Unit
9 Final Project
HW420-02
Kaplan
University
Scott
Choplin
9/27/2013
I.
Introduction:
There
are four reasons for exploring psychospiritual flourishing. The first is the
most underdeveloped aspect of human life, we spend too much energy and time
developing our physical lives such as our intellect, our careers, and our
relationships that we forget it is just as important to develop our inner
lives.
Secondly,
it is the source of modern-day epidemics of mental suffering and premature
disease; most times we become detached from our emotional wellness so we cannot
see those warning signs which lead to illnesses such as anxiety, depression,
and anger issues.
Thirdly,
this area will most likely help to develop other aspects of our lives fully,
someone with a fully developed inner life will be much more peaceful, and their
bright light will beam from within, enriching other aspects of their lives, and
with those lives they choose to surround themselves.
Fourth and lastly, the development of our inner life
is the most unique and precious opportunity given to us as humans, we are more
than giving material things to others; instead, our greatest gifts to others is
being a caring and loving person. However, you must use those gifts of caring
and loving on yourself first to develop a rich and full inner self to share
with others (Dacher, 2006).
The
Psychospiritual Development levels are very important for health and wellness.
These four steps include: primal unity which is the oneness and
interconnectedness with all life. Such a newborn there is no separation between
the inner and outer world in which this inevitable separation is needed for
further development.
Next
level is witnessing consciousness, this helps us to stop, focus, make certain
choices, and comprehend our thoughts and feelings. Also, to become intentional
without reactions toward life, meaning to learn how to change those destructive
patterns and emotions.
This
is the one I have been working real hard to change. I stop and think before I
react to what is being said which helps me make a conscious decision instead of
over reacting. I can create my own thoughts and not be enticed by other’s
negative actions or words.
Third
level is calm abiding consciousness; this is where those intentions become
mature. Here we must explore deep into our mind to discover our wisdom,
loving-kindness, and inner peace. Practicing meditation, contemplative
practices, or daily prayer can help us reach this level.
The final step is unity consciousness, this is the
step we develop the most subtle mind and re-experience oneness and unity of the
child. This is obtained through an understanding called “matured innocence,” a
rebirth of the child with consciousness and wisdom. This level takes years of
contemplative practice which we should all desire to reach (Dacher, 2006).
These areas are very important for health
professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically so they
can be better mentors, understand the needs of others, and be in a better
position to explain the benefits of a balanced mind, body, and soul.
II. Assessment:
I have an awareness of the sources of my stress,
needless suffering, dissatisfaction, and the sources toward future development
and flourishing. I understand without knowing where I stand in each area then I
will not be able to develop and to see growth. For this, I need to silent my
mind and focus on which aspect (psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal,
worldly) that my life has suffering and see where I need to grow. It is
important to reflect on each before moving forward to another area because I
may need more time before moving on. This practice will enhance my awareness
and serve as an ongoing assessment tool. Since taking this class those areas I
have focused on such as my body, psychological, and spiritual have improved.
My score for my overall wellness is a 9. My physical
well-being score is a 9, my spiritual well-being is a 9, and my psychological
well-being is a 9 also. My mind and my body connections are at the highest
peaks ever. I have learned to listen to them more clearly which makes me feel
that all my areas of life are going in the right directions.
III. Goal Development:
My physical well-being goals are to continue my
weight training up to four times a week and my walking at least three times a
week and jogging and bike riding.
My spiritual well-being goals are to continue to
pray and do mental health practices which means going to church on Sundays and
daily meditation and loving-kindness practice.
My psychological well-being goals are to keep
working on my future possibilities which is completing my degree plan at Kaplan
next semester. Then I will study to take the exam to be a Certified Dietary
Manager and Certified Food Protection Professional in March 2014. Many steps to
get there but I am on that path!
IV. Practices for Personal Health:
An example of an activity or exercise to implement a
greater wellness for me is the physical activity of walking or jogging since
this can help increase my cardio. Another example of an activity or exercise to
implement is the physical activity of weight training since this is a mindfulness
practice benefiting the body and the mind. I eat very healthy along with being
active it is important to foster balance for my whole body. This also allows me
to rest and sleep better and allows my body and my mind to feel cared for and
connected.
