My unit three personal assessment scored my physical well-being as a "7" on a scale of 1-10. My goal in this area was to lose ten pounds through manual gardening and running the dog. I was able to accomplish the gardening, but - as usual - the dog refused to cooperate! I've lost four pounds and my score remains a "7" until I lose six more pounds. Only half of my 28 by 20 foot vegetable garden is planted, so I should easily be able to accomplish this goal, since the weather is warmer and I can sweat the pounds away!
Spiritually, I've realized a slight improvement, from "5" to "6". I was able to make progress with "mending the fence" concerning my neighbors which was my goal, and I'm hopeful that interaction with them will progressively improve. I've also started a nature journal to assist in this area.
My psychological well-being has seen a slight set-back since unit three, from an "8" to a "7". Three weeks ago a very good friend of mine - who also supplied half of my income - unexpectedly passed away. I was able to deal with the personal loss, as well as the loss of income. My struggle began when this Vietnam veteran, with a purple heart, was totally disregarded by his son, who inherited a substantial amount of money when his father died. Bill's son refused to follow his fathers' wishes for the funeral and burial. He decided to have his father cremated, with no service, no color guard, no gun salute...not even an obituary! I became distraught, trying to write term papers for school, and completely unable to focus. Improved mental training, which was my goal, quickly went downhill. This past week, I've been able to make peace with my inability to give Bill the send-off he deserved, and have moved on. My daughter has a "Yoga for Beginners" book with a DVD, and I'll begin practicing when I visit her in June.
I have definitely been able to improve my well-being throughout this course. Positive proof was how quickly I was able to move on from the very stressful situation that I encountered three weeks ago. I have found the contemplative practices incorporated in this course, as well as the knowledge I've gained from the experiences of my classmates to be very beneficial. Forgiveness has been, and continues to be, difficult for me - especially with recent developments; however, I intend to continue the loving-kindness practice until I accomplish this goal. Personal experience is a better teacher than scientific studies when it comes to efficacy and assisting others. I won't need research to prove to me that these concepts are beneficial, because I've personally experienced the benefits and can confidently promote them to my clients.
