1. In Unit 3 I rated my Physical well-being as a 7. Since then, I have participated in Pilates classes and started to read a book on Yoga. I am continuing with my walking and swimming regimen and am buying as much of my fresh produce from local farmers. Because of these steps, I now rate myself with an 8.
In the area of my Spiritual well-being, I rated myself as a 7. I have not taken much time to follow through with my goals, so I would say my score has not changed since then.
In my Psychological well-being I rated myself as a 7. Since then, I have made more of a conscious effort to practice visualization and positive thinking, so now I would rate myself as an 8.
2 & 3- The physical goal I set for myself was starting a Pilates class in order to strengthen my core and improve my balance and flexibility. Through my Pilates class I feel my strength, balance and flexibility has improved and I have seen this spill over into my massage therapy practice. I have more stamina now and do not have as many aches and pains at the end of a work day.
- My spiritual goal was to spend more time in meditation and prayer. I have not followed through in this area, due to the intensity of my school and work schedule. I am feeling the affects of this as my stress level is getting higher and I feel more drained.
-My Psychological goal was to spend more time reflecting on the positive aspects of my life and spend at least some time practicing positive thinking and visualization, as well as reading at least 15 minutes a day. I have stuck with the reading, even when I had school work looming. I know that I need to give my mind a change from focusing on just academic work. Most days I am making progress toward thinking positively, but if I have a lot of difficult things happen on a particular day, I struggle.
4. I have seen a lot of growth in my life throughout this class. I am much more aware of where I need to be (a state of flourishing in every area of my life), the challenge is--what do I need to implement in my life to get there. My busy schedule is always a challenge, but I realized through this class that my everyday life gives me lots of opportunities to utilize and apply what I have learned. I can't always be waiting for the "perfect time" to practice these exercises, but I can slowly learn to walk in the truths of these practices throughout my day. I believe that through my awareness and transforming mental fitness I have experienced an improved well-being and I trust this will continue to grow and flourish in the future. What I have learned will give me more tools to help others and assist them in their journey. Through intent and empathetic listening, I can help them take charge of their healing process and walk with them along the path. I am not the answer to their problems, but I can help them discern what they need, to come to a greater place of health and wellness. I love that this class broadened my thinking beyond just addressing the physical aspect of stress management. We are all interconnected and if we are out of balance in one area, it affects all the others. This is a truth that needs to be shared with others who are seeking a deeper level of health.
Stephanie, I am so glad and proud of you for progressing in all aspects of your well-being. It is so important to be healthy and it sounds like you are on the right track for this. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you have made improvement, even if it's slight, in all of your aspects, and that is awesome. It looks like you've also set some great goals for yourself so you will be able to continue to progress. I feel a little short in the psychological aspect that I intend to keep working on. I see you start Pilates. That is a wonderful exercise and can really do great things for you. Best of luck to you in your future studies at Kaplan and in all the you pursue.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, from the beginning of class I have felt a connection with you and your journey. I am not sure if it is because we are both massage therapist, or our goals for integral wellness are similar. Your post and comments on my blog have been uplifting for me, and make me feel that you know me even when you have never met me. You seem to have made improvement on much of your goals. Pilates and yoga are my next sessions at the gym to try after I achieve my goal weight. You also mentioned in your post as well as your response to mine that being one with nature and reading is a good way to clear your mind in addition to increasing spirituality. I am going to try this. :) Thank you for allowing me to connect with you throughout our journey in this class.
ReplyDeleteI wish you best of luck! And congrats on having only a few more classes to go.
With Love, Bridget
Stephanie, being a wife, mother of 5 and grandmother of 8 pursuing a career... you're such an inspiration! As you state "What I have learned will give me more tools to help others and assist them in their journey. Through intent and empathetic listening, I can help them take charge of their healing process and walk with them along the path. I am not the answer to their problems, but I can help them discern what they need, to come to a greater place of health and wellness." A truly meaningful and fulfilling life :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and even more success!
Daisy