I did appreciate the Loving Kindness
meditation exercise. Although it took me
a about five minutes to memorize exactly what was written in the book, I
realized that it truly was not about being exact. I guess that is the black and white part of
me. Once I got past that it did not have
to be exact I was able to release my mind and complete ten minutes of the activity. In no time at
all it actually went fairly fast
instead of the usual dragging feeling that I get.
The Integral Assessment plus what I have
experienced in the last two weeks has helped me discover that I want to give
enough time and energy to my worldly flourishing. I gave up a “good” job 8 months ago. I have continued to work on-call but continue
to find myself being relied on in capacities that I am tired of after 19 years. I discovered that while I feel respected and
appreciated for my skills and abilities, this no longer fulfills me. I am at a place in my life where I can have
the luxury to make choices. I want to
get back to the feeling that I do what I do because I like doing it, not
because I have too. In the short term one
activity that I am going to implement is that when I apply for jobs
I will only apply for those that I know I really want. I am also going
to implement some clear expectations with my department about thier expectations
around my free time, or what they perceive as my free time that is available for their needs. In the long term I am going to finish my
degree, work on getting a certification to help treat people with drug and
alcohol problems. I want to be a spirit
in action once again to touch my clients, customers, and patients with this
level of giving that I have not been able to do for a long time.
I would also like to give time once again to
my interpersonal relationship with my husband on a deeper level. We are happy and have been in love for a long
time. There is nothing that would disrupt
our progression forward; I feel that I do need to provide focus toward being
mindful of this union. Going to school,
farming and work responsibilities don’t put this relationship first, it should
be.
This has been a great couple of weeks for me
regarding the work of these units, I hope it has been for others too. Candii
You have a great plan and seems like you are on track. I had a hard time with the exercise and assessment due to duties. I really enjoy many things in this class and it is giving me a center and the tools to focus. I will use many things form these class and share with others.
ReplyDeleteI hope at some time to share some of the tools with others. I will continue to use them for myself and share them with my family.
DeleteHope you the best, Candii
" A spirit in action"... I think you just about captured the essence of this course. This is one course that has stuck with me all of my waking hours. I am constantly trying to clear my head of negativity and trying to implement a soothing and healing environment. The strange thing is , it just happens. I am not concentrating on stilling my mind - I just go directly into the "mode".
ReplyDeleteyou have made some great goals about setting limits with others who have different expectations for your time. I agree, we need to find that job that brings out the best in ourselves and not bury our potential.
Great blog.
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
DeleteThank you. Once I saw that saying, I just had to use it. Because how true, it really does come down to setting the stage and modeling the outcome or end result.
I hope that I can stick to those goals. Today was a challenge. I send two emails that held those boundaries, but no response yet. Maybe I won't have job any longer, oh well.
Thanks Laurie!
Have a great week, Candii
Hi Candii,having a plan is a very big step toward
ReplyDeletethe goals we want to accomplish in life. One goal
at a time and with confidence you will reach
the top of your mountain and say I did it!
I think you have a great plan for your life and
limitations on what hours and times you can
work, and thinking about what you want is
very important. I think you are making some very
smart moves. I will be married 24yrs Feb 18th
I to am very much in love with my husband he is
my best friend. It's so refreshing to know that
there are other married couples out there like
you and your husband who have this very special
and yet unique relationship. Thank you so much
for sharing. Sincerely Kandi
Hi Kandi,
DeleteWe have been married for 25 years. When I gave up my job last May after I went through about 2 months of grieving, my husband said - I have my wife back. Lately with work demands picking up again and me not setting strong boundaries, I can feel myself slipping back into that same characteristic of the work-a-holic I can be so easily.
Thanks for your post, Candii
Hi Candii,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have got good goals set up for you. It's great that your recognize your strengths and weakness and where you want to be in your life. I applaud you for that. The hard part is getting to doing it and saying to yourself you have accomplished it. I want to see myself healthy and I have set a goal in April to run a 10K. The only way I can do that is if I take it one step at a time, day by day and work towards achieving it. Somedays can be frustrating that others but you can't give up and remember to put things that matter the most in front of you. I enjoyed reading your post and I wish you the best of luck!
Hi Anjelica,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, one day at a time. Rome was not built in a day and I am sure you will acheive your goal of running the 10K in April. Go for it. I know I could not run a 10 K. I could walk it, but not run.
Thanks! Candii
Hi Candi,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your work experience. I resigned from a job last November when I was having financial challenges but I talked it over with my wife and stepped out on faith. I did not have the passion I us to have when cooking for the clients. I waited for three months and finally got my job back serving veterans. It is so fulfilling. I work at the VA hospital and its the best job for a veteran serving veterans. I worked my integral assessment and also interpersonal relationship in dealing with that situation.
Hi Pepi,
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Yes, mine was a leap of faith too. We used to have our health benefits from my employer. I basically gave up job security, benefits and income. I would do it again! How can I love myself by being fake and in an unhealthy work environment?
I am glad it has worked well for you. I am happier than I have been in a long time in the area of my professional life.
Have a great week, Candii