Amy's Unit 9 Project

                                                                  ‘Introduction’

Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically so they are fully prepared and ready to help their clients. In order for the professionals to know and recognize their client’s needs, they would have had to educate themselves on all characteristics of their client’s life troubled situations. This should be done before they can fix the problem. To me it would be unethical to give advice to someone without the proper education and personal experience. You cannot teach what one has not learned.

It is my mission to continue to develop psychologically and spiritually. Physically I am a bit of a mess since my old and new results; Hiatal Hernia, and food allergies on top of my Crohn are which by the way has not bothered me. My health is fine other than that, I am finally getting back to regular exercise, and lifting just a little bit since I have lost my muscle due to not eating before.  I have been trying to eat healthy without hurting my belly which is due to the food allergies. Spiritually I feel a great connection with my religious side to something even greater. This has always been the positive part of me no matter what kind of day I have had. I read my bible, meditate and do yoga to get to my inner self. Psychologically I need to regroup myself and work on managing stress which has been a huge downfall for me since I have been sick. It’s funny because I have never had this problem before and I can’t stand the feeling.

                                                                     ‘Assessment’
How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?

As of today, I would assess my health and wellness on a medium rate in psychologically and physical domain and a high rate in the spiritual domain. I would score myself at a ten in the spiritual characteristic of wellness and a 5 for psychologically and physical part of my wellness.  I am not strong and athletic as I use to be, but working on getting fit again. For several years I have been very enthusiastic to achieve the best in wellness and other magnificent practices that I have encountered.  I know deep in my heart that I will better myself in all areas in the health and wellness in the near future.

                                                            ‘Goal development’
List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

My physical goal is to follow the workout schedule I have recently created which includes Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. This will help be beneficial to me before and after my treatment for my Hiatal hernia and food allergies. My psychological goal is to keep on top of my goal by continuing to use the practice ‘Loving Kindness’ meditation. This will definitely keep me in check with my compassionate side as well as my loving side (Dacher, 2006).

                                                    ‘Practices for personal health’

What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

Physical growth will be working on each muscle group so I can get that just right, female feature back. I want it so bad, that I am using my experience in the gym to a new level. I will gradually take baby steps in resistance training and add it to my weekly program that I have created. This will help the muscle groups I am working on. My only question is, I can never tell if I should do my cardio before or after my weight lifting. My past personal trainer told me to do what is more comfortable for me, so that is something that I will be testing my body on.  After a good workout, I have it to where I do one of the meditation practices (Schlitz, & Amorok & Micozzi, 2005).

            Spiritual growth is my favorite. I always feel a great connection with my spiritual side when I take a walk thru the park, soaking in a hot tub and even during service at church on Sundays.  I truly feel the deep beauty of it all, the relaxation and comfort that it makes me feel and where it takes me away to another world, a world where my soul is nurtured; truth, fellowship and pleasure (McIlvoy, 2010). I cannot forget about the Loving-Kindness practice which helps me connect with everyone; friends, family and even a stranger passing thru my store. The other strategy I will use for spiritual growth is the Loving-Kindness exercise (Dacher, 2006). A website I found recently was of some personal and spiritual practices developed thru some transpersonal groups. The techniques used; becoming familiar with your own body, the breath that is you, transcending reality, in thy hands: a centering exercise, and the mirror exercise, are really awesome and it something I am going to also implement into my spiritual growth (Anunda, 2010).

Psychological growth will have to be yoga. I can describe a large number of simple physical muscle tensing and movement exercises which help the mind the regain control over the body. Yoga is aimed at uniting the mind, body and spirit which is a great benefit for me having gastrointestinal function along with other situations people have encountered (Salzberg & Goldstein, 2003).  Then there is Tai Chi, which shows you movements to put emphasis on concentration, relaxation, and the conscious circulation of vital energy throughout the body. Tai chi is mainly practiced as a way of calming the mind, conditioning the body, and reducing stress. As in meditation, you will learn that tai chi also focuses on the breathing and keeping your attention in the present moment (Harvard-Health Publications, 2000).

                                                                 ‘Commitment’

How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?

I believe after some time, I will have a healthier body and hopefully live longer. I will have more stamina, look better, feel better about myself, and be able to relate to others with more confidence. By doing so, I have a food diary, and program that I have created from easy to aggressive stages. I also have a Diary that I write all my thoughts and feelings in and intend on using that as well for my psychological, spiritual and physical growth.  I have to want this in order for it to work. I am not a failure, so I have already made a commitment to reach all my goals in each domain. I will also make sure that I have time for me and also take advantage of the Dacher practices that I have thoroughly enjoyed (Dacher, 2006).

