Meeting Asciepius was a revisit with an old friend. Performing the exercise was an easy transition from a meditative state. With a clear mind and open heart the visualization was without hesitation. The resurgence of uplifting and loving nurture filled my being. Throughout the week daily practice of relaxation, loving-kindness, subtle mind, and Asciepian guidance has taken place. At first it was a challenge to fit into the schedule, but then I reprioritized my day. After all isn’t that part of the journey, discerning between what enhances and what hinders?
Mindfulness and meditative practices have greatly enhanced my psychospiritual wellness. While all the same stressors and demands remain in daily life a new perspective has developed. The ability to function more effectively with work and in private life has resulted. This is a return to what was once a daily occurrence. By this I mean a reviving of spirituality that once carried me through the darkest of days, shining like a beacon guiding the way.
I know now without a doubt consciousness raising requires dedicated exercise or it will stagnate, and eventually fade. Daily application of mindfulness meditation will enhance all aspects of my life. Time is set aside for practices and hesitation is gone to “take a moment” during the day to refocus. How can I offer benefit to others if I am neglecting the core responsible for the outreach in the first place? “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” is a profound statement.
As a health and wellness professional I have shared, and experienced this statement a hundred-fold. Since beginning practice many years ago, a holistic approach has been taken with patients/clients. Early on a realization occurred to practice any form of medical treatment without addressing all aspects of the individual was an ineffective approach. To offer a botanical based on symptoms does not differ from offering an antibiotic based on symptoms. To offer advice without a personal understanding was unacceptable. This resulted in expansion and application of multiple disciplines to address all aspects of a person. My first patient was myself.
I felt it essential to know and understand the psychological, physical, and spiritual impacts on heath. How could I possibly prescribe a form of health enhancement if I did not understand what vitalized health? With each step of the process, (still on going) the further development of psychospiritual and physical development offers new means to teach others.
Psychological and spiritual development through meditation, prayer, and specific mindfulness activities has enriched my personal life. I find joy in helping where needed. Volunteer work is also gratifying. I have developed even further spiritually through this work. Working toward development of only positive thought (in some instances harder than others) has provided the means to keep a more quieted mind. This has enriched my personal relationships and allowed me to appreciate the wonders (great & small) in daily life.
(I am an unlicensed practitioner working in collaboration with several licensed MDs in the area. My methodology includes nutritional therapy, botanicals, reflexology, homeopathy, exercise, and encouragement of contemplative practices. Psychospiritual evaluation is part of every medical history and carries equal weight with physical status.)
Wow,it sounds like you have been doing this for awhile. You are so correct in that maintaining contemplative meditation is key to staying focused. I am looking for a return to that place I seem to have lost without noticing. These weeks of meditation have re-awakened the peace and acceptance which is in turn redefining what is important. This week I learned the value of listening. I too am my first patient.
ReplyDeleteI have considered myself a work in progress since 1974. That alone tells you how expansive this journey has been. I was blessed with teachers along the way who each contributed something essential to the next step in the journey. Since the mid-80s I have apprenticed and became a practitioner of knowledge accumulated. My purpose in life (I believe) is to pass this knowledge on to others; to help them improve their health and wellbeing.
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