Unit Four

It is weeks like this last one that make me think back to all that I have learned, in life and in the past two years as a student, especially the last two terms since I have been learning a lot about stress and how to handle stress in a healthy way. It is extremely important to me to be able to have a grasp on time management in order to keep me in line.

1. My experience with the exercises from tracks #1 and #2 were a bit difficult for me and I think it was mainly because I was completely distracted. Two weeks ago I started a second job and now I find myself working close to seventy hours per week plus school. During the exercises I felt myself wondering how much time had passed, if I was going to be late, and what I had to get done before I could go to bed. In between my distractions I could see some benefits to the exercises. I felt the presence of my wonderful uncle, whom I admire and respect. He is a major figure in my life, a true mentor, he holds wisdom, love, and a joy for life, he practices compassion and he is open and accepting towards other cultures. He has traveled to many different countries, which empowers me to see the opportunity I have to do the same, to see the world and the many things it has to offer. I fully enjoyed how this exercise allowed me to see and feel all those thoughts. I am also happy that we have access to the exercises at anytime, so when I get into my new groove and figure out my time management plan for my new schedule I have the ability to try these exercises again.

2. It is important that we give ourselves rest and relaxation, however it is even more important that we stimulate our brains as well. Mental workouts are just as important and beneficial as physical workouts, helping us keep our whole self healthy and balanced. I found an interesting article on the BBC website entitled, "Mental Workout 'boosts the brain' ", it states that "there is evidence that such stimulation promotes brain cells to start branching out and form new connections with other cells" (BBC News, 2008). From the Integral Health text it discusses the benefits to progressing with the development of expanded consciousness and its healing capacities (Dacher, 2006). I know by implementing mental fitness as much as physical fitness I will achieve overall wellness. My personal ways of implementing mental fitness is through yoga, meditation, and finding ways to stimulate and challenge my brain.

Peace,

Nico

References

Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications: Laguna Beach, CA.

BBC News. (2008). Mental Workout 'boosts the brain'. Retrieved November 5, 2010 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7373026.stm