As an individual engages in physical exercise to improve his or her health, a “mental workout” is required for psychological health. In other words, we cannot expect to improve our physical health just by thinking about it; we have to move the body in some format to work the muscles, heart, lungs, etc. In the same manner, a “mental workout” exercises the mind in order to develop “consciousness and its healing capacities” (Dacher, p. 65). But this process requires diligence, perseverance, and patience if one expects to see a positive change. As Dacher explains, it is not possible for us to evolve our psychospiritual life and access its capacities and resources without daily practice (Dacher, p. 64). In as much, research shows that a trained mind can influence one’s physiology, hormonal system, and immune system. Likewise, recent studies show that the proven benefits of a “mental workout” include positively impacting attention, memory, perception, imagery, etc. (Dacher, p. 63). Further reports and studies also show that a mental workout can “transform the mind by reducing disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion, and doubt and enhancing positive emotions such as patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance, and happiness” (Dacher, p. 63).
As such, one way I could implement mental workouts into my daily routine is by making an effort to do them first thing in the morning while my mind is still and not bombarded with my daily activities. Even if I am unable to practice mental workouts in the morning for some unexpected circumstance, I could manage to do at least one short session during the day. My goal is to develop my mental health in order to broaden my awareness, gain wisdom and understanding, and access my mind’s healing abilities to transform negative emotions into positive ones, such as patience, acceptance, and happiness. And who doesn’t want to improve their memory and attention? I also want to practice loving-kindness more often so that I can open my heart to others and be better prepared to progress toward psychospiritual flourishing.
Reference:
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
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4 comments:
Hello Allana,
I did a wonderful job on your blog for the week. The outlook that you gave about mental workouts was excellent and I enjoyed reading the workouts that you participate in. I also agree with you that mental workouts increase the health factor of the overall wellness in the body. And without the mental aspect of wellness the optimal wellness would be impossible. Also, I believe that working the mind everyday keeps us up-to-date on being healhty and allows the mind to grow on an everyday basis. I just wanted to say that you did a wonderful job on you blog and keep up the great work with all you are doing.
Hi Allana,
Great job on your blog for this week in regards to mental workout. The information you provided was very valid and informative. I totally agree that when we workout, it shouldn't be limited to our physical aspects of the body but our mental aspects of the body. Also, by working out the mind, we are strengthening our mind as well as capacity to remember such as our memories. In addition, I believe your concept of working the mind during the morning is a great idea since that is when our mind is free. With that said, I applaud you for this weeks blog because you did a great job. Keep up the great work.
This is a great post. I think its a great idea to do this at least once a day. I know i have a similar goal of at least 5-10 minutes a day finding some quiet time for myself. It isn't much but it makes so much difference. Thanks for all the wonderful writings and views. Keep up the good work.
I am right there with you in striving to find enough time to complete the exercises. The results of the training seem to be concrete, but finding time in our busy lives for a break to complete them prove to be less than easy. I like the idea of making just 5 minutes at first if that is what it takes to get the ball rolling. These exercises seem to be really flexible and adaptable to any lifestyle. Good luck with your exercises!
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