- Introduction:
Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?
Integral medicine is holistic and evolutionary. In today’s society individuals are moving towards integral health and healing. Professionals in the health and wellness field need to incorporate integral health practices into their lives because they need to explore and incorporate new approaches to the development of psychological and contemplative practices that helps deal with life adversaries. Since the path to integral health offers a broad range of self-cultivating and generating activities, healers are better able to assists with not only difficult health issues such as aging, death, and disease, but genuine happiness, well-being, and wholeness issues as well (Dacher, 2006). In order to reach ultimate health, I feel that I would need to continuously re-evaluate the development of my psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of life.
- Assessment:
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?
Personal assessment of an individual’s health includes the cultivating and generating of activities that assists in the psychological, physical, and spiritual development. The assessment includes being aware of current and future sources of suffering, distress, and dissatisfaction (Dacher, 2006). I re-evaluated the original optimal health measurement from the first well-being and health assessment. The first overall assessment measurement was a 4 because I felt there was still hope in my life. Due to the knowledge I obtained over the term and kind classmates with good advice, I realize my optimal health measurement should be at least a 7 overall. It appeared that I dwelled on the things I could not change, and allowed temporary situations to dominate my choices in life.
- Goal development:
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.
I believe that the development of one’s psychological, spiritual and physical change is a process that will take time and dedication. In my case, all domains need to be taken care of at the same time because they go hand in hand. I believe I can’t develop one area in my life without developing the others. The unstableness of my personal life and career choices have been an issue in my life for several years, and became a major cause of my mind, body, and spirits unhealthiness.
Over the past several weeks, I have come to realize that I have been trying to direct my life in a specific direction instead of following where life leads. I have also realized that my faith in a higher power needed to be strengthened in order to better recognize the extent of my strength and inabilities. Once this is accomplished, I feel I will be able to confidently deal with external forces that threaten to destroy my minds calmness. Psychologically, I will be able to separate rational and irrational patterns in order to enhance positive thinking, and dedicate time to daily practices that can help strengthen the immune system. Physically, I hope I will be able to sleep longer and contend with health issues that hurts the body. Spiritually, I will be able to self-cultivate and regain my-self worth, and judgment.
- Practices for personal health:
What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.
One strategy that I can utilize to implement and foster growth in all domains is increasing my faith with prayer. Spending time in prayer will allow me to “let loose and let God” take over the reins of my life. Here I will understand that there is a higher power and all struggles do not have to be carried alone. This will offer opportunities towards health and healing while my minds noise becomes increasingly quiet from spiritual support. My body will heal because I will be able to sleep longer hours, therefore function during daytime hours. I will be able to feel more confident in my decision making process, and learn how not to make the same distressful mistakes.
Another strategy that I plan to implement and foster growth in all domains is by using creative visualization and subtle-mind exercises on a daily basis. The exercise helps create a lasting and positive response to stressful situations that are difficult to put to task. By using these techniques, individuals are able to calm the mind, control reactive responses, and feel more whole and relaxed.
- Commitment:
How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?
Since I tend to be my worst critique, I would make a poor judge on my progress. I need to believe that slow progress is better than no progress at all, so I plan to move carefully towards my psychological, spiritual and physical growth. Over the next six months, I plan to do various activities that would help in assessing my progress or lack thereof. If I find that I am not making significant progress, I will then reassess my options and make changes as needed.
First, I plan to join a church that I feel comfortable in attending. I feel that improving my faith will place me on the right path to integral health and healing. Next, I would join a support group, church group, or do journal writing. This offers encouragement within a support system that allows individuals to express their feelings, goals, and milestones, and gives several different viewpoints as to how well I am progressing. Another strategy I plan to implement to maintain my long-term goal for health and wellness is by utilizing the love kindness and creative visualization practices on a daily basis. I feel by strengthening my faith, I will ultimately choose the correct path, and be able to live with inner peace, happiness, and health.
