Unit 9 - Final Project

Dacher so stated, that “to become the agents of a more expansive health, we must begin with our own life” (Dacher, 2006).  I believe it is imperative for health and wellness professionals to lead by example, not just a “do as I say” mentality.  I do not believe that such a professional could possibly have the necessary credibility unless he or she was “walking the walk.”  Individually, I believe that if we grow and develop ourselves psychologically, spiritually and physically we will convey a radiance of health and a sense of complete peacefulness and serenity about ourselves that all others will want to also possess it.

The journey to integral health is one that will encompass a lifetime.  I will continue to grow and learn psychologically, spiritually and physically the rest of my life.  My daily practices will need to include activities and practices in affect every facet of my being.  Outward appearances are obviously what others see first so it is imperative that my current standard of physical health be continued and improved upon.  My spirituality prayerfully will continue to mature daily, weekly and with each passing year and through the spiritual and physical growth psychological growth will naturally follow. 

Upon reflection, my physical well-being I would say is 9 out of 10.   For the past 12 years I have made physical health a comprehensive priority.  As a personal trainer, I workout daily six days a week, eat extremely healthy and consume whole, organic and unprocessed foods as the healthy fuel for my body and as a result have little to no health issues, rarely get sick and in the best shape of my life as I am about to turn 50 this coming year.  I have chosen nutrition and fitness as a career so that I can share my passion with others and help them be proactive with health rather than reactive once disease and illness have set in. 

My spiritual well-being I would assess at 7 out of 10 only because I believe that spiritual maturity cannot really come until much later in life.  I attend church weekly and absolutely love my church family and what it represents and does in our community.  I know that with time I will become more and more mature in this realm.  I possess a deep desire to help others and feel it creates a connectedness like no other.  Prayer and meditation on the Word has helped me grow to the point that I am currently at and I know with the continued study groups at my church I will only get better and better!            

My psychological health is probably that I need to work on most.  I am the product of a very dysfunctional family and it has affected me for years in a negative way.  I have sought counselling over the years and feel it has been beneficial however it will most likely always be an area that I feel requires nurturing and attention to better myself and feel whole.  Exercise and meditation have helped me focus on this aspect I know that through the continuation of these instruments, they will make me a better person.

“The more you learn, the less you know” is a common quote that is extremely applicable to my development as to psychological, spiritual, and physical aspects. My goal of being an educated leader in nutritional and fitness counseling requires my commitment to complete health, happiness and wholeness through integral health.  Graduation is on the horizon for me as January 8th will start my last term at Kaplan and I for one cannot wait to put this degree into action by helping others achieve health, happiness and wholeness!

 

 

 

Unit 8 - Review

I have really enjoyed all of the exercises that we have had to attempt through this class and the teachings of relaxation could not have come at a better time for me.  I thought I was pretty relaxed until we were "forced" to turn off our minds with each exercise and it proved to be difficult at times.  Personally, the Loving-Kindness Exercise was my favorite.  I naturally tend to put others before me and this just seemed to click perfectly and easily.  I thought of my daughter during this exercise and 2013 has been an extremely difficult year for both her and I, but through the grace of God she is still alive and this exercise gave me back the peaceful, loving feelings that I had so treasured.  The Simple Mind Exercise was the other practice that I found to be very beneficial.  It allowed me to calm my mind and find a little tranquility in the moment which is often difficult based on my crazy schedule.  I think both exercises are ones that can be done randomly and when needed, to add a little sanity and peace into the day.  Thinking of others helps to take the focus off myself and allows me to forget about the stress and troubles that seem to be enormous when in actuality they are not.  Have a great week everyone!

Unit 7 - Meeting Aesclepius

Our assignment this week was one I think I really needed after a stressful holiday weekend of family, time constraints and school. The Meeting Aesclepius exercise really allowed me sit down for a moment, take the focus off all that I need to get done this week in a short time frame and just relax and calm down.  Often I, much like many others, feel like it is difficult to turn my mind off.  I focused this exercise on a dear friend of mine that is an amazing Godly women.  She is probably the most kind, considerate and genuine person I know and I strive to walk in the shoes that does.  I met her through the gym that I work at a few years ago and she is definitely the character bar that I set for all others.  She and her husband have helped me in ways that I could never repay nor would they ever ask.  Knowing her has made me a better person in so many ways.  She introduced me to the Church that we both attend and she is honestly the most giving person to everyone she meets, acquaintance or not.

The phrase "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" is an awesome phrase.  In essence this phrase is all about practicing what we preach.  It absolutely applies to the health and wellness professional and I believe it IS an obligation not to do as I say but do as I do.  Can we take the advise of a doctor or nurse that tells us that we need to lose weight or stop smoking when he or she in turn is overweight or smokes?  Can you take the fitness advise of a fitness professional that is sedentary or is overweight?  I am a firm believer that actions speak louder than words, so the best way I know to show someone what they should be doing for their health and wellness is demonstrate it myself and walk the walk!  I love the saying that Dacher utilized in this unit as well, "where you were yesterday, you cannot possibly be tomorrow."  Our path to health will change daily and we must strive to change for the better each day.  "Intention requires attention,"  without a conscious personal choice expressed through actions nothing will be gained.