1. What are the similarities and differences in the individual experiences(communicated in the blogs) of the Loving Kindness exercise and muscular relaxation exercise from unit three? As a health and wellness professional how can you individualize these practices to meet the needs of your unique population? Provide specific examples.

There seems to be two groups of people in terms of this week's exercise. There were those who were able to focus and get into the exercise very easily and those who had a more difficult reason. Mainly those who had a more difficult time found the problem was in too many distractions. I believe as a professional that it would be important to find out what type of client I had. I know I use my team a lot as an example, but that is what I know. I have two distinct groups on it; those that find mental training and preparation beneficial and relatively easy to do, and those who can not find the mindset in a large group setting. Therefore, I work with each of these groups differently. I believe I would do that in other settings as well. For those who are able to focus on their own, I would set them up with a plan to work on exercises. If I was in a group setting with the others who had a hard time concentrating, I would have them separate and work on activities to help build mental focus. Maybe it would be short activities at first, and then we would move to longer activities and work on improving focus in small progressions.

2. Discuss a research study or article that discusses the benefits of psychological or spiritual exercise on health and wellness.

The research study that has stood out the most to me this term has been that of Pert. By learning that research has been done that shows the effect that the mind has on the body makes what I've always believed true. I believe that the mind is the greatest influencer our lives. I have heard the quote "If you believe you can or you believe you can't, you're right." That is only one part of our mind. Our mind also decides how to handle stress, feelings, and more. How we handle that effects our physical health just as much. I believe this study was important because it showed the correlation between physical and mental health, and I believe it became a catalyst for further studies.

3. What did you learn from the blogs of others that will be beneficial to you as a health and wellness professional? Explain and provide examples.

I have really appreciated the blog of Danielle. Her blog is Integral Health and the Benefits of Massage. As someone who benefits from massage on a weekly basis, it is nice to hear the perspective of the massage therapist. Also, she seems to work hard on her mental and psychological health and wellness. It helps me understand ways I can become more enlightened. And, honestly, that's how I feel, enlightened. Another blog I appreciate is Hiro's I appreciate his humor the most. Color Wheel of Life is cool as well. Just looking at the beautiful picture on the blog makes me happy.