In unit 3 I believed myself to be rated no higher than a 5 physically mainly due to the immense pain I was experiencing at time. I believed that was primarily due to the fact that we had just returned from travelling to my sister's wedding in Illinois. It was almost 1,000 miles each way. Also, there were less gluten-free options that contributed to the amount of nerve pain. The pain was intense.
Since that point the pain was significantly lessened since I have been able to sustain from eating foods that contain gluten. I also have been able to keep from getting so tight for the most part since I have more opportunity to stretch, I am not travelling long distances, and I receive massages. Last week I graded myself physically with a score of a 7. I believe that still stands.
Psychologically, I mentioned that I was up and down. I still believe that to be true, but for different reasons. I believe the reasons now also played a part before. Sometimes I feel like real life is battling what I am learning in this class. I guess if there is any time to learn meditation and relaxation, or skills to help calm me and cope better it might as well be during a time when life stresses hit the fan hard.
I visited my naturopathic doctor the other day with my main complaint being weak and exhausted. I already thought it could be stress related and she just confirmed that stating that I am constantly in the fight or flight mode. I mentioned the meditations and she said she would understand if I was not able to get the best results from meditating in the current situation, but to continue doing them daily for at least five minutes. Optimally, that is a good start, but I do want to increase that time as time goes on. Honestly I feel less down than I do up at this point.
Spiritually, about the same. I am still working on the weekends, so church has been pretty much out. I have made it on Wednesday nights from time to time for fellowship with other believers, and friends that I had not seen in awhile because of my schedule. However, with the meditations, journaling and prayer I feel connected. I have found it amazing the spiritual connection that I sense during the meditations.
I have been continuing couples' counseling. I have been exercising at least once a week even if it is just a short walk. I still see the osteopathic doctor pretty regularly. I saw my chiropractor last week because of really bad headaches. The crane making is under way and I still reach the meditative state while making them. So, in all actuality I could meditate for long periods of time. Lastly, I will start singing in the choir again once I can return to Sunday morning services.
Psychologically I am lagging. In some areas I have increased, especially my physical and spiritual outlook. I look forward to the time when I can relax, really enjoy life again, because the stress will not be such a heavy burden. Then I my life will be more well rounded and I can experience the stillness and calm on an everyday basis.
Janet:
ReplyDeleteIf you are like me life will get back to a more normal state when graduating form school. When one is working full time and in school full time this creates stress. I like you feel I need to get back in church but I do feel that the LORD understands the situation better then no other and he will let thing slide as long as we keep him first in our lives. It is not about going to church it is about looking to him for our everyday journey that he has laid out before us. God and great and he is always there for us rather we are in church or not.
Just hang in there and all will get better as we move forward in our journey of life experiences that he has prepared for us.
Gods Blessings to you
Jackie
I wish the school was the primary stressor in my life.
DeleteI know God understands where I am at and is here to help guide me through it. Sometimes I wonder if I am praying for the right outcomes.
Unit 10.... finding others who share what you hold dear definitely strengthens and solidly forms your path. Information comes our way daily it is up to us to be receptive of these ques. Once we learn to hear what is sent then we will benefit tremendously. K
ReplyDeleteHello Janet,
ReplyDeleteI had a hard time being consistent with the exercises during each week. I thought it rather ironic that I was taking a class which was trying to teach me how to be peaceful in all situations but it was adding to my stress with the amount of work it was requiring! I mentioned it a couple times to our professor (and in my comments for the class). I did thoroughly enjoy this class and will be rereading the 'Integral Health' book very soon.
You are a trooper for making that trip to IL in spite of your health challenges. I was glad to read you have a solid support system which helped you get back on track. I love that you are seeking naturopathic methods of treatment - 3 cheers! I work in a hospital and often cringe at the list of meds I see on patient charts. Reading the research showing meditation providing benefit equal to meds was So exciting! I am eager to read more on that so I can share the info with my patients.
Glad to read you have benefited from the exercises. I hope you continue with them until they are a part of your daily routine. Your healing is in the peace of God, which can be reached through these meditations and visualizations. I pray you begin to see your healing manifest very soon.
Isaiah 53:5b "with His stripes we ARE healed" (already done, so claim it!)
Sincerely,
Angela
Janet - It sounds like you have made some changes in your life, and you are continuing to grow and develop. Change is not easy, and no matter who you are there will be pain. This course has taught me how to be a better person. Not in a way that is surface; but in a deep, psychological, spiritual, and emotional way. I have been pushed through some of the most difficult times during this course because I have stretched myself. There are areas in your life, as I read, you are doing the same. You are able to make your destiny through your actions and thoughts. Keep pushing, Janet!
ReplyDelete