A Plan for Holistic Integral Health - Unit 9- September 2010

I. Introduction:

It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically, because often, these same areas will have to be addressed in the lives of others. Unless these three domains are not developed and cultivated, in the life of the professional, efforts to help heal others will be dishonest and fruitless. Effective results will most successful when the health professional is a practicing example of what he preaches. “…one cannot lead another where one has not gone him or herself.” (Dascher, 2005) To be psychologically, spiritually and physically developed, is to be wholly developed in mind and spirit; a total sum of one.

II. Assessment:
A. am pleased to assess a better than average score for my wellness in areas of spirituality. In areas of physical fitness, compared to this time six months ago, I can report signs of measurable progress. I am developing an overall awareness and appreciation for the power of nature in my external environment. Also, I have developed a sense of gratefulness and thanksgiving for so many things I previously took for granted. On a scale of one to ten, I assess my spiritual and physical health as 9.5.

B. My current status of physical health, compared to six months ago, is good. My overall physical health is improved. Yet, there is still room for improvement. Even at my best I consider myself as a work in progress. Concerning the achievement of health, happiness and wholeness, Dacher opened my eyes and my mind to the possibility of further achievement. (Dacher, 2006) Several months ago I was faced with the challenge of not having enough time for physical exercise, due to crowded schedules. Today, however, I no longer wait to find time. Instead, with a more ‘pro-active’ attitude, I make time to accomplish tasks I consider important to my health and well- being. I score my present status of physical wellness, compared to six months ago, 9.

C. My assessment of psychological wellness receives a similar score of 9. Part of the reason I assess my psychological health so highly is because I am learning to take a positive approach to life, by looking focusing on the bright side of things. I don’t expect the world will give me everything I want, but at least I choose not to focus on the negative and live as a paranoid victim when I have the psychological means to be the survivor, the victor! Our response to negativity can determine the outcome of our health. (Schlitz/Amorok/Micozzi, 2005 pp.156-164)

III. Goal development:
My personal goals for each of three areas, physical, psychological (mental health) and spiritual are as follows;
A. In areas of physical health, my goal is to make improvements with my physical routines. I will continue my regular routines while increasing duration of each activity.

B. In the area of spiritual health, my goal is to continue to build upon foundations already established. I intend to build through observation and keeping an open mind towards other forms of spirituality, not to exclude recently discovered practices from the ancient past.

C. In areas of psychological health, my goal is to develop the “subtle mind,” as described by Dacher. (Dacher, 2006) The ultimate goal is to arrive at the level of focus where the calm abiding mind connects with the ultimate level of consciousness which is connect to the ultimate, Integral Health.

IV. Practices for personal health:
A. My first strategy for fostering growth in physical health is to (1) implement a program which will gradually increase the times (duration, repetitions and distances) of my routines until I reach a measureable level of progress. I will do this by writing the plan on paper so I can mentally associate the plan with my schedule of activities.

(2) Next, the program I implement will be planned for a time of day that will be practical as well as beneficial. For example, an outdoor activity such as the walk-run exercise will be scheduled for early evening, after diner, in order to use energy from recently consumed calories. This exercise is beneficial to physical health because it strengthens muscles bones and lungs.

B. In the domain of psychological growth, I will continue developing and ‘training my

mind for increased power of mind. I expect to achieve this by (1) practicing the ‘mind stabilizing’ breathing exercise which will reinforce the relationship between the breath and the mind. (Dacher, 2006) I will practice this focused concentration technique daily, or as often as possible, until I can establish a desired period, which is a minimum of twice daily.

(2) A second strategy will be a combination of the practice of loving-kindness. I am convinced that if I am a source of out-pouring love, then, I will be carving a path for the return of the same. This is especially important for optimal health maintenance because clinical studies are discovering a direct association between love and health. Scientifically conducted studies have pointed out that love has therapeutic healing values which include strengthening the immune function, reducing risk of morbidity for a number of chronic diseases, alcoholism, cardiovasculardisease and ulcer. (Schlitz/ Amorok / MIcozzi, 2005) Normally, the best time for practicing these strategies would be morning mid-day and/or evening. However, because of the enormous benefits, I plan to practice the philosophy of loving-kindness daily, hour by hour, throughout the course of the day.

B. A Strategy for fostering spiritual growth is to (1) continue with my belief and trust in
God, the personification and the ultimate definition of Love. This is not to exclude other forms of spiritual or religious practices. Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Confucianism, or other philosophies / religions of the world. (Major World Religions, 2010) (2) By reading and researching these, and other great religious philosophies, I plan to enhance my spiritual growth by reading to increase knowledge in these areas. I plan to continue my examination of these and other religions in order to compare and contrast their similarities, or differences. In the process, I expect to gain a better understanding of the connection between spirituality and love, as they relate to the development of integral health.

V. Commitment:
A. Within the next six months, I will assess my progress, or lack of, by examining the
“fruits,” health, happiness and wholeness. (Dacher, 2010, pp. 134) Just as time brings forth a season and a season brings forth fruit, so will I re-examine the fruit of my progress. My season may arrive earlier or later. However, I anticipate a great harvest of unified fruits, including happiness, optimal health, a well dsiciplined mind and an elevated level of consciousness, integral and flourishing. (Dacher, 2010, pp. 134 - 135)

B. Strategies for maintaining long-term practices for health and wellness include striving to
maintain a subtle mind that will flow uninterrupted and freely. (Dacher, 2006) This will be achieved by continuing to study and practice mind, body and spirit exercises on a regular, daily basis to achieve a whole oneness. During this stage of maintenance, every six months will be a check point for measuring self- confidence and competency. The current month will be compared with previous months as a gauge to measure progress. The most revealing measure of progress will rely on my own integrity and honesty. The question remains, will I exercise self - discipline enough to consistently follow my own plan for holistic integral health?


References

Dacher, E., M.D. (2006), Integral Health, The path to Human Flourishing,

Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Amorok, T., Micozzi, M., Schlitz, M., (2005), Consciousness & Healing, Integral

Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine, St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier

Major World Religions, (2010), Retrieved 26, September, 2010 from,

       http://www.omsakthi.org/religions.html