Introduction:
The World Health
Organization state “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
There is a strong
connection between our mind and body.
What affects one affects the other and if we don’t keep both of them
fit, it will lead to mental fatigue, physical fatigue, anger, fear, heart
disease and ultimately death. We must
find healthy ways to support positive feelings and behavior in our lives. This can only be done through a process of
human flourishing.
The psychological
area of my life needs to be further developed because I tend to get stressed
when under pressure and find that I lack the coping skills to get through those
rough periods. This not only affects me
physically (headache, sleeplessness) but my confidence as well.
Assessment:
If I had to rate
myself on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most positive), I would have to say
that spiritually and physically I am at a 9.
I have a strong belief in God and realize that spirituality is a
constant process of exercising positive thoughts and behaviors. I exercise regularly and stay away from
vices that would physically harm my body.
Thankfully I am not plagued with any lifestyle diseases (hypertension,
diabetes, obesity) and I believe it is directly related to my active lifestyle
and healthy eating. On the other hand
psychologically, I would rate myself as perhaps a 6. Like I mentioned earlier, there are times
when I tend to get stressed when under pressure and doubt my ability to
complete certain tasks.
Goal Development:
Physical – One goal development I would like to
see in this area is to run the Susan H. Komen marathon in January 2015. Every year a local company sponsor’s a national
marathon to bring about awareness of breast cancer. I have never run the marathon but I am
currently training to do it January 2015.
Psychological -
Incorporate meditation exercise on a consistent basis. I have found while taking this course that
meditation aids in relaxing the mind and bringing a level of calm and
serenity. This will assist me in putting
everything in perspective and realize that I must shift my gaze inward where I
will find a source of inner health and healing. Dacher (2006)
Spiritual – It is not just important to just
“know” the power of prayer and meditation but I must practice this through
daily devotion. Williamson (October 2014)
Practices for Personal Health:
In order to foster
growth in the field of physical, psychological and spiritual health, I must be
deliberate in my approach. Creating a
daily schedule and sticking to it will give me some structure. Repetition deepens impression. I am currently on a schedule now with daily
devotions and exercise three times per week, but I now need to incorporate some
form of meditation exercise for at least 20 minutes during the day. I must be realistic however, as I know that
with my hectic schedule, I will not be able to do meditate every day but I will
begin to spend 20 minutes just prior to exercise, to meditate. This will be done on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. I will try the yoga as it
involves movement which is also a form of exercise.
Commitment:
I am a creature of
habit but there are times when I may fall off the band wagon so to keep track
of my progress I will start
journaling. I have also asked my
husband to be my conscience (smile) The
journaling will allow me to keep a record of my progress and my husband who is
very discipline can keep me on track.
Hopefully with this
road map, I will be better able to achieve a higher level of integral health
and reduce anxiety and stress in my life.
References
Dacher, E.S. “Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing” (2006)
Marati, J. “30 Best Quotes About Staying Well
Physically & Spiritually” (February 2012), retrieved 13th
December 2014 from: http://ecosalon.com/30-best-quotes-about-health-and-wellness/
Williamson, Marianne
“How to Be Spiritually Fit” (October 2014), retrieved 13th December
2014 from: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Be-Spiritually-Fit-Marianne-Williamson
Gayle,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! First of all I want say, Good luck to you on your marathon in January. I am sure you will do great and have a great time.
It sounds like you have make a great list of goals for yourself and I agree with you that it is so important to make lists in order to stick with a plan. I am doing the same thing in my plan and I too am a creature of habit. It's important to look at goals as part of your routine and before you know it, it's something you will just do for yourself. Meditation is such a great way to become connected with yourself and with anyone you want to include in your mantra. I find it very rewarding and peaceful. I put that in my plan too because, even though I love it I have not been consistent with it. Good luck with your goals!
Sara
Great post and goals! We all need to stay consistent and hold ourselves accountable to continue on the journey. I love what you wrote that The World Health Organization states “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. I have never looked at it that way! We can have no disease but be completely at dis-ease still. I will carry this with me very interesting! Best of luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteGayle, I can understand when you talk about your confidence wavering when you are put under pressure. My fiancé loves to plan but when he gets too busy with military training and the planning of big events falls on me, I panic and really don’t know where to start. It’s happening right now with New Year’s Eve. Your goal to run a marathon is AWESOME! I can’t imagine running more than a 5K, so props to you!
ReplyDeleteGood evening Gayle,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your final blog and it is great that you have such motivating goals and commitments that are achievable and realistic. I like the fact that you want to run a marathon and I think that will be very rewarding and beneficial to your spiritual, physical and psychological well-being and inner peace; I also think that it is very important to set goals that are realistic which can be motivating in order to accomplish them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences, good luck with the completion of the marathon, your degree program and life goals. Have a great week!
Zaconia