This week's assignment was to complete the integral health assessment in Chapter 11 of our text (Dacher, 2006). I already knew I had a lot I needed to work on so I wasn't
really looking forward to the uncomfortable truth of my results. It was helpful to keep in mind that integral health does not mean we have to be fully developed in
every aspect of our life. "The path to integral health requires that we
at least become aware of the sources of needless suffering, distress, and dissatisfaction and the possible sources of future development and flourishing" (Dacher, p. 111). Basically that means we don't have to be
perfect, we just need to be AWARE of what areas of our life need improvement. Phewf! I can totally do that!
So we already know that the "body, to mind, to spirit" approach should be applied to the four aspects of our human experience (psychospiritual, biological, interpersonal, and worldly) (Dacher, 2006). For the integral assessment, the text breaks each of these categories down even further. Each of the following sub-categories are specific areas in our life that we can assess.
Psychospiritual
- conative
- cognitive
- emotional
Biological
- fitness
- nutrition
- self-regulation
Interpersonal
- personal
- family
- community
Worldly
- generativity
- social activism
- work
I completed the integral assessment by asking myself which of these areas is a source of difficulty or suffering in my life. I was definitely able to pinpoint a specific area that I need to work on: the biological, and even more specifically, my fitness. I feel that not being as physically fit as I once was (pre-baby) has allowed me to hold myself back in multiple areas of my life. In order to develop and improve this area of my life I have chosen to sign-up for a regular yoga class again. I am really excited to get back to regularly practicing yoga with others. I know that yoga will not only increase my body's strength and flexibility, but it will also serve as an integral practice that will quiet and calm my mind. Now that's definitely something I
always need :)
In health & happiness,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
ReplyDeleteAgain, GREAT BLOG!!! I loved that you mentioned that integral health does not mean that “we have to be fully developed in all aspects of our lives” because that really eliminates the pressure. Becoming aware of ourselves and our desired needs is truly wonderful. I really enjoyed the assessment and although I was not surprised with what I discovered, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to commit to the areas to which I would like to further work on each day and set “new” attainable goals for myself and I loved that part as well. If I can connect a goal to something I am confident that I will achieve it! I also LOVED how you spoke of your interest in yoga! I am a huge yoga nut and practice regularly. I really recommend it! It will not only help one’s body physically but it helps the mind and body connect on a much deeper level as well. I hope that you enjoy your practice Hannah! Thanks again for your blog and I hope that you have a wonderful week!
-Megan Bohlman