This is my final post in my blog. In my Unit 3 blog from this course, I had to assess my psychological, spiritual, and physical wellness. I had to score this from 1-10; I scored my psychological as a 7 and my spiritual and physical wellness as an 8. As of today, I would still consider my psychological wellness as a 7, and my spiritual wellness as an 8. However, I am glad to say that my physical wellness is now a 9:)
I have set a lot of goals over the last month for my physical wellness. I originally started running about 3 1/2 months ago and I achieved my goal of running 2.5 miles without stopping! I then started an INSANITY program by Shaun T. This program is very intense, but it has shown me that I can be a very strong and motivated person, if I just put my mind to it. I have now gotten through the first month and am just finishing up the recovery week. I will then be starting my second month on Monday; which is the last portion of this program :) I am very proud of myself for getting this far through the program and I feel much stronger than I did before. I lost 4 pounds in one month and I feel that I have gained not only physical strength, but also mental strenghth as well.
I also have set aside the 15 minutes per week for relaxation. I try to either listen to music or find something to do; whether it be taking a drive or fixing up my yard. I do enjoy working outside; it gives me the sense of relaxation. However, I have not been praying three times a week like I have wanted to. I do not know why this has been so difficult for me. I think it is because I have had so much going on lately. I have had to take my son to the doctor's a couple of times last week and have a lot of "running" around to do. I think when this happens our minds just wonder all over and we forget. This is something that I am definitely going to be doing. I am also going to be going to my Aunt's church out of state next month. I think this will be helpful to me as well; this will give me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and beliefs as well.
This class has helped me out a great deal because I have learned a lot about myself and about different relaxation techniques that are available. I have also learned that we need to open our hearts and our minds to others. I think it is so important to remember how important our family is to us. Sometimes I think we get caught up in our everyday lives, that we forget who is right there beside us. We need to take the time and recognize our family and spend time with them; after all time is a precious thing and you never know how long you will have.
Sara DeSanto
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
UNIT 9: PROJECT (PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL & SPIRITUAL WELLNESS)
I. Introduction:
I think it is very important for wellness professionals to be able to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically not only for themselves but also for those they are helping. The saying “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"(George, L) is very true when it comes to wellness professionals. If a wellness professional has not developed themselves spiritually, physically, and psychologically, how can they bring that to another person? I feel it is very important to have that experience before you try and help someone else. I think the biggest area that I need to develop in order to achieve my goals is psychologically. I have a lot of stress in my life and sometimes it can be very difficult for me to; as my husband says; “just relax”. It is easier said than done, but I know that through some exercises and practices, I will be able to achieve my goal and increase my overall wellness.
I think it is very important for wellness professionals to be able to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically not only for themselves but also for those they are helping. The saying “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"(George, L) is very true when it comes to wellness professionals. If a wellness professional has not developed themselves spiritually, physically, and psychologically, how can they bring that to another person? I feel it is very important to have that experience before you try and help someone else. I think the biggest area that I need to develop in order to achieve my goals is psychologically. I have a lot of stress in my life and sometimes it can be very difficult for me to; as my husband says; “just relax”. It is easier said than done, but I know that through some exercises and practices, I will be able to achieve my goal and increase my overall wellness.
II. Assessment:
I have accessed my wealth and out of a score of 1-10, I rate my spiritual wellness as an 8, my physical wellness as an 8 and my psychological wellness as a 7. I do think that I need to use some more relaxation techniques in order to increase my psychological wellness.
I have accessed my wealth and out of a score of 1-10, I rate my spiritual wellness as an 8, my physical wellness as an 8 and my psychological wellness as a 7. I do think that I need to use some more relaxation techniques in order to increase my psychological wellness.