                                                                    References

Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Basic Health

      Publications: Laguna Beach, CA

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi Retrieved: December 13, 2010

McIlvoy, C. (2010) Faith: Spiritual Growth & Renewal Retrieved December 12, 2010 from the

        World Wide Web http://www.justbetweenus.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=89874  

Schlitz, M. & Amorok, T. & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine.

http://www.anunda.com/support/exercises.htm

Salzberg, S. & Goldstein, J. (2003) Insight Meditation: A Step-By-Step Course on How to Meditate

Unit8

I can foster Loving kindness that the subtle mind into my personal life. When we meditate, our minds and bodies become naturally, relaxed. Our hindrances dissolve. Our sleepiness and drowsiness, for instance, are replaced by alertness. Doubt is replaced by confidence, hatred by joy, restlessness and worry by happiness. As our resentment is replaced by joy, loving-kindness and the subtle mind hidden in our subconscious mind expresses itself, making us more peaceful and happy. In this state of meditation we gain concentration and overcome our greed. We can see how meditation destroys hatred and cultivates loving-kindness, which in turn supports our practice of meditation. Together these two operate in unison, culminating in concentration and insightfulness. Therefore, to pick up one’s own mind wave of loving-kindness one must fine tune oneself through the practice of mindfulness meditation. Also you must have it within yourself before you teach it to others just like you cannot teach someone a subject if you do not know it yourself first. This keeps me in check and stay positive at all times.

Unit 7

I thought the "Meeting Asciepius" exercise put me in a very relaxing state of mind, except when the direction called for a beaming light! For some reason, I lost a little concentration and squinted my eyes. My eyes are sensitive to the sun and I believe there is a connection there. I can say that mindfulness has increased my spiritual health, by my food intake. Knowing that the body defends itself against the everyday processed foods that most people eat. Sugar, dairy, meat, white refined foods and the cooking process, cause acids and toxins to form in our bodies. They affect our PH balance and so the body stores fat around our vital organs to protect them. So the truth is people aren't fat, they are over-acid. When the body takes on alkaline foods and drinks, i.e. raw fruits and vegetables then the body learns to let go of the need to protect the organs and the fat literally drops off.

I think that the saying "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” means to practice what you preach, or even do as I say, not as I do.  I won't be a registered dietician giving food plans, tips and educate my clients if I am not doing it myself. I want to be very healthy for the rest of my life and I feel that if I people also see that, they will repect me and trust me.

Unit 6: A frustrating assessment & meditation.

         The practice for the universal loving kindness meditation exercise, I didn’t like. It was kind of hard to get focused and relaxed. Plus, no music or voice to go with it! They were both a big reason why I was very much into the track meditation. So I became a bit frustrated and can promise not to do it again. The assessment was another disappointment to me. I don’t have a photographic memory and can’t focus on an area and follow instructions without having to read the assessment over and over again. So there is no way I can get focused and relax during this. I tried and became irritated. The area I tried to focus on for growth and development was not letting my Chrone’s Disease get to me and spend more time with my kids. When I am in pain, I tend to draw away from kids because I don’t want them to see in that condition.  I also tried to focus on doing well in school.  Some specific exercises that can implement to foster greater wellness in this area, is Yoga.

Unit 5 Project

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0Bzr6Zt7QJZ1tYjkwZmU4Y2EtYTE0My00YWQxLTk4NTgtMThiNTliMzY2YzJh&hl=en

Unit 5: Wellness and Healing

         I think Dacher’s message is that love is the most powerful thing in the world and it cuts through all hate, our fears and barriers. Every relationship that exists has their problems, which can result from the lack of love between you and that other person.  Love and Kindness gives you an understanding of the needs and concerns of other people which will develop in time and your heart fills with love and kindness. Subtle mind exercise is to make the mind subtle at a deeper level. As if you were entering a world of energy that is beyond description. This makes a subtle experience a very spiritual experience. Both exercises give you rest, peace and heals your body and mind from harmful or depressing effects of stress among other problems (Dacher, 2006).

        How the connection is manifested into my personal life. My physical and mental wellness is still a working progress because of my illness. I find my spiritual wellness helps with the other two that I took a few steps back on, and without my spiritual side which helps me get through a lot, I would be a big mess and need much healing. In order to feel lively, energetic and open to life’s opportunities you have to look at your physical, mental, and spiritual health.  We need to identify our shortcomings and make those changes we need so that we are truly vibrating at the highest level and enjoying life to the fullest (Dacher, 2006).

