Introduction
Integral health and wellness equals wholeness and
balance. This balance is not just external it is also internal. The body-mind-spirit
connection is one that promotes actually celebrates all aspects associated with
traditional healing and couples it with personalized care, patient and practitioner
empowerment, and peace. The principles of Aesclepian healing: holistic,
evolutionary, intentional, person-centered, and dynamic are characteristics
that benefit the healer and the person seeking the health (Dascher, 2006). In
the wellness field these characteristics can guide the professional in such a
way that they are not so burdened by their noble choice to help others.
Developing psychologically, spiritually, and physically, is essential for
anyone who interacts with others on a regular basis but more so for the
wellness professional. This strong foundation keeps you open. Open to new
ideas, alternative possibilities, relationships, and in return helps others to
see what the journey to human flourishing looks like (Dascher, 2006). My
journey is just beginning. At nearly 40 I believe I have a foundation
spiritually, it is not traditional in a religious aspect but it is grounded in
nature. Psychologically and physically go hand in hand for me. I am still
finding my voice and while I work toward that I am working toward my physical
health (namely fitness).
Assessment
Nine weeks ago when this journey began the idea that a
college course would change my approach to life never occurred to me. Taking
stock of me, personally, was not something that really crossed my mind. Every
once in a while something would happen and while I was dusting myself off or
picking up the pieces I might reflect on what had happened or how I could have
changed things. Now I see the importance of taking a few moments every once and
awhile to check the map (so to speak). Is your life following the path you have
laid out? Is there more you could do to enhance the trip or lighten your load?
Looking at myself spiritually it is safe to say that I am not spending as much
time in the dirt as I should be. This aspect of my life could use some tweaking.
Since I used to grade papers (as para) I would give myself a C maybe a B- in
the area of spiritual development. This leads directly into psychologically for
me. I feel lighter and more centered after a meditation session. However, I am
not practicing as I should. I have however made great strides when dealing with
others, especially those I love and hold dear. I do know that I need to cut
myself some slack and get out of my own way or I will never experience my full
potential. My grade for psychological development would be a B. Physically I
have made huge strides. This journey started almost 4 years ago when I quit
smoking. I then started eating better (however, I have quite the sweet tooth)
and have learned the importance of openness with my healthcare provider. I also
know now that no matter how healthy I eat I cannot achieve my health goals
without including exercise. This being said I give myself a solid B physically.
Goals
Time management and myself are my biggest downfalls. The
first thing I plan to do is make a master schedule. Nothing to ridged, but I
need to make time for me. Taking the three main areas spiritually, immediate
goal is to get outside for at least 40 minutes a day. My long term goal is to
get a garden going. Psychologically, my immediate goal is to be less reactive.
My long term goal is to let go. Physical goals are easy. Short term over the course
of the next 6 weeks I will work out (walking, jogging, elliptical) at least 3
times a week for a total of at least 150 minutes per week. I will also lift
heavy things (weights, kettle bells, or rocks) at least 3 times a week for a
weekly total of at least 90 minutes. Long term goals are to build up to working
out at least 6 days a week.
Putting
it to Work
In order to see changes in my psychological, physical and
spiritual development I have to implement a plan. Apart from scheduling, coming
up with strategies that will lead me to ultimate health is what this journey
has been about. Spiritually, taking my exercise outdoors is one way I can get
more time outside. The other is to take my meditation practice outside.
Psychological strategies are ones I have been really working on. Journaling
(continuing to blog or keep a small written journal) is something I plan to do.
This journaling helps me keep my gentile speech and offers me reflective time.
The other strategy I plan to implement is positive self-talk. Physically, the
schedule helps the most here. However, I tend to workout longer when I have
someone to workout with, so finding a partner is vital. Another strategy I want
to try is looking at exercise as a prescribed medication. This will turn it
into something I have to do even if I don’t like it and hopefully it will
become something I like to do.
Commitment
The things above are obviously things I know I need to
do. My fear is when this class ends so will my drive to meet these goals. To
help me stay committed I plan to share my goals with friends and family so that
they can help me stay the path. Since I intend to continue blogging I will post
updates probably on the first of every month (easy to remember) that will
highlight new things that I am doing and reflect on what I am not doing. When I
close my eyes and imagine my journey originally I saw a juggler. Trying to
maintain all of life’s little balls up in the air while balancing on the ball
that was supposed to be my life. Now I see myself floating on a river with
bends and rapids but staying afloat with the help of paddles and the occasional
life vest.
References
Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health The Path to Human Flourishing, Laguna
Beach, CA. Basic Health Publication, Inc
I love it! A master schedule! I think this is something almost everyone can benefit from. I think we all need a sense of structure in our lives to make things run smoother, but at the same time to schedule one of those days as completely unscheduled and unstructured. I am so pleased to hear that you quit smoking! That is fantastic because it is the hardest thing to quit since it's so accessible (in my opinion). I also highly recommend a garden. I started one last year but it completely failed so don't give up right away if this happens to you too, because this year I started a new one and I have so much lettuce, tomatoes, beets, parsley, and I even have a watermelon plant which is growing insanely out of control. I love my garden, it's like a child you nurture so yes I highly recommend. Good luck to you in all your goals and your future!
ReplyDeleteJuliette Ries
good post
ReplyDeleteYou have some very reasonable goals. I am glad that you made that commitment to go to school. I have 2 degrees already and getting this one has been the most challenging, but the best choice I have made. Let me know how the garden is going. we hope to buy a house with at least an acre or close to it so I can have some room to plant a garden as well. could always use the tips.
stay encouraged.
Crystal
Kim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post!! At the beginning of this course, I had the same thoughts "How is this really going to help"...I am a very stubborn person. BUT, it is so true, after taking this course, I now look at things differently. Things that used to annoy me and cause anxiety, do not really do that anymore, because I take a step back and put it into perspective.
Best of luck with your goals - remember, it only takes 21 days to create a habit! You can do it!
Sam