III. Goal development:
I have set some goals for myself in each are of wellness. For my physical wellness, I have started the Insanity workout program a little over 3 weeks ago and my goal is to reach the end of the 60 day program. If I can finish this 60 day program; I know that I will feel not only better physically, but also mentally as well. Since, I have started this program, I have an increase in my confidence and I have increased my cardio stamina as well. For my mental health (psychological), I have set a goal of starting meditation at least once a week for 15 minutes. I feel that this will allow me time to just “let go” of any anger or stress that I have in my life and be able to focus more on the good and happiness. For my spiritual goal, I have set to find a church in my area that I will be able to attend during the week. I currently work every weekend, so I am unable to attend church on Sundays. I would like to find a church where I can go one evening during the week to pray. I think this will really help me get a little bit closer to my spiritual needs.
I have set some goals for myself in each are of wellness. For my physical wellness, I have started the Insanity workout program a little over 3 weeks ago and my goal is to reach the end of the 60 day program. If I can finish this 60 day program; I know that I will feel not only better physically, but also mentally as well. Since, I have started this program, I have an increase in my confidence and I have increased my cardio stamina as well. For my mental health (psychological), I have set a goal of starting meditation at least once a week for 15 minutes. I feel that this will allow me time to just “let go” of any anger or stress that I have in my life and be able to focus more on the good and happiness. For my spiritual goal, I have set to find a church in my area that I will be able to attend during the week. I currently work every weekend, so I am unable to attend church on Sundays. I would like to find a church where I can go one evening during the week to pray. I think this will really help me get a little bit closer to my spiritual needs.
IV. Practices for personal health:
In order to foster growth in my life, I have been focusing on what techniques or exercises are the best for me. I feel that the Visualization and mediation exercises really focus on my life and what it means to me. When I use the Visualization exercise, I immediately think of all the loving people; past and present that mean so much to me and everything they have done for me. I don’t know where I would be today without my family. I think this exercise is wonderful because I am able to focus on what is truly important in life; which makes me less focused on the stressful situations in life. I also feel that the mediation technique is a great technique for me to utilize because I will be able to relieve my stress and focus my energy into the technique. I also feel that the Loving Kindness is another great exercise. This exercise allows me to focus on how much love I can give others. It is very important to show others compassion, love, and kindness. I think that the true meaning of giving to others is not ever expecting anything in return.
In order to foster growth in my life, I have been focusing on what techniques or exercises are the best for me. I feel that the Visualization and mediation exercises really focus on my life and what it means to me. When I use the Visualization exercise, I immediately think of all the loving people; past and present that mean so much to me and everything they have done for me. I don’t know where I would be today without my family. I think this exercise is wonderful because I am able to focus on what is truly important in life; which makes me less focused on the stressful situations in life. I also feel that the mediation technique is a great technique for me to utilize because I will be able to relieve my stress and focus my energy into the technique. I also feel that the Loving Kindness is another great exercise. This exercise allows me to focus on how much love I can give others. It is very important to show others compassion, love, and kindness. I think that the true meaning of giving to others is not ever expecting anything in return.
V. Commitment:
I will assess my progress over the next six months by seeing how I feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am going to keep a journal and write down my thoughts week to week; therefore I can go back to them and see how my progress has been. I am also keeping a log of my physical progress so I can see how that has changed over the next several months. I think these tools will help me see if I have changed or if I still need to adjust my lifestyle to make sure that I am focusing on what is important in life. I want to have a long-term healthy life full of happiness and wholeness.
I will assess my progress over the next six months by seeing how I feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am going to keep a journal and write down my thoughts week to week; therefore I can go back to them and see how my progress has been. I am also keeping a log of my physical progress so I can see how that has changed over the next several months. I think these tools will help me see if I have changed or if I still need to adjust my lifestyle to make sure that I am focusing on what is important in life. I want to have a long-term healthy life full of happiness and wholeness.
Reference:
George, L. Transformation of the healer: The application of Ken Wilber's integral model to family practice medicine.
