Unit 7: Meeting Aesclepius

I really enjoyed the exercise of Meeting Aesclepius. I thought about Jesus being that wise person sitting in front of me. Just the thought of Him sitting there and giving me all His time and love and totally available to me was so fulfilling. I could feel the tension in my mind and throat and heart release. I didn't have to do anything just experience His light. It was a beautiful gift to a tired woman. 

I have always believed the saying "one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself." In fact, the path I am on now has been very difficult and many times throughout this venture I have said to myself, "wow, I had no idea how hard it was for those who have gone through this!" I also tell myself, "now I understand, and when I get through this I can help others find their way through!"  I used to live in the mountains and unless I had been in the mountains learning the way through I could have never shown anyone else. I am learning all the needs a person has when they are in extreme stress and will be able to address them for others more holistically. It is very important that I work on developing my health psychologically, physically, and spiritually. How can I encourage others to do the work when I am not willing myself?  I want to be an example and not just a cheerleader. I would have to say that what I am going through is developing every part of my integral self. I am grateful for that because I want to be a deeper person and understand the pain of others.  Christina

Unit 6: Loving Kindness and Integral Assessment

The universal Loving Kindness exercise was interesting. At first it was repetitive, just repeating the sentences over and over but then it began to make sense to my head. Then it made sense to my heart. I thought, "wow, what if I could tie these thoughts to my head and my heart all the time!" I am pretty sure I would treat people with more kindness, even those that I consider to be enemies. 

The Integral Assessment was difficult to understand at first but as I slowed down and went through it I began to understand it more. In my psychospiritual I realized that my conative level still has a lot of work to move from instinctive and reactive to have meaning and fulfillment. The emotional part of me realizes that my goal is to have stable happiness and not be dictated by fears, anger, or desires.  

I think my biological line is more developed. I exercise regularly and am working on becoming more aware of my physical body.  I am trying to learn exercises that work on body and mind at the same time. 

The Interpersonal area is an area that I am really struggling with. Family is very important to me and they are a big part of my life. I have also learned that I forgot about self or really didn't know self so I was not balanced and not teaching my children how to be balanced. 

My Worldly Flourishing area is growing and I am involved with the community in different areas. I hope to become involved in the global cause of human trafficking when I have become more balanced. I also want to pass on to others what I am learning about balance and interpersonal health.   Christina