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!