Unit 10: In Review & A Farewell

In unit 3 we did our initial assessment for our physical, spiritual and psychological well-being, this week we're to re-assess ourselves. I actually did some of this in my assignment and blog last week, including why I feel it has changed – but for the purpose of class I will once again reflect on my changes.

Assessment – Then & Now

Physical – Initially I rated myself a 6 in the health realm, that was probably a little high considering how I've seen others rate themselves; however I felt 5 on a scale of 1-10 was average. On average most people my age are not only overweight or obese, but also have little to no exercise and poor eating habits. At the beginning of the term I was exercising regularly, had taken all processed foods out of my diet and was doing well. As of last week I dropped that rating to a 5, but all things considered it may be a 4.5-5. I have fallen back into poor habits and “quick” fixes of take out and junk food. My “energy” is now not from exercise and eating right but a plethora of caffeinated drinks and “energy shots.” None of which is healthy for me. In addition, with the changes in my life I have stopped exercising regularly.

Spiritual – Initially I rated myself at a 4 for spiritual health. I felt on a scale of 1-10 I was most likely below average of the “norm”. Over the course I have learned the spirituality and religion do not have to be mutually exclusive and you can be spiritual with religion and religious without being spiritual. Since I live in the middle of an exceptionally Christian area (aka The Bible Belt) I have often felt at odds with my own personal beliefs which are considerably non-Christian, but range somewhere between Agnostic, Buddhist and Pagan. I'm not sure where I am in the realm of religions. I was raised in an exceptionally strict and cult-like religion, found paganism and have since been searching for where my beliefs truly lie. Since I've begun into the heavier science courses for my degree it has made me reconsider even more. Luckily I have learned that I don't necessarily have to have a “label” or “title” and can instead focus on the spiritual side of my life instead of what “religion” I am.

Psychological – Initially I rated myself at 8 for psychological/mental health. Right now I feel that I am about the same. I haven't gone insane adding my sister in law and two additional cats to the household, and with the ability to use the subtle mind and increase the “productivity” of my sleep I am more refreshed and rested than I was at the beginning of the term – which is probably why my rating hasn't drastically decreased with the changes in my life over the last 10 weeks.

Goals – Then & Now

Physical – My goal was to continue to make healthy changes and read my friend Abby's book. I was able to complete the book and made healthy changes until about February when life changes occurred and then I started falling back into poor exercise (aka no exercise) and nutrition choices. I intend to take the remainder of this week and next week and prepare to once again re-introduce healthy eating to my household.

Spiritual – My goal was to continue my exploration of spirituality and begin practicing again. I have continued my exploration and may continue to do so my entire life. In addition I needed to take more “me” time. I haven't had a lot of “me” time, but working on the subtle mind before sleeping has been most of my “me” time.

Psychological – My initial goal was to reconsider having three jobs, put myself first and time management. My time management has become better and I feel more rested thanks to more beneficial sleep. I have decided to quit one of the two part-time jobs and have talked to my manager about my full-time job and will actually be getting a promotion (and more money) hopefully before the summer. That will leave me with one full-time job and one part time job which is fun. I plan to continue working on this.

Behavioral Changes

My attitude has changed about all three realms of integral health. I will continue to work on each. I meditate more often now, assess myself regularly and work on all three areas of my health. I have a clear and focused game plan that I will be implementing before the beginning of the next term. I plan on adding exercise again and eating properly for physical health, finding a counselor for psychological health and continuing to explore my spiritual health.

The Course In Review

Throughout the course I have been giving the tools I need to achieve integral health, now I need to use them. I have improved in some areas of integral health and declined in others. Overall my “total” score is about the same. The most rewarding part to me has been the ability to apply what I learn in my life and keep my calm even under difficult circumstances which may have otherwise sent me to the hospital. I am not able to sleep more often yet, but my sleep is more restful. The most difficult thing has been taking “me” time and re-adjusting. My other course was actually more problematic than this one has been. Nothing in this course has been difficult really, just adjusting my own health and thought process. Change is difficult but not impossible.

I will be able to use the tools to keep myself in the realm of integral health and I will be able to help others by sharing my experience and the tools we have learned as well. I hope that a small part of what I have learned will pass to others, especially considering eventually I will be going into end of life nursing care. The ability to help keep a “stable” integral health is important during a stressful time like that.

I have enjoyed this class than all but one other course during my time at Kaplan University. I am sad to see this class, my classmates and this professor go but am glad for the things I have learned and the time we have shared.