Unit 10 - Reflections

My well-being scores from unit 3 of the course were: physical (3), psychological (6), spiritual (8).
My re-assessment scores from unit 9 of the course are: physical (6), psychological (7), spiritual (7).

This course has really made me think about where I am and where I want to be and has opened doors to possibilities. During the course, I found the exercises and readings very inspiring. I actually began to notice that without thinking about it, I had a more positive attitude, more energy, was more open with people in general and was receiving positive feedback from others as well. This really solidified for me that the law of attraction is true - you get back what you project.

At the start of the course, I rated my physical well-being at 3 because I had gained fifteen pounds, was fatigued, and forcing myself to take a daily walk. In the past nine weeks my attitude has improved, and I am energized to the point that I am actually wearing out the dogs! I am no longer so fatigued and take any opportunity to get outside and walk, go to the park, or work in the yard. As a result I have lost a third of the weight I gained and feel great. I feel that I am at a 6 now because I do have more work to do as far as my fitness plan, but I am no longer dreading it.

Psychologically, I rated myself at a 6 in unit 3. I felt then that I had a better understanding myself than ever before and was improving in this area. I now rate myself at a 7 because, as I mentioned before, my attitude and outlook are getting more positive by the day and this course has given me even more tools to work with. I know now that if I stay on this track, I will continue to improve. I can't wait to see what it feels like to be at 8, 9, or 10, but I plan to get there!

Spiritually, I rated myself at an 8 in unit 3 because I was pretty positive about my beliefs and confortable with them. I now rate myself at a 7 because this course has shown me that I need to continue learning, seek out others who feel as I do, obtain a teacher and learn more. Basically, I feel the need to come out of the closet and become part of the bigger picture ultimately perhaps being able to help others do the same.

My unit 3 goals were: physical (continue exercise program & maintain focus), psychological (continue to remind myself how far I have come and continue moving forward), spiritual (continue looking for my own answers). I feel that I have made progress in these areas - my fitness program is much improved as is my positive attitude and spiritually I am inspired not only to continue looking within but to look without - become more involved in a spiritual community and continue to learn.

My experience in this course has been a very positive one. I seem to have broken through my own barriers to see the possibilities on the horizon. I was sabotaging myself with regard to contemplative practice because I was concentrating too much on breaking through and not simply being in the moment and waiting for it to occur naturally. It is hard to explain the feeling when you realize for the first time that you are actually witnessing your thoughts rather than being imprisoned by them. This was a great achievement during this course that motivates me to continue the exercises and mindful practice. Overall, it is hard to explain the change this course has brought about. I am energized, positive, and excited to learn more. I am recognizing subtleties that I had been missing before - almost as if the shades were drawn but are now lifted and I can see the sunlight outside. These are very subtle differences - not like a eureka! moment - but positive and exciting.

How will this experience improve my ability to assist others? It already has. My daughter is having a stressful time right now and, like she learned from her mother, tends to get very negative when things go wrong. I have been trying to steer her in a more positive and peaceful direction, get her to meditate without knowing that's what she's doing, and I have seen a positive change although she doesn't understand why!  (She thinks my Buddhist beliefs, or any religious beliefs for that matter, are a waste of time and energy.) I am more willing to just listen rather than having to be the "mom" and offer advice. Sometimes all you need to do to help someone is listen to them. I hope that the change in me will reflect on them and at some point to others.

I wish everyone the best of luck and life. 

~Namaste~