The Final Post

I.                  Introduction

a.     In order for wellness professionals to help those searching for improved psychological, spiritual, and physical development, the professional themselves should be experienced in those areas in order to help the client grow.  One cannot help those in need if they themselves don’t follow that path or believe it to be true.  You should always practice what you preach and a client will be able to see if you actually do.  Most individuals would not return to a professional if they felt like they weren’t following their own practices as they may think it would not benefit them.     

b.    Currently I feel like I can improve in all areas of my life and I think anyone should always want to learn and improve on things.  It is hard to determine which aspect I need to give more attention to as I feel they are all equally important and play off each other so they all should be improved. 

II.               Assessment

a.     My personal assessment of all three areas I think are lower than what I would like.  I need work in all areas of my life and unfortunately when I stress about something it tends to affect all aspects of my life until that problem has passed. 

III.           Goal Development

a.     Spiritually I would like to attend church more frequently and be more involved.  I grew up in a Christian school and I would like my two young children to know the same in order to make their own decisions. 

b.    Physically I would like to exercise on a better routine.  I tend to get away from my normal routine when my life gets extra busy or stressful.  I would like to increase the intensity that I exercise and possibly become a better runner. 

c.      Psychologically I would like to practice more on my meditation and make it a daily routine in order to help relieve my stress and frustrations that can come too easily to me.

IV.           Practices for Personal Health

a.     Physical

                                                             i.      I would like to incorporate more cardio, preferably running, into my exercise routine and also practice yoga on a more normal basis which I absolutely love.  I think that both exercises would be beneficial to ease stress and help with relaxation.  I would like to begin with attempting to run at least 20 min. three times a week and would like to practice yoga also about three times a week and get my husband to participate in order to also create a bonding experience between us. 

b.    Spiritual

                                                             i.      I would love to read more scripture at night before going to bed and reflect on my day.  I also think that meditation and practicing the loving-kindness exercise can help to make me more aware of my negative thoughts and feelings and to push them away.  Improving this aspect should bring me spiritual health.    

c.      Psychological

                                                             i.      My two favorite exercises with meditation are the subtle-mind and meeting Aesclepius.  These exercises were easier for me to perform and sit through as I am just learning these techniques.  I would like to set a specific time each day that I practice these exercise, preferably in the evening.  I think sitting quietly at the end of the day to unwind and clear your mind would be beneficial.  Also, keeping to a schedule will help get me in a routine of doing this daily but also forcing myself to make time for me.       

V.               Commitment

a.     I have used a journal in the past to keep track of my progress and I think this would again be a great way to track my exercises, to make sure I am keeping up with them, and see if I am making improvements.  A journal would also help to keep track of your daily feelings and which exercises seemed to work the best.   I think a good way to gauge your progress is to rate each area of your life for example eating habits, sleep, and exercise, stress levels, and maybe the number of times you have been sick.  Then six months later rate each area and see if there is improvement or not.  I would really love for my husband to participate in these exercises with me.  Having a partner in exercise, yoga, or meditation would be beneficial in that you can motivate each other and encourage each other.  Plus having something that enjoys the same things as you helps you to continue practicing them.