After reviewing my Unit 3 assessment, I have made some great improvements and progress over the past ten weeks. In the beginning, I scored myself in the areas of physical, psychological and spiritual; Physical-7, Psychological 5, and Spiritual-6. Now that I have engaged in meditation and physical practices, my scores have improved a great deal. My Physical is now an 8, Psychological 8 and Spiritual is 7. Recently, I have been exercising more effective challenges and is cutting back on my sugars and carbs. I have started to listen to the subtle mind practice and loving-kindness exercises. Alternating has been great for me, I'm not burned out, and this is very surprising to me! :-)
There are several goals I am aiming for! One of those goals includes finding a new church home which will allow me to mentor to the young adults and unfortunate citizens in my area. I believe that giving back to my community will allow me to expand my gift of love to those who are searching loving-kindness, opportunities to share, assistance and love!
I have implemented these changes into my lifestyle and have received some personal rewards towards my personal improvement. I see a change in me attitude and my purpose towards life and work. My desire is to strive towards happiness, while providing a service to those who seek a kind word of encouragement, as well as embrace the opinions of those who are totally the opposite. This has been hard, but it's getting easier as the days and weeks go by! :-)
Overall, this class provided me with a new outlook on life, health and wellness! I no longer view my health as average. Although it will never be totally perfect, I have learn to except things as they come, and find the positive in the negative as it relates to uncontrollable circumstances. This class actually allowed me to seek the part of me that was missing...a life which included a sense of freedom from negative thoughts and discouragements. I believe that what I have learn will be more than just beneficial to myself, but also to those whom desire to be encouraged and helped as they approach their lifetime journey called, "life!"
Thanks to everyone! I wish you much sucess that's filed with love and happiess.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Unit 9 Final Integral Health Assesment
Although I have always preached about staying healthy and fit, I never thought I would have to question my own physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. What I once thought was healthy, is no longer a term used so lightly to describe a 5’2’’, middle aged woman African American woman who is free from disease and illness. This term is now used to describe my physical and mental growth, as well as my spiritual insight.
Now that I have chosen to study in the filed of Health and Wellness, it is important that I share the information I have received with others in the community in order to communicate affectively with my future clients. Not only is it important for me to lead by example, it is also important that I connect with my true feelings and identify any shortcomings which may have weaken my ability to lead a rewarding life which consist of positive thoughts, unselfishness, aspirations and personal achievement (Dacher, 2006). Identifying the eight principles of integral practices has allowed me to expand my consciousness, make room for patience, set a high standard towards loving-kindness, as well as come up with a strategic plan which will allow me to strive toward personal growth and physical success. As I aim towards these personal goals, I must be able to connect with my inner-self as I promote a life filled with love, happiness, and wellness (Dacher, 2006).
There are a few areas in which I seek self-improvement and inner growth. In order for me to achieve my desired goals, I must be willing to give more of myself
without feeling a sense of guilt or remorse if all of my goals are not accomplished in the desired amount of time (Dacher, 2006). One goal I have is the ability to work on my physical appearance through diet and exercise. Taking the time to create a progress chart and motivating me to workout three times a week will allow me to take the steps needed to conquer this “beast of defeat”! Acknowledging my desire to grow spiritually through the need of prayer and community support is another area in which I must address as I aim towards integral health and spiritual connection. I have a desire to give back to the community by feeding the homeless at one of the nearby homeless shelters and mentoring those who are seeking words of encouragement. Making myself available to those who are in need will allow me to express the love in which I have for my community, as well as share the love I have had bundle up inside for many years. It’s no longer a take, take progress! It’s an inner pursuit to give, give without looking for love in return. I have finally come to grips with the idea to provide a service that’s filled with love, intention and preparation (Dacher, 2006)
As I assess my overall health, I must strive harder towards my psychological and spiritual goals. In order to achieve these goals, I must strive for a goal in each area of my life! Although I believe that I am on the right track towards physical and spiritual health, I have neglected my ability to draw from within and achieve in the areas of psychological growth. If I had to score myself in each area, I would have to give myself an 8 towards physical growth, a 7 towards spiritual health, and a 7 for psychological determination.Each of these areas of improvement is important in regards to establishing a desire to promote my own optimal health and wellness.