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health. The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA. Basic Health Publications, Inc.
LaVenus,
ReplyDeleteFor one, I was not sure who I was writing to here. I kept saying "lgordon, lgordon". I went directly to your post here and as I started to leave a comment, I did not know who to address. Anyhow, wow, I was excited to see I was reading your paper! First, I must comment on your writing style. You have a great ease and comfort about you. This creates a warm feeling as I progressed though your paper.
Okay, on to further thoughts. I love how you mentioned the growth of the domains going "hand in hand". I am in complete agreement with you here. In fact, I mentioned so in my paper too. Yes, although I can see an area that needs a bit more focus than the others, the bond that they share is so close that the entwining will not allow one to fail or even flourish without the others close at hand.
Additionally, you mentioned sleep habits! Yes, this is extremely important regarding integral health. I included sleep in my paper too. Hehehe . . . yes, I kept looking forward to further likenesses.
Okay, you mentioned finding a church. Yes, not easy to do. However, I am confident you will find a place perfect for your current growth. Consider the "now". Since health and wellness is so "dynamic", expecting change is not out of the ordinary. In fact, it is quite expected.
Oh, there is more . . . JOURNAL WRITING . . . oh, yes. I cannot say enough about this amazing process. I have been journaling for years. Just recently, I went back and read some writings of mine from 17 years ago. Um, yes . . . it is amazing what you will, not only learn, but witness as reading the past sheds new light. Yes, I could see a major shift in my writing style and even the openness that I finally rested in.
When I first began journaling, I was a bit cryptic about my subject matter. As time progressed, my writing opened up more. I began feeling safe and it is evident in my subject matter. Just this past year, I began journaling on the computer and boy, um, yeah . . . my subject matter is completely open. Oh yes. I no longer hold back and I LOVE IT!!!
My one suggestion . . . find someone else who journals. There is nothing like sharing with another about your thoughts safely. Even when you are writing about completely different circumstances. The celebrations and tears that evolve from such a bond are completely priceless!!!
Wow . . . I wish you the best in your journey ahead!
LaVenus,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are giving your problems over to the Lord. Sometimes there is only so much we can do and then we have to let God take over. As long as you are doing your part by working hard and letting the Lord rule over your life, I do not think you will be disappointed. I am glad you are looking for a church to particiapte in. During this class I found many interesting articles on church participation and healthy living. Social networks such as the church where you can not only be fed the Word of God but be uplifted by the congregation can give many positive benefits. I wish you luck in your future journey to integral health and pray that you may find the hope and peace you are looking for.
Great post LaVenus! I can certainly understand and appreciate the importance of turning your will over to the care of your higher power. Letting go and turning it over to the God of your understating is a courageous, empowering and freeing act. I found it important to not take it back which is something many of us do as we practice the act of letting go. I also heard the analogy of rowing upstream, no longer rowing and allowing the boat to turn downstream and then navigating with the flow of life. Resistance can cause a lot of pain, but alignment with our internal guidance and connection with a power greater than ourselves, can lead to a more joyous life experience. Joining a spiritual community is important and valuable in helping us become more centered. While integral health is a path of self-discovery, we don’t have to do it alone. Calibrating with others and sharing experiences can prove to be very helpful with our own development. Forgiveness is another dynamic that I found to be very helpful - forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others. It also helps us let go of that which we regret. It is like no longer looking at our shadow and turning to the light.
ReplyDeleteThe path of human flourishing is not a race or a destination, it is a journey. We are exactly where we are supposed to be and if we keep creating what we are experiencing, then maybe we need to learn more about what we are experiencing before we move on to something else. The Universe (God) has a way of giving us exactly what we need for our growth and development. As we begin to flourish, our inner higher self will help us realize our inner divinity and connection to all that is. From my perspective, all that IS is absolute good and serves to helps us grow. All the best to your on your journey.
Warm regards,
John