Blog #4

Blog #4 – 2/26/2013

I cannot say how very much I enjoyed this week’s readings!  Both the chapter and the article spoke to me, and I also received my newest edition of Scientific American Mind magazine with (you guessed it!!) the headline article concerning mindfulness.  I could not agree more that as individuals we need to take responsibility for our health and wellness choices, and “maintaining a balanced life involves attending to our physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual needs”. (Corey, 113)  I have exercised on a regular basis for approximately three years, and I cannot imagine my life without it.  I have been through periods during which I have not been able to exercise as much as I have been used to or wanted to, and that fact alone contributed to various difficulties in each of those times in my life.  I found myself identifying with the section on body image as well, and have made it a priority within the past several years to get to know my body and pay more attention to the messages it sends to me.  I also see myself as more of a spiritual rather than religious person, but that is the one area to which I have now been inspired to pay more attention.  I enjoyed reading the Luan Khong article, and definitely agreed that insight meditation aimed at “helping individuals understand the nature and workings of their minds, and manage their emotions, feelings, and thoughts that arise” (Luan Khong, 11) could be extremely beneficial for anyone, let alone someone who is seeking help within a therapeutic setting. 

The article by Amishi P. Jha in Scientific American Mind also illustrates several of the same ideas concerning mindfulness and the benefits it can afford an individual.  “Mindfulness works, at least in part, by strengthening the brain’s ability to pay attention.” (Jha, 28)  The idea that one’s health and happiness could possibly be enhanced by practicing mindfulness is proffered by both articles and the textbook.  Negative emotions can be ameliorated, and suffering of both chronic pain and certain psychological illnesses can be alleviated through mindfulness training.  Personally, I am planning to add some form of meditation to my daily routine of self –care.  I have read some general guidelines, but want to find out more and then implement the practice. 

I would like to believe that I could help students in the future become more aware of their own health practices and have them identify possible areas of focus to enhance their lives and happiness.  One of my main goals in teaching psychology is to help my students’ know themselves even a little bit better by the time they leave my class.  If I can accomplish this, and maybe get them to think about what is actually going on with them selves in any given situation, to acknowledge the emotions and thoughts they are experiencing, then they will hopefully be more mindful and approach themselves and others in a more healthful, balanced manner.

Corey, G. , & Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth      (9^th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole. ISBN: 9780495602293.

Khong, B. (2007).  The Buddha’s influence in the therapy room. Hakomi Forum, 18, 11-18.

Jha, A. (2013). Being in the now. Scientific American Mind, 26-33.