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
About Me
- David DeHaven
- David DeHaven is an analytical, transformational visionary, and dynamic academic leader with 20+ years of high-impact experience across higher education, public/private sectors, business, and consulting environments. Proven record of architecting and accelerating growth of academic and learning programs. Strong expertise in professional training and development activities for faculty, research based pedagogical practices, and cutting-edge instructional technologies. Solid business acumen with highly successful consulting experience, committed to continuous data-driven improvements as well as possessing a collaborative leadership style combined with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and administrative colleagues. Articulate communicator continually focused on building and strengthening relationships across educational groups, community stakeholders, international partners, peers, and subordinates. Collaborative leader skilled in mentoring and advising, supporting the holistic student experience.
6 comments:
David, You have no idea how much weight you can lose and energy you can gain just by playing with your kids. After I gave birth to my son I weighed about 135 or so and I have always been a small person. By the time he was 8 months I weighed about 100 pounds. I also looked very sick. However I shed it by breastfeeding and having to look after him all day. I have since then been able to level out at a healthy weight but now at 3 he still runs me around crazy. Definitely make the time it will not only be beneficial to you but also to your kids. Good luck with everything.
David,
Great post. I believe that you have it all under control. You have seemed to learn to dig deep for the answers. That is the start this course is trying to make. Good luck in the future, and I am glad to see this course is helping you at work.
gina costello
David,
Your honesty is great and we all probably need work at least once in a while on our nutrition and physical health. Old habits may be hard to break but, maybe when you are meditating, you can focus on your physical health with one word related to nutrition or exercise. I like to think about how I want to feel as I age and that helps me work hard on my physical health. I am pushing 50 and feel some aches and pains and if I did not exercise, I can not imagine how much worse I would feel. If I look at a person who is very unhealthy or obese, I just say to myself that it is worth the effort. Try doing a speed walk on your lunch hour and eat at your desk. This will give you a huge boost of energy for the rest of the day and burn some calories.
Good luck to you and take care!
JILL
Hello David, as usual your post is open and insightful. I have enjoyed reading your posts and I thank you for your comment on mine. Progress comes in small measured increments and the fact that you have found time to play with your children is just wonderful. Your children will remember playing with dad. It's important to their development. Meditation for me is like music or a walk in the woods. I escape, relax and feel renewed. Meditation is self renewal. In time you will feel this way, but it takes practice. Small measured steps, 3-4 minute exercises, lowers stress and helps focus the breath, and in time longer sessions will follow. Don't force yourself or reproach yourself if the desired results don't happen right away. It takes training and time. You will find your commitment in time, and in time your commitments might change. There are many paths to this journey and only you with time will know which path to follow. Good luck and may your health and wellbeing be optimal. Sharon
David, I must say aside from all the class work assignments here, I really appreciate your insight, and your humor through it all. I know you have health struggles but I am here to tell you from a bodybuilding perspective, consistancy and not perfection will get you as far as you want to go. When things get overwhelming, cut your day into 1/3, have a goal in the morning, a goal in the afternoon and a goal in the evening, the next thing you know you have made it through the whole day and accomplished everything you want. Sometimes focusing on the big picture is really to much for a person....day by day. I wish you all the success the world has to offer you and your family, take care of yourself.
Jaimie
Hi David,
Keep reaching for your goals! Even though you have declined in some areas you will flourish! God bless you!
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