I. Introduction
Health and wellness professionals must consistently evolve and develop throughout their career. They must continuously pursue their education in order to effectively disseminate information to others and in order to be credible they must blaze the path of wellness in order to help clients navigate psychologically, spiritually and physically. A professional cannot ask anyone to walk in their shoes or go down the same path without having first navigated the same waters. In order to connect to clients in a professional manner one must be able to demonstrate and provide techniques from within and their own growth both personally and professionally. As I have stated on the continuum I am a perpetual work in progress but throughout the past nine weeks I have made strides to more fully develop all three areas but I think the area that needs more attention at this point in time is my psychological development.
II. Assessment
When I first did the physical, spiritual and psychological assessment in Unit 3 my scores were six, six and five in that order. My physical wellness is slightly better and I might be more hyper critical of my own personal assessment but I know I am capable of much more so now I would do my assessment as follows seven, eight and six accordingly. I have been trying to dedicate myself more to yoga and other low intensity activities but at this juncture I still need to push myself more ardently. My spiritual well being has taken on new life as I try to practice more meditation and do so more consistently. Our meditative practices throughout our classes have helped me to reach deeper and look more closely at the inner person and with such guidance I know I can become even kinder compassionate person for myself and everyone I touch. My psychological aspect or guidance needs some more work and feel that in order to do this I need to de-clutter more and incorporate time for my own self indulgence, not in an extravagant manner just to spend time with me and I feel that by incorporating more journaling with help with my psychological growth.
III. Goal development
One goal in my physical development is to achieve an intermediate development of Yoga in order to become more flexible and stronger in both mind and body. I have increased my morning walks and they have become quicker with more effort and vitality. I am trying to become a full vegetarian in order to help my slightly precarious immune system and under active thyroid. I do not eat a great deal of meat but I have narrowed it down, proudly, to an occasional burger on the grill. My last few classes at Kaplan will help me accomplish this more as I am going to direct my efforts to some of the nutrition classes, somewhat force my hand into a more practical and healthful diet. My psychological goal is to practice more meditation and visualization as I feel it will help me engage more of “me” within myself as well as everyone in my life. My spiritual efforts are going to go into more journal time as I find this connects me with the past, helps me live in the present and it gives me a dialogue to work towards the future. As the holidays fast approach I have found some new found enthusiasm for my Christmas card designs that I send each year.
IV. Practices for personal health
In order to implement and foster more growth in my physical development I am taking a dance class in order to get me up and aerobically moving. I am unable to do my long distance running any longer so I am hoping my getting up and moving in the form of dance I can achieve that same level of fitness plus I will improve my dance greatly! I am also give another round to kick-boxing, no pun intended, as when I first tried this sport I liked it but I think I gave up too quickly so I am going back at the bag for another round. Psychologically will be somewhat easier to put into full force when I graduate in the spring but until that time I am going to reserve a set amount of time each day devoted to myself, whether it is meditation or just staring at a blank wall it will be for me and me alone! My spiritual development is ongoing but I am going to continue to use loving-kindness practices as well as meditation for my spirit as well. My journaling is for both my psychological and spiritual well-being so I am going to make sure that my entries are more consistent.
V. Commitment
In order track my progress I am going to keep a special journal and name it my Commitment to Well-Being and I will write down any activity or lack of activity and use it as a motivational tool to keep me moving forward. I will make an assessment at the end of each week and see where I need to step up my game to improve in order to keep my on my path and make any necessary adjustments. I can also use the integral vow as a beacon, a guiding light to keep me motivated as well. Committing to the Tibetan traditions wherein we are what we think, with our thoughts we make the world and happiness follows as well as nurturing mindfulness as the mind is both the source of happiness and the root of suffering (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005). Commitment takes up time, energy and self engagement and the best way I can monitor and assess my progress is by checking my goals and tweaking them as time progresses. I am committed to become that person I am meant to be.
Reference:
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M. S. (2005). Consciousness & healing Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine. St Louis, MO: Elsevier.
It sounds like you have taken a great deal of time to figure out where you need the most work. It also sounds like you have a plan when it come to your diet. I like the idea of the dance class, I think it will be a lot of fun and is a good way to say motivated and on track. I have no doubt that eventually, you will reach your goal. Best of luck and take care.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of keeping a journal. I forgot all about that, I only mentioned keeping a calendar to mark milestones. Your goals seem practical and can easily be implemented into your life. Some of the strategies you have done before which will allow to be comfortable while doing them again. It is always important to do the things that interest you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful final project
~~Michelle
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly given this much thought. I admire the fact that you have decided to commit time to yourself, even if it means looking at a blank wall. Journal keeping will allow you to put sort out your thoughts and possibly help to declutter the mind. I am certain that at some point you would reach your moment of integeral health and flourishing. I wish you the best of luck throughout.
Tricia
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI see many similarities in our journey to integral health. Like you, I need to work on my physical domain. Like you, I am taking a couple of nutrition classes next term to help me in this area. I also agree that keeping a journal is great way to hold yourself accountable as well as motivate you. I think I may even do the same.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are taking a very active approach in your physical and mental health and I think that is great! You will become a role model for many I am sure. I too was thinking of taking up yoga after completion of this course. I'd like to see where it can "take" me. Journaling is such a great idea and I do that too. Sometimes what I write down doesn't even make sensem but I pull anything in my head so I can get rid of the "clutter". Good luck with your dance class and keeping on track!
Jen
Linda:
ReplyDeleteI plan to keep a journal too. A journal is what helps to assess our progress as we continue to work. It also helps to keep us focused on the goal we set for ourselves. It’s been real nice getting to know you. I believe we can’t give away what we don’t have. With that in mind we experience is important when working with others. Knowing what it is like is easier to explain, then just knowing because you studied or learned about it. It’s been real nice reading your blog and I would like to wish you all the luck.
Teresa