Unit 9

Health and wellness professionals have an obligation to develop themselves psychologically, spiritually and physically so that they may care for themselves and others in the same holistic way. “When we bring a matured inner life to our work, we also bring calm, care and delight. These qualities are accompanied by a sweet loving-kindness that goes out to everyone we meet. We emanate a healing presence” (Dacher pg 101). In my personal practice I need to develop on every level. The acts are in place, but I need to ensure that I am listening completely and actively, slowing down and focusing on my own mind and inner self, meditating and visualizing the kind of care I want to give as well as what I want for my own quality of living. The quest for flourishing is continuous for me.

Assessment

            Spiritually, I score myself a 7/10. I have found throughout this course that I have much to do in the way of focusing my energy and calming my mind. The tools provided through this learning experience are truly beneficial and I am looking forward to a slower time in my life where I can devote more time to the actual practice. I do feel that I know where I stand spiritually; what speaks to me and what I want to send out into the world. I want to practice the act of loving-kindness for this reason. Physically, I score myself a 7/10. I need to spend more time working on my physical self. Time restraints and work/family demands makes it hard to spend as much time as I need to on my physical self. I have made a conscious effort to set aside time to work on my physical self and I know there will be more in the future. The physical self is truly connected to the mental and spiritual self; all need exercising. Psychologically, I score myself an 8/10. I feel grounded and happy with my place in this world. I have a great support system at home and at work. I feel a sense of duty and accomplishment in my life. I rate myself an 8 because there is always room for growth and I do need to manage my time and stress ratio more closely.

Goal Development

            It is difficult to choose one specific goal for myself physically, spiritually and psychologically; however it is most beneficial to start with one goal and then choose another after attaining the first. Physically I am choosing to set a goal of competing in a sprint triathlon in the spring or early summer of next year. Psychologically, the goal of better patience with myself and others is goal number one. Spiritually I would like to start going to yoga again and also meditating at least once a week.

Practices for Personal Health

            To better help achieve my goals in all three areas there must be a plan. Strategies for implementing growth in each area include commitment and practice. Physically, my strategy is to plan the times I will go to the gym or go for a run early in the week and then stick to my plan. Deciding how my time will be mapped out before each day is upon me will help to keep me on track physically. Secondly, I will take the stairs whenever possible. Taking the stairs is an easy way to incorporate physical exercise into my day to day living. Psychologically I will practice counting in my mind to 15 before replying in a situation where I feel stressed. Practicing my breathing and quieting my mind is another way to increase my level of patience and improve the way I feel and make others feel in times of stress. I am going to commit to practicing meditation and visualization once a week to improve my well-being spiritually. I feel that all of these things are interconnected and one facet feeds the other. The end result will be finding myself living a more fulfilling life and making a more positive impact through my role as a mother, a wife and a nurse.

Commitment

            Over the next 6 months I am going to try to journal to keep track of my progress. I used to write a lot when I was younger and I think it could be a helpful tool now. To monitor myself physically I will perform each task involved in a sprint triathlon and time them individually, at the end of six months I will repeat. Once I achieve goals on a smaller level I will set new goals to keep myself moving forward. One possible way to maintain this lifestyle long term is to teach the ideas to others. Living a more whole and happy life can only spread to those around you, the feelings and benefits never ending, circular in motion.