I have set goals in each of these main areas, and believe that each goal will allow me to excel beyond my own expectations towards healthy living. My physical goal includes joining a local gym which offers a variety of programs: water aerobics; spin classes; yoga; and palates. Making better choices when it comes to food selection and avoiding binge eating during stressful moments will help improve my physical appearance (Forsyth, 2008). My mental goal includes educating myself more with meditation and yoga practices. Purchasing a few cd’s and books from the holistic health store located in Conyers, Georgia; I believe this will provide me with a start towards mental relaxation. It is also my desire to work on my spiritual requirement towards optimal health. This goal includes joining an auxiliary at a new church, reading my bible every night before I go to bed, and praying for a new church home in which I can connect and grow with while I travel through this journey called “life”. Setting goals in these areas will allow me to work harder towards each of these concepts and allow me to evaluate my progress as I connect with each concept. Someone once said, “practice makes perfect’. This phrase allows me to practice harder towards my own personal health issues.
There are a few strategies in which I have implemented in order to foster growth in the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Although all three of these are connected and are key components of health and wellness, I have chosen to provide two examples for each domain which will help me toward my interpersonal flourishing:
Physical- (1) I will create an exercise chart to help evaluate my progress, as well as utilize the My Pyramid website http://www.mypyramid.com to help with nutritional support and weight loss progress. (2) I plan to hire a physical trainer to assist me with my physical and weight lost goals.
Psychological- (1) Continue using the Subtle Mind and Loving-Kindness CD’s which was provided by Elliot Dacher. I was able to find a lot of rewards which has led me to incorporating this practice into my daily routine. (2) Research and locate a holistic center which provides meditation services and yoga classes for beginners. I will start at the local community center in McDonough, Georgia.
Spiritual- (1) Join a local church group which provides mentoring programs for young adults and youths, as well as provide support for homeless shelters.
Although I must take baby steps in order to implement each of these strategies into my lifestyle, I am committed to making a positive change towards the essential path towards health, happiness, and wholeness (Dacher, 2006). In order to stay committed and remain focus as I strive towards my new outlook on health and wellness, I have come up with a few strategies which will help me fulfill my goals towards integral health and awareness. First, I will start off by setting smaller, but reasonable goals to insure accountability and consistency. Next, I plan to journal my progress in each area, Physical, Psychological and Spiritual. I also plan to chart my progress, as well as find someone who is willing to hold me accountable for my actions. Requesting support from my family and friends will be my first approach towards accountability (Forsyth, 2008). Then, I will implement new strategies and goals, once I have mastered my reasonable accomplishments. I believe this will allow room for advancement towards new areas that requires additional improvements, as well as assist with maintaining my long-term practices for health and wellness.
In conclusion, after taking this class, I am able to gain a better understanding of my health and wellness, as well as evaluate my mind and body as a complete unit. My self-evaluation consisted of analyzing the way I think about my own health in relation to my physical, psychological and spiritual concepts toward my inner-self. My has assessment allowed me to connect with the influences that effect my emotions, thoughts and feelings towards love and kindness and this gift called “life”. I am also able to recognize the benefits of exercise in relation to being physical fit and free from chronic illnesses which has burden history of family members. The result of this evaluation has allowed me to set major goals towards my physical health, spiritual wholeness and psychological achievements. It has also allowed me to identify any challenges I have with my weight, inner thoughts and emotions. I have learn that it is in my best interest to change my behavior as I focus on living a healthier life filled with self-love, loving-kindness and human flourishing (Dasher, 2006).
