PERSONAL APPLICATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF HEALING
Jean St.John
Final Project
HW420-01




I. Introduction: Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?


Allowing our mind-body and spirit to interact in wholeness will bring great healing and wellness to all humans involved. This will also allow any individual to be able to deal with any type of situation that comes into their environment. Professionals must have a complete understanding on what health and wellness really should contain for their clients to receive the full benefit. Spirituality actually offers benefits to your life, psychologically and physically. Once you develop your spiritual you gain a sense of purpose being able to figure out where you are most passionate in, whether it is your profession, social, and or personal life. So if the health and wellness professionals develop in these three areas they will most likely be in a better position to understand the needs of others. No one is perfect; I will have to continue to develop in all three areas on a daily basis. Physically would be my more challenging task.


II. Assessment:


How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?


I started becoming aware of the sources of my needless suffering, distress, and dissatisfactions I may have. I need to focus on what it will take in order for me to get the resources necessary for my future development and flourishing. Spiritually I would give myself a score of 6 out of 10; Physically 3 out of 10; and psychologically 4 out 10. I am not perfect, and I will always continue to grow in all three areas daily. As a reference I would use Dacher’s six principles of integral assessment as a reminder of not missing any important steps during my process towards human flourishing.


III. Goal development:


List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

Physically – I need to incorporate a daily regimen of exercise and stay active in doing this daily. I have been approved for a scholarship membership at our local YMCA, just need to come up with the money to start membership, and once I do this, my son and I will benefit.


Psychologically – I need to continue changing my perspectives on situations that may bring stress into my life. Stay focus on positive things instead of negative, and learning how let go and not hold emotions in. This is will be hard for me because I am always thinking negative, so I believe this will be a challenge and the hardest part for me.


Spiritually – I will continue my growth in God’s Words, my faith, and prayer life. This is not an option for me; it is a must. Through any situation I experienced this was my strong suit.


IV. Practices for personal health:


What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.


I want to be able to loose some weight so that I do not have to feel out of breath or tired when I have to do some amount of walking. I want to have sufficient endurance to exercise for at least an hour each day. I will access my physical goal by the lost of some weight. I am planning on eating smaller portions of healthy, well-balanced meals to achieve this goal and to determine if I have attained it, I plan to have myself weighed every weekend. I will also know if I have reached this goal if I feel better physically and psychologically.
I would also use meditation because the practice of meditation daily would lead me to a deeper level of relaxation and contemplation. There are many important benefits of meditation; the most important is being able to release the stress from my body. In order to be free of constant worry, pressure and stress, practicing meditation will give me a life of calmness, peacefulness, happiness and relaxation.

Each morning I will dedicate at least 10 minutes for meditation and breathe work. I will use my time to initially focus on my breathing and I will allow my mind to be quiet and still. I will make this time most effective by not setting any expectation for my mind during this quiet time.

Each day I will review my day and assess how I feel. If I am stressful, fearful or in any state of discomfort, I will take the time to do an inquiry of that discomforting thought.

Spiritually, I will attend church again on a regular basis, and join any bible study groups that are available. I always have my faith in God, but I need to broaden my horizons and get more involved with a church.

Overall, the changes I make to myself, I will benefit in the long run in all areas.



V. Commitment:


How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?


I will keep a journal of my process now that I am consciously ready and willing to take the necessary steps to practice long term health and wellness. I would also refer back to Dacher’s eight principals of integral practice. I would also see if any health centers or hospitals have any seminars that can help me stay focus and continue to help me through this process. This would be my support system for me to stay on progress. I am also in the progress of seeing a psychiatrist on a regular basis and I am sure that will too help me along the way. He will also help me achieve a positive attitude on life and myself.

　

　

References:
Dacher, Elliott S. M.D. (2006) Integral Health the Path to Human Flourishing

Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., and Micozzi, M.S. (2005) Consciousness & Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine


The Shambhala Centers; http://www.atlanta.shambhala.org
September 28, 2010
http://holisticrenewal.com/holistic-psychology/what-is-holistic-psychology.html