Introduction:

The reason I feel that a health and wellness professional should develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically is that when we, as a professional, are showing passion in our work by displaying “our work”, it shows the patient/client that we truly care and want the best results and know how to distinguish what way to go. Also, we need to have the presence of an open heart and own the presence of a clear and unconditioned mind. The integral approach to health is the compass that orients and guides us towards an innovative and expansive healing process. This can be done by following the five guiding principles: holistic, evolutionary, intentional, person-centered and dynamic. Psychospiritual flourishing is the most undeveloped aspect of our lives (Dacher, 2006). It is a principal source of modern day epidemics of mental suffering and premature disease. Also, the development of our inner life is the most unique and precious gift to have as humans. If we choose to dismiss this development, we will ignore the final aim of human life; it’s the opportunity to alleviate needless suffering and to hold on to health, happiness, and wholeness. That’s why it’s important to involve this flourishing as a major part of our lives. The area’s I need to develop to achieve my goals are my abilities to be able to release tension and stress at the end of my day. I’m having my meditation periods as way of release, but maybe I need to do some sort of exercise with it as well.

Assessment:

~Spiritually: I have become one with the meaning of life for myself and am tolerant of the beliefs of others, than close minded and become intolerant. I live each day in a way that is consistent with my values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to myself. I am happy to say that my higher power has helped me realize what I want in life and to pray for others who need help spiritually, physically, and emotionally. My religious faith, values, beliefs, principle’s, and morals define my spiritually. I give it a score of “9”.

~Physically: I have started eating right and even started exercising. The physical exertion has been tough, but feels good at the same time. It’s been kind of addicting. I think that goes along with my psychological health as well. The feeling of being able to hit my goals of eating right and exercise has led me to feel better about myself and the results are my prize. I give it a score of “8”.

~Psychologically: Well as I stated above the exercise has been great. I have more energy and have been wanting to go out more. My stress level has been lowered allot. The ways I think, feel and act determines how I how I handle stress, relate to others, and make my daily choices, so I know when to adjust my attitude when I’m feeling down and am able to recognize them now. I give it a score of “8”.

Goal Development:

Physical: Is that I keep up with my exercise routine and not fall out of habit. To keep my goal at hand.

Psychological: To remember that if I let myself fall under (moods), I will have lost my ability to be able handle a situation positively and grow from it.

Spiritual: My one goal for this area is not that big, but just remember that I can give my problems to my higher power when I am unable to manage them. It helps me feel reassured that it will work itself out in the end and to stay positive.

Practices for Personal Health:

Physical: To foster growth in this domain I will keep a schedule in my exercise plan and move on when it starts to get easy and not give up. Examples: I will move on to other exercises when I get exhausted of the same ones with boredom and I will watch my eating habits and make sure I get a balanced meal each day and practicing this on my daughter will help keep me on track.

Psychological: To foster growth in this domain I will try watch my stress levels and know that it may be stormy now, but it never rains forever. Examples: I will recognize my behavior and be able to reconfigure my actions.

Spiritual: To foster growth in this domain I will keep an open mind. Examples: I will remember that I need to make time to relax, and meditate. Also, my values guide my decisions and actions, so I am comfortable with what my higher power has prepared for me. It helps me to make the right decisions in life.

Commitment:

I will assess my progress or lack of progress by my demeanor. I will be able to distinguish how I’m coping with everyday situations by how I’m behaving, thinking and coping. Either I will have an open mind about life or I will be intolerant. My demeanor is my cheat sheet. The strategies I will use to assist me in maintaining my long-term practices for health and wellness would be to keep integral health as a stepping stone to pull me into inner healing and peace. To keep that vision of health from the mind, body and soul.

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