Sara DeSanto
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Unit 8:Optimal well-being: Meditation & Visualization
This week, I chose two exercises that I thought were the most beneficial to me. I chose the Visualization exercise and meditation. The Visualization exercise starts by closing your eyes and visualizing a time of “great happiness”. This was so easy for me because I immediately thought of my grandfather. My grandfather and I always spent a lot of time together camping and fishing. So, of course, the first thing that came to me was the two of us fishing on his small boat in the middle of the lake. It made me feel happy inside and full of joy. Then after I was able to feel all of this happiness, I then was able to think of another time when I was happy and had a special person in my life. This time, I thought of my wedding day; which was just last year. I never thought I would meet someone who is my rock, my comfort, and my best friend. He is always there for me for support and loves me with all of his heart. This day was a wonderful day and I think about my wedding all the time; just because of all the fun everyone had that day. I really enjoyed this type of exercise because it makes me appreciate what I have in my life.
The next exercise is meditation. Through meditation I am able to close my eyes and let any anger just disappear. This a great exercise when at any time in my life, I am filled with stress or anger. Sometimes it can be very difficult to let go of that anger, but when you are able to do, it is a great thing! I really enjoy being able to just take those 15 minutes to myself and just have that peaceful experience where I can reach my ultimate happiness!
Sara DeSanto
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Unit 7: Meeting Aesclepius
This week I completed the "Meeting Aesclepius" practice! I found this practice to be absolutely amazing and so comforting to my heart and spirit. As soon as the woman began to speak and said to think of someone in my life that was full of wisdom, I immediately thought of my grandfather. He passed away many years ago of cancer, but he was definitely the most wisest person I could think of. My grandfather and I were so close and him and my grandmother basically raised me since I was 3 because my parents had to work all the time.
As soon as I first pictured him, I saw him reading his morning newspaper in his favorite chair and then I saw him and I fishing on his boat. We used to fish every summer :) I found this exercise to open my heart and mind into what he has taught me over the years that I have forgotten. He has taughten me to be kind, compassionate and gentle to everyone.
It was very hard for me to see the white light over his head because it reminded me of his passing on; however I tried very hard to remember all of the good times we had together. I will be able to foster all of the practices he has continue to teach me through my life by showing my son what he has taught me through the years; loving and kindness towards others.
The saying, " One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"(George,L). is very meanful. I think that you have to be able to have that experience in order to show someone else. It is important to be able to tell someone else about an experience in your life rather than than just telling someone how they should lead their life if you are not doing the same thing. For example: My friend was trying to tell me how to live my life by not stressing out and being more "free" in my life. However; she was the most stressful person I think I have ever met. You have to be able to show someone you are doing what you are preaching.
Overall, I think this was a great exercise and I think it really helped me a lot :)
Reference:
George, L. Transformation of the healer: The application of Ken Wilber's integral model to family practice medicine.
Sara DeSanto
As soon as I first pictured him, I saw him reading his morning newspaper in his favorite chair and then I saw him and I fishing on his boat. We used to fish every summer :) I found this exercise to open my heart and mind into what he has taught me over the years that I have forgotten. He has taughten me to be kind, compassionate and gentle to everyone.
It was very hard for me to see the white light over his head because it reminded me of his passing on; however I tried very hard to remember all of the good times we had together. I will be able to foster all of the practices he has continue to teach me through my life by showing my son what he has taught me through the years; loving and kindness towards others.
The saying, " One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"(George,L). is very meanful. I think that you have to be able to have that experience in order to show someone else. It is important to be able to tell someone else about an experience in your life rather than than just telling someone how they should lead their life if you are not doing the same thing. For example: My friend was trying to tell me how to live my life by not stressing out and being more "free" in my life. However; she was the most stressful person I think I have ever met. You have to be able to show someone you are doing what you are preaching.
Overall, I think this was a great exercise and I think it really helped me a lot :)
Reference:
George, L. Transformation of the healer: The application of Ken Wilber's integral model to family practice medicine.
Sara DeSanto
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