Unit 5

1.      During contemplative practice we progressively experience the three levels of what Dacher calls the subtle mind: witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness (Dacher, 2006). The first step is toward gaining control or calming down the mind to a witnessing consciousness. With mental control you will obtain a still mind of calm abiding, which will over time evolve into unity consciousness.

 

Learning to practice witnessing the mind on a regular basis will bring calm within your spirit. Taking time to let the mind wonder without paying or giving it much attention allows for the mind to relax and just watch. Through the practice your mind will become still and stable, leaving you able to have a sense of knowing rather than confusion. Intention replace reactivity, wisdom replaces confusion (Dacher, 2006).

 

With time and practice, we learn that it is a natural transition from witnessing consciousness to calm abiding to unity consciousness. When we finally stop clinging to the movements of our mind, we discover that what we feared to be emptiness is actually our essence-a still mind and open heart that is free, at ease, and one with all existence (Dacher, 2006).

 

An example of an exercise/activity to help create greater wellness is the physical activity of walking. Being active with our body is important to keeping it functional. Maintaining a good weight, getting exercise, proper sleep are all areas of the physical body that need daily attention. The idea of a holistic wellness approach means taking care of the body by treating how it should be treated, with kindness and care.

 

An example of what one can do for their psychological wellness would be meditation or prayer. Using guided imagery or other forms of meditation will help clear away stress, anxiety, while fostering calm, peace, and clarity. The holistic approach to wellness includes the mind, body, and spirit, meaning our psychological health is just as important as our physical health.

 

Using meditation and prayer to assist in maintaining spiritual wellness has always been helpful to me. Having a belief in a higher power or an understanding of how the universe has an effect on our being is important. The holistic wellness benefit to having a healthy spiritual life will be evident in how we cope with life

 

 

 

2.      How well your spirituality helps you understand and deal with all aspects of life may have important implications for health. Spirituality and religions provide methods of coping, and struggles can help foster a transformation or personal growth. Research shows, however, that spiritual struggle is a strong predictor of declining physical and mental health. Perhaps, then, a struggle is like a “fork in the road,” the pathway one takes, either toward growth or decline.

 

When faced with life struggles, spirituality can be the pathway one takes toward growth. Having a strong spiritual foundation can provide the strength needed during time of struggle and when other more simplistic coping skills do not seem to provide enough support. Having a spiritual practice can be the answer.

 

3.      Being able to forgive, grateful, and love unconditionally are all key to being spiritually and physically healthy. Carrying around negative feelings has been shown to suppress the immune system and cause depression, both of which can lead to illness and even death.