Unit 9 Final Project

I.                   Introduction

The adage “practice what you preach” has resurfaced numerous times throughout the term - in discussion posts, blogs, and seminars.  The very fact that it has, is testimony to the necessity for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically.  According to Dacher, we all want for authentic health, wholeness and happiness (2006, p. 1).  To attain these, development of all aspects of the self must transpire.  As health and wellness professionals, our responsibilities lie in guiding and influencing others in the best and most positive way possible.  One of the best gifts we can impart on others is the chance at realizing one’s potential for what Dacher has referred to as human flourishing.  Proficiency in our profession is not just the result of our knowledge, but is also fruit of our experiences.  In order to assist others in their journeys toward integral health - human flourishing – we, too, must trek in the same, or similar, path.  If our aspirations involve being an integral practitioner, we should view our service to others as sacred and employ the integral vow, as highlighted by Dacher, which emphasizes self-development, profound and in-depth knowledge of the integral vision, a genuine desire for health, happiness, and healing, treating others as sacred beings, cultivating a healing presence, fostering self-healing in others, holding life as precious and unique, and serving others (Dacher, 2006, pp. 172-173).  Not every health and wellness professional will embrace the integral vision.  I, personally, would want to commit myself completely to those I help in my profession, and though I struggle with understanding, and even fully embracing certain approaches presented by Dacher, I see the value in many of them.

Personal development in all areas of the self is necessary.  Although I had emphasized, in my blog/posts, engendering changes in order to improve biologically (through diet and exercise), I acknowledge the need for developing the other aspects of the self.  I want to continue to grow spiritually, but in terms of religiosity.  I would like to incorporate more prayerful meditations into my everyday life, so that I grow in faith and love with God, and develop the inner peace from within - the peace and contentment I know is made possible through Him.   Moreover, the need to develop psychologically is tantamount to achieving my goals.  Fluctuation in the progression of psychological development is evident over the past few months.  If I am able to successfully implement my plans as highlighted in this paper, significant improvements in overall wellbeing will ensue.      

II.                Assessment:

I decided to stick with the 1-10 rating used in the unit 3 blog, as it allowed me the opportunity to asses my progress in the last six weeks and make comparisons.  For spirituality, I would rate myself a 7, which is a slight improvement from the initial rating of 6.  It probably fluctuated throughout the weeks, as I had spent a great deal of time in contemplation and reflection in this area.  Some of the material covered in this course attributed to the quest for a more profound understanding of not just the material itself, but how they relate to my religious beliefs.  I found myself conflicted at times, and though I have not reached a resolution in its totality, I am at peace with certain things and I am confident that I will find answers if they are meant to be found.  I feel that as long as my faith is not compromised and the philosophies that I adhere to remain unshaken, chances are, it is probably acceptable.

My physical wellbeing has not undergone any significant changes.  I give it a score of 4 (my previous score was between 4-5).  In trying to be fair in my scoring, I had to overlook the fact that my entire family, including myself, have been indisposed this past week, otherwise I would rate it a 2.  This is the area that suffers the most, as may seem evident through my blogs and posts.  A major hindrance in the development of my physical wellbeing is a lack of consistency.  I feel that I am well-versed in the “know-hows” of achieving optimal health, as far as nutrition and fitness is concerned, but it is applying the knowledge that can sometimes prove difficult.

I give myself a rating of 6 for psychological wellbeing.  Over the month, I was met with obstacles impeding in my ability to maintain a positive outlook.  My husband has been gone quite frequently for training and schooling the past few months, which has left me with very little support (a foreshadowing of what I will deal with when he deploys in November).  In an attempt to reduce anxiety and stress related to this matter, I am focusing on looking forward to the possibility of returning home and spending time with my parents and numerous family members and friends. 

