Final Project (In the famous lyrics of Barry Manilow) "Looks Like We Made It"

Part I

I.                    Introduction: 

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

     
As health and wellness professionals it will be important for us to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically in order for us to fully develop profound aspect of health and happiness (Dacher, 2006). As we develop our inner lives we have an opportunity to alleviate the suffering of others and heal their wounds (Dacher, 2006). We must fully examine each aspect of health or otherwise we neglect to fully treat each patient as a uniquely complex individual (Dacher, 2006). To do this, we must focus on each person’s distinct individualization and focus on their unique physiological, spiritual and mental needs (Dacher, 2006).  “Health and healing must address the needs of the individual rather than the approaches and perspectives of the practitioner” (Dacher, 2006). Patient’s lives and health are invariably diverse and cannot be made to be a one size fits all method; as such our integral healing needs will need to be individualized without any bias or prejudice (Dacher, 2006).

I must continue to develop all of the aspects of my wellness to achieve the goals I have put in place for myself. The main aspects I need to focus on are my physical and spiritual wellness goals as these are the areas I have found to be lacking in my life. I have recently found that journalizing is helping me make better dietary and physical fitness decisions. I started Weight Watchers as a way to keep track of what I am doing physically and nutritionally. In doing this it has shown me that I need to be held accountable for my actions and need to be more mindful of how I make choices when under stressful circumstances. This has helped me in tracking what I am doing throughout the day and how often I am exercising throughout the week. I have increased my cardio exercises to bring about better health since I started this class. I have lowered my blood pressure tremendously and have greater strength and leanness within my body also. This has been important to me as I have been working with my physician to bring about healing to my body naturally without the use of prescription drugs. I also need to focus more on my own spiritual healing so that I can make a stronger connection between my physical body and mind. I need to learn to slow down and breathe, meditate and pray. This is hard for me as my schedule seems to be harried and chaotic, which in turn becomes a cycle for more stress and disorder in my mind and body. Achieving calm through the subtle mind exercises has taught me the valuable lesson slowing down and enjoying life.

I am usually a very positive person and psychologically I am well adjusted. My home and family life can be a bit much as all of my children and grandchildren live with me. My daughter moved in three and a half years ago bringing with her a husband and two children. They will be moving out of my home in a month and I may need to readjust my goals at that time. I am hopeful that the change will bring a greater peace of mind and tranquility in my home, so that I can concentrate more in meditating as it will be a much calmer place to do so.

II.                Practices for personal health: 

What strategies can you 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 you will implement each example.

To promote my psychological growth and mental fitness, I plan to utilize the subtle mind exercises. Mental Fitness is crucial to whole health (Dacher, 2006). The benefits of developing our higher consciousness are pain control, reduction of blood pressure, lowered pulse rate and muscular tension reduction, all of which I believe to be important to my flourishing health (Dacher, 2006). I plan on utilizing Dachers book and the audio to assist me. When under stress or deadlines that are pressing on me psychologically and physically, I will use the exercise to help calm my inner and outer self, notice the thoughts and then set myself free towards greater health and mental wellness.

To promote my spiritual growth, I plan on utilizing the Loving-Kindness exercise and make it a part of my weekly, if not daily routine. I spend four to five days on the treadmill at the gym and I will use at least one day to incorporate a walking meditation technique. “The practice of walking meditation can also be fitted in to the gaps in our lives quite easily” (http://www.wildmind.org/, 2013).  This practice will enhance both my spiritual and physical health at the same time.

III.             Goal development: 

List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

My physical goals are to continue to improve my strength training, cardiovascular exercises and increase my endurance. In the past sixteen days I have decreased my time to miles ratio, meaning I can now walk three miles in forty eight minutes. At one time I was barely able to walk at a pace of 3.0 miles per hour and was only able to complete one and a half miles due to fall I took last year which greatly injured my right hip and hamstring. It is important for me to remain agile and limber as I age gracefully into my golden years. I go to the gym between four and five times a week and workout for about an hour and fifteen minutes at each session. I want to continue this and also continue to be mindful of my diet. I am also grateful for the time spent in this class helping me to gain insight on the more important things in life.

My spiritual goals are to pray and seek peace of mind. I plan on going back to Sabbath classes and worship service. I want to change the fact that I have not been attending church as often as I would like and I would like to make that more of a priority.

My psychological goals are to increase the time I spend being mindful and be in the present moment.  I will need to meditate more often as I find that meditation calms my body, mind, and soul, thus helping ensure that I can be present at all times.