MY TEAM OF THREE

INTRODUCTION

Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do I need to develop to achieve the goals I have set for myself?

MY TEAM OF THREE:

Although I, as a human can be perceived as one, my make-up is the design of three. My own health and wellness does not depend only on the absence of disease, it reaches beyond the scope of physical illness.

In order for me to achieve, or even articulate the realm of human flourishing, it would serve me best to walk the guided path myself each and every day, in order to adventure into the discovery of who I am and where I want to go. If I only take one aspect of me on the journey and leave the other two behind; how can I possibly begin to balance my whole if two parts somewhere else?

The same journey would have to hold true for health and wellness professionals. Psychology requires the mind, Physical uses the body and senses, and spirit is all about the heart. We know that a physical therapist can work with the body to make it strong, a psychologist can help calm the mind and manage some emotions, and mediation can assist to sooth the spirit. We can use the example of heart surgery in order to see how without all, none get saved; A heart surgeon can physically remove a damaged heart and replace it with a healthier, better, stronger one. If the receiver of the heart does not change his/her eating, smoking, stress and exercise habits; has the doctor really done anything to heal this person?  Just as a surgeon cannot heal the spirit or the mental balance of a patient, neither can a physical therapist heal the mind. Because we are a “one for all, all for one” package, we also need to be healed in much the same way. If one is to make the claim that he/she is a health and wellness professional it would be in the best interest of all involved for the expert to have walked the walk. Talking the talk is just that…TALK! I t would take parts of each to heal the whole, and if our health and wellness professionals are not willing to learn, live and share in the guided journey, then it is clear that they do no know of what they speak.

Because integral health’s top person of priority is the health care provider, it seems safe to say,“ He or she should be mentally, physically and spiritually strong enough to ready him/her self for the possibilities of ME!

ASSESSMENT

How have I assessed my health in each domain? How do I score my wellness spiritually, physically and psychologically?

♥♥♥♥♥ = Great Progress 

♥♥♥♥ = Working Hard  

♥♥♥ = Working at it

♥♥= Contemplating

♥= Not Ready

♥♥♥♥ SPIRITUALLY:     Since starting back to school, I have really had to take a long hard look at my spirituality. I am grateful for classes like this one which helps me to understand that my path is a worthy one. My spiritual awakening has helped me to realize that it is ok to spend the time, money and effort on me. If I was not able to face myself each day and feel worthy of the life adjustments others have needed to make for the development of me, it is quite possible that this journey would have remained a dream and not my reality. I have prayed, planned and worked hard for this opportunity. My goal is to make it magnificent!

♥♥♥ PHYSICALLY:     The balance of physical fitness is very important to me. Although I walk 3 or 4 days a week for about 30 minutes, I can honestly say that it is a day by day decision. I can take it or leave it. I do little things to allow me to feel a little better than a slug. I stretch every morning and throughout the day. I always take the stairs. I have some smaller dumbbells near the couch that I will pick up from time to time. My ultimate goal is to start really lifting weights (it is something I truly enjoyed in the past). I have my bicycle ready whenever the weather wants to open up for that. I have a hiking weekend planned for the end of this semester, and my husband and I have invested in a two person kayak. The biggest hurdle is to being consistent with a physical plan of action in which I can measure my progress (more to come)…

♥♥♥♥♥ PHYSCHOLOGICALLY:     It is my belief that age plays a big part with who I am phsychologically. I am at an age where I feel that it is ok to make choices in order to better myself. I have learned to say no in a way that is not hurtful to others. Because my heart is in the right place, I believe my head standing with my heart. I wake each day, put my two feet on the floor, look up to the heavens and “Thank God” for the all of the good in my life. As I walk down the stairs, I ask myself if I would want to be my own best friend. With the answer being YES, I prove to myself that I am a kind, good, loving caring, and giving person, and it does not get much better than that!

GOAL DEVELOPMENT

List at least one goal that I have for myself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental Health) and Spiritual.

SPIRITUALLY:     I would like to volunteer at a juvenile detention facility. I have always felt my best asset is as a mom. I watch a lot of shows about children who are lost (mentally, physically, and spiritually). When I bring it up to my family, they really are not too keen as to my choice. I will continue to search within myself and find peace in my decision. At least enough peace to help the people I love let go of any fears they hold do to my choices. I actually have some friends who are sending the word out to friends of theirs, who work in these types of facilities to enable me to obtain as much information needed, as well as to see if I would be any kind of asset to these lost, young souls. I will use prayer and meditation daily in order to light my path.

PHYSICALLY:    Recently, I have been keeping a time journal in order to see exactly what I am spending my time doing. This has really opened up some extra time for me. My plan is to create a schedule that “works for me”. As mentioned before, I am not the type of person who can justify time for myself; especially with me putting a lot of effort into my studies. What I have realized is the importance of exercise in my life. The benefits would definitely out way the guilt. My goal is to sit down with my husband and see if he could find some spare time in order to work-out together. I know having a partner would hold me accountable, as well as keep me motivated. I am also thinking a reward system would help me with my goal, maybe a massage, special yoga class, or a weekend away. Hey…I am ready to start running right now!

