Introduction
As
human beings, our nature is to somewhat outwardly project whatever we are
within. In other words, if we are feeling physically ill, we will most likely
show it in our general attitudes. If we feel miserable, we will act miserable.
The mind, body, emotions, and spirit are all connected as part of an integral
network. If one aspect suffers, so do the others (Dacher, 2006).
Based
on what we have learned regarding integral health and interpersonal
relationships, it can be concluded that a bad attitude can carry over to our
patients. This, in turn, could make them feel bad/worse as well. If our goal as
healthcare providers is to heal, why would we wish to cause more suffering? We
do not. Therefore, it only comes naturally that we would want to be healthy
ourselves so that we can do the same for our patients.
Throughout
this course, we were asked to evaluate ourselves in different areas during each
unit. While some areas are outstanding, others still need some improvement. The
good thing is, however, that I have indeed made some significant progress. I am
pleased with what I have accomplished thus far.
My physical health is not very good, mainly
due to dental and cardiac issues. Fortunately, I now have medical and dental
insurance to cover those. My emotional health could use some minor improvement,
and it is mainly due to the pressure of stress. My mental health, on the other
hand, is doing quite well. I have managed to re-organize my life and focus much
better. My spiritual health, though I follow a different path than most people
(Ásatrú,
which follows the Norse pantheon), is outstanding. I have never felt better in
this aspect.
Assessment
It
is important for us to always know where we stand on each aspect of our
holistic health. The idea is to rid one’s
self of suffering while promoting healthier choices towards flourishing, to distinguish
between the short and long term relief of said suffering, to know what is
helping now versus what helps in the long run, to make progress in mind and
body growth and development, to have an open mind and loving heart, and to
follow and identify that which helps us grow in our flourishing and what does
not (Dacher, 2006). Once we realize
where we stand in our integral health, we can then look back and see exactly
what changes were made and why. From there, we can make far better choices in
our lives.
When it
comes to my physical health, I would rate it at around 6 out of 10. This is
because there needs to be more exercise time, a better look needs to be made at
my cardiac health, and some surgery needs to be done. However, it is slowly
improving. Once I get a few things taken care of and exercise more, things will
be much better.
My emotional
health rates at around 7 out of 10. This is because I have been battling
depression and self-esteem issues for years. Fortunately, this course has
helped greatly with working on that issue. I had been through so much in my
life, and I am beginning to learn to just let it go.
My mental
health rates at around 9 out of 10. I can almost always think clearly,
effectively, quickly, and deeply. However, I need to work more on my focus
issues. Distractions and lack of good sleep seem to contribute to this. My
determination, on the other hand, helps me achieve my goals.
My best area
is in regards to my spiritual health. I would rate this aspect at 10 out of 10.
I have no issues here. I am deeply involved in my spirituality. It usually
comes at an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise to hear that I have actually
inspired others with it. I generally practice unconditional kindness towards
all living things regardless of any differences. I was raised as such. Diversity,
after all, makes us who we are.
Goal Development
In order to
advance further in integral health development, it is crucial for us to set
goals for improvement. It does not matter whether these goals are short-term or
long-term so long as they ultimately aid in the improvement of our lives.
Keeping that in mind, I have set forth various goals in each individual aspect
of my integral health.
Regarding my
physical health, there is plenty that I want to accomplish. One of the most
important goals in this aspect is that I am planning for 2 dental surgeries to
be divided up between this summer and late winter. I am having all 4 wisdom
teeth, my upper front 8 teeth, and another impacted tooth on the lower right
side. I will also have a partial installed to replace the upper front 8 teeth.
These surgeries will greatly improve my appearance and aid in landing me a
Certified Medical Assistant job in a clinic or hospital.
When I take
a look at my emotional health, I realize that it also could use improvement. I
had suffered from chronic depression for a very long time, and one of my main
goals regarding my emotions is to find inner peace. Fortunately, meditations
have greatly helped with this aspect. I am gaining my confidence back, and I am
doing quite well with my self-esteem now.
