Holistic and Integral Health Plan
Health is something people strive for, spending tremendous amounts of time and money to achieve the goal: Vital health. As health care professionals we have the obligation and the privilege to help people achieve that goal. Health is more than the absence of disease or pain. Health, holistic and integral health, is physical health, spiritual health, and psychological health. A shortfall in any of these areas affects the others. To have complete integral health allows a person to fully experience the joy of living while, at the same time, minimizing suffering. Dacher (2006) purports, “authentic health will change you” and it “requires a transformation of mind and heart” (p.1). The result is the goal people are striving to reach – integral health. With this in mind, the healthcare professional must strive first to achieve this integral health in his/her own life. One cannot teach what one has not experienced. We must be role models so that people will want the kind of health we have. Then, we are in a great place to teach, nurture, and coach (Dacher, 2006).
For myself, I am very physically active with a balanced fitness program that includes cardio vascular exercise, strength training, and stretching. My eating habits are very health and nutritionally sound. Spiritually, I spend 30 minutes every morning praying, reading the bible, and spending quiet time in meditation. Psychologically, I take time for myself, as well as, taking time to serve others. However, there is always room for growth. I will continue in each realm to fine tune and improve on the plans and routines I now have. At this point, I feel that all of the three areas mentioned, physical, spiritual, and psychological, are healthy and balanced. The one area that I need the most practice is the meditation area. This is new for me, but I am determined to learn the skill in order to inch closer and closer to that goal – integral health. Therefore, I would rate myself in each area in the following manner: On a scale of 1 -10, physically - 9, spiritually – 8, psychologically – 8.
I have a goal in each of the areas mentioned. For the physical realm, I would like to continue to improve on flexibility. That is my weak area, but I feel so much better when I take the proper amount of time to stretch. Spiritually, my goal is to master the skill of meditation. I know there are many benefits to calming and focusing the mind. I’m looking forward to increasing my skill in this area. Psychologically, my goal is to do at least one nice thing for myself, and one nice thing for someone else everyday. Giving is good for the soul. It is tremendously satisfying to help others and know I am contributing to the greater good.
The strategies I have to accomplish my goals include practicing either yoga or tai chi every day to increase flexibility and balance. Spiritually, I will continue to practice the Loving Kindness exercise or the Subtle Mind exercise at least every other day until I feel I am ready to practice meditation without the aid of a guide. Psychologically, doing something nice for myself each day might be taking time out to read a book, getting my nails done, or watching a movie. Doing something nice for someone else might include doing someone’s laundry for him or her, cooking someone his/her favorite meal, or just listening attentively without thinking about what I need to do next. Giving someone your undivided attention is a great gift. There are many other examples outside of the home to be a blessing to others, but these are just a few ideas.
In the next six months, I will assess my progress by measuring the degree of flexibility I have achieved. For example, it is hard for me to put my hands flat on the floor when I am trying to touch my toes; my goal is to be able to put both hands flat on the floor. Spiritually, I would like to be able to spend an entire 30 minutes in calm abiding. This is a stretch for me since I am only able to do about 5 minutes at this point. Psychologically, I will have to assess how well I am doing on my goal of one nice thing for myself, and one nice thing for someone else every day. This one I will be able to measure on a daily basis.
With the goal being integral health, every aspect must receive special care and attention. Integral health is beyond ordinary it is extraordinary. Integral health is something that is self-cultivated and sustainable. Integral health can lead to the ultimate human experience – human flourishing. Human flourishing is reaching the highest level of physical, spiritual, and psychological health. Flourishing allows the mind to remain calm rather than reactive to life’s circumstances. Flourishing is achievable if someone truly wants to attain it. It takes planning and commitment, but anything worth having is worth working for (Dacher, 2006). Reference:
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc. Publisher.
Sherry, this sounds like an awesome plan!! You have put so much detail and effort into this project, and I feel you are on the right path to optimal health and wellness! Your blogs were always so interesting and very descriptive. I always had an interest in how you were going to response. Great post and it was great speaking with you during this term
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your project and goals with us. You have thought through your goals and planned what would work for you. It is important to not only know what your limitations are, but know how to push yourself further. I believe you will accomplish great things in your future. Good luck to you.
Sherry, thank you for sharing your integral plan for success! You have some great goals and you have already achieved so much. Meditation is area that I need to work on as well and this class has helped me learn that process. Good luck following your dreams and goals!
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