unit 9 project

May 23, 2011


Introduction:
Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? It is important for the health and wellness professional to develop because they can support their clients healing from a place of integrity and authenticity. When we explain to a client our experiences they are more prone to hear what we have to say. By practicing what they preach, the Health and Wellness professional is not delivering inexperienced information because the professional has already walked the path of the patient. Recognizing the healer and the patient in ourselves is the balance that keeps the flow of information new and dynamic.
What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?
At this point and time in life, I need practice in all areas. This past 9 weeks has been a revelation; I realized how much I have neglected myself mainly my physical. I was a martial artist and I understand the principals of fitness and nutrition very well. I have become lazy in both areas. I have made a chart to watch how I am developing on a monthly basis. The chart includes meditation, and workout schedule plus daily positive quotes to lift my spirit.

Assessment:
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?
My assessment if based on a scale of 1-10 would be a five for spirituality; I will never consider my spiritual life to be a 10 because a spiritually enriched life would be filled with pure unprejudiced thoughts, demonstrated in the actions, performed daily. My life is far from the path that leads to righteousness it is filled with potholes and unexpected turns. I do not respond with loving kindness nor do I feel grateful for the events that may be taking place. I am not proud of my reactions, I am rather ashamed of myself at times, however I recognize my reactions sooner and face my shortcomings in a more positive way. I remain silent take a deep breath and then respond accordingly more often than I once did.
The assessment for my physical being would be a four, I am very sad about this because I know what I need to do but find myself excusing the lack of effort. I am 49 going through menopause and know that exercise and diet play a large role in the prevention of many symptoms caused because of menopause. I have gained weight and have not been exercising nor eating properly. Sad but true, however this is going to change….now.
Psychologically I would asses myself at a six, I am learning so much about myself and how to enjoy the person that I am. I am cheerful and caring ( almost all of the time) and I am learning to control the events that come into my life with wisdom and discretion. I do not allow others to dictate my actions, they are my choice. I live with the consequences of every action and or word that comes out of my mouth. I remember at one time in my life I allowed others to tell me who I was or how I should act, I no longer allow this to happen. I am my own person with many flaws, but I still like who I am becoming.
Goal development: List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health), and Spiritual.
I have many for my development as a whole person. I am starting a chart to watch my progress. My first goal is to become more spiritually aware of all that is going on around me. I will pray daily and seek guidance from God who has loved me when I did not deserve to be loved. I will be searching to see the good in every person that I meet and will respond to them with loving kindness. If I see a need, I will do what I can to fill that need. If I see hunger, I will do my best to feed, if I see sadness I will do my best to reveal a smile.
My chart will also include an exercise routing that includes; walking daily and deep stretching. I will weight lift three to four times weekly to ensure that my muscles remain strong. I am working on a diet that is filled with the food groups needed for optimal health. I love fresh fruits and vegetables so they will be my main source of snacks.
For my psychological growth, I will continue to practice loving kindness and meditation to reduce stress and to become more balanced in all areas of my life.

Practices for personal health:
What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; In order to foster growth in each area of my life I will practice the lessons we have learned in this course . Physical health is top priority I am charting my workout plan as well as a good diet filled with natural foods and lots of water to aide in cleansing my body. I am going to walk daily and practice yoga three times a week.
Psychologically this is tough because I am a very secretive person and to look inside is not always an easy task. I have found that when I spend time in nature I become contemplative and seek to find the answers to my psychological health. I am more peaceful and alive spending time alone in the wilderness…or in nature. I am going to start my hiking again this year it is my favorite time of the year, everything is new and fresh.
Spiritually I am starting to pray daily and read more of the word of God. I love to spend my private time alone praying and thanking God for all the good things that he has done for me.
Commitment:
My commitment is very strong and I have designed a chart, which will keep me on track for the next six months.