Unit 9 Final Project - Personal Application

I – Introduction

In order to integrate the methods and practices of integral health that produce human flourishing, we must commit to refocusing our energy, attention and efforts on exploring the uninhibited areas of the mind and its healing capabilities (Dacher, 2006).  Health and wellness professionals must develop psychologically, physically and spiritually if they wish to gain a full understanding of integral health, to recognize and assess the lack in the lives of their patients and to provide instruction and guidance to patients seeking integral health and wellness.  Dacher explains that one can not lead others to places they have never been (2006).  To achieve my goals, I need to develop all areas, some more than others to create the healthy balance that produces human flourishing

II – Assessment

The integral assessment has allowed me to assess my health in each domain by turning inward and honestly inspecting each domain.  On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest score, psychologically I rate myself a 6, spiritually I rate myself a 6 and physically I rate myself a 5.

III – Goal Development

A physical goal I have for myself is to loose 50 pounds by the end of the year, which will be my 50^th birthday.  I also would like to condition myself so I can participate in a few of the local marathons for charity.  A psychological goal I have for myself is to incorporate the loving kindness subtle mind and meeting Asclepius practices into my morning routine.  A spiritual goal I have for myself is to be consistent with my morning devotions and to carry my gratitude rock so I am constantly reminded to give God thanks for everything, especially when I find things to complain about.

IV – Practices for Personal Health

Strategies I can implement to foster growth in my physical domain is to modify my eating habits.  I will begin by devising a menu where I am slowly minimizing, until I have completely removed red meat from my diet (this helps reduce my chances of red meat) and incorporate a cardiovascular program for about 4 days out the week to help me reach my weight loss goal of 50 pounds by the end of the year.  Strategies I can implement to help foster growth in my psychological domain is to join a yoga class and master some of the meditation teachings.  This week I discovered that free yoga classes are being offered on one of Sarasota’s prettiest beaches every morning, by a 32 year seasoned instructor.  This was meant to be.  I will also continue to practice the subtle mind, loving kindness and meeting Asclepius exercises until I am able to perform them in any type environment.  Strategies I can implement to help foster growth in my spiritual domain is to begin ALL of my mornings with prayer and thanksgiving.  I plan to intentionally say something nice, or perform a kind deed to someone in need, or make someone feel special.

V – Commitment

I will assess my progress or lack of progress through journaling, the use of the buddy system, and allow a professional, such as a yoga instructor to evaluate my progress.  I plan to journal this new journey, so others can benefit from it and I can identify my areas of weakness and strength.  I plan to develop a buddy system with someone who is unbiased, that can quickly recognize when I am slacking or loosing focus and has my best interest in mind.  Strategies I can use to help me maintain my long term practices for health and wellness is to educate myself on the benefits of different practices (the more I know, I can make better choices), use a variety of workouts and make them fun (power walking, swimming, hip hop abs, or kick boxing) so I do not become bored.  I will use my journal to measure my growth, progress and development, reward and celebrate my accomplishments and milestones.  Also, I will include someone new in my journey that can challenge my new found skills and so that I can teach and share what I have learned.

Reference

Dacher, Elliott, S. (2006).  Integral Health.  The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications. Laguna Beach, CA.