Unit 10 Final Reflections on the Integral Path

In week #3, I rated my physical well-being at a 6, my spiritual well-being at an 8, and my psychological well-being at a 9. I would currently rate them at pretty much the same level, yet in hindsight I think I had rated my psychological well-being a point or two higher than it really was at that time. My focus is better and I have a personalized wellness plan now, that has increased my psychological well-being.

My physical goal were to begin to eat healthier, well planned meals, with consistency, and to begin exercising again once the surgeon gives the okay. So far, I’m eating a little less eating a little healthier more often. I’m not where I want to be, but I’m intentional in pursuit of the goal. I am still in PT for my shoulder and will wrap up next week. I haven’t been released by my surgeon yet, so the weight training I crave is on hold. This weekend I plan to start walking outside again to begin rebuilding my cardiovascular strength and endurance.

My spiritual goals were to continue to spend time in prayer, time reading my Bible, and to spend more time each day listening to praise music. I’m doing well on the praise music and the breath prayers, yet the Bible reading has been lagging a bit. For someone who has a goal to read through from cover to cover each year in varying translations, letting go of the compulsive nature of the activity has been an important consideration in this goal.

My psychological goals are to utilize more of the relaxation techniques we are learning in this course as well as those learned in my stress management course, and to make an appointment for a check-up/in with my counselor in the next 2 weeks. I have been using a few more mindfulness techniques and have recently loaded some meditation apps to my phone so I have easy access to exercises wherever I am. I have also had 2 appointments with my counselor and we spent time putting things into proper perspective which is critical for true self-care.

This is the most phenomenal course I have had the privilege to take in my college career. Never had I had an opportunity to set aside 10 weeks to discover where I am lagging behind and where I need to focus my intent to become the person I desire in mind/body/spirit. As I mentioned to Dr. Aguilar in seminar last night, I’ve been on this journey somewhat haphazardly for a while now. I am excited to see where the road takes me now that I have my integral map. My toy box is overflowing with wonderful, shiny new things I cannot wait to share with my family/friends/coworkers/ and eventually my wellness client-base. Even what was difficult (challenging) was a blessing overall because it introduced me to meditative techniques that did not quite work for me, but gave me a level of insight that is critical. Not only that, it encouraged me to go out and find similar practices better suited to who I am and what my needs are at this juncture.

Still in this together,
Anita