III.             Goal Development

I realize that in developing my spiritual wellbeing, while emphasizing religiosity, I would need to spend more time in meaningful and prayerful meditation.  I want my meditative experiences to be more Christ-centered (i.e. guided imagery, Catholic meditation).  I plan on incorporating meditation 3 times a week, for at least 30 minutes.    

To improve my physical wellbeing, I will first need to address my eating habits, since I already have an established exercise routine.  I want to eliminate most sugar and fat-laden foods from my diet.  I do not think the “moderation” mentality is working for me, as the term itself is very subjective and ever-changing.  I need to reintroduce certain health foods into my diet.  Weight loss is necessary if I want to foster growth in this area.  I have decided that a total weight loss of 15 pounds in the next 6 months is realistic and attainable.      

Since my psychological wellbeing has taken a slight beating over the past month, I must revamp my thinking and outlook and become more vigilant over my practices of positive reaffirmation and self-talk.  Admittedly, I allowed myself to grow complacent and have not been diligent in such practices.  My goals are to make such practices habitual and to work on cultivating a witnessing mind.

IV.             Practices for personal health

The type of meditation I will practice to foster growth in my spiritual wellbeing is Catholic meditation, which involves active meditation on a scripture passage/scene.  The steps are to place oneself in God’s presence and ask for His help, vividly imagine the scene, place oneself in the scene, and interact with others in the scene.  To conclude the meditation, an offering of thanks should be imparted.  Furthermore, I would need to seek the guidance of a spiritual director within my faith.  This may prove beneficial during those times of uncertainty, especially when it comes to practices I want to incorporate in order to foster development in my over-all wellbeing.   

My chiropractor is conducting a class called “Food Makeover” in a couple of weeks. In the event most of its contents are familiar to me, it will serve as reaffirmation and probably catapult me into making the necessary dietary changes.  Additionally, I will have to step up my exercise routine to include strength training 3 times a week and daily walks outside, weather permitting, of course.  If I am able to return home this year, I plan on resuming training in Kyokushinkai Karate, in order to regain the confidence, strength, endurance, agility, and resiliency I once had.  Training is at least twice a week, lasting about 2 hours long.         

As a complement to my Catholic (active) meditation practice, I will incorporate the subtle mind meditation into regular practice, which I hope will foster growth in my psychological wellbeing.  I plan on starting out slowly by setting aside one day out of the week for this exercise, for the first 2 months, then working my way up to 3 times a week.  To aid in promoting a positive mental attitude, I plan on reading a book a month from my husband’s “library”, as he has an extensive collection of books on this subject.    

V.                Commitment

To assess my progression, or identify if there is regression or stagnation in any of these areas, I will employ a variety of methods, albeit simple.  I will schedule all exercise and meditation sessions to help maintain focus.  I will also resume keeping a food journal with the convenient use of my phone’s application; when I was consistent with its use, I was less likely to go for that second helping or dessert.  Since I benefited considerably from the integral assessment, I plan on using the exercise for an in-depth assessment on either psychospiritual or biological development every month.  After completing the integral assessment, I will keep a journal on my experiences, thoughts, issues, etc. that surfaces during the exercise.  This may seem complicated, initially, but I think each method is necessary in ensuring a greater likelihood of realizing my goals.  Eventually, I may abandon the practice of scheduling and food journaling, but I want to make the integral assessment a permanent practice.  Once I become proficient in this practice, I will include focusing on worldly and interpersonal development. 

Ultimately, God will be my guide while I journey through life.  What I aspire the most is to discern His will and heed His calling.  However, the concepts of integral health and human flourishing are appealing and I cannot deny my desire to attain enduring health, wholeness and genuine happiness.  As a result, I must intensify my efforts to understand the approaches learned throughout this term, while actively seeking out the truths of my Catholic faith, in order to ensure cohesive espousal of both.  I will encounter many obstacles, as there seems to be a disparity in many of the philosophies, but that is where guidance and discernment will come into play.

References

Dacher, E. (2006).  Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.