my health and wellness plan

                It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically because they are the most important role models to their clients.  Even professionals need to practice human flourishing; they need to rid the mind of unnecessary, negative clutter, confusion, misunderstandings, and stresses. (Dacher, 2006)  This will help them as professionals better help their clients, and flourish in their career.  Being physically healthy can directly affect psychological health.  You cannot reach a happy, healthy, whole life and mind without taking care of your body.  Our current medicine practices are causing more harm to patients; they treat the person from the outside and pay no attention to the person inside. (Dacher, 2006)  This does not work because not one person is the same, so their treatment should not be the same.  The path to positive spirituality is also very crucial to our health.  It is the most undeveloped aspect of our life, it is the principle source of modern-day epidemics of mental suffering and premature disease, it is the one area of our development that will mostly directly catalyze the full development of our life, and the development of our inner life is the most unique and precious opportunity given to us as humans. (Dacher, 2006)  I personally have some development in all three of these areas. 

                From a 1-10 scale (1=the worst, 10=the best), I rate my physical self at a 7, I rate my spirituality at a 6-7, and I rate my psychological self at a 7-8.  There is always room for improvement, but I feel very confident with my life at this moment.  This class has really shown me the importance of all of these areas and the importance of improvement.  A goal I have for my physical self is to stop giving into my sweet tooth, and start practicing yoga.  A goal I have for my spiritual self is to make it to church more often and start volunteering.  A goal I have for my psychological self is to control my anger and keep my head up when I’m feeling down.  Practicing yoga and meditation can foster growth in all three of these areas.  Making sure I get to bed early every night can also foster growth physically and psychologically.  Hopefully in the next week I will be able to begin my desire to volunteer, there is a couple great children’s hospitals around my house that I am looking forward to helping at.  I believe this will also foster growth psychologically and spiritually. 

                When this class ends it will be very important to continue educating myself and practicing human flourishing.  I am thankful that I will still have my books to read because they were great for school but they will be great to keep reading for my own personal development.  I also hope to find a job/career where I can use my knowledge in health and wellness, and further my education and practices in that field. 

Reference

Dacher, E., (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications, Inc.

my top meditation exercises

We did a lot of great exercises in this class, I learned so much on spiritual and mental health.  One of my favorite exercises was the loving-kindness exercise.  This class has really shown me the benefits of meditation.  I never got into the visualization exercises though. The Crime of the Century exercise was also fun.  During this class I researched the many benefits of meditation and I don't understand why there isn't more emphasis on these practices?!  We should even start teaching children in schools about these exercises!!

"Meeting Asciepius"

This meditation exercise was unlike one I have ever heard, you had to think of a person you believe to be wise and good.  I really like the tone and voice of the lady talking, that can make or break a meditation.  I also enjoyed it because she used very descriptive, relaxing words.  This track was very relaxing and positive, it also could come across as motivational speaking.  I really love these exercises, it's very cool that meditating is homework!  I always stress my belief that everyone should be taught relaxation exercises and/or meditation, it could be a step towards a better world. : )
Lauren Reeves

loving-kindness and assessment

The loving-kindness exercise was nice.  I like to pray a lot so it reminded me of a really deep, meaning full prayer.  On a daily basis I think I pray for this world in general, and that it similar to what the exercise focused on.  It also reminded me of everytime I watch the news I say a little prayer similar to the exercise, to help everyone around the world. 

As I went through the assessment, I saw that I have come a long way as a person.  I love who I am and the life I have, but I am a lot softer of a person than I used to be.  I think this can be a good thing and a bad thing.  I think it is important that you don't let people step all over you, so balancing this is important in life.  I also realized that I am a really nice, kind person.  I never do things to hurt people, which I have in the past.  My spirituality has also grown in the recent years, which I am proud of.  I think I am doing well on my road to integral health, I think education in this area should be taught all over our country and maybe we would see a better change.

Relaxation exercises

The loving-kindess exercise was different than the subtle mind exercise.  During the loving-kindness you were told to think of someone that is suffering, so you really did feel that.  During the subtle mind exercise is was completely relaxing, concentrating hard on your breathe.  I have done breathing techniques in previous classes and they are truely amazing.  I do love the sound of waves in the backround of these exercises!  It makes me want to go buy one of those sound machines!  Mental health is directly connection to physical health, the body is one community that needs each different part and system to help function the other.  Just like people work together in a community.  Once there is damage or something wrong in one part, others can be directly affected.  I believe we need to start teaching this country, and our world, on the benefits of mental and physical health.  Instead of cutting children's gym class and feeding them garbage food, give them some yoga classes and real, natural foods. Everyone needs to also learn about relaxation techniques.  It could help get rid of so many stressors, anxiety, and burdens of our busy life.

The Crime of the Century Exercise

I enjoyed this exercise.  When I do these exercises I have to like the person’s voice and this one was good.  I think everyone needs to be introduced to these exercises and maybe we’d have a better world.  Sometimes the exercises ask the person to go too deep if they don’t have enough practice, this one did not do that.  Anyone could try this and benefit from it. 

Lauren Reeves

my personal assessment

In  my own opinion I think my health is pretty good, could be better and could be worse.  I try daily to keep up with eating right and getting the right amount of exercise.  On a scale from 1-10 (10 being optimal wellness) I rate my physical well being as 7-8 (maybe 7.5), my spiritual well being about an 8, and my psychological well being about an 8 as well.  I work out about 4 days a week which I have been happy with.  I have some aches and pains I didn't have a few years ago but I strength train, do cardio (intervals when needed), attend spin classes, and do lots of core work.  I do not have any serious mental conditions and am an overall happy, positive person.  I have health, happiness, and great family and friends. (even though I am going through a very stressful time right now lol).  My family has always been religious and spiritual and God is very important to me.  Times can get tough, I try to keep my head up and in the game!!

Some of my goals are to get to the gym more often and do more home workouts.  I would also like to attend church more often.  My mother takes my daughter weekly and sometimes I don't make it as much as I should.  But I still keep good strong faith!!

"The Crime of the Century" exercise was great.  I play exercises like that on a regular basis.  My 5 year daughter always asks me to play them before she goes to bed!  Have a great, fun, and healthy weekend!