Unit 9 Final Project

Plan for Integral Health

Introduction

            Although health professionals may hold a degree and have far more education and wisdom than the average person, the fact still remains that he/she is still human. According to Dacher, we cannot simply add the integral approach to our medical tool kit of remedies or therapies and pull it out when needed. In order to help our patients work toward flourishing we must start by bringing the integral approach into our own lives. We must have a holistic view that is ever changing, intentional, and that suited only to our needs. As professionals, if the aspects that encompass our own lives are stagnant we cannot provide the proper guidance our patients need for optimal health. Elliot Dacher’s integral approach has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own aspects of health and realize that I still have a long journey ahead of me. I feel like a tree that has just been planted. I have very superficial roots (mind), skinny trunk/branches (body), and blooms (spirit) that are coming forth every day. I realize that all aspects of my being need to be nourished.    

Assessment

            During the last 9 weeks I have reflected and analyzed many aspects of my health. Although I am usually very health conscious, I have never approached it one aspect at a time; it always seemed to be all or none. I compare this to an individual who has their heart set on cleaning out the clutter that has accumulated in the garage over many years. If we attempt to clean it out all in one day or even one weekend, we find ourselves overwhelmed and easily discouraged. However, if we clean one shelf at a time we will begin to see progress. It may take several days, months, and even years, but we have to remember, the clutter didn’t happen overnight. Since beginning this course I have noticed a definite growth in all areas; spiritually, psychologically and biologically, but still feel as though I have only scratched the surface. As I replay this week specifically, I think my stress level has reached an all time high which had definitely affected every aspect of my life. Physically I would score myself at 4. Without adequate stress relief (exercise) fever blisters have taken over and muscle tension has lead to frequent headaches. Spiritually, I feel strong at an 8 because I realize most of my stressors are temporary. Frequent prayer breaks give me an opportunity to refocus. Psychologically I fell lower than normal at a 5 because I am mentally exhausted. However, I have benefited from meditation practice several times this week. In Consciousness and healing: integral approaches to mind-body medicine, the research studies outlined by Candace Pert are evidence that the mind and body is one unit; and although they may be cared for differently (physical-exercise, mental-meditation, and spiritual-prayer) it is essential that we see the connection in order to reach optimal health. When one area in our health continues to suffer, the other aspects will begin to react negatively. (Schlitz & Amorok, 2005).   

Goal development

            Currently my goal regarding the physical aspect of my health is to simply get back into a daily exercise routine for myself. With two very active boys I get in my recommended 30 minutes per day but prefer running with my iPod and no interruptions. After participating in practices such as the Subtle Mind and Meeting Asclepius, I now have the desire to meditate more often. (Dacher, 2006) Because my mind and body benefited from these exercises I have a set a psychological goal of making meditation a part of my daily routine. Spiritually my goal is to continue growing in my faith so that I may be an example to others.

Practices for personal health

            Over the last several months I have contemplated several plans on how to meet my desired goals. With all of my personal responsibilities I realize that in order to even begin my journey toward integral health I need to re-evaluate my life, prioritize, and relinquish the idea that I am superwoman. As a wife, mother and business owner, I realize the importance of following a schedule yet find that taking care of my health often gets taken off the agenda. Two practices that have always proven beneficial to me physically are running and lifting weights. Psychologically, two practices I plan to implement into my daily routine are journaling and meditation.  A therapist once told me that journaling is a way to table your thoughts, ideas, and emotions without forgetting them; because they are written down the mind doesn’t have to remember them. This act along with regular meditation allows the mind the opportunity to be cleared of mental chatter which will in turn foster a healthier mindset. Finally, prayer and participation in daily devotionals are two practices that will promote my spiritual growth. The key to any plan is consistency. With that said I know realize the importance of keeping myself on the calendar.       

Commitment

            I realized many years ago that I was the only one responsible for my health and well-being. No one was going to drag my ass to the gym; no one was going to drag my ass out of bed when the depression seemed endless; and no one was going to erase the horrific childhood I lived. With many years of guidance, encouragement, and support, I chose to commit myself to being healthy and enjoying the one precious life I’ve been given. Personally, I define my progress by waking up every morning and knowing that I have one more day to watch my children grow, kiss my husband lips, and possibly help someone find meaning in their own life. My strategy is not concrete for everyday brings something new. I treat others the way I wanted to be treated and I try to live my life as God intended. As I reflect on where I have been and where I want to be – I continue to strive for a place of love, peace, and happiness.