Unit 8: Optimal Well-being: Psychological, Spiritual and Physical Keys to Health and Thriving

        “Mental Fitness” can be achieved in a number of different ways through various exercises and practices. Meditation and visualization have been the two most vital exercises that I have gained through this study of integral health. After I have read my bible, for 20-30 minutes I can just lie in state of calm and begin to meditate on the meaning of that particular passage of scripture and how it relates to where I am currently, or how I can make it an integral part of my life. In some instances, I may create from it an affirmation statement that I can rehearse until the changes are evident. Visualization works similarly to this in that if it is a specific promise in that passage of scripture, I can begin to picture myself as having received it as well as recount those that I have already received.  

Reference

Dacher, E.S., M.D. (2006). Integral health: the path to human flourishing. Laguna

            Beach, CA Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Unit 7-Current Trends and Research Supporting the Mind-Body-Spirit Paradigm

  

            “Meeting  Aesclepius” overall was a very valuable experience. It became a tad strange and questionable when the exercise called for choosing a person of wisdom or a mentor on whom to focus and envisioning light coming from their mind, throat, and heart being transferred to the person doing the exercise and ultimately picturing oneself as the wise person. I feel it is good to admire and desire some of the qualities of another individual, but not wanting to become them. I believe I can employ this exercise to the extent of admiration and nothing further.

               

            "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" (Dacher, 2006, p.477) applies to the health and wellness professional in that he or she must be the example to “practice what is preached”. It’s something about experience that brings about credibility and connection. That includes a continual pursuit to enhance one’s self psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Implementing  psychological and spiritual growth in my life would take on the form of meditation and reading of the word of God.

Reference

Dacher, E.S. (2006) Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna

            Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.

Unit 6 Exercises for Mind-Body-Spirit Wellness and Healing

        Dacher (2006) leads the reader through a 10-minute mini-practice, which boasts of being effective at expanding the heart and mind and shifting from a personal focus to universal loving-kindness (p. 93). It involves simple repetition of these phrases:

“May all individuals gain freedom from suffering. May all individuals find sustained health, happiness and wholeness. May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering. May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness” (p.93).

         The assessment process involves looking at the four quadrants of the integral map (life-psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal, or worldly) to take inventory to see where improvements can be made (Dacher, 2006, p. 115). I discovered that the biological aspect is an area of opportunity in my life. As much as physical activity affects the biological quadrant, so does the mental aspect (mind/body). By simply adding the technique of visualization to a physical workout will enhance the effectiveness of the workout.

This assessment is definitely one to revisit periodically to make sure that a healthy balance in the integral map is maintained.

Reference

Dacher, E.S. (2006) Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna

            Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.