Universal Loving Kindness and Integral Assessment

Universal loving kindness comes naturally to me so the practice felt like prayer. I noticed while I believe I live this daily, I have fallen down on the intent of this prayer/meditation. I begin to direct this energy into personal relationships which cause me suffering. Intent makes all the difference in the effectiveness of this prayer.

Integral self-assessment provided insights into areas for improvement in daily living and interaction with my mate. Because of my physical challenges with menopause, diabetes and IBS, I must routinely maintain and develop coping skills to remain in balance. Balance prevents relapse of these problems. I began to wear my step meter to see how far I walk each day with the goal of at least one mile excluding walking my dogs.

In the interpersonal area I find much stress in living with my mate as he grieves for his mother (who died in 2/2010) and tries to overcome a dysfunctional upbringing. To recover from providing temporary fixes to his situation, I have begun seeing a counselor. I focus on what I can change in myself to adapt and gain long term psychospiritual flourishing.

Because we live in a society where work is beneficial to us materially and to the world in general, I went to the community center for help finding a job. Panic and anxiety over worldly responsibilities had me running in circles mentally. I spend hours and hours applying for jobs---any job--- and feel as though I am unworthy of work.

To summarize what I will implement for wellness: Meditation daily (without falling asleep), prayer with intention, quality sleep for at least 7 hours, eat to soothe and heal diabetes and IBS, move a mile a day, live through my day with gratitude for all I do have. I use the employment resources without shame or regret (I will continue to “pay it forward”).

I humbly look for mental traps and gain the wisdom and feedback of someone objective about the changes I can make. I begin to organize my home with intent of making it healthier to live in. Commune daily, if only briefly, with nature to remind myself I am a small part of a greater whole!