- Introduction:
Through
psychological development and contemplative practice we are capable of changing
the lives of others and ourselves. It is imperative to understand the benefits
and techniques of integral health in order to help others. The comprehensive
outcomes in incorporating integral practices are best realized through
experience. We must strive to incorporate and practice integral health to best
serve our clients. Through experience we gain the confidence we need, as health
and wellness professionals, to explain to our clients how this life can assist
us in healing and preventative measures (Dacher, 2006). If we are educating
others on the benefits of integral health, we must also be learning,
practicing, and living it in our own lives.
There is always room for development and growth in my life. I have goals of
becoming more toned physically, due to recent life changes and important
milestones approaching. Also, I plan to continue to build my mental self and
practice universal loving kindness as well as gratitude. Finally, my spiritual
growth will come through my faith in God, practices and exercises, and as a
result, develop a stronger relationship in my spirituality.
- Assessment:
The integral assessment helps us put thought into practice; it is a process
of discovering what areas of improvement we need in our lives and make changes to
uncover a life of flourishing fulfillment. (Dacher, 2006). This process is
essential for the health and healing of individuals because it can help us grow
a deeper, fuller, more whole life. It is a way to recognize how to make changes
in our lives and understand what to do to push through. Personal growth must be
accomplished through reflection and evaluation in each category to encounter
integral health. All of these principles must work together to lead a healthful
life spiritually, mentally, and biologically; if one piece is missing something
will be lacking. Each part allows the next to work.
Physically -7
Physically I
have been able to incorporate more essential nutrients into my diet by eating
more fruits and vegetables and alleviating unwanted fats and sweets, only occasionally
indulging. Also, my diet is gluten free due to Celiac (gluten allergy), so I am
able to eat foods rich in protein, essential fats, and other vitamin rich
nutrients. I am still working on my physique, as it is a work in progress.
Psychologically
- 8
Psychologically, I have
become a more patient person who has the inept ability to think before
reacting, therefore, controlling the outcome to be positive. I found I am
showing more compassion with friends, family, and co-workers. I am doing things
to show others how I feel, versus only telling them. Actions speak louder than
words, and I truly believe my actions have transformed to illuminate my true feelings.
I am cognizant of my thoughts and how I can control my actions.
Spiritually - 7
Spiritually, I am at a place where I
feel my mind is open to the capabilities and powers of God and other
possibilities to healing and health. I have evolved my thinking and
spirituality through the exercises we have completed in the course, prayer, and
meditation, and have found a more in depth understanding of myself and others
around me.
- Goal development:
Personally, my goal is to rigorously exercise a minimum 3 times per week so
I am capable of reaching my ideal body image. My focus is to tone my body and
get the physique I am striving for. This should only take 8 weeks, as a result
of my current level of fitness. Due to time constraints, and other unnecessary
obstacles, I have been unable to achieve my physical goals; however, I am up
for the challenge.
A psychological goal I have established for myself is to recognize and
entertain the internal thoughts/instincts that I possess. I want to continue to
gain the understanding I need to make the decisions in my life that will lead
me down the path of righteousness, wholeness, and fulfillment. My goal is to be
happy with myself in all of the areas of my life. Currently, I am not proud of
myself for decisions I have made in my relationship and finances, for example;
therefore, my goal is to work toward a fulfilled life in these areas, and it
starts with my mental state.
Spiritually, my goal is to achieve an inner peace; it is to recognize those
things that are holding me back, acknowledging it, and eliminating any negative
in my life. I want to seek a mentor that
will lead me down the path to the spiritual life, wisdom, peace, and grace.
- Practices for personal health:
Physical fitness is achieved through hard work, determination, and consistency. Accomplishing this feat will take just that. To implement this strategy I must set up a schedule that will allow me to be organized and on a routine, so I will form a habit and be consistent. I will go to the gym 3 times per week for 75 minutes, incorporating weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises. Another way I am able to continue to be successful with this goal is to take the stairs versus the elevator. Every day I am tasked with taking 2 flights of stairs up and down, so I take that route in order to keep up my physical endurance throughout the day during the rest periods. Also, I eat a diet that is gluten free, and I plan on continuing this, as a result of better health and food allergy. Through this diet I have also been able to implement more fruits and vegetables and incorporate a supplement daily. These steps will continue to help me mature.
Psychological wellness can be accomplished through self-awareness and a better
positive mental attitude- thinking “I can” versus “I can’t”, for example. When
faced with adversity, our minds can be controlled to think positive and have an
optimistic outlook rather than a bleak forecast. In life, we have decisions to
make and we control the way we react to them. It is important to remember that
we can control only ourselves. Stress can be influenced by our minds and our
actions based on what our minds are telling us. If we are more aware of what we
think, we can better understand how to react; in turn, this can lead to a
healthier more productive life (Schlitz, Amorok & Micozzi, 2005). The
visualization exercises, practiced weekly, are a resource that can aid in
promoting my psychological wellness, as well. Through these practices, I am able to channel my thoughts and energy, therefore, allowing myself to grow.
Finally, spiritual wellness can be improved through techniques like, yoga,
TaiChi, and meditation. Meditation can
be used as a way to relax mentally, physically, emotionally, and
physiologically so that one can be closer to the mind and body to escape from
the day to day . There are several ways to meditate depending on the most
beneficial and appropriate for the patient. The main approaches to meditate are
relaxation response, transcendental meditation, mindfulness meditation, and
centering prayer (Micozzi, 2010). Centering prayer meditation is a way to
center one’s thoughts, focusing on a sacred word which is thought to bring one
closer to God. I plan on setting aside time every day to read my Bible, for at
least 30 minutes and pray. I will meditate before the session, in order to be
as open-minded and prepared for what I am about to read.
Life is
stressful; however, there are ways to deal with life’s stresses. They all lead to a closer spiritual partnership. Each
area plays an important role in holistic wellness. Holistic medicine
encompasses all aspects – mind, body, and spirit. As a whole, each of these
areas can provide a positive outcome and lead to an overall happiness.
- Commitment:
My progress will be evaluated bi-weekly for the first six weeks, so I can determine if changes should be made. Then, my progress will be assessed every month. I will use an organizer/planner to help me with the scheduling and planning to keep me on track; I am more successful when I am on a schedule. My physical goals will be marked in my gym journal, which I keep to reference the weight lifted, repetitions, and sets. I will also include pictures of myself at the 30 day increments to see my progress. The internet is a great way to build relationships with others that are faced with the same challenges and goals. I can find others through social media, blogs, and other networking sites to help me maintain my long-term goals. It helps to have other’s support and understanding of what you are going through. Using a journal for my exercises, like prayer and meditation, will also help me cognize the results of my efforts. It can pinpoint my feelings, experiences, and development throughout time.
Integral medicine encompasses mind, body, and spirit. The idea involves a
holistic approach to healing, which in turn can reduce the effects of disease,
aging, and death (Dacher, 2006). Also, it includes happiness that is genuine,
from within and free from worry; it is a life that is focused on positive, not
negative. The theory describes a life of genuine wholeness, kindness to others,
and zest for life (Dacher, 2006). These principles will ultimately lead to an
overall health, healing and human flourishing.
References:
Schlitz, M.,
Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M. S. (2005). Consciousness and healing. St Louis,
MO: Churchill Livingstone.
Dacher, E. S.
(2006). Integral Health: the Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, Basic
Health Publications, Inc
