rapists and Murderers.
The closest I could come was to mentally sing: "Jesus loves the little children, all the lovely children of the world; Yellow, Red and Black and White; they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." As I mentally sang these words, I recalled a Lakota Prayer Warrior friend of mine who intercedes for the children of the world every day. This I can do: pray for all the children; and in saying "children" I am referring to those who are innocent whether by age, or by their incapacity for learning evil. Children get in free; all others must pay.
The Universal Loving Kindness exercises calls the closing of our eyes for a couple of minutes, and then repeating the following phrases for about ten minutes:
"May all individuals gain freedom from suffering
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering
May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness"
I could not bring myself to do it. The whole notion rubs against my grain because it would be hypocritical for me (or at best naive) . . . I cannot wish such goodness to "all individuals". There are those who don't deserve my repeating the above mentioned phrases: Child Molesters, Rapists and Murderers.
The closest I could come was to mentally sing: "Jesus loves the little children, all the lovely children of the world; Yellow, Red and Black and White; they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." As I mentally sang these words, I recalled a Lakota Prayer Warrior friend of mine who intercedes for the children of the world every day. This I can do: pray for all the children; and in saying "children" I am referring to those who are innocent whether by age, or by their incapacity for learning evil. Children get in free; all others must pay.
Creating Mental Fitness
Creating Mental Fitness
by
Moises Medina
Why Pursue Mental Fitness?
- Reduce stress
- Gain emotional balance
- Gain access to inner resources
- Improve biological health
Studies Have Shown that Practice of Mental Fitness can:
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Improve immunity level
- Reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Bach ache
- Muscle tension
STANAFORD FORGIVENESS PROJECT
The Stanford Forgiveness Project showed that Forgiveness training exercises can help participants achieve:
- a reduction of their state of hurt and anger
- an increase in forgiveness, hope, self-efficacy and spiritual connection
- a decrease in depression and an increase in optimism
-an improved appetite, sleep pattern, energy and general well-being
- a decrease in arterial blood pressure
(Schlitz, Amarok & Micozzi, 2005)
THE LIFESTYLE HEART TRIAL
The Lifestyle Heart Trial showed that heart patients who received “lifestyle” treatment that included modern medical treatment, as well as mental exercises over a one-year period, gained
- Improved blood flow to the heart
- An overall reversal of the build-up of coronary artery blockages
In contrast, the control group, which received only modern medical treatment, and was not engaged in the mental exercises, showed:
- an increase of 165% in chest pain
- a decrease of blood flow to the heart
- a worsening in coronary artery blockages
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
AMERICAN EXPRESS TRIAL
American Express Financial Advisors who faced daily stress were provided forgiveness training; the Financial Advisors were facing daily stress from:
- An uncertain financial market
- Client complaints
- Uncooperative business associates
- Co-worker errors
One year later, that same group of American Express Financial Advisors advisors showed:
- an 18% increase in sales
- a 24% reduction in stress
- a 20% increase in their ability to experience positive mental states including rest, productivity,
attention, caretaking and pleasure
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
FINDING YOUR CENTER
Centering is a concept central to the practice of mind-body work that is easily learned.
It involves finding one’s perfectly centered posture; in which the skeleton is so perfectly aligned that one feels balanced; nearly weightless.
Learning centering has many benefits including bringing you to a state of awareness in the “here and now”; from where you can experience being fully “present”.
To find your center through this exercise, you will need a partner:
1. Stand facing your partner, your feet planted about shoulder-width apart
2. Your partner places his or her hand on your upper chest, then slowly, and gently pushes as you try to discover your center
3. You will discover your center when you feel perfectly in balance; you will recognize it as a feeling in your heart of being perfectly at ease. You will find yourself passing your center as you go slightly off balance.
4. Finding your center takes practice
5. You will need to experiment, and take turns so that both you and your partner can learn to recognize when you are centered.
6. Recognizing your center can be likened to a moment on a playground swing: like the moment when you are at the top of the swing’s motion, and you feel weightless for an instant.
7. With practice, you will learn to find your center without a partner; you will also learn to remain centered.
8. When centered, you will feel perfectly at ease, focused, buoyant
9. You will be able to fully engage your inner intention in mental work. It is like meditating while fully awake to your surroundings
10. You will be able to observe, think , and interact with others from a place of perfect poise.
11. With time you will learn to walk and move in a centered manner and it will open possibilities that may not have been accessible to you before
(Olalla, Echeverria. 1994)
CHUMASH CENTERING EXERCISE
Chumash Centering is an exercise I designed for my own use, and which I wish to share with you.
I call it “Chumash Centering” in honor of the a Native American people group whose cosmology resonates with my own worldview . . .
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart; eyes open (be sure to practice deep, calm, breathing throughout the entire Chumash Centering exercise)
2. Bring your hands together at the middle of your chest as you simultaneously find and then hold your center; one hand covering the other (as if in prayer)
3. Experience your center; savor the moment
4. Mentally state your purpose for entering this centered moment
5. Now separate your hands, and with open palms extend them to your sides; as if on a cross
6. Then raise your hands upward as in praise; close your eyes and be thankful
7. Eyes still closed, now bring your hands back to the middle of your chest; one hand over the other, as in prayer
8. Remain centered, one hand clasped over the other as you meditate (eyes still closed)
9. From this “place” you can reflect, strategize, plan, pray or meditate
10. When finished, release your hands and allow your arms to rest; open your eyes
11. Remain centered for a moment, then slowly re-enter your normal activities
CONCLUSION:
The benefits of practicing mental fitness, when done on a regular basis are cumulative:
- Mental clarity
- Emotional balance
- Improved biological health
- Improved spiritual awareness
There are many ways to practice mental fitness
Find one or more ways that work for you
Practice mental fitness often; daily if possible
Whenever you need to regain your mental, emotional or spiritual balance practice mental fitness
It is like riding a bike; your never forget how to do it
REFERENCES:
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Olalla, J., Echeverria, R. (1994). Mastering the art of professional coaching. San Francisco, CA: Newfield Group
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & healing. St. Luis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
by
Moises Medina
Why Pursue Mental Fitness?