References:

Dacher, E. (2006) Integral Health: The path to human flourishing

Unit 4: Loving-Kindness and Mental Workout

We must open our heart to others and open our mind to reveal an insightful wisdom that knows the truth of our life and of existence. This power gives us an insight and understanding that is not available to lesser levels of consciousness. Loving-Kindness and the Subtle mind combined train the mind, open the heart, expand consciousness, and progress us toward psycho-spiritual flourishing.  As meditation deepens during these mental workouts, theta waves also increase, bringing even deeper relaxation, more creative thinking and intuition, enhanced problem solving abilities, and an openness to spiritual insight and illumination.

I have already incorporated these exercises into my life. Late night relaxation would be best for me due to my two toddlers and a husband who keeps me on my toes. I call it “mommy time”!  This will help me become more relaxed and less stressed.

Unit 3: Wellness; physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

Based on my reflections starting with my physical well-being, I would rate myself an 8. I no longer have high blood pressure and my weight is dropping quickly since I have cut out red meat, dairy and I only eat products that are Gluten-free. As soon as I did that, the weight came off quickly; since August 17, 2010 to now, I have lost 20 pounds and dropped 6 pants sizes! I still have 6 more pounds to lose to be in the healthy range, as far as my weight goes. I also research deeper about people like me can and can’t eat. It’s the big words we don’t understand on the labels that can really hurt us. For example, there is jet fuel that has small leaks while flying over crops and contaminates our produce. It is in our grocery stores and if we don’t wash the produce correctly and thorough, we can get very sick.  It is mainly found in watermelon and leafy greens. I still have Crohn’s Disease and Hypothyroidism to deal with, but, I take medications and everything is under control which makes me feel great.  My spiritual well-being I feel I am well connected with and rate myself 9.  I am a very spiritual person and I am still learning a lot thru personal experiences and materials. I also go to church every Sunday and attend a Women’s Bible Study once a week. I also see a Naturopathic Doctor a Masseuse every three months for more healing, inside and out.

               My psychological well-being is rated a 6 because I don’t believe that anyone can be 100% happy. There is always something in a person’s life that keeps you from being either content, satisfied with all life’s essentials, achieving something, and happiness.  It is a never ending story, I am happy and satisfied for right now, but I am in the process of achieving my goal to graduate from school, and I am not content.  I intend on taking 45 minutes to an hour every other day to meditate and do Yoga. I find both to relax me and take any stresses off my shoulders.  I don’t know how much spiritual goals I need, but to keep doing what I do already. I would also like to get back on my Elliptical and regain my cardio. Haven’t been on it for two months now and my husband tells me since I lost so much weight, I won’t be able to do the same routines I use to. I had more muscle than fat and I have lost a lot of both. So we will see, I will make it my goal to also get back on track.

             Who ever created the idea of the relaxation exercises should be highly praised! They get better and better and this last one “The Crime of the Century” truly reached my innerness, my mind, my body and my spirit. My favorite parts of the audio were the warm images and the seven different body regions one for each color of the rainbow. Each meditative thought I did without changing anything, it really guided me think of these areas and wonderful colors. I felt this did benefit my physical, spiritual and psychological well-being.

My family!

This is my husband Jon and our two beautiful boy's, Jonathan and Logan. This was taken on Superbowl day!

Welcome to Healthy Karma!

Hello Classmates! Two weeks have flown by quick, and I am enjoying the blogging experience. I hope you enjoy my blogs as much as I have enjoyed yours!

I am Amy Karena Rhum as in (Rum) and I am 39 years young! I have been with Kaplan University for a year now and will graduate in 2012 with a Bachelors in Science "Health and Wellness". I would like to put my degree towards becoming a Registered Dietician where I can help people who are unhealthy, get healthy! I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in August this year and have been struggling with what I can eat without being in pain. I am studying what I can about the disease and will be getting help from a Dietician as well.

Unit 2 : Relaxation Exercise

I enjoyed the relaxation exercise from the back ground music to almost falling into a coma! I can say the music with the low chimes and waterfall background, made things easy and comfortable for me to relax, because with out it, I don't think I would be able to concentrate. My body at times felt like it was going into a coma and when I was concentrating on a special person in my life, I thought of my Grandmother who passed away many years ago. It was then, when I became emotional and remembered all the good times I had with her. I miss her!