Here is where it gets personal. I would love to say that I am a 10 physically, spiritually, and psychologically, but that is just not the case at this point in life. To be brutally honest (brutally towards myself), physically I would rate myself at a 5, but definitely working my way down if I don't make some changes in the near future. Spiritually, I would rate myself a 1, not really getting worse, but definitely not getting better. Psychologically, I would give myself a 3-4 although I have made vast improvements in this are throughout the past two years.
Physically, my greatest goal is to nourish my body properly. It is so easy to shove any and all food in my mouth. My body feels the difference between nourishment and gluttony. When I am well-nourished, I feel energetic, happy, and hopeful. When I eat to satisfy cravings, I feel lethargic, bloated, and miserable. In order to accomplish this goal, it will be important to plan and prepare grocery lists and meals in advance.
Spiritually, I gave myself a 1 because I still have certain and specific beliefs, but I spend no time in prayer or even reading the Bible. How can I maintain my spiritual life without an spiritual ingredients? My spiritual goal is to take at least 15 minutes each morning to read my Bible and pray.
I can wake up just 15 minutes early to get that time alone.
Psychologically, I have made great strides. I have struggled with depression/anxiety my entire adult life. I am no longer on medication, and when I feel a panic attack rearing it's ugly head, I recite 2 Timothy 1:7 over and over. It goes as follows: "God has not given to us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and a sound mind." This helps to distract my mind and calm me down. However, my self-esteem has been lacking lately. My goal psychologically is to remind myself of Psalms 139:10 each time I have thoughts of self-doubt. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, and my soul well knows it." This can replace my thoughts of inadequacy and inferiority.
This relaxation exercise seemed a bit strange to me. However, the calm, quiet voice directing my thoughts was successful at relaxing. At the end, I did feel tired, though. Once I opened my eyes and stretched, I did feel more energy and rejuvenated, but prior to that, I was ready for a nap! I had a bit of a difficult time focusing on the colors because they were symbolic. When he got to the part where I was supposed to say that I feel loved, it bothered me. It is not that my husband and children do not love me, but I feel unappreciated most of the time. It distracted me, and I felt a little upset at that moment. Once I moved past that, I was able to benefit from the remaining exercises. This exercise probably will not go on my personal relaxation exercise list.
Hello Amy:
ReplyDeleteI admire your honesty in rating yourself. You and I share a lot of the same challenges. I really like your physical goal of planning shopping lists. I also shop when I am hungry and I am easily side-tracked. I end up bringing home junk food. I encourage my clients to prepare their meals for the week every Sunday. This includes organizing a shopping lists. It keeps them focused and allows them the opportunity to think about what kinds of foods they can prepare for themselves and the family.
I also admire your psychological goal. I loved your quotes as well. My whole family struggles with depression and I have not been able to get off my medication. I have figured out how to decrease anxiety and depression by exercising. Reading the bible and having faith in what I read is an important tool in helping me stay positive and focused.
I cannot use this technique with all my clients as religion is a touchy subject for a lot of people and suggesting that they read the bible for encouragement can cause issues for some. Instead I encourage them to practice relaxation techniques such as visual imagery or Yoga. I also encourage them to do one special thing for themselves every week. I do suggest the bible readings after I get to know them better.
I do not get too involved with spirituality with my clients for obvious reasons but I like your spiritual goal. I try to attend church every Sunday and I always feel empowered after leaving church.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I too have struggled with depression and anxiety all my life. It is better for me also, but it takes work everyday as you well know. I did feel peace with this exercise though it took awhile to get into it.
Take care,
Robin
Hello Amy, being honest woith our selfs is the first step to fixing any problem that we may have. I really like your comment on nurishment and and just eatting to satisfy cravings. That is what got us to be the center of the obesity epidemic. I too often read the bible and have found that evene praying to god in my own words on a daily basis has helped me become more connected in my spirital, psychological and physical life. Thanks Sam
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteI always like reading your posts because they just flow so easily. I like that you have some goals and guiding ideas to help lessen the stress and get past the challenges you face for each of the areas.
My physical well being is finding the time to follow up on the medical appointments I need to complete. Lately, having the time to address those has been a little difficult for me. I had planned on addressing those until the last two days happened for me. Now it seems that I will have to try to use the relaxation techniques to get by and address physical and mental well being of my older son who just turned 18 (he's in a dark place - running with the wrong crowd, but not willing to see it, nor does he think it's our place to say anything). I think providing myself some time to pray everyday will help too.
This week I found the exercise a little more difficult too. I just had too many interruptions and then I had started it so many times I kind of didn't want to hear it again. Once I had the opportunity to complete it though, I felt relaxed. It seemed a little strange and while I might give it a try some more, I might try to choose something that is more like the first exercise we completed as I liked it much better.
Elicia