Unit 4

1. Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?
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?

My experience with the love and kindness exercise was weird and difficult. Although it is nice to think about someone special in a loving and caring way, I did not feel it necessary, nor did I agree with taking in someones pain and distress. This part was very weird. I tried my best to experience the exercise but the whole taking in darkness destroyed it for me. I would not recommend this to anyone. I do not think it would help anyone.

The concept of mental workout is the act of mind training. Developing and controlling the mind through exercises like visualization, meditation, and prayer. Research shows that exercises for the mind like practicing loving kindness increased the abilities of the mind. According to Antoine Lutz a compassionate mental state caused a higher order of mental integration (2006). I can foster psychological health by practicing loving kindness and forgiving others.

Denise