UNIT 9
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?
Answer:
The health care
profession begins with an introduction to other people’s lives. In order for an
individual to render the most significant care possible it is essential that
the health care provider is aware that the patient’s illness may not only be
subjective of only physical symptoms, but can accompany spiritual and
psychological ailments as well. If the health care provider is unwilling to
open their minds to inner structure in peace it will be very complicated to
thrust that understanding to their patients. The mind-body connection must
maintain a level of balance that is congruent with the persons needs. If the
healthcare provider is unable to search past the mere physical symptoms of the
illness; the patient, may suffer for the duration of their human life. A keen
understanding of these three principles can offer a person insight that seems
almost unfathomable. With a sense of development in psychological, spiritual,
and physical development the health care provider can begin to render care that
is Holistic in nature. The care will exceed treating mere symptoms, but instead
will treat the persons as a whole from the inside out.
I personally, have
just begun my journey. In order for me to achieve the goals that I have
presented for myself there are a number of aspects in my life I must make an
effort to change. The first principles I must change are my worldly and
personal perspectives about the world around me. The second principle I must
address is a strengthening in my connection with the world around me. The third
principle I must address in my life is the acceptance that there truly is a
mind-body connection and it affects everyone differently. There are so many I
would be writing to you until my hands and fingers felt as if they’d fall off.
My journey has only begun. As I proceed to place one foot in front of the other
I will continue to grow. I do not think this change is going to be easy but the
goals that I have set for me are attainable. I realize that human flourishing
is a gift. At the age of 30, I am truly glad that this path has been introduced
to me.
II. Assessment:
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How
do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?
Answer:
Yes, I have assessed my health through
the confines of this course. A number of weeks ago I reported that my
assessment was less than “healthy.” This is a close reintroduction to my
findings approximately nine weeks ago: 1/10 in spiritual wellness, 2/10 in
physical wellness, and 2/10 in psychological wellness. The reasoning behind the
hideous scores: I am not religious or practice religion of any sort, nine years
ago I was diagnosed with Paget’s disease and suffer a number of medical
ailments, and both a lack of spiritual connection and chronic physical pain has
taken a toll on my psychological wellbeing.
With that said...I have been able to
evaluate my life constructively and take a good look into aspects of my life
that need to change or are completely non-existent. Through the past nine weeks
I can honestly report that my scores have not necessarily changed to a degree
that is unrealistic. I sadly did not go from the number 1 to a number 10 in any
of these categories. However, today I can proudly report there have been
changes. These changes have taken a conscious effort on my behalf. I know
report my scores as follows: 2/10 in spirituality, 4/10 in physical wellness,
5/10 in psychological wellness.
The reasoning behind the improvements: I
gave myself a minimum of 1 point because I realized just how poor my spiritual
connection truly is. Although my score in the category of spirituality did not
raise drastically the self realization that I met during the evaluation
deserved credit. So my score went from a 1 to a 2. My physical wellness is not
always perfect nor will it ever be, but since I started setting time for me -
my physical pain has decreased. Integrating stillness and encouraging calm has
offered me an outlet. After I have taken a few minutes to reflect on daily
aspects my mind seems clearer. The most significant change that has occurred
over the past weeks is a change in psychological wellbeing. I have begun to
reform how I perceive the world around me. This has impacted on my interaction
with family members, friends, and co-workers. These small steps have begun the
process of balance into my life. This process is going to take time, effort,
and an open heart. I am looking forward to raising my scores as time passes.
III. Goal Development:
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each
area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.
Answer:
Spiritual Goal: My goal in seeking a
spiritual connection is attempt to find a spiritual connection that fits into
my life. This means that I will have to physically educate myself and explore
an array of cultural beliefs and religions. Without the knowledge of
spirituality I believe that I will have a difficult time finding a spiritual
connection.
Physical Goal: My goals for this category
may differ from someone that has not been diagnosed with a chronic illness. I
realize that physical pain has a profound impact on the mind and the body
systematically. I have spoken to my orthopedist and pathologist about
meditation and relaxation exercises over the past three weeks. I have asked
that both reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals used for my pain management and
inflammation if meditation or relaxation practices reduce my pain levels. I
explained to both of them that I will keep a detailed journal so that we may
discuss changes in my physical conditions. Both physicians have agreed and are
willing to work with me on this matter over the next 3-6 months.
Psychological Goal: I feel as if I have
made the most effort and change in this category. I have made a conscious
effort to evaluate myself from the inside out. I have had more
self-realizations in the past nine weeks than I have had in a very long time. I
have adjusted pieces of my life to positively reflect who I am. I have been
slowly removing negative aspects that I see as troublesome in my life.
Recently, I took a close friend to
lunch. I explained to her that her negative attitude, constant nagging,
plethora of harsh words, along with her extraordinary gift to make others feel
high levels of guilt...were not healthy for her or anyone around her. I offered
some suggestions to help her try to connect with herself and even bought her a
copy of Dasher’s book. She explained to me that I was being “foolish” and there
was nothing wrong with her harshness because it protects her. Through the meal
I watched her interact with the waitress attentively. I noticed her tone, body
language, and sarcasm that she was projecting toward the waitress. I realized
for years she has treated me the same way. At the end of the meal, I explained
to her that I thought it best to not talk for a while. I proceeded to explain
to her why. The interactions she was bringing into my life were full of hurt,
anger, and harshness. Surprisingly, she looked at me in disgust...shrugged her
shoulders and said “Really, Sarah – you will regret this!” I haven’t heard from
her since.
IV. 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.
Answer:
Spiritual: I will make an effort to
educate myself to the point where I accept a spiritual guidance into my life.
After I have completed this I will learn the realm of prayer. There seems to be
healing powers in prayer. I hope to one day learn what this concept
encompasses.
Physical: Like I mentioned above, I have
spoken to my orthopedist and pathologist about meditation and relaxation
exercises over the past three weeks. I have asked that both reduce the amount
of pharmaceuticals used for my pain management and inflammation if meditation
or relaxation practices reduce my pain levels. Also, I have been watching my
diet closer and eating less processed food.
Psychological: I will continue to
practice loving-kindness daily in my home and work life. I would also like to
continue to weed out negative aspects that I see as damaging in my life. I
think through doing this that my mind will be clearer, calmer, and more
enveloped in aspects of life that need higher levels of attention.
V. Commitment:
How will you assess your progress or lack of progress
in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining
your long-term practices for health and wellness?
Answer:
Call me old fashioned, but I
will be keeping a recorded log in my daily schedule book (My little black
book). I carry it with me everywhere I go. Four weeks ago I began writing down
my feelings for the day and how it progressed through the evening. I also
quickly jot down meals throughout the day when I have time. It has served as a
record for me to keep about myself. I prefer this method over keeping and
online journal only because I am more likely to write in my book every day.
Whereas, I understand that I will not get on the internet every day.