PHYSCHOLOGICALLY:    One of the best things I can do for myself phsychologically right now is to continue on this integral path to healing. Practicing some form of meditation each day, is the best way I know how to slow things down in order to see what is in front of me more clear. My time calendar has also been a great asset for my mind. It has offered me more time to perform these mental healing practices. With my time available, and access to meditation, I am already able to rid myself of unnecessary stress and anxiety. I am learning to have fun when I am supposed to have fun, buckle down when I have a time constraint. I listen better, forgive more, and can see many more reasons to show gratefulness.

PRACTICES FOR PERSONAL HEALTH

What strategies can I implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how I will implement each example.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT:  Since any type of development involves growing, at this point in my life, as well as looking at the many choices available developing a healthy spirit, I must admit that I am still mapping out this journey. Having said this, I must also say that it is my goal to investigate as many activities as I can in order to develop the spirit within me. As things stand now, I pray each and every day for the many wonderful people and gifts I have been given. With the weather getting warmer in Massachusetts, I am working in the garden (planting vegetables, herbs and flowers). My introduction to meditation has found its way into my daily schedule; practicing the art of Qi Gong daily has helped to  keep me grounded and more aware of the happier “me” who is emerging.  I call it the dance of life because it incorporates the gentle movement of the air, the earth and the ocean. I am working to fill my whole day with a spiritual mindset, I figure since I have to breathe to live, why not live to breathe. All of these little conscientious steps together will blend in order to live a life of peace, health and happiness. Spiritual development cannot be scheduled it must become natural.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:  To me the best way to plan any type of physical development is to first actually be able to visualize and feel what the outcome of my hard work will bring. Some people will call this a goal. I on the other hand call it a future vision of “the me to be”!  I am not sure if it is because I am a visual learner. All I know is now that I have been able to set myself up in this way. I can feel the success seeping through my being! My plan goes like this: Wake up at 5:00 AM, Monday through Friday and pop in my Qi Gong 30 minute DVD series. I then jump in the shower and use herbal body wash in order to awaken my senses. After I am invigorated by my shower, I head back downstairs and enjoy a cup of green tea to start my day.  Moving on, I will prepare a healthy protein based shake, while I prepare my nutritious, delicious lunch for work. As I drive to work I will listen to some calm, relaxing and soothing music, or just turn the sound off.  Because I work on the third floor of my building…I always take the stairs. Because I sit at a desk all day, I have set my calendar every hour pop up on my computer and draw my attention to the word “STRETCH!” I get up and do exactly that! Because I am allowed to eat at my desk, I pack more healthy snacks to eat throughout the day. This allows me to use my 30 minute lunch break to get out of the building and walk. These little steps have allowed me to change a negative (work-place), into a positive (healthier me), not to mention assist with my goal to lose 1 pound a week for the next 10 weeks. My new improved mindset is, since I have to be there 5 days a week, why not make work….work for me!

Because of this plan, I have found more time after work to lift weights, go for a bike ride, work in the garden, or do school work without the guilt of “I really should find some time to exercise”. Like spiritual development, physical development must become a lifestyle change. So my advice is to look to the future, visualize the healthy, energetic you that you wish to become. Once you fall in love with who you see, it is at this time you really want to feel the excitement flourish way inside just by the thought of the new you. Take that excitement to the next morning, and every morning after that and you are well on your way to meeting the person you have dreamed of for so very long. I am getting my inner and outer mirrors cleaned up. Because I am on the right path to meeting this amazing person very soon!

PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:  This would be the third part of the whole. I fully understand that I cannot be a fulfilled “Me” without the THREE. Psychological development is imperative for my successful growth to human flourishing. It is because of the interconnectedness of the three, it is easy to exercise this mind work, alongside the other two at any given time.  Without a clear spirit, and a healthy body, our mind cannot really stand strong on its own. There will always be something missing. Just like we need water to drink, air to breath, we also need thoughts in order to make our dreams a reality. The best way that I can work every day to develop my mind is to; live in the moment (meditation), forgive others, show gratefulness (spirit), and provide nourishment (exercise, and rest (body).  I have already touched on what my plan is to feed these needs. I will use the precious tools (holistic, evolutionary, intentional, person-centered and dynamic), in order to develop the inner, outer, personal and shared, ME TO BE (Dacher, 2006)!

                                             COMMITMENT

How will I assess my progress or lack or progress in the next six months? What strategies can I use to assist in maintaining my long-term practices for health and wellness?

As I have indicated earlier, I am a very visual learner. So, in my quest to be my best, I have decided to use what I am going to call my goal bowls. I will fill one plain bowl each day with smooth beach stones that I have written simple words on (my intentions for each day). As each day transpires, I will start my day with a full bowl of goals. When I complete a goal such as; stretching, show gratefulness, forgiveness, prayer, exercise, eat healthy, etc. I will remove a stone, and place it in a beautiful bowl that I just purchased, which depicts “The Me to Be”. At the end of the day, I will be able to look back and see not only what I have accomplished, but also what needs a little more work.

The ultimate goal with my beautiful bowl, is to empty my ordinary bowl (me today) each day for the next six months. Once all of my intentions become habit, I will purchase a bigger or maybe just a more beautiful bowl, add more intentions and continue to grow the mind, body and spirit of ME!

                                                                                         

Reference

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: the Path to Human Flourishing, Laguna Beach, CA, Basic

            Health Publications, Inc.