We have definitely determined that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. We have discussed and practiced a number of different exercises to enhance our mental fitness. I think for me the loving-kindness is a good one. I have problems moving passed my close relatives and friends sometimes when I do the exercise however, after doing it a few times it is becoming more powerful for others as well. I am able to feel it more and more.
Deep breathing meditation really helps me as I concentrate on my breath. I concentrate on watching my breath as I breath in and out. It really relaxes, calms, and makes me feel just overall better. I can get pretty hyped up during the day at work, and at other times and this is something that I can do almost anywhere and it makes me feel better quickly.
I believe both of these exercises are beneficial to everyone and am starting to talk to my clients at the gym about these because many of them have stressful jobs as well and can use some quick calming and relaxation ideas. I also believe that many times this is why it is hard for people to lose weight because there body is stressed and pent up. There metabolism does not work well so if they learn to how to relax and calm the body they will naturally have an easier time losing weight.
In Health
Michelle C.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI really find Loving Kindness a special exercise as well. It seems that a lot of the classmates may feel the same. This is most likely because Loving Kindness is such a successful tool in my opinion. You keep up doing it if it is working for you, and I am going to strive to carve time out to practice myself. Also, breathing is such an effective tool, and sometimes over looked. I use it with yoga practices and I have seen the results. I am also looking forward to diving into this much much more when I graduate. I have learned breathing exercises a long time ago but it has developed. Great choices and I hope you use them to better yourself.
Michele - Nice post! I always look forward to reading your blog and just hope for you and all our other classmates that we utilize this wonderful class and Dacher's text to reach a life of integral health. I'm glad that your are talking about our mental exercises with your clients for several reasons. One being, we learn best from teaching. Reinforcing the information by teaching it to others and showing them how their mental fitness can also allow and foster their physical fitness is a great asset to the gym you work for and your clients. I wish I could be surrounded by others who were on board for the wisdom and work of integral health. Also, being near those who understand the joys of having, giving, and receiving loving-kindness will only ensure that we stay on that same path ourselves. I have also been talking about and encouraging meditation practices, and the practices of integral health among friends and family. They're anxious to be able to pick my brain and start out their understannding of a life focused on mind, body, and spirit. Nice job in your blog....it is always a pleasure:) Katie
ReplyDeleteHello Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is great taht you are encouraging meditation to your clients. I believe youa re right meditation could be very beneficial to weightloss. Many people gain more weight when stressed or tend to eat to relive stress. Using meditation to to relive that stress would be very beneficial tot hese clients.
Michelle
ReplyDeleteExactly what I would have picked for practices. Subtle mind practice was too relax for an exercise for myself. I was falling asleep during the exercise, because my eyes were close, but it was too laid back, lol. You chose a couple of good practices, I like. Meditation is perfect for stress. I use it a lot at work. Deep breathes and exhalation.
Great post Michelle, you are so right mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. To me meditation is so important in my life at the present. It helps me to stay calm and relieves my stress.
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