References:
Dacher, Elliott S. (2006). Intergral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications
Forsyth, LeighAnn, (2008). Motivating people to be physically active. Second Edition. Human Kinetics
http://www.mypyramid.com
Now that I have chosen to study in the filed of Health and Wellness, it is important that I share the information I have received with others in the community in order to communicate affectively with my future clients. Not only is it important for me to lead by example, it is also important that I connect with my true feelings and identify any shortcomings which may have weaken my ability to lead a rewarding life which consist of positive thoughts, unselfishness, aspirations and personal achievement (Dacher, 2006). Identifying the eight principles of integral practices has allowed me to expand my consciousness, make room for patience, set a high standard towards loving-kindness, as well as come up with a strategic plan which will allow me to strive toward personal growth and physical success. As I aim towards these personal goals, I must be able to connect with my inner-self as I promote a life filled with love, happiness, and wellness (Dacher, 2006).
There are a few areas in which I seek self-improvement and inner growth. In order for me to achieve my desired goals, I must be willing to give more of myself
without feeling a sense of guilt or remorse if all of my goals are not accomplished in the desired amount of time (Dacher, 2006). One goal I have is the ability to work on my physical appearance through diet and exercise. Taking the time to create a progress chart and motivating me to workout three times a week will allow me to take the steps needed to conquer this “beast of defeat”! Acknowledging my desire to grow spiritually through the need of prayer and community support is another area in which I must address as I aim towards integral health and spiritual connection. I have a desire to give back to the community by feeding the homeless at one of the nearby homeless shelters and mentoring those who are seeking words of encouragement. Making myself available to those who are in need will allow me to express the love in which I have for my community, as well as share the love I have had bundle up inside for many years. It’s no longer a take, take progress! It’s an inner pursuit to give, give without looking for love in return. I have finally come to grips with the idea to provide a service that’s filled with love, intention and preparation (Dacher, 2006)
As I assess my overall health, I must strive harder towards my psychological and spiritual goals. In order to achieve these goals, I must strive for a goal in each area of my life! Although I believe that I am on the right track towards physical and spiritual health, I have neglected my ability to draw from within and achieve in the areas of psychological growth. If I had to score myself in each area, I would have to give myself an 8 towards physical growth, a 7 towards spiritual health, and a 7 for psychological determination.Each of these areas of improvement is important in regards to establishing a desire to promote my own optimal health and wellness.
I have set goals in each of these main areas, and believe that each goal will allow me to excel beyond my own expectations towards healthy living. My physical goal includes joining a local gym which offers a variety of programs: water aerobics; spin classes; yoga; and palates. Making better choices when it comes to food selection and avoiding binge eating during stressful moments will help improve my physical appearance (Forsyth, 2008). My mental goal includes educating myself more with meditation and yoga practices. Purchasing a few cd’s and books from the holistic health store located in Conyers, Georgia; I believe this will provide me with a start towards mental relaxation. It is also my desire to work on my spiritual requirement towards optimal health. This goal includes joining an auxiliary at a new church, reading my bible every night before I go to bed, and praying for a new church home in which I can connect and grow with while I travel through this journey called “life”. Setting goals in these areas will allow me to work harder towards each of these concepts and allow me to evaluate my progress as I connect with each concept. Someone once said, “practice makes perfect’. This phrase allows me to practice harder towards my own personal health issues.
There are a few strategies in which I have implemented in order to foster growth in the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Although all three of these are connected and are key components of health and wellness, I have chosen to provide two examples for each domain which will help me toward my interpersonal flourishing:
Physical- (1) I will create an exercise chart to help evaluate my progress, as well as utilize the My Pyramid website http://www.mypyramid.com to help with nutritional support and weight loss progress. (2) I plan to hire a physical trainer to assist me with my physical and weight lost goals.
Psychological- (1) Continue using the Subtle Mind and Loving-Kindness CD’s which was provided by Elliot Dacher. I was able to find a lot of rewards which has led me to incorporating this practice into my daily routine. (2) Research and locate a holistic center which provides meditation services and yoga classes for beginners. I will start at the local community center in McDonough, Georgia.
Spiritual- (1) Join a local church group which provides mentoring programs for young adults and youths, as well as provide support for homeless shelters.
