Introduction
While taking this
integral health course, I have been enlightened to a different way of looking
at health care. I have taken other
courses that discussed different modalities of care such as Ayurveda and
Chinese medicine. I found many similarities
between these ancient methods of healing and the basic concept of integral
health. If I was to go into the health
care field professionally, I would make a point to strengthen my physical,
psychological and spiritual sides so that I could have integrity in my
practice. I feel that it is extremely
important when you are dealing with someone’s health that you have integrity
and trust. By developing yourself you
not only practice what you preach but you also make yourself more enlightened,
aware and compassionate.
Personally, I need
to develop all of the key aspects of integral health. I am healthy but not fit physically. I probably couldn’t flat out run a full mile
unless I was being chased by something scary.
Spiritually, I need to remember my connection to Spirit. I have been out of the practice of honoring
Spirit over the past decade and this class has reminded me how important I used
to think that connection was. My biggest
hurdle going forward will be working on the psychological aspect. I have struggled with depression for many
years and haven’t been able to find a core cause. I have spent tons of money on doctors,
medication, therapy and still have a core of insecurity that flares up and
renders me helpless some days.
Assessment
To complete the
assessment found in Dacher’s book, I took a couple of opportunities to meditate
quietly on each of the sections of my life.
The first time, I focused on my physical aspect because I felt as though
this would be the easiest aspect in which to make changes. I have never been considered athletic but I
have always been active. I know that as
I age it will be more and more important for my body to be strong and
healthy. I would also like to finally
get rid of the last vestiges of baby weight from my children.
The meditation on
my spiritual growth was really quite easy in comparison to the psychological
one. I have always felt a deep
connection to the universe. It was
simple and soothing to tap into that connection and be reminded of our oneness.
Even as I write these words, I can sense the energy around me and feel
comforted by it.
My psychological
meditation was fraught with chaos. I do
not like to delve into the inner workings of my mind. It can be a scary place in there sometimes. I am an extremely lucky woman to have a job,
a home as well as wonderful friends and family.
There is a deep seated insecurity at my core. I’m always concerned if I’m good enough. Am I pretty enough? Am I kind enough? Have I made the right decisions in my life? Then there is the regret about past decisions
that didn’t end up well.
Goal Development
Since my physical
side seems to be an easy fix, I have set a goal of loosing 15 pounds by the end
of the year. To this end, there are a
few key changes I can make in my daily life.
The first part will be to increase the amount of physical activity I do
each week. I have a membership at the
local YMCA and intend to go at least three times a week. This will keep me limber, flexible and
strengthen my cardiovascular system. It
will also allow me to keep up with my very active children. Secondly, I will continue with my
intermittent fasting program and try to break my fast with a protein and
vegetable rich meal. Lastly, I will have
to temper my love affair with wine.
Instead of multiple glasses a night I’ll stick to one or two. This last one will be difficult because I
love wine.
For the spiritual
aspect, my plan is to go outside. Seems
simple enough but it is not something I’ve done with the purpose of reconnecting
with the earth in a long time. I will
take my kids on a weekly nature walk, which will both soothe my soul and
provide us all with some exercise. I
will take these opportunities to find wonder, joy and peace with myself and
spirit.
As for my psychological
side, this goal will be the most difficult one to accomplish because I have had
such a difficult time being confident in myself. My hope is to find one thing I’ve done during
the day that I can be proud of, one moment where I feel as if I accomplished
something. The only other thing that
would be of daily benefit is to take a little time for myself, either through
meditation, a relaxing bath or to just find five minutes in a quiet room to
rejuvenate myself.
Practices for Personal Health
In order to
implement the various goals I have set for myself, the primary act I will take
is to tell my close friends and family about them. This way I have someone to help hold me
accountable and provide encouragement when needed.
For my physical
goals, I will attend the gym at least 3 times a week and recommit to taking my
dog for a walk every day. These may not sound like a lot but with my very busy
schedule, carving out time to accomplish it will be a task of it’s own.
For my spiritual
goals, I will take a few moments each day probably right after I awake to be
grateful for the new day and all of the blessings I have received. This can be as short as a minute or two or as
long as fifteen. I will also make sure
that at least once a week I take my children on a nature walk to reconnect with
the spirit of the earth and renew my soul.
For my
psychological goals, I will continue to take the lovely anti-depressant my
doctor has prescribed and seek out the counsel of a therapist to work through
the issues that are plaguing me. The
anti-depressant is very helpful with keeping my emotions on an even keel which
allows me to look at aspects of my psyche that cause me distress. This will be very helpful when working with a
therapist.
Commitment
I figure that if I
can make it for a couple of months, I will start to see changes in my body, my
spirit and my psychological health. Once
I see those changes, I believe that I will be encouraged to continue on with
the process. The main thing I will try
to keep in mind is to keep moving forward.
I won’t let myself be held back by small missteps, I’ll just keep moving
forward with my plan. If after a few
months there seems to be no change in any aspect, I’ll have to go back and
reassess the goals I set and how I worked to accomplish them. If nothing is working, it will be time for a
change. Life is an ever moving, ever
fluid thing, change is to be expected.
