Loving Kindness and Integral Assessment

-Practice the universal Loving Kindness (meditation) exercise on p. 93.
May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.
May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness. 

I definitely couldn’t do this exercise with my eyes open as I had to read the sentences over and over.  I don’t feel like I gained anything from this exercise since all I was doing was repeating a sentence over and over.  I know it was suppose to help me with loving Kindness but repeating over and over did not do anything for me.  I feel trying to read something and focus on inner thoughts is kind of difficult.  This exercise would have been easier if it was a listening exercise that paused and gave time to think. 

-Complete the Integral Assessment discussed in chapter 11 (p.115).

First you are to find out which aspect of life (psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal, or worldly) is the source of difficulty and suffering.  Once you determine which aspect is the problem you are to focus on it.  Then ask yourself what is the current level of development and what can I aim for?  After you have focused on this you are to ask yourself what area of my life is ready for growth and development. Eventually you will be able to ask yourself daily how have I handled this or that experience or situation.  In what way could I improve my attitude or actions?  How can I move my live to a more sustained health, happiness, and wholeness?
This Integral Assessment helped me realize what I need to work on in my life.  I do feel I need to have more “me time” so that I can meditate.  I think it is important to evaluate each days ups and downs that way you can try and fix how you may have handled a situation poorly.  I know there are times when my attitude is poor so I don’t put my best foot forward.  I have been working on leaving my attitude at the door and not pushing it over into another situation.  I think before I act more which has helped with communication especially at work.  I am also working on exercising more.  I use to workout 6 days a week and I have gotten kind of lazy so now I am getting back on track.  I find eating healthy and exercising more really helps me not only feel better but I am healthier.  I have also incorporated a type of mediation each night before I fall asleep…I pray and thank God and also reflect on my day.  In the morning I start the day with a positive though such as today is going to be great!  I feel being positive helps improve everyday life for me. 

Dacher, E.S. (2006).  Integral health: the path to human flourishing.  Laguna Beach. CA: Basic     Health Publications, Inc.