My Holistic/Integral Health Plan

Part I – Introduction

Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? I mean, what does this matter? Should health and wellness professionals care about their own regard? I suppose these questions sound absurd at this point. However, answering is necessary for full comprehension regarding the importance of this profession.

Expecting health and wellness professionals to understand their field is reasonable. This is their livelihood, their mission. Just as a teacher who cannot teach beyond their knowledge, health and wellness cannot flow properly from unhealthy sources. Therefore, it is essential that the professional exude development occurring and spanning the course of life.

Dacher reminds us that the healer is the foundation, the critical component whereas the integral healing process occurs (2006); the healer continually focuses and explores their own life. This occurrence results in further practice, further success and even further confidence. Yes, a health and wellness practitioner without confidence is an unnerving sight. Additionally, because integral heath is quite variable, testimony is a valuable asset along with the ability to know when a referral should occur. When a practitioner knows their own limits, success is more susceptible because they are confident and able to direct patients where needed. Without this confidence, a patient may linger and remain under care that no longer suits and/or issues remedy. Therefore, the development of each area should continually grow resulting in added benefit to each patient within one’s care.

When thinking of my goals and growth needed, psychological, spiritual and the physical all have areas requiring attention. I imagine this will always remain the case. I am not suggesting I am a complete mess now, I am simply stating the fact that I believe complete health is on going, never-ending process. Just as the practitioner needs continual development, I too require this growth. However, there are points where one may lack such skill or where development is under that where it should that great focus must occur. For now, I consider my development where it should be. However, I will discuss it further as the plan progresses.

Part II – Assessment

When it comes to assessment, this is not necessarily an easy process. Sometimes I think it is easier to assess the health of another versus evaluating the health of the self. However, without truly delving within, how can one discover the authenticity within? This can become quite a trying experience. I will look at the physical first.

The physical seems most apparent because I am able to witness the physical with more senses than that of the psychological and spiritual. For instance, I can see the body with my eyes. I can hear parts that may have problems. I can touch and feel comfort and/or pain and I can even use scent to notice physiological changes. Additionally, taste is another sense that can reveal the health of the physical. Having said all this, most observation occurs easier regarding the physical domain.

Physically, I am content where I am. Sure, I think there are times where I would desire my body to look a bit different in places here or there. However, I am at a good weight. I do not have afflictions and/or health matters to contend and I live a lifestyle that is conducive toward continued physical health.

Spiritually, I notice moments or times of weakness. Yes. I notice times where I am sad and/or hurt. It is these times that draw me closer, especially when I cry, to a spiritual awakening. I would like to say there is much going on spiritually right now. However, it may simply be a matter of how I am handling the psychological stressors within my life. For example, my mind may roam and I may find myself distracted with thoughts that interrupt my day. These thoughts can in turn produce overwhelming and or negative results both spiritually and physically. It is then that I notice the need to remedy the err. This, therefore, not only shows me the connection between each domain, but it also helps me discover that the area I am most needing the focus in growth is psychological in nature. Having said this, I do not necessarily assess each domain with a separate score. I do, however, look for the point of origin and work from that direction toward further health and wellness.

Part III – Goal Development

Again, here I will discuss physical goals first. My goals are continual: to maintain my current body weight (actually, if I lose 2 pounds I will not be unhappy, I simply do not wish to gain, etc.), exercise and stretch muscles on a daily basis and eat only when my body physiologically calls for sustenance. These are goals I practice on a regular basis and plan to continue for the rest of my life. Every once in a while I may slip in a specific muscle group and/or area to focus on. However, my goals are wide and basic regarding the physical.

Spiritually, I go to church. Yes, that too sounds general and basic. Just because one goes to church on a regular basis does not make them spiritual. I, however, practice continual relationship with my God. I talk with Him. I worship Him and ask guidance often and I listen. I do not consider this approach merely intercessory. No. This relationship grows and flourishes over time. It is a communion. However, I do find times where I do not consider my relationship as close. This is where goals play a valuable role. Taking time to calm myself and listen for the voice other than my own is necessary for flourishing. This is my biggest goal spiritually.

