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Mental Fitness

Mental Fitness. Kelly Luck HW 420 03AU – Unit 5 Project Kaplan University January 6, 2010. Physical fitness / mental fitness. Dedication / Commitment Regular practice Challenging Effort Persistence Coaching or training ( Dacher , 2006). What is mental fitness?.

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Mental Fitness

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  1. Mental Fitness Kelly Luck HW 420 03AU – Unit 5 Project Kaplan University January 6, 2010

  2. Physical fitness / mental fitness • Dedication / Commitment • Regular practice • Challenging • Effort • Persistence • Coaching or training (Dacher, 2006)

  3. What is mental fitness? Mental Fitness is the result of contemplative practices that lead to the “progressive development of an expanded consciousness and its healing capacities”. Mental Fitness involves the exploration of “largely uncharted frontier of the mind”. Mental Fitness is the “development of our psycho-spiritual life and the ability to access its capacities and resources”. (Dacher, 2006)

  4. The subtle mind • The Witnessing Mind The impartial observation of our thoughts and images Releasing our grasp of this mental chatter – acknowledge it and let it go Begin to choose where our attention goes • Calm-Abiding Effortless stillness undisturbed by thoughts, feeling and images Intention replaces reactivity • Unity Consciousness Increasing connectedness to all of life Our inner healing resource (Dacher, 2006)

  5. What are the benefits? • We can choice where to focus our attention; reduce stress, worry, anxiety, anger, hatred, fear and other negative emotions. • Increase in positive emotions such as patience, loving-kindness, openness, acceptance and happiness. • Increase serenity and peace in our daily lives. • Increased confidence, improved self-esteem • Increased mental clarity and the ability to see things as they really are • Ability to influence our physiology, hormonal system, and immune system. • Greater sense of emotional and physical well-being. • Improved attention, memory, perception, imagery and a host of other mental functions. (Dacher, 2006)

  6. Mind-Body research Consistent mental training can enhance physical and mental well-being, enhance immune response and create positive, even permanent, changes in the way our minds works. Dr. Richard Davidson University of Wisconsin (Dacher, 2006)

  7. Contemplatives have a higher order of mental integration. Antoine Lutz & Colleagues University of Wisconsin

  8. Mental Fitness can help you live longer and stay healthier longer – both mentally and physically. Maharishi International University – Iowa 1989

  9. Activities / Exercises

  10. Biofeedback • 30-60 Minute Sessions • Electrical sensor to measure physiological responses • beeps or lights give external feedback • Patient begins to learn to alter physical response and alleviate symptoms • Patient learns to do this without therapist or technology • (Mayo Clinic, 2008)

  11. Tai Chi • Series of slow, graceful movements and postures • Deeply rooted in Chinese medicine and martial arts • Involves “qi” the life energy thought to sustain health and quiets the mind • both the mind and the body are constantly challenged • improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, improve heart function and decrease blood pressure, relieve stress (WebMD, 2006)

  12. Summary

  13. References Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Pathway to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA. Basic Health Publications, Inc. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (1989). Transcendental Meditation, Mindfulness, and Longevity: An Experimental Study with the Elderly. Vol. 57, 950-964. Mayo Clinic (2008). Biofeedback: Using your Mind to Improve Your Health. Retrieved January 11, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/biofeedback/SA00083 WebMD (2006). Tai Chi Exercises Both Mind and Body. Retrieved January 11, 2010 from http://www.webmd.com/healthyaging/guide/taichi-health

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