1.            Listen to the Introduction mp3 and Loving Kindness mp3. Practice the Loving Kindness exercise. Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

I found this experience soothing and invigorating. The practice helps us to cultivate positive emotional states towards ourselves and those around us, so that we become more tolerant, caring, compassionate, and empathetic. From my experience, I can say it definitely works both consciously and subconsciously. It was easy to follow, calming, comforting, peaceful but at the same time it brought awareness as well healing and the enlightening energy of deep consciousness.

2.            What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

 

The concept of Mental Workout  as described by Dacher (2006) refers to the practice of exercising the mind daily, just like anyone would exercise the physical body and that way train and develop our psychospiritual healing.  Research has consistently validated although Americans spend billions on physical well-being, mental exercises that keep people mentally agile and strong are not as common. Experts have stated that mental workouts are a call to action for anyone worried about developing cognitive or neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia (Phillips, 2010).

References:

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications

Phillips, M.L. (2010). Mental 'exercise'. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/642751.html