Unit 10

Reflections

When looking back at Unit 3 it is hard not to look back at the last five years of my life. I feel I have made a dramatic turn around since the, especially in the last two years, since I have been a student and started challenging myself with things that can benefit my life rather than destroy it.

In the Unit 3 reflections I scored an 8 out of 10 in the three categories; physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being. I would still have to score myself the same after taking this course, however I am actively working towards reaching 9 and 10. Now, I do not like to make excuses but I have found it a challenge to achieve a score past 8 and the biggest challenge is time; working two jobs and trying to do my very best in school all while trying to maintain a life has been more difficult than I imagined but I am dedicated to finding ways to make it work.

One of the goals I set for myself was to practice compassion everyday, it has been a challenge, especially during the holidays when people seem extra cranky and mean. Which has always puzzled me; if the holidays are supposed to be the merriest time of year, why do so many people seem agitated by the whole process? I have taken the thought of practicing compassion and brought it on the road with me during traffic and also to the mall during Santa visits! It has helped me feel more positive and cheerful during this wonderful time of year. This helps both my spiritual and psychological well-being. As for my physical well-being, I have set goals to set a regular workout regime including yoga. I have recently started working with a trainer at my gym and I am learning a whole lot about how to get results (apparently I was doing things backwards on my own). The trainer will definitely help with my physical progress. As for implementing yoga into my schedule, it is probably the easiest for me to accomplish, it is the best part of the end of my day and something I absolutely love and look forward to.

I definitely believe that I have developed improved well-being throughout this course. It has helped me discover more about my mind, body, and spirit through the different meditations and readings. For me one of the most rewarding things I have taken from this class is the ability to stop and think before I react, for example, road rage, instead of allowing myself to get upset with the person who cut me off or the person driving way too slow, I have been able to step back and think to myself, 'is getting angry worth it?' and pretty much every time the answer is no. I then take a deep breath and continue on my way, sometimes turning the music up a little and doing a little singing to boost the mood.

The most difficult thing I have been working on improving is handling my daily stresses of work and school. I try and keep a steady head and try not allowing myself to succumb to the stress, this is my biggest challenge and I work on improving it everyday.

I feel that the things I have learned and the things I have started to practice can assist me in helping others because I can show that I practice what I preach and I get to reap the benefits, which people will be able to see themselves and hopefully I will be able to help them create ways to build their mind, body, and spirit in order to achieve the greatness that comes from optimal wellness.

Peace,

Nico