The Mind-Body Connection Exercise

Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal well-being), where do you rate your A-physical well-being, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why?

I would have to say on a scale from 1 to 10, my physical well-being is about a 5, my spiritual well-being is about a 6, and my psychological well-being is about an 8. Overall, I am a work in progress, but I believe everyone is. My physical health has been a continual challenge due to my diagnosis with cancer. Although I am in remission, I have lost my spleen which has put my immune system at greater risk. I also have a blood disorder that led to my diagnosis of cancer, so I have to follow a special diet. I follow the macrobiotic diet to ensure my diet is healthy and leads to optimal physical well-being. I am still discovering my own beliefs and what those beliefs mean to me so I feel my spiritual well-being is still a work in progress. I find myself in a better place mentally, but I know there are still inner demons I continue to fight.

Develop a goal for yourself in each area (physical, spiritual, psychological).

My goal for physical well-being is to continue to maintain a healthy quality of life that ensures myself and my family the ability to get through daily activities without any undue fatigue or physical stress. I want to continue to recognize that all my behaviors have a significant impact on my wellness and that continuing healthy habits such as a balanced diet, exercise, etc. and avoiding destructive habits will lead to optimal physical well-being.

My goal for spiritual well-being is to keep a perfect balance of peace and harmony in my life to lead to optimal spiritual well-being. I feel it is important for me to really figure out what it is I truly believe and what the belief means to me spiritually in order for me to have confirmation that my beliefs are accurate and to then translate my beliefs into action and love.

My goal for psychological well-being is to continue to focus on all the positive things in life and remember to continuously create positive relationships, emotions, etc. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember to be positive, especially when things are not always going the way you planned, but remembering that life itself is a blessing will lead to optimal psychological well-being.

What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?

I enjoy Yoga and Pilates. I also really enjoy kickboxing--it helps me release all my anger and tension I may be feeling. I feel these exercises that I have implemented into my life will continue to assist me in moving toward each goal. I also enjoy writing poetry and short stories; these activities keep me relaxed and give me the ability to express myself not only creatively, but emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. There are days when my gut tells me to push myself to the limits. I have the tendency to spread myself way too thin and need to step back and realize there is only so far I can stretch. I have started to practice better time management in order to not feel so spread thin and realize that it is okay to say "No". I do not like to hurt people's feelings or feeling as if I am letting them down, but I have gotten better at realizing that my feelings matter too. I cannot always worry about everyone else and their problems; I am not a psychologist. I need to better manage my own emotions and feelings to be a better person, mother, friend, daughter, etc. I know in my heart that there is only so much my mind, body, and spirit can take. I am a work in progress and I feel learning from my mistakes will eventually help me discover my own secret formula for complete physical, spiritual, and psychological balance.

Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)

Honestly, the voice on the relaxation exercise was pretty creepy to me. I am not sure why it was creeping me out, but while trying to relax, I felt this overwhelming feeling of anxiety that made it almost impossible for me to concentrate. It could have been that he was so soft spoken; I am not really sure what it was. The music in the background was calming, but it was hard for me to be completely involved in the exercise because of the voice. It may be because I am use to my own meditation techniques that trying to incorporate something different was causing the anxiety.

Quote of the day:

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend.” ~Lao Tzu