Meeting Aesclepius. Or didn't I?

Wise people and white lights were the focal points of the meditative exercise for this week, I listened to "Meeting Aesclepius" and made my observations. First I noticed that when asked to picture a wise person whom I respect, I pictured my late Grandfather. I wanted to focus on him, but I seemed to be unable to keep my focus there, I was also unable to truly picture his face (he's been gone 16 years now), instead I thought of memories we made together in my childhood. Then my mind began to wander, to my Mom, my Dad, then to wondering what they are up to and that I should call them. It was very hard for me to calm my mind at first, and honestly I had a hard time really doing as I was asked to; white lights coming out of heads and throats etc., for some reason I just didn't put it together, although I sure relaxed.
Honestly, here is something I must confess, something that I have been contemplating all along.  When the meditation time is up, I open my eyes immediately and feel totally refreshed, yet I ask myself all the time if I was actually sleeping? The refreshed feeling might be a clue to myself that I am not sleeping, because I am the worlds worst napper and even 20 minutes leave me grumpy and hungover of sorts, therefore I never nap unless I can devote two or more hours to it. This weeks meditation was just like that, I relaxed and "let go" if that's what it could be called. My mind was still and yet I was observant, because I heard my kids bumping around upstairs even though they were supposed to be in bed sleeping, I was in a state of witnessing I believe. I don't think that I really know yet how to put it all together, the sleeping-or-waking part at least, I do know however, that I really enjoy putting my mind at rest like this for a small amount of time per day and look forward to continuing that. I think that meditation or even simple mindfulness practice has given me a new sense of calm and continues to do so anytime I choose, that is something hard-earned for me, as I am go, go, go all the time. Currently I am on day 7 of the Deepak Chopra Meditation challenge and this time around it is themed "Whole Health, Mind, Body and Spirit". Coincidental or not, it is very enjoyable and a subject I definitely plan on exploring further.

The saying "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" is one of my favorites, it has so many applications everywhere and everyday, especially in the health care field. How can an obese dietician be trusted to hand out sound nutritional advice? How can a psychologist "treat" an unwell person, if he or she is mentally unwell himself/herself? Is it possible for a physically unfit personal trainer to get an out-of-shape individual in the best shape of their life? I think it may be possible under very rare, select circumstances and yet highly unlikely. It is important for health care professionals to lead the way, to set an example and show patients that there is a healthy way, that there are alternatives and that in the end it will all be worth it. As professionals we have the obligation (not just to only ourselves, but also our patients and clients), to get and stay in shape, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Whole body health is very important and the failure to take care of all aspects of health and well being will lead to setbacks and discontent, closely followed by disillusionment.

I have been there and done that, I trained hard to get in the best physical shape of my life, only to lose it again when I burned out completely and took an enormous break and step back. The reevaluation of my goals took two years to complete and I needed this time to think about my mistakes and realize that I had not failed in my previous endeavors; I had just gone about things the wrong way and in the end my failures proved to be great sources of learning. One of the greatest things about failure and setbacks is the opportunity for realization and growth. My goal for the future is to expand on my spiritual growth by exploring mindfulness and meditation further, I also want to participate in yoga and keep myself mentally fit by continuing my education and studying other cultures, especially of interest to me is the religion of Buddhism. Physically I am now well on my way to regaining my strength and physical fitness, this time the smart and slow way, this way it is for keeps and to set an example and be an inspiration for not only my family and friends, but also for potential clients and even strangers.

Dunja :)

Relax.