Unit Five Project

Unit  Five Project

Introduction:

     The brain is alive, it speaks to our body, and it connects with the:

1. Functioning Heart
2. Functioning Lungs
3. Womb (Where the process of Life begins)
4. All functioning physical systems ( nervous, immune system, gland…etc)

                These functions are all an integral connected community that will not

                 operate well without the other. The brain is the organ that pulls it together, and

                 the mind is the soul of the entire operation.   

Part One: introduce the benefits of “mental fitness”. Include at least 3 research studies that have demonstrated the healing qualities of mental and spiritual focus.

Benefits of Mental Fitness:

1. Connection with the Body
2. Contemplative state of pure awareness
3. Limitless development

   Integral Connection 

     Dr. Candance Pert a researcher and professor at George Washington University discovered that our brain talks.  Pert discovered that the brain carries message from one area of the body to another and each part function separately but are connected to the brain and other parts. This was significant because, the discovery of “neuropeptides” brought about a new understanding in how the brain (mind), functions.

     Dr. Pert stated:  “The mind is the body, the body is the mind.”  What is means is that the condition of the mind is the condition of the body. The mind gave out images, thoughts, & feelings this process alters the physiology to reflect a specific mental state. Therefore if we train our mind to act a certain way our body will react and perform accordingly.

Contemplative State of Pure Awareness:

     Dr. Richard Davidson of the University of Wisconsin performed research on contemplative scholars. The doctor’s research was conducted on the brain, the left and right prefrontal cortex were measured with electrical measurements and functional MRIs. Davidson discovered that the scholars’ showed sign of extra-ordinary function; their mind showed sign of alteration. Davidson determined that “the mind can undergo permanent change when properly trained. It can go from ordinary to extra-ordinary” (Dacher, 2006).  This type of alteration is considered Olympian Mental Fitness.

Limitless Development:

     The mind has the ability to adapt to change; this adaption can affect the function on work and interaction with people.  Dr. Peter Schnall Professor of Medicine at the University of California, conducted research with mid-level managers on stress in the work environment and what he discovered made an impact on how we look at the mind. Dr. Schnall discovered that the mind and body of the mid-level managers were altered by the stress of the work.  Not only did their mind become permanently altered but physically. Those managers who couldn’t deal with the stress, became ill with hypertension, or enlarged heart; while those who could handle the stress become more driven and pushed on.  What this research showed is that the mind altered based on the environment and the body followed. Therefore the physiological affected how the physical operated when faced with stress.   

2.            Part Two: Provide at least two examples of exercises, activities, or practices which can improve mental fitness. Give step by step instructions, explanations etc. and any other information that you believe is important to the development of mental fitness.

1. Visualization - Through imagery of the mind. For example picturing yourself in a place of peace such as a garden full of flowers, envisioning butterflies, cool breeze on your skin, all of these images are called visualization.
2. Meditation- Through stillness and going deep into oneself, you can train the mind to focus on one thing to get to the well of happiness and wellness. Naturally only through practice does one obtain that wealth of healing.
3. Subtle Mind- By stilling the mind and concentrating on your breathing, you find that your mind is calmer, you become more focus and one begins to find purpose what is important and needs to be accomplished.

3.            Summary:

The mind is the mechanic behind how we lead our lives, if we train our mind to make positive steps in the right direction toward health, wellness, happiness, the body will pursue.