Psychologically speaking, these goals require a bit more focus. It stems from my mind and what I focus on each day. Regarding thoughts, processing, emotions and action, my psychological goals take a bit more focus. I like how Dacher reminds us that this area of growth allows one to succeed more in relationships, live with more happiness and freedom and simply, alleviate much stress from our lives (2006). It is within these ultimate prosperities that I set my goals.

My first psychological goal: allow myself adequate time for witness of results. This will not happen overnight and I should not expect such. Next goal: acknowledge each thought that presents itself, ask why if needed, and then respond accordingly. This is an important step because taking the time to assess evokes a more proper and fitting response.

Part IV – Practices for Personal Health

When it comes to fostering growth in the areas of the physical, spiritual and psychological, I may take numerous differing approaches. For instance, within the physical domain, I use daily cardiovascular activities for training. Additionally, I take the time to stretch and give my muscles, joints and tendons the attention required. Within the physical bounds, I make sure I sleep well too. Yes, adequate and type/quality of sleep remain a top priority as well. Additionally, I make sure I am eating within the terms of physiological hunger and fullness. I am quite aware of the damage that the body may experience by continued daily practice of overeating. Alcohol consumption is another factor I monitor. Although I do not drink on a regular basis, I do make sure I properly consume alcohol when the desire arises. One final regard: the type of nutrition I place in my body. Yes, I keep notice of what actually goes into my body. There are definite changes that occur because of the type of nutrients ingested and the body will respond accordingly based upon the type of fuel consumed.

Spiritually speaking, I remain faithful to daily interaction with my God. It is important I keep listening alive. One can spend much time interceding and lose focus or disregard that which speaks to us. Seaward reminds us “praying is when we talk to God, meditation is when God talks to us” (2009, p. 334). Listening is very valuable and practice in the spiritual level is important to actuality in the physical realm. Another spiritual goal is service. Providing assistance to another is a fundamental aspect to spiritual growth. Even Dacher speaks of how work transforms from the actual perception of serving versus when one feels invaluable resulting in stressors that can interrupt the complete body, mind and spirit (2006). Yes, viewing that which is required from a heart focused on serving allows love and flourishing the chance to reign.

Now, regarding the psychological practices, my strategies consist of awareness of thoughts that specifically provoke emotion. I question my desires and question why an emotional response occurred. I practice journaling often; usually on a daily basis. Some days I find I write two or three times for further understanding or simply as a means of coping. Additionally, the practice of guided meditation helps understand and process the thoughts. These two activities enable further advancement and allow me to view from the outside. Yes, this permits a new fresh understanding and promotes proper healing from within.

Part V – Commitment

When it comes to matters of assessment, taking the time to review goals and look for progress and/or lack of progress is a matter of patience and specifically examining when the proper time arrives. Physically speaking, after six months have passed, assessments revolve around reviewing weight measurements, physical tests such as timed walks, push ups and sit ups, etc. along with the increase and/or decline in weight bearing activities. This area is easy to observe after the passing of time.

Spiritually and psychologically speaking, these areas are best monitored through thoughtful examination of past journal writings. I am quite open and honest in my journals. Therefore, this practice enables me to focus on themes as a whole and/or even delve deep into the writings to see where hurts, anger and/or any other negative emotion may rise.

Additionally, I use a calendar where I keep information from physical facts to types of serving to events that trigger psychological responses. When I review my past writings, it is easy to see growth as time passes. Additionally, I am able to see areas that may still be in need of improvement. Yes, review is critical whereas assessment matters. Without the benefit of my daily journals, proper evaluation would not be possible in my eyes. This is what I have noticed throughout the years and am thankful that has remained constant through the passing of time.

I will continue the same path that I have begun. Journaling is one of the most promising strategies I have used for maintaining health and wellness. Additionally, speaking with friends who have known me throughout the years is another added bonus. Overall, as time progresses, I should progress too. Yes, I desire and long to flourish and as I continue development, assessing and implementing new procedure when necessary will aid in accomplishing such a goal.

References

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health.

Seaward, B. L. (2009). Additional coping techniques. Managing stress: Principles and strategies for health and well-being (6^th Ed., p. 334). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.