Final Post

1.      Review your unit 3 personal assessment of your psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being. Reflect on these areas . How did you score yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 in unit 3? How do you score yourself now? Has the score changed? Why or why not?

Back in unit 3 when assessing my over-all well-being I reflected sometime on all the things that would encompass each of the domains that would determine my well-being. I had ranked my physical well-being as a 7, my spiritual well-being as a 6, and my psychological well-being as a 4.

Here we are 7 weeks later and after giving it some thought, I do feel as though I have grown in each of these domains.  My physical well-being is my strongest of domains and although scored high at a 7, I have continued to maintain all aspects that determined this higher score.  My diet and exercise have stayed consistent and pretty much without flaw.  I have decreased my body fat percentage from 19% to 15.67%.  My weight has only decreased my 3 pounds, which still is within healthy range.  My medical conditions are unchanged and the issue I was having with my hair falling out has seemed to correct itself.  Because my score was so high to begin with these small gains only have increased my score by ½ a point giving me a score of 7 ½.

My spiritual wellbeing is beginning to grow stronger as I incorporate psychological practices into my daily routine.  Although I am practicing daily, there are areas that still need more time and practice before I consider my score to change.

My psychological wellbeing was ranked the lowest 7 weeks ago, although still being ranked as the most under developed of my domains it is the domain the has had the most growth.  I would now rank it a 5. I still need much practice in this area to develop it to a level that I feel would bring balance into my life.

2.     Review the goals and activities you set for yourself in each area. Have you made progress toward the goals? Explain.

3.     Have you implemented the activities you chose for your well-being in each of the three areas? Explain.

My goal for my physical wellbeing was to determine why my hair was falling out.  I had planned on seeing a naturopath to have my blood analyzed to help determine what was happening.  I did not make this appointment, but my hair has seemed to stabilize.  I contribute it to my thyroid levels may have been off, and now they seem to be stabilized. 

My goal for my spiritual wellbeing was to spend more time in prayer and devotions. I have been accomplishing this goal by waking a few minutes early each day to spend in quite prayer and devotions.  I have come to the conclusion that to grow spiritually I must eliminate selfishness and spend time in prayer of thanksgiving and prayers for others.

My goal for my psychological wellbeing was to decrease my negative thoughts and emotions.  As I stated in my unit 3 blog this was going to be a goal that would need continual work.  I feel though I am making progress here by not only trying to have a positive outlook on things but also to not speak negatively.  Although this has not been completely eliminated, I have been able to catch myself when I have made a negative comment and I will say “let me rephrase that” and I will attempt to turn it around to something positive.

4.     

     Summarize your personal experience throughout this course. Have you developed improved well-being? What has been rewarding? What has been difficult? How will this experience improve your ability to assist others?

I have truly enjoyed this course.  It has been extremely rewarding and has opened up a whole world of understanding for me.  I believe with the skills and understanding of the meditation practices I have improved my over-all wellbeing.  I believe the most difficult part of this experience has been understanding the importance of incorporating the meditation practices into your life and not being able to find the time to do so.  I believe this course and the practices taught within will greatly improve my ability to assist others. Implementing these practices and developing within my own domains, will help me to guide others.    As one develops their psychological mind and begins to find balance and inner peace, they then can help others to progress towards the same level.

It has been an amazing 10 weeks, I know my journey is in the early stages and I look forward to what is ahead. I will continue to be dedicated, patient, and true to myself, implementing the practices necessary to continue my growth and guide me along the path towards integral health.

Laurie