- Reduce stress
- Gain emotional balance
- Gain access to inner resources
- Improve biological health
Studies Have Shown that Practice of Mental Fitness can:
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Improve immunity level
- Reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Bach ache
- Muscle tension
STANAFORD FORGIVENESS PROJECT
The Stanford Forgiveness Project showed that Forgiveness training exercises can help participants achieve:
- a reduction of their state of hurt and anger
- an increase in forgiveness, hope, self-efficacy and spiritual connection
- a decrease in depression and an increase in optimism
-an improved appetite, sleep pattern, energy and general well-being
- a decrease in arterial blood pressure
(Schlitz, Amarok & Micozzi, 2005)
THE LIFESTYLE HEART TRIAL
The Lifestyle Heart Trial showed that heart patients who received “lifestyle” treatment that included modern medical treatment, as well as mental exercises over a one-year period, gained
- Improved blood flow to the heart
- An overall reversal of the build-up of coronary artery blockages
In contrast, the control group, which received only modern medical treatment, and was not engaged in the mental exercises, showed:
- an increase of 165% in chest pain
- a decrease of blood flow to the heart
- a worsening in coronary artery blockages
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
AMERICAN EXPRESS TRIAL
American Express Financial Advisors who faced daily stress were provided forgiveness training; the Financial Advisors were facing daily stress from:
- An uncertain financial market
- Client complaints
- Uncooperative business associates
- Co-worker errors
One year later, that same group of American Express Financial Advisors advisors showed:
- an 18% increase in sales
- a 24% reduction in stress
- a 20% increase in their ability to experience positive mental states including rest, productivity,
attention, caretaking and pleasure
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
FINDING YOUR CENTER
Centering is a concept central to the practice of mind-body work that is easily learned.
It involves finding one’s perfectly centered posture; in which the skeleton is so perfectly aligned that one feels balanced; nearly weightless.
Learning centering has many benefits including bringing you to a state of awareness in the “here and now”; from where you can experience being fully “present”.
To find your center through this exercise, you will need a partner:
1. Stand facing your partner, your feet planted about shoulder-width apart
2. Your partner places his or her hand on your upper chest, then slowly, and gently pushes as you try to discover your center
3. You will discover your center when you feel perfectly in balance; you will recognize it as a feeling in your heart of being perfectly at ease. You will find yourself passing your center as you go slightly off balance.
4. Finding your center takes practice
5. You will need to experiment, and take turns so that both you and your partner can learn to recognize when you are centered.
6. Recognizing your center can be likened to a moment on a playground swing: like the moment when you are at the top of the swing’s motion, and you feel weightless for an instant.
7. With practice, you will learn to find your center without a partner; you will also learn to remain centered.
8. When centered, you will feel perfectly at ease, focused, buoyant
9. You will be able to fully engage your inner intention in mental work. It is like meditating while fully awake to your surroundings
10. You will be able to observe, think , and interact with others from a place of perfect poise.
11. With time you will learn to walk and move in a centered manner and it will open possibilities that may not have been accessible to you before
(Olalla, Echeverria. 1994)
CHUMASH CENTERING EXERCISE
Chumash Centering is an exercise I designed for my own use, and which I wish to share with you.
I call it “Chumash Centering” in honor of the a Native American people group whose cosmology resonates with my own worldview . . .
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart; eyes open (be sure to practice deep, calm, breathing throughout the entire Chumash Centering exercise)
2. Bring your hands together at the middle of your chest as you simultaneously find and then hold your center; one hand covering the other (as if in prayer)
3. Experience your center; savor the moment
4. Mentally state your purpose for entering this centered moment
5. Now separate your hands, and with open palms extend them to your sides; as if on a cross
6. Then raise your hands upward as in praise; close your eyes and be thankful
7. Eyes still closed, now bring your hands back to the middle of your chest; one hand over the other, as in prayer
8. Remain centered, one hand clasped over the other as you meditate (eyes still closed)
9. From this “place” you can reflect, strategize, plan, pray or meditate
10. When finished, release your hands and allow your arms to rest; open your eyes
11. Remain centered for a moment, then slowly re-enter your normal activities
CONCLUSION:
The benefits of practicing mental fitness, when done on a regular basis are cumulative:
- Mental clarity
- Emotional balance
- Improved biological health
- Improved spiritual awareness
There are many ways to practice mental fitness
Find one or more ways that work for you
Practice mental fitness often; daily if possible
Whenever you need to regain your mental, emotional or spiritual balance practice mental fitness
It is like riding a bike; your never forget how to do it
REFERENCES:
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Olalla, J., Echeverria, R. (1994). Mastering the art of professional coaching. San Francisco, CA: Newfield Group
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & healing. St. Luis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
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