10:03 AM Personal Application of Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing.

As a health and wellness professional, I have a responsibility to provide my clients with appropriate and effective care. I have to understand what issues they are having, know how to correct it, and how to educate them about maintenance and prevention. It goes far beyond that, however. As a wellness professional I need to live the life I promote. I need to be the example of why it is so great to do what I recommend. I need to show them it is not only possible, but the benefits of leading a lifestyle that promotes integral health far outweigh the negative sacrifices.

            I need to improve physically, spiritually, and psychologically.  I have already started my journey and set my goals. I have started a nutrition and exercise plan to help me lose fat, gain muscle and get in great physical condition. I am also incorporating meditation into my daily life to clear my mind and become psychologically strong and connect spiritually with God. In my routine I have also included yoga, just once a week for now, until I become better and have become firmer in my routine. By adding these changes to my life I believe I will become closer to achieving integral health and wellness.

            I have rated each area of my health as a 5. I am in the middle of the road, and I may have underestimated the number. I have plenty of room for improvement. I rated my physical health as a 5 because I know how I can be and I am not there. In a recent biometric screening I had awesome numbers (blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, triglycerides ect.) I am just a bit over weight. I love the fact that I am healthy and I know I have control over my health.

            I rate my psychological health as a 5 because I feel it is having a direct impact on my physical health. I have been inconsistent with diet and exercise and I feel there are reasons I keep making bad choices and by adding visualization and meditation exercises I will be able to see these issues clearly, and take the necessary action steps to correct my habits.

            My spiritual health is a 5 because I feel like I have never really gotten spiritually involved at any point in my life. I have questioned my faith many times, but I have never lost it. I am going to make the effort to connect with God and find greater spiritual development.

            My physical goal is to gain lean mass and lose body fat. I am going to do so by eating lean protein sources slow digesting carbohydrates and drinking lots of water. I am going to avoid all unhealthy foods, sodas, alcohol and sweets. It will be hard but it will be worth it.  My psychological goal is to gain greater confidence, make better choices and stronger in my conviction. Clearing my mind will allow me to see through clouds and quiet the noise. My spiritual goals are to gain a better spiritual relationship through prayer and meditation.

            I have started my exercise and nutrition journal to keep track of my progress. I have joined a group to provide me with motivation, inspiration and keep my on my toes. I have always wanted to compete in a bikini/figure competition so I am going to sign up for one to really set the bar high. It was a dream of mine when I first started training and I never did. I want to be able to say I did, so that is a long -term goal and a strategy I am using to make myself commit. This also helps in the psychological domain.

            I have mentioned before the exercises I am currently using to foster my psychological health. They are working for me so far. I am taking time in the morning and the evening to clear my mind and visualize. I am also listening to audio while I sleep. So far I feel there has been some improvement because I certainly feel more relaxed and have a clearer mind. I am able to make clearer decisions and focus better.

            My spiritual development is going to require more effort since it is the least developed area of my life. I am looking for a church for my family to join. I am also finding time to read our bible each day. Even if it is just one passage I am taking the time and effort to gain greater understanding and love for my faith.  Finally, I am searching for mentors for all areas of my development. I am looking for someone who has accomplished what I want to accomplish in each area and look to them for guidance, as I will do for someone else some day.

            Integral wellness is a journey not a destination. It is a lifestyle and not a quick fix. It changes with you and it changes you. It fosters humanity, love, compassion, kindness, altruism and passion within us. I have several goals set in place to start my journey to integral health. This is just the beginning and as I become closer to my goal I may have to change my goals to provide room for more growth. I may also have to change my strategies. I look forward to the journey and the change that comes with it.