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?
I believe that it is extremely important to develop a complete sense of understanding of the importance of being psychologically, spiritually and physically in balance. The only way that this full understanding can be achieved is by practicing what we preach. We can probably sit with a client or patient and explain to them the multiple benefits of meditation, but unless we have practiced meditation ourselves we will not be able to fully prepare them for the challenges that they may encounter when they start practicing meditation themselves.
I personally feel that I have to work in developing a clear and precise understanding of the importance to take time for myself to find the balance within me. At various times in my life I have felt like I am completely disconnected from these three areas, and my challenge is to be able to create wholeness and learn to maintain it with the different practices that nourish the these areas in my life.
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?
I have practiced honesty when I have assed my self, and although I can come up with different excuses as to why I am not where I should be physically the reality is that this is like a domino effect; if I am not well psychologically it will manifest physically and in my case spiritually I will be on shaky grounds. Now this being said it does not mean that I have always had an imbalance in all these different areas, I think that as a human being when we are confronted by life challenges all of these areas tremble.
I have had the privilege of having being raised by a mother who was beautifully spiritual and she passed on the importance of being at peace with me and consequently with everybody else, she taught me that if I worked and nourished my spirituality constantly in my life everything else would fall into place. My goal is to score as high as I can possibly score not only because I will benefit from it, but also because through my experience others will benefit too, it is a way of paying it forward.
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.
I have a very specific goal for each of these areas, for example for the Physical part my goal is to listen to my body more and place my self as a priority in my life. As a mother I think many would agree that we tend to place ourselves at the bottom of the list, and the truth is that if we are not well our families will suffer, so placing myself on top of my list and listening to my body and taking care of it through a well balance nutrition as well as continues exercise. Psychological goal would definitely have to be practicing meditation on a daily basis for at least twenty minutes, and take yoga classes at least two times a week. I know that by practicing these two therapies I will benefit psychotically because I will release stress and create a mental balance. Spiritually I will just continue doing what I have done every day of my life maintain my connection with my higher power by doing so it helps me to stay grounded to have faith and to believe that through him every part of my inner or outer self that needs healing and balance will happen.
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.
One of the strategies that I will like to practice to foster growth that will benefit all three domains, is to participate and attend a retreat center for a weekend where you have people that are highly trained and qualified to teach a variety of techniques to reach optimal health. A few of the things that I will put into practice is a daily commitment of some kind of physical activity such as walking this will benefit both my body and my mind. Spiritually continue with prayer and moments of complete silence where I can just connect with my higher power. Psychologically meditation would be a practice that will benefit not just the psyche but also the other two domains.
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 think the best way for me to assess my progress is to create a journal. This will give me the opportunity to not only check myself on a daily basis but also will be able to make monthly assessments on areas that I maybe focusing more than others. It will also be able to help me see my progress and will teach me the ability to make the necessary changes that will lead me to my ultimate goal which is to live a life in balance where the spiritual the psychological and the physical are not seen as three different domains, but that they are all so connected and in balance that they become one within me leading me to live a life of integral health.
