Finally!!

Introduction

            As a healthcare provider it is important for me to maintain all aspects of integral health.  Healthcare professionals are at the forefront of teaching integral health to our patients and colleagues.  I include colleagues because sometimes it can be difficult for someone trained in western medicine to believe the mental health and spiritual side of integral health.  We lead by example and learn by example so it is important for us to show how well integral health works.  I feel this has been a journey of learning for me.  I can further develop all aspects of integral health.  I believe no matter how far along you are into the path to human flourishing that it can constantly be built upon.  My goal is to become more mindful and to learn to act in purposeful ways instead of react.  I crave to be more patient and go through life with an open heart and not expect anything in return.

Assessment

            On a scale of one to ten, one being low and needs improvement and 10 being high and no improvement needed.  Spiritually I would grade myself with a 4.  This is something that has taken a back burner to life.  I used to meditate regularly and find quiet time to myself but that was when I was married so I had someone to lean on and get assistance from.  I know this is a weak area in my life. 

Physically I would give myself a 7.  I do work out on a regular basis.  I sleep and feel so much better about myself and life in general when I work out.  A work out is also a stress reliever for me so it is important for my mental health as well.  Physical exercise releases endorphins which give us energy and boost our mood. Being active helps me keep my body in shape as well as keep me healthy and decrease my risk for disease.

Psychologically I would give myself a 6.  I do have a lot on my plate right now and the stress levels are very high, but for all I have going on I feel I do descent.  I always keep a positive attitude and never ever give up, ever!  I have to remind myself of my goals and realize that two years is not long and it will fly by.  My only fear is that my kids will hate me for missing time with them or they will not understand the purpose of my journey.  I can tell them but they are just children and they do not quite understand. 

Goal development

            Spiritually my goal would be to make meditation part of my daily routine to clear my mind and release bad thoughts and replace them with positive ones.  Meditation is the gateway to healing oneself and finding enlightenment.  We can learn so much about ourselves if we just search for it.

Physically I would like to find time every single day to do physical activity and be in more of a routine.  I hope to start training to run my first 5K.  I know I can do it and I will benefit in many ways if I accomplish this goal. 

Psychologically I feel I need to find more time to relax alone and with my family.  I need time to reflect and learn.  My goal would be to find “me” time on a weekly basis as well as family time weekly where I am not worried with work or school or my phone.  I long for this time and look forward to a fall break with my children when I finish the BSN program in October 2013. 

Practices for personal health

            Spiritually I plan to do more meditation and prayer.  I will keep a meditation and prayer journal.  The journal will help me to remember the things I learned while meditating or praying.  Physically I am going to follow a six week track to ready myself for the 5K run.   I will do a more regimented schedule for my workouts.  I will also join a yoga class since this will strengthen my core and maybe help me be a little more centered and less clumsy.  Sometimes it is easier to do a group setting since you can motivate each other. 

In my psychological practices I will incorporate some pleasure reading, since usually the reading I usually do is required for school.  I also would be interested in taking some online classes offered from some of the integral health websites.  A class that focuses solely on one practice at a time to master one thing so I can move to the next.  

Commitment

            Over the next six months I can monitor my progress by interviewing friends and colleagues to see if they have noticed a difference.  Also if I continually keep a journal then I will be able to see the progress I have made by reading past entries.  I can also surround myself with others that have same views and practices as myself.  They will encourage me and give truthful advice.  If you surround yourself with like-minded people they will help you maintain your goals.