Unit 3’s Ratings: I rated my physical well-being at a seven, only because I have just gone on disability because of late - stage arthritis in my lower back and I'm no longer capable of working in direct patient care. I have two strikes against me in terms of health - I'm overweight and I'm sedentary. The apartment complex that I've moved into has a pool and a small workout room that I hope to start making use of (especially the pool once it thaws out). My spiritual well being... that is a little harder to assess. I'm above a seven, yet I'm not a 10 because I'm still seeking, still learning, still growing. As Franciscan, I follow a rule of life that includes study, worship, prayer, and simplicity. (The concept of simplicity is still a little difficult to grasp at times). Psychologically I would have to rate my well-being at an eight at this time. Occasionally, I have minor bouts of depression but for the most part, I'm okay. I would like to say that like most people, I believe that I'm still growing, still learning.
Unit 9’s Ratings: Thankfully, “integral health does not require that we develop fully in every way,” (Dacher, 2006, p. 111). Nor that we develop all at once. It is a lifetime process that each of us undergoes as we walk this path called life. In terms of self-assessment, I went with a scale of 1 – 7, with one being the lowest score and seven being the highest score possible. Beginning with spiritual health, I have to say that I am at a five. I have what I believe to be a rich spiritual life as a Franciscan. We are now entering into the season of Lent, which is by tradition a period of self-reflection, meditation, and prayer. Physically, this area needs the most work. I have to rate myself as a three in terms of physical assessment. I need to work on weight issues plus dealing with orthopedic and spinal health issues. Psychologically I rate myself as a five; continuing with my education, learning to laugh more and cry less, are the things that I need to work on in terms of my mental health.
The scales were different from unit 3 (scale based on 1 to 10) and unit 9 (scale based on 1 to 7) but I believe that they are close in terms of equality. In unit 3, I rated myself physically as a seven. In unit 9, I rated myself as a three. I rated myself lower as I got towards the end of the class because I became more acutely aware of where I was physically, and what I needed to do to improve myself physically. In terms of spirituality, in unit 3, I rated myself at a seven; while in unit 9, I rated myself at a five. Both were two points away from the high end so I have to say that there has not been any change in terms of my-self assessment spiritually. For my mental, psychological assessment in unit 3, I rated myself at an eight; while in unit 9 I rated myself as being at a five; slightly lower than in unit 3. More than likely, this is attributable to being more acutely aware of my feelings especially concerning the situation that occurred at the beginning of the term.
2. Review the goals and activities you set for yourself in each area. Have you made progress toward the goals? Explain. Have you implemented the activities you chose for your well-being in each of the three areas? Explain.
I have to renew my membership at the 24 Hour Fitness gym, which will allow me access to the swimming pool and to the water aerobics classes. Mentally, I am applying for a doctorate program with the ultimate hope of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. Moreover, in terms of spirituality, I am beginning the process of discernment with my parish with the ultimate goal of seeking ordination to the diaconate.
3. 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 believe that this course taught me the true importance of having a specific time set aside for quiet… not just for relaxing but for true mental, psychological and spiritual work – that doing these exercises is sometimes painful, yet also very liberating.
Hello Carol,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the flowers and the river. I become so relaxed when I have beautiful scenery to look at. I am very sorry to hear about your situation with the arthritis. I have had arthritis before. It affected my joints, caused pain, and stiffness. I refused to accept it and I also engaged in supplements that would lubricate my joints. Today I am ok. I would encourage you as much as you can to get the weight down by using physical activities and being mindful of what weight you want to be at. I feel that my mindful weight keeps me there because everything as far as exercise, the way I eat, and my thought work together to produce my desirable outcome. It is something that will come naturally as you continue to practice.
As far as your spiritual aspect, it is ok to be a 7 if you are still seeking, still learning, and still growing. You rule of life, study, worship, prayer, and simplicity to me is very relaxing. I believe always believed in simplicity, because I feel that my time on earth is to be a steward,and I own nothing and I cannot take anything with me. I am glad that you have a rich spiritual life as a Franciscan. Our whole world would benefit from a season of self-reflection, meditation, and prayer.
Your psychological well-being at an eight is great. You are definitely growing. To me short term depression is ok because all of us have circumstances that cause us to feel sad, unhappy, despair, and low in energy and vitality. I feel if we experience happiness, we must also experience the opposite of it to bring balance and knowledge. Try to stay energized and you will be extra ok. Each one of us are growing and learning. Yes, it is truly wonderful that we do not have to develop completely in every way or all at once. I wish you success with your orthopedic and spinal health concerns.
I am so glad that at the end of class you became more deeply aware of where you were physically, psychologically and spiritually and the areas that you need to improve. Keep working on you physical to bring your weight down, one step at a time. As far as your feelings, do not forget that mindful meditation is awesome. Think about the best moments in your life or even you being at the weight you need to be and that should make you feel like a queen.
Your implementation of your goals is awesome. A membership at the gym is wonderful.
Good luck with your doctorate program, and I too wish you success in becoming a Clinical Psychologist. Keep your eye on all your prizes. I love the fact that you saw the course difficult in the area of you being forced to come to terms with specific issues that you wanted to ignore, but yet enlightening because you were able to shed light on those issues and see them for what they truly were. God, I am sure this had to be an awesome moment for you. Some people call it bitter sweet. I am happy that you worked on them and resolve them. Being honest with ourselves is the key to making changes that are very necessary for our health and well being. Now you can teach others from your experience.
I love that this course taught you the true importance of having a specific time set aside for quiet, for true mental, psychological and spiritual growth. I agree with you 100%, and I am glad that I had an opportunity to journey with you. I wish you continued success throughout your life. I encourage to get in touch with a holistic practitioner in regards to your situation.
Thank you for such a wonderful post! It was very inspiring, I know that we all have learn a lot from taking these couses however the journey is just begining, there is so much more to gain.I wish you well in all that you set out to achieve.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you realize that it is not about a quick change, but a gradual change. This type of lifestyle requires patience as well as effort. You helped me realize that it is not how fast you reach your goal, but it is that you successfully reach goal. I wish you the best of luck in the future.
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