Reflection....

I hope this BLOG finds you all doing well.

This week I wanted to quickly reflect back over the past 10 weeks -- specifically to explore what has changed (if anything) in my personal assessment of my psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being.

In the beginning of the course, I provided the following self-ratings on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the highest.

Physical well-being -- 4.5

Spiritual well-being - 7
Psychological well-being - 8

Roughly 7 weeks later, I have some new scores:

Physical well-being -- 4.5
Spiritual well-being - 8
Psychological well-being - 8.5

As you can see -- there have been some changes...and if I were *really* honest, I might even say that my physical well-being should actually be a 4 now.  The growth I have experienced within the course has definitely been spiritual and psychological.  I have found my relationships to be deeper and my overall outlook to be happier.  I probably have more "balls in the air" right now than I have had in a LONG TIME -- but even in the midst of all of the work (and potential stress), I have (for the most part) been able to remain at peace and approach everything in a positive manner.  Of extreme importance to me is that I have been able to *really* connect with my family and to make the time needed there for all of us...

What has suffered? Well - my health. While I am now meditating twice a day and have found TONS of resources for psychological and spiritual growth, I have not exercised the same approach for my health. In fact, I am sad to say I am perhaps in worse shape (from a health perspective) than I was at the beginning of the course.  I am exploring the "why" now-- but am also slowly beginning to focus on how I can best make a change (and what this means to me...).

Roughly seven weeks ago, I offered the following in terms of goals:

"I have modest goals in each area...I want to become even more accepting of self (regardless of weight and physical conditioning) and in doing so also become more open and accepting of others. At the same time, to enhance my spiritual and psychological goals, I know that daily physical exercise and my Qi Gong breathing exercises are needed...small steps forward.


30-1 hr exercise
30 min twice a day breathing exercises/meditation
1 hr of "play" with the children"

I believe my folly here was two-fold. The first was the goals were too small...and didn't offer me the challenge/diversity needed to capture my attention and involvement.  Let me be fair though...I have far exceeded my goals as listed in a couple of areas -- I play with the kids *at least* an hour a day and I have been practicing breathing exercises and meditation. Where I have fallen short is the cardio and strength training needed and also eating a balanced/healthy diet.  The second mistake is that I have yet to really engage/commit to the change needed in this area.  Until the mind is ready and "in charge" - then nothing else really matters.  To that end, I have not made the personal internal shifts needed.

As mentioned before  - I am focusing on the "why" right now...and in the meantime and beginning to develop a plan for how to move towards the desired health.  I know this plan will change as I come to terms with the "why" --> but at least it offers a foundation on which to build.  I have engaged a trainer (who I can barter with for fees) and am taking energy and neuro-linguistic training classes...all designed to help develop me towards health, happiness and wholeness.

In closing, I believe this course has had a significant impact on my personal health and wellness due to the meditation and loving-kindness exercises. I have seen a clear shift in my own approach to people and opportunities and as a result of the changes in me....I have noticed changes in others and the way they interact with me. (It is nice to have the "double-shift" where perception of another changes AND they actually change as well :-))


I have to admit that upon receiving the Integral Health book, I read it cover to cover in the first week...I appreciate the ideas offered and am definitely moving forward on the path to health, happiness and wholeness as Dacher suggests.

Through the self-exploration and learning, I believe that I have also started being of greater service to my clients.  Not only do I have new information to share...but the application of the exercises for my clients has helped in their own growth and development.

So - this course has provided knowledge, inspiration and daily exercises. Together the mental training and the psychological boost have also aided in my goals of physical recovery/health. I look forward to future classes on the topics and to progress NOT perfection!

All my best - David

A Personal Assessment and Plan...

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AdkSedV17tiqZGNmdGtqcjNfMmM3YnF3a2d6&hl=en

This is the link to my final assessment and plan to move towards health, wholeness and happiness. I look forward to comments from all!

Take Care - David