Examples of psychological wellness to implement a
greater wellness for me are meditation practices and the loving-kindness
practice. Meditation at nighttime or in stressful situations helps to foster
peace, calmness, and more clarity. It also improves my overall health, feels
great, and I have more energy yet relaxed. Loving-kindness practice allows me
to think before reacting in a situation. I take the negative thoughts or
actions and replace them with love and compassion towards another. I can place
myself in their shoes and look at what is troubling their life so I can help
and not make things worse.
Examples of spiritual wellness to implement a
greater wellness for me is going to church on Sundays and praying. I feel so
much better when I physically go to Sunday mass and it makes my week complete.
I will continue doing this and get more involved with church organizations and
church functions. Praying for others and myself allows me to understand there
is a higher power through my struggles and praying for others can help them
through their struggles as well. It helps me cope better and foster a
transformation of personal growth.
Furthermore, it is essential to establish a set of
principles which helps us understand and distinguish the characteristics of
integral practice. I find the eight essential principles of integral or mindful
practice make us realize just that.
1.) All integral practices must have as their final
aim the evolution of our knowledge, capacity, and abilities beyond what is now
considered normal. Therefore, our practices must address and support each
aspect of life with the goal of fully realizing all levels of human potential
such as age, temperament, stage of life, and general level of health. The
evolution of this potential is from body to mind to spirit.
2.) All integral practices must be supported by
inner development. Contemplative practice, mental training, and subtle
consciousness provide the space, clarity, wisdom, and attention those are
fundamental requirements for the success of other practices. Through an
expanded consciousness we can complete the movement from body to mind to spirit
in each aspect of our life.
3.) All integral practices must be infused with an
aspiration for loving-kindness. Universal loving-kindness softens the mind and
opens the heart. It diminishes the grip of our ego and conveys a larger meaning
to life. It further assists us in gaining the good will, encouragement, and
support of others.
4.) All integral practices must be infused with
virtue. Therefore, courage, creativity, discipline, patience, openness,
perseverance, confidence, and enthusiasm are some traits that fuel our
practice. Unless we have strength of character that can maintain vision and
sustain our efforts, we will not be able to stay the course.
5.) All integral practices must be tailored to the
individual’s needs. We are each born with a unique disposition, temperament,
and life circumstance. Throughout our life cycle, each of us must be able to
adapt specific practices to our own needs and be flexible in reshaping them
when necessary. Integral practices must be based on individual’s specific needs
and the totality of available resources.
6.) Integral practice requires more than one helper
or mentor. This may include individuals uniquely trained as integral resource
counselors who are knowledgeable about a wide variety of integral approaches,
familiar with related books, seminars, and online information, and capable of
tailoring person-centered programs.
7.) Integral practice requires that we take
responsibility for our own development. Assuming overall responsibility for
integral health will help us build autonomy, skillfulness, discernment,
discipline, and the capacity for improvisation. We have the best chance of
getting it right and most efficiently and effectively advancing on our integral
path.
8.) Integral practice emphasizes activities that are
broad-based, simultaneously touching multiple aspects of our life.
Contemplative practices ranging from formal meditation to active meditations
such as tail chi still our mind and expand our consciousness. They enhance the
quality of life, harmonize our body/mind/spirit, and support a more effective
presence in worldly life (Dacher, 2006).
V. Commitment:
I will assess my progress or lack of progress through
practicing the daily meditations and other practices then re-evaluating where I
feel I need to make some necessary changes or adjustments. After all I have to
understand, to experience, and to grow before I can help others do the same. I
have to walk the walk and talk the talk and be committed to practice what I
teach. I will maintain my daily meditation, practice loving-kindness, prayer,
go to Sunday mass, and take other’s feelings and well-being into heart and
consideration as well as my own feelings and well-being. I feel ready to help
others because I have helped myself!
Reference:
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health the Path to
Human Flourishing, Basic Health Publications,
Inc:
Laguna Beach, CA.
