Unit 7- "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"

            If you do not know how to do something, then as a teacher or a leader, how can you tell others to do it as well? Many people in life choose a path, that path may be of leadership, follower, listener, talker, spiritual, or not spiritual. How do we become these things? Why do we choose these paths? 

            Often times these paths are laid before us by those who teach us. Our parents, relatives and the media, society and our culture. As a professional of health and wellness it is imperative to understand how to teach others the methods they need to accomplish their spiritual goals. I think that as a professional, you do not necessarily need to have practiced what you are teaching, but at least know how to do it. As a teacher you should have the knowledge to pass on. I think it is always better to be someone that has done it, but it may not always be the case. 

            I also find that it is our obligation as spiritual leaders to practice what we preach. I have always told those that work with me and for me, that I would never ask them to do anything I have not already done, or am not willing to do myself. I think it is a good leadership trait to have and pass on to others, and when you have this quality, it makes you listener more susceptible to what you are trying to teach them. Experience is everything and when you have it and can share it means everything to them as well and makes it that much better. 

            Spiritual growth comes from within, but can be influenced by those outside. Using the skills we have learned as well as touching our inner self will help to focus that spiritual wellbeing on our lives. Incorporating the wellness practices into a routine of everyday life is important to develop and live a life of spiritual happiness.

Unit 7- My Meeting with Aesclepius

           I have spent my entire life practicing Buddhism. I am not as devote as my mother is, or my husband, but I do fully believe in the feeling of oneness and wholeness that Buddhism shares. Finding a place inside that offers enlighten is important to feel when practicing. 

            At first, when I tried this meditation exercise, I had a difficult time. I hate to say it this way, but the voice that offers the skills to the meditation drew me away from relaxation and a little into irritation. I don’t know if it was a mood I was in, but I had to stop and walk away for a bit. Finally I decided it was time to get over it and just focus on the practice instead. Once I was into the practice and able to focus on the meditative qualities I found myself in my favorite place to be, the calming ocean. I found myself drifting on a raft in the big beautiful ocean relaxed and enjoying life. 

            Since this exercise uses the love and kindness of another, I felt it was important to bring my father with me. I wanted to relax and gain wisdom from him on my journey. He has always been an inspiration to me and has always offered me the best of everything, he taught me to be a great woman, and as a grandfather, he has the patience of father time himself. I love it, and could think of no other to pass the light from.

Unit 6- Loving-Kindness State of Being and the Integral Assessment

            I love to meditate. I prefer the Buddhist style of meditation, but it is similar. During my meditation I do both, quiet still mind as well as chanting. During a normal day it can be most frustrating to deal with people, but if I go back to my practice of mediation it puts me back in the state of kindness. I learned through the meditation exercise to always focus on the good and disperse with the negative. I did however find myself a few time in a frustrating mood and was unable to find the positive in certain things, it only brings me down though. I will continue to practice this again this week. 

            I learned through the integral assessment about what it means to fully embody the spirit and mind in order to gain the most of my health. Having a pure spirit and is important to gaining this truth.

            My biological spirit is strong and healthy, as well as my interpersonal wellness, and I am improving my psychospiritual self. I will continue to practice this Loving Kindness and assess myself more often to see where I am at in life. I really am enjoying this class. 

            One of the biggest things I will focus on is my stress and how I pass it along. I find that through my assessment, although I am decent spiritually, I need to not allow the stress to affect everything else around me. I learned that I sometimes pass that stress improperly to my children and the one around me. Learning to find my inner calm will help me to isolate my trigger and respond better with my stress.