My mental
health seems to be doing quite well. I have always been extremely intelligent,
and I always do things to challenge my mind. However, there is the issue of a
lack of focus from time to time. I would like very much to resolve this.
Therefore, my goal here is to strengthen my focus by reducing my distractions
and practicing the Subtle Mind meditation more often. I think that by
meditating every day, I can relax and ease my mind enough to accomplish almost
any goal that I set in front of me.
I am truly amazed with my spiritual
health. As mentioned before, I follow the Norse path known as Ásatrú.
It has taught me not only to be true to myself, but to others as well. I spend
plenty of time devoting my attention to it. However, I also am an ordained
druid as well as a Native American spiritualist. My largest goal on the
spiritual aspect is a two-fold achievement. I wish to not only finish my rune
set, but to acquire a Cherokee wood flute. I consider myself to be eclectic.
However, if I absolutely had to label what I am, I would call myself a magus (a type of pagan spiritualist that
utilizes magickal energy from many cultures and influences rather than choosing
a single style of practice).
Practices
for Personal Health
I would have to
say that my success thus far has been accredited to the adjustment of my
everyday life into a few new practices. These practices have made a profound
change in my life thus far, and I can indeed say that I have ultimately become
much happier.
In the realm of
physical improvement, I am eating much better. I have meals that are no longer
rushed. The portions are healthy and plentiful. This will help me gain some
weight and allow me to maintain good health. I have also made the decision to
begin an exercise regimen that consists of push-ups, sit-ups, running, and
martial arts katas (Tomiki aikido, Muay Thai kickboxing, a style of Bujinkan
ninjitsu called To-shin-do, Gracie jiu-jitsu, and a style of samurai sword
fighting called iaijutsu). I am also meditating more to help with my cardiac
health.
When it comes to
my emotional health, it has helped to take a step back sometimes and
re-evaluate things. I take a slow, deep breath and remember the Loving Kindness
meditation. I then ask myself, “Is it really worth it to get so worked up about
this?” If the answer is, “No.”, I would then get away from the situation or try
a better approach at resolving the stressful events.
Once I make it back home, I immediately meditate. This alone takes
a huge weight off of my shoulders. In addition, I ponder ways to resolve the
situation better should it arise again.
Regarding my
mental health, I keep my mind constantly going with every moment that I am
awake. I enjoy challenging myself with puzzle games, riddles, etc. to promote
good mental acuity. In order to maintain this, I not only read quite a bit
(with fantasy novels being my favorite), I build plenty of model kits. In order
to challenge my imagination, I almost never build any kit exactly as you would
see it on the box. I tend to come up with something completely original and
personal. The plethora of different colors and custom options tends to create a
rather eye-pleasing palette, too.
Finally, there is
my spiritual health. This has been one of my favorite areas to discuss so far. This
area has grown tremendously over the past few years. I actually have a daily routine
for my spiritual practices. I meditate whether I feel the need to or not, I use
some form of divination (whether it be a crystal, tea leaf reading, or tarot),
and say a prayer to Odin and the other gods to guide me. In addition, I also
make sure to honor my ancestors.
Commitment
I
feel that regardless of my progress, it is important to keep track of future
efforts for the purpose of maintaining my integral health. Although the goal of
integral health is wholeness, the concept lie in one’s potential (Schlitz,
2005). What this means is that it is not automatically granted. We have to work
for it. Therefore, I will monitor my progress weekly for the next six months.
At the end of those six months, I will evaluate any progress. I will write down
the areas that have improved along with the areas that need improvement. The
results will be highly useful for personal growth. In order to maintain this
growth, I will write mini-schedules on my calendar so that I do not forget. It
has been a pleasure and a blessing to work with everyone in this course. Hailsá
and Namasté to you all!
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral
health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic
Health Publications, Inc.
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., &
Micozzi. M. (2005). Consciousness and
healing: Integral
approaches to mind body medicine.
St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
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