Final Project

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?
In order for us to be at our best we have to develop our whole self. With psychological, spiritual and physical development we are better able to serve the ones we are caring for. Not only is it important for us personally, but it is also important for those we are serving to see us “practicing what we preach” so to speak. If we are not examples of personal development then how can we guide others along the path to wellness? It is important for us to be examples, to earn the trust of our patients/clients. If we are familiar with and have undergone the same struggles to attain integral health as they are experiencing there is an empathy that they can feel. People are far more likely to relate to and take advice from someone who has been in a similar position as themselves rather than someone who cannot truly relate in any way.
As for myself, I need to work on all of the aspects mentioned to achieve my personal goals. I am still very new to the integral health approach but am more than happy and willing to embrace the practices and outlook that it espouses. Psychologically I have, and continue, to benefit from approaches such as the subtle mind and loving kindness exercises. They have helped me connect with myself on a level that allows me to see my potential and my personal value. Spiritually I feel as if I am on my way. I have always prayed but I have found that, as I continue with these exercises, that my prayer life has been enhanced and I feel a greater spiritual connection between myself and God. The physical aspect is where I know that I need the most work. I have been looking for a yoga regime that will work for me and the schedule that I have to keep. It has been a little daunting to find one that is at such a novice level, but I am determined to make it work. I know that I need it. Not only do I need it for my physical well-being but for the psychological and spiritual benefits inherent in yoga.
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?
It is often hard to sit back and look at ourselves objectively. We can be either too generous or too tough on ourselves. Not only have I tried to reach a middle ground with my assessment outlook, but I have enlisted the help of a few loved ones. The hope was that they would add a bit more objectivity to my own thoughts on the issue.
My spiritual wellness was the one area where I, along with my husband, mother and sons, felt that I was doing the best. I am very devoted to my faith and it is a regular practice of mine to pray at least once a day, usually more. I feel very connected to something much larger than myself and truly believe in the power of prayer (or if you prefer…positive visualization). My family feels like I am spiritually grounded and I would agree. I rated myself at 8 out of 10 for spirituality while my loved ones rated me a 9.
The next aspect that I looked at was the physical aspect. I know that this is where I need the most work and my family was in agreement. As hard as it is to think that your loved ones feel you may be in less than stellar shape it is even harder to know that they do. I am not in the shape I used to be, nor am I as physically active. All of that has to change in order for me to feel about myself the way I should and to be as healthy as possible. Right now I am searching for yoga regime that works for me and am confident in full support from the people in my life that count the most. Even two of my three sons have said that they would enjoy giving yoga a try with good old mom. On a scale from 1 to 10, I rate myself physically at about a 4. My wonderful family gave me a 5.
The next aspect that I discussed with them was the psychological aspect. Psychologically I feel as if I am doing well. I certainly need to work on my “self view” a bit as it is hard for me to feel as if I deserve to take the time to meditate and exercise each day. However, as far as coping calmly, being accepting and trying my best to show those around me, friends and strangers alike, kindness and compassion. I am generally at peace with what is happening around me and my sons have recently commented on my more “mellow” demeanor over the past several years. I would rate this aspect of my development at around a 7. Although this was the most difficult area for my family to weigh in on, they also rated me at a 7. As to whether or not they were just going along with all of my queries it is hard to say, but I feel that they did their best to give me as honest and accurate answers as they could.
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.
My physical goal at this point in my development is to tone muscle, strengthen my cardiovascular system and to gain in physical health overall. I no longer want to feel winded when I have to climb more than a few flights of stairs or end up sore and achy after hiking with my family. I know I can do this. I just need to stay focused and motivated. I feel that visualization and meditation will help immensely with this.
The goal that I have set for myself psychologically is that of accepting and valuing me as a person. I value my role as wife, mother, co-worker and friend, but not so much as a living, breathing being deserving of total health. I need to identify my weaknesses and set upon a course of action to fix things. Rationally I know that by being the best me possible I am more able to love and care for those around me. However it is sometimes hard to remember that fact. This is the work that awaits me.
The last aspect that I need to set a goal for is the spiritual aspect. I believe that this is my strongest area and it was difficult to determine just where I needed further development. I did, however, come to the realization that I need to really, truly pray when I pray. I noticed that there were times when my prayers were less than enthusiastic and inspiring than what they could be. In this way I know I am missing my “connection”. I am not being filled with the peace, love and joy that come with prayer. I need to make every prayer count.
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.
For my physical health my plan for growth is to begin a yoga regime as well as watching what I eat more than I already do. My family and I eat better and healthier than most I know, but there is still room for improvement. Integrating more raw fruits and vegetables into our diet will be a start as well as making sure that we all take our vitamins. As for the yoga…it will take considerable will power on my part to stick with it. I know that the health gains will be immeasurable and that will keep me going. I certainly want to be around for all of my sons to marry and have children of their own. The only way to implement it is to do it and I have finally made a start.
My psychological health can be improved through meditation and visualization. The meditation exercises that we have done in class have already made a difference in the way I look at and feel about certain things. When I access my inner calm and peace there really is a focus and clarity there. I can see myself for who and what I am and feel a greater sense of connectedness with myself and others. Continuing to practice the subtle mind exercise as well as the loving kindness exercise will continue to move me in the right direction. The use of visualization will aid in keeping me motivated. If I can see myself as I wish to be, then it will be.
As for my spiritual growth I believe that the use of meditation and yoga will enhance my spiritual life. Meditation will allow me to tap into my inner peace which will allow me to pray more earnestly and honestly. Also, the use of yoga just feels as if it goes hand in hand with meditation. The practice really does lend itself to the breathing and focusing done during meditation. Also, by simply observing my faith and continuing to pray as I do I can only grow in my spirituality.
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?
Assessing my progress, or lack thereof, can be a tricky proposition. Physically, monitoring progress should be relatively easy. It is a more subjective aspect. If I am feeling more energetic, have greater stamina and (hopefully) have experienced some weight loss I will consider myself successful. Psychologically progress will have been made if I begin to maintain my inner calm in a way that is outwardly obvious. Also, once I begin to feel as if I am worthy of the time and effort without having to remind or convince myself on a regular basis I will have achieved my goal. As for my spiritual self I feel as though, if I can make earnest prayer a priority every day, I will have attained my goal.
In order to continue making progress and ultimately achieve these goals I will have to maintain my meditation, prayer and exercise routines. They have to be a priority in order for me to see this through. Visualization will help in all aspects, but I also will need the love and support of my family and friends. A support network is essential when embarking on such a life changing journey and I am fortunate enough to have wonderful people around me. If they know that these goals are important to me they will do whatever it takes to help me reach them. I know that the effort has to come from within, but it certainly helps to have people cheering you on and sometimes pushing you to achieve your goals. Other than that, I believe that once meditation and yoga are an integral part of my daily routine things will become much easier for me overall. These practices need to become second nature and I will work hard to make it so.