Unit 8 Two Practices/Exercises Beneficial to Incorporate in my Daily Routine

The two exercises/practices I chose to use in my routine are yoga meditations and visualization.  I like to incorporate prayerful meditations, while exercising to develop mind, body and spirit, simultaneously.  During yoga while in the baby pose - I curl up with knees tucked under the tummy, and arms tucked into the sides as the forehead rests on the carpet.  Meditation is initiated for the length of 15 - 20 minutes, while holding the pose breathing normally.  I meditate on the life of Christ.  I see in minds eye, how he gave his lunch to those in need, He turned away from those reviling Him, He obeyed His parents, He shared God's Word with others.  I meditate on His character, prayer life, how He prayed for the unity among believers within their diverse personalities.  Even while hanging on the cross bearing our sins, He prayed for the Father to "forgive them for they know not what they have done."  Of course, their are other exercises to meditate with as well.  I will incorporate some form of meditation yoga two to three times weekly for at least 15 - 20 minutes each time.

I pray for the "rhema" Word, His Word out loud, so that His promises become my own, and I can practice the truths presented.  I can forgive, because He forgave me.  I can help others in need as He did.  I experience the promises of the Word, when I speak them aloud.  This practice I like to perform while in the yoga stances utilizing meditation.  Then the Bible becomes a part of my experience.

With visualization I can use the Journey On CD or close my eyes an visualize a comforting scene.  One scene I like to visualize was an experience I encountered with butterflies.  I was walking with my mom and children, when a butterfly lighted on my shoulder.  Most know of my delight in butterflies!  The first time I experienced this my excitement caused the butterfly to fly away.  The next time the butterfly landed on my shoulder, I was able to contain myself as I talked to it and enjoyed its company immensely.  The last instance relieves the activity of my mind with peace and calmness creating wellness.  For strength of mind I will practice some form of visualization everyday; any time of day; morning, noon or night.

Other scenes I enjoy visualizing are the waterfall with the sights and sounds of rushing waters over rocks splashing into the pool below, and rainbows arching it's gorgeous colors across the sunlit sky against the dark clouds after the rain.  This is a promise that God will never send a flood over the entire earth again.  This ever reminds us that His promises are sure.  These are a few of my favorite things that help create integral health through a peaceful, quiet, healthy mind - mental fitness!