Unit 7: Mindfulness

I think I am *finally* starting to relax a little more during these exercises!  The only issue is that now as I am more relaxed, the woman's voice keeps startling me when she begins talking again (I know another of my classmates has experienced that same thing in previous weeks).  At least I feel as though I am making some progress, though.

Practicing being mindful in my daily life has been beneficial.  I feel like I am truly hearing people instead of coloring their words with my perceptions (which often leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings).  My communication, in general, is improving since the beginning of this course.  Despite my challenges with many (or all) of the meditation exercises we have completed, I am actually enjoying them.  Moving outside of my normal "comfort zone" is invigorating, and I am learning things along the way.  Even after the conclusion of this course, I will continue trying new meditation methods and growing my inner self.  I have tried (a couple times) just playing light, relaxing music and meditating on my own (without voices or guidance) and have had a decent amount of success with that.  It is likely that will become my "go to" method of meditation.

A quote from Conscious & Healing (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005) says, "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself."  I interpret this saying as "practice what you preach."  You cannot guide someone in a direction that you have not traveled yourself because you do not understand the nature of the journey.  This applies to my life as a personal trainer in many ways.  I cannot give fitness advice without experiencing it for myself.  I must lead by example with all my clients (or even just members of the gym). What would it mean for my credibility if I were never seen exercising in the gym, or if I were eating fast food at the front desk?  I would not be "walking the walk," so to speak and that would make me less successful in guiding someone else in their fitness journey.

Until next time...