Although I must take baby steps in order to implement each of these strategies into my lifestyle, I am committed to making a positive change towards the essential path towards health, happiness, and wholeness (Dacher, 2006). In order to stay committed and remain focus as I strive towards my new outlook on health and wellness, I have come up with a few strategies which will help me fulfill my goals towards integral health and awareness. First, I will start off by setting smaller, but reasonable goals to insure accountability and consistency. Next, I plan to journal my progress in each area, Physical, Psychological and Spiritual. I also plan to chart my progress, as well as find someone who is willing to hold me accountable for my actions. Requesting support from my family and friends will be my first approach towards accountability (Forsyth, 2008). Then, I will implement new strategies and goals, once I have mastered my reasonable accomplishments. I believe this will allow room for advancement towards new areas that requires additional improvements, as well as assist with maintaining my long-term practices for health and wellness.
In conclusion, after taking this class, I am able to gain a better understanding of my health and wellness, as well as evaluate my mind and body as a complete unit. My self-evaluation consisted of analyzing the way I think about my own health in relation to my physical, psychological and spiritual concepts toward my inner-self. My has assessment allowed me to connect with the influences that effect my emotions, thoughts and feelings towards love and kindness and this gift called “life”. I am also able to recognize the benefits of exercise in relation to being physical fit and free from chronic illnesses which has burden history of family members. The result of this evaluation has allowed me to set major goals towards my physical health, spiritual wholeness and psychological achievements. It has also allowed me to identify any challenges I have with my weight, inner thoughts and emotions. I have learn that it is in my best interest to change my behavior as I focus on living a healthier life filled with self-love, loving-kindness and human flourishing (Dasher, 2006).
References:
Dacher, Elliott S. (2006). Intergral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications
Forsyth, LeighAnn, (2008). Motivating people to be physically active. Second Edition. Human Kinetics
http://www.mypyramid.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Unit 8 Visualization Blog
I just can’t express how much I have enjoyed the loving-kindness and the visualization meditation exercise. I think the reason I have chosen these two is because I was given the opportunity to focus on sharing and giving love to those around me in my imaginary state of mind.
Although the loving kindness was difficult for me in the beginning, I eventually found a sense of hope and happiness as I practiced this technique on more than one occasion. It seemed as though I was given a sense of peace after the lost of my favorite uncle, Uncle Ralph. I shared his pain and believe that he left this world stress free because our God was in control and his pain was lighten as a result of our faith. I was at peace, and I believe that he was as well.
The visualization meditation was another practice I enjoyed. It allowed me to tap into some pleasant moments in which I had experienced throughout my life. Although I live a very busy lifestyle, I never have taken the time to reflect back on the goods times that brought me a sense of freedom, joy and happiness.
I have decided to add these techniques to my daily regimen, even if it takes a few minutes of my time. I believe that I deserve this sense of peace and this time for me to reunite and focus on the healing of “Keesha”. Taking on this new challenge can only make me wiser and knowledgeable about my peace of happiness, as well as my desire to strive towards a life of health and wellness!
Although the loving kindness was difficult for me in the beginning, I eventually found a sense of hope and happiness as I practiced this technique on more than one occasion. It seemed as though I was given a sense of peace after the lost of my favorite uncle, Uncle Ralph. I shared his pain and believe that he left this world stress free because our God was in control and his pain was lighten as a result of our faith. I was at peace, and I believe that he was as well.
The visualization meditation was another practice I enjoyed. It allowed me to tap into some pleasant moments in which I had experienced throughout my life. Although I live a very busy lifestyle, I never have taken the time to reflect back on the goods times that brought me a sense of freedom, joy and happiness.
I have decided to add these techniques to my daily regimen, even if it takes a few minutes of my time. I believe that I deserve this sense of peace and this time for me to reunite and focus on the healing of “Keesha”. Taking on this new challenge can only make me wiser and knowledgeable about my peace of happiness, as well as my desire to strive towards a life of health and wellness!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Unit 7 - Meeting Asciepius
This meditation exercise was one that I really enjoyed. Taking the time to focus on that one person (my grandpa) that I truly adored gave me a sense of peace and willpower. Using my imagination, as I united with my gramps, provided me with a great sense of love and comfort as I focused on my spiritual wellness.
