Final thoughts...

 In my personal assessment from Unit 3 I assessed my well-being as a 7 on    a scale from 1-10. Today I would assess myself at 8.5. I am a work in progress!

 When reviewing the goals I set in Unit 3, I have made some progress in my physical goal-I was able to start exercising again and have been making better nutritional choices. For my psychological goal I have been managing stress with exercise and mindful exercises. I have not been as successful with my spiritual goal-to set aside time for solitude. It is hard to not put everyone before myself when I have been doing it for so long.

My personal experience in this course has been a very positive one. I have developed an improved well-being as I make the mind-body connection and come to understand that my stress level can lead to illness. It has been difficult to quiet the "mental chatter" as there is so much of it at times-especially at work, but I have learned that through inner strength, I can handle whatever comes my way. This experience will improve my abilities to help others as I have learned how to help myself.

Alicia Maguire

 

 

When We Know Better, We Do Better

Alicia Maguire

Kaplan University

 

 

 

HW 420

Professor Aguilar

February 9, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is my project!

 

It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically to pave the way for the patients in their care. As Dacher states, “To become the agents of a more expansive health, we must begin with our own life.” By taking a good look at our own sources of suffering and aspects of our lives that need developing, we are in a better position to help others do the same for themselves. As I look at my own sources of suffering and aspects of my life that need developing, I have to be honest and say I need developing in each aspect.

When assessing the physical aspect of my life I consider the mind/body connection and how mental stress can put me at risk for heart disease. When assessing the spiritual aspect I considered authentic intimacy in my relationships with others. When I assess the psychological aspect of my life I consider my capacity to observe thoughts, images, and my feelings rather than being reactive. By developing these aspects of my life I will be able to realize my goal of inner peace, calm and integral health.

The goal I set for myself physically, is to manage my stress and lessen my risks for developing stress related illness through a greater understanding of my mind/body connection. The goal I have set for myself, spiritually, is to work on my authentic intimacy with others. And finally, the goal I set for my mental health is to observe rather than react. Once I reach these goals, I will make a conscious reassessment and look at sources of suffering and areas in my life that can use further development. I know this will be a life-long process, requiring adjustments as I continue my journey through life.

A strategy that I can implement to manage my stress is to use exercise as an opportunity to release stress as well as to find an inner calm and peace-this could be practiced by taking a walk on the beach and really experiencing it with all of my senses, being mindful and aware instead of going through the motions of exercise. I can also use visualization by listening to an audio recording of an exercise before going to sleep to quiet my mind from all the mental chatter. For my authentic intimacy I can practice the intimacy and spiritual union exercise on page 92 of our Integral Health textbook with my husband to strengthen our bond. I also can practice loving kindness in my other relationships to provide strength and inner peace. For my mental health goal, I can meditate to calm my mind and free my mind from distractions. I also can practice loving kindness with others and also with myself. As Dacher states “We cannot give to others what does not yet exist within ourselves.”

To assess my progress, or lack of progress in the next six months I can keep a journal with my goals and progress notes. In this journal I can make notations of discoveries, victories, and triumphs and at the end of the six months make a full assessment and take inventory of where I am at that moment. The strategies I can use to help maintain my long-term practices for health and wellness is to keep a positive attitude, keep practicing the exercises until they become a healthy habit, and to not be afraid to try something new nor be discouraged by temporary setbacks. As I become closer to the goal of human flourishing, the easier it will be to accept the changes for the greater good.

 Regards,

Alicia Maguire

The two practices that I have determined to be the most beneficial thus far are visualization and meditation. I can meditate in my car at lunch to relieve some stress and get me through the rest of the day. I also can practice visualization to relieve some stress, although I am more comfortable with meditation. I can use both of these methods as tools to help me manage my stress by helping me find inner peace and calmness in this crazy world. I especially like the visualization mp3 exercises and use them when I am feeling especially anxious and stressed.

Regards,

Alicia Maguire