Health and wellness professionals benefit greatly when developing psychological, spiritual, and physical aspects of wellbeing. This represents a two-fold process. Such development advances the practitioners own health status, and provides knowledge to improve methodology in assisting others. Healthcare professionals often feel tremendous mental and physical stressors while balancing responsibilities. Expansion of psychological and physical aspects of wellbeing results in stress, and negative physical impacts related to stress, being negated. Equally important is the spiritual aspect of the practitioner.
The elevation of consciousness provides a means for great capacity in compassion and understanding. A well-balanced practitioner is able to offer clear and precise assistance or recommendations to those seeking help. Most importantly, a balanced professional has developed the tools necessary to guide patients toward own elevated health status. Self-reflection is needed by each practitioner to identify areas in which further development is needed. This is an on-going process requiring frequent reassessments. Currently, this author feels need to focus in the area of psychospiritual development.
Assessments are performed weekly to determine aspects of being slipping out of balance, or appearing underdeveloped. These assessments will vary as growth in some areas accelerates, while others may remain the same. Additionally, reflections at days end will provide immediate insights for addressing short-term issues. In the areas of psychological, spiritual, and physical development, the integral assessment principles assist in identifying and correcting imbalances. These principles allow one to be deeply self-reflective when evaluating current status. This occurs through introspective analysis of aspect areas to determine which contain significant distress, and where greatest potential for growth lies. In addition, distinction between long and short-term relief from distress or provisions of pleasure becomes clearer. This allows for the development of wisdom to be applied in future situations. Expanded consciousness achieved through psychospiritual development is foundational to development of full potential. A clear mind, free from unneeded clutter, provides a nurturing environment to develop all aspects of the person.
At this time, through application of the principles of integral assessment, personal status is seen as being in good condition. Utilizing a grading score of one to ten (one lowest, ten highest) the following scores are given: physical 9, psychological 8.5, and spiritual 8.5. Lack of major disease or physical distress coupled with an extremely healthy lifestyle results in above average physical status. The use of contemplative practices has provided a solid foundation in mental clarity. The intentional focus of thought has enhanced both the physical and psychospiritual aspects of life. Likewise, achieving a subtle mind state has enriched interpersonal and worldly aspects. Spiritual development is considered high for many of the same reasons. While psychological development has produced the “mechanics” needed to elevate consciousness, the fruits are experienced in the spiritual aspect. The movement away from first-person to recognition of being a small part of the greater existence is quite exhilarating. Free flowing loving-kindness is experienced. A true purpose of self and meaning to life is also experienced.
Although current status is considered good, there is always room for improvements. In the area of physical well being differing activities are needed. Over the course of the last six months stagnation in routines has occurred. To maintain progression, additions of differing mind-body practices to further stimulate growth are needed. Likewise, a change in exercise programs is needed.
From a psychological standpoint, mental state improvements so as not to succumb to recent stressors may also be needed. Sudden changes with a person’s life may result in temporary fluctuations within subtle mind states. Controlling the intrusion is essential to mental wellbeing. Finally, the area of spiritual status requires a deepening sense of interconnectedness with all living things. A good basis exists, but expansion is desired.
To achieve these goals several activities or methods will be applied in daily life. A universal practice to foster growth in physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of life is found in meditation. It has been easy to put off dedicating time for this each day. However, a renewed dedication will provide the means needed to achieve all goals. Dedicated time to clear the mind through relaxation exercises, and the use of visualization will enhance potential for personal growth. Higher levels of meditative practices, and focused visualizations will assist in this endeavor.
In addition, physical activity will be combined with settings creating harmony within. Hikes in the woods and interacting with surroundings to stimulate the body and psychospiritual states will become more frequent. Likewise, the addition of a Tai Chi class will enrich mental and physical states of wellbeing. Continued practice of Yoga will also further enable the mind-body connection. The continued research and expansion of knowledge base will also improve the psychospiritual aspects in being. The involvement with elderly persons provides a positive means for spiritual growth. There is a natural outpouring of loving-kindness to and from these and others.
Currently, there is great need for those willing to help and not expecting compensation in return. This is an avenue for the free flowing compassion, and desire to be useful to others. Knowledge and wisdom accumulated over the years may be shared with the young and old alike. Cooking with Kids classes and Cooking without Kids classes will promote healthy lifestyle choices for the young and aging. Additionally, a community garden has been planted. Fresh vegetables, and fruit when available, are tended to provide those unable to provide for themselves. Any overabundance is donated to the local Samaritan Center for those who come there looking for help. This is not a new project, but rather one in its sixth year. Working to provide service those who are unable to meet needs gives a greater connectedness to those around.
Additionally, the opportunity has presented to be part of a radio-blog directed toward educating others on health and healing. This program will address issues affecting mental, physical, and spiritual health. Outreach to people seeking guidance in beginning a path to holistic wellness has long been an integral part of life for this author.
Afore mentioned goals and methods for attempting success will need monitoring and evaluation. Over the course of the next six months weekly assessments will be made to determine progress in each area. In these assessments the level of follow through, successes, alterations in status, and evaluations to determine any adjusts in life aspects will be made. Devoted daily times have been set aside for meditative practices. In addition, periodic “moments” should be taken throughout the day. This will be essential on days filled with high-pressure demands. Immediate elimination of negative thoughts or actions will be consciously made. Enlistment of a friend to practice yoga or tai chi if class work cannot be continued will keep mind-body practices on track. As needed, support groups may be accessed to ensure mental state remains strong through medical processes ahead. Additionally, continued support will be offered to any and all in need. Finally, accountability will be maintained through the blog created to explore the possibilities of integral health. Postings documenting discoveries, advancements, or regressions will be offered for review.
It is believed by this author through application of the principles of integral health long-term health and wellness will be experienced. Dedicated effort to maintain balance within a centered life will be essential. Also, this must be pursued as an ongoing development of personal status—ever changing and expanding. Most importantly, this holistic experience will result in a purposeful life filled with health, happiness, and wholeness.
I have admired your insights since the first post where you recount the story of missing your dad and how your mother consoled you. I have learned much from you. I appreciate the time spent sharing your thoughts and experiences. In this paper I am again reminded that balance is evolving and like the body constantly working towards homeostasis so our lives are a work in process, always striving for balance. I love your words and sentiment when you speak of “free flowing compassion” in volunteer work. The beauty of this compassion is that it is both spiritually and psychologically rewarding and offers an opportunity for learning from others in our quest. Of the many other valued points you address a “deepening sense of interconnectedness” as a spiritual goal. Imagine a world where we all know, in a real way that what happens to one of us, or to the planet, happens to all of us.
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