Unit 6 Integral Assessment

LOVING KINDNESS


The loving kindness exercise is becoming easier and easier for me.  Focusing on those I did not care for (or did not know), was so difficult at first.  I am finding that it helps me to relax and find a sense of peace.  I am able to concentrate much easier, and find myself thinking of strangers I've interacted with throughout my day.


INTEGRAL ASSESSMENT


1. Alleviate needless suffering and promote human flourishing


While looking at myself to evaluate what areas require more growth on my part, I would definitely say I need to focus on biological flourishing.  I was not one who ever watched my diet closely.  Recently, I've been to the doctor and discovered that with a strong predisposition to diabetes...I have developed high levels of insulin, and told I am prediabetic.  In order to be healthier overall, I need to start taking better note of my diet and exercise to help keep full blown diabetes at bay.  I will be keeping a food journal so that I can actively track my carbs throughout the day and continuing my exercise routine as I always have.


2. Make a distinction between short-term suffering and permanent relief.


Because the doctor did not feel I am at a high enough risk right now for medication, my long term plan is undetermined at this point.  For now all I can do is try to help my body's production of insulin stay on track with watching my intake of excess carbs and sugars.  I feel that medication would only help with short-term suffering, but if I am able to prevent diabetes...that would be more in line with permanent relief.


3. Recognize the difference between immediate pleasure and long term flourishing


This one was difficult for me.  When I think of immediate pleasures, I think of material things.  Having money or acquiring things can often give someone immediate joy, but it is short lived if there is any underlying unhappiness.  Long term flourishing is harder to pinpoint because it takes an internal prospective.  It requires a sense of peace and happiness, and this can vary from person to person.  In my mind, peace and happiness comes when my needs and those of my family are met.  Also, when we are all healthy and successful.


4. Include psychological development as an important part of integral health


I believe that this course has helped me to explore my psychospiritual side.  Meditating and doing this mind exercises has brought me more in touch with my spiritual side.  This allows me to take a pause from my busy life, and focus on my internal conversations and thoughts.  I have noticed with the subtle mind exercise that sometimes things come up I wasn't even consciously aware were bothering me or causing distress in my life.  I push the thoughts away to focus on the exercise, but find myself coming back to them later to reevaluate.  This has been very beneficial in my psychological health.


5. Keep an open mind and rely on deep listening and guidance


Keeping an open, quiet mind is not something I am always good at, but I am getting better as the weeks go on and I practice the exercises we've utilized in this class.  I have found that it helps lead to better decision making when my mind is not cluttered.  I am more likely to focus on the decision itself rather than making one in haste.


6. Consider all aspects, levels and lines of development that are relevant


This assessment is one that requires some intent.  It is one thing to go through this list and evaluate where you are and how you think you are doing, but it takes some discipline to come back to this and reevaluate as needed.  Currently, I feel like I am on the right track, but in months from now as things in life change it will be important to rethink things.  If I am able to accomplish one thing then it is time to work on another.  If I have a new situation in life causing stress, then it will be important to focus on that and devise a solution.