Lately, I have allowed myself to meditate during those times of peace and quiet. I would have never thought I would engage in this form of healing practices, but these exercises have allowed me to really focus on my self-worth. I do believe that I must incorporate these exercises into my daily lifestyle in order to gain the full benefits of meditation and spiritual growth. Although prayer is my ultimate source of healing, adding a new form of meditative practices has allowed me to venture out a little more in my spiritual growth process.
When I think about the saying, “one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself”, I always think of my teenage daughter whom I love so dearly. Often, I tell myself that I must go through the test of times in order to assist her when she reach this narrow road in her life one day. I must experience it myself, before I can provide her with the advice that’s needed to handle life occurrences.
Not only do I have an obligation to my teenage daughter, I also have an obligation to my clients as I work on my psychological, physical, and spiritual health. My goal is to lead by example and strive for a healthier “Me”. In order to this, I must be able to identify with the good and the bad before offering my assistance to those whom surround me or desire my help. In order to accomplish this ultimate goal, I must train my mind to love, and inner my own heart in order to feel secure where I am (Dacher, 2006). I’m looking forward to the opportunity to live out the life in which God has given me, as well as take on the new challenges that will soon come my way!
Lately, I have allowed myself to meditate during those times of peace and quiet. I would have never thought I would engage in this form of healing practices, but these exercises have allowed me to really focus on my self-worth. I do believe that I must incorporate these exercises into my daily lifestyle in order to gain the full benefits of meditation and spiritual growth. Although prayer is my ultimate source of healing, adding a new form of meditative practices has allowed me to venture out a little more in my spiritual growth process.
When I think about the saying, “one cannot lead another where one has not gone himself”, I always think of my teenage daughter whom I love so dearly. Often, I tell myself that I must go through the test of times in order to assist her when she reach this narrow road in her life one day. I must experience it myself, before I can provide her with the advice that’s needed to handle life occurrences.
Not only do I have an obligation to my teenage daughter, I also have an obligation to my clients as I work on my psychological, physical, and spiritual health. My goal is to lead by example and strive for a healthier “Me”. In order to this, I must be able to identify with the good and the bad before offering my assistance to those whom surround me or desire my help. In order to accomplish this ultimate goal, I must train my mind to love, and inner my own heart in order to feel secure where I am (Dacher, 2006). I’m looking forward to the opportunity to live out the life in which God has given me, as well as take on the new challenges that will soon come my way!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Unit 6-Integral Assessment
As I entered my sense of stillness and silence, I focused on my desire to be fit. I have been lacking in this area for quit some time now! Today, I had been struggling with working out because of the weather condition outdoors. It has been gloomy all day. I discovered that the weather has always played an initial role in my daily and physical performance. For many years, I have tried to overcome this by refocusing my attention elsewhere...work, friends, family etc. Today, I decided to let my own sunshine in by thinking about happy times with those family and friends, and reflecting back on some fun memories. Although I realize that there will always be rainy and gloomy days, I have decided that I must not let this interfere with my mood and performance.
I truly believe that it may be beneficial for me to get a workout partner, someone who is upbeat and enjoy working out just as much as I do. Putting on some upbeat music can assist me with getting out of this slump and push me to work harder on myself and my physical requirements. Taking time to pray and ask for a sense of peace during these difficult times is also a great start. Although the weather may prevent me from a good run, every now and then, finding another alternative (upbeat workout videos, utilizing my home equipment etc.) will help me achieve my daily fitness goal! Does anyone have any suggestions?
I truly believe that it may be beneficial for me to get a workout partner, someone who is upbeat and enjoy working out just as much as I do. Putting on some upbeat music can assist me with getting out of this slump and push me to work harder on myself and my physical requirements. Taking time to pray and ask for a sense of peace during these difficult times is also a great start. Although the weather may prevent me from a good run, every now and then, finding another alternative (upbeat workout videos, utilizing my home equipment etc.) will help me achieve my daily fitness goal! Does anyone have any suggestions?
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