Six Principles of Integral Assessment∞
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-The goal of integral health is to alleviate needless suffering and promote human flourishing
1. Which aspects of our life are the most significant sources of distress? If I had to make a true assessment of what causes my distress, I would have to admit that being a single parent who has a limited income would be my answer. There are limitations on my time, due to working and attending school. I am only one person and I often have obligations with my children, as well as other areas. I often find myself frustrated because of a lack of resources and the amount of pressure that I have to endure. SOLUTION: Be able to ask for help and accept the help I receive. Have an attitude of gratitude and apply as much love and tolerance as I can during the difficult moments. Prayer is essential for my continued spiritual growth and mental stability. I must be mindful of the negative self-talk and strive to have an optimistic attitude.
2. Where is our greatest possibility for growth and development? Being a mother who is organized and possesses a higher level of patience and tolerance. Through mindfulness and incorporating stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and visualization, I will be able to better handle the stressful moment. My ability to practice meditative breathing will help me to clear my mind and develop tools that can be used in many different areas of my life.
3. Integral Health recognized the distinction between immediate pleasure and long-term flourishing. – There are times in my life where instant gratification is all that I want and that is all I can see. For instance, I love chocolate and I will often crave it late at night. Regardless of the fact that I know it is high is sugar and calories, I will toss aside the long-term health benefits. I also understand that earlier this week, I had an invitation to attend a jazzercise class and because I was a little sleepy, I didn’t go. I am completely aware that the immediate satisfaction that I got out of taking a nap was done in lieu of exercising and possibly feeling energized for the rest of the day and night.
4. Psychospiritual development is an essential component of integral health. – I understand the importance of a strong spiritual life-style. I attempt to live my life from a spiritual perspective and make intention to regularly pray, read devotional/motivational literature and meditate. I find that when I take the time to pray or meditate, I feel more in line with the universal power of our planet.
5. Integral assessment relies on deep listening and guidance – Listening is a communication skill that many people do not put enough emphasis on and therefore, conflict and negativity result as a direct result of pseudo-listening practices. Deep listening takes skill and intention to be done correctly. An individual who listens deeply does not judge the information that they receive, they listen to it objectively and open their minds to incorporate new information and guidance. A highly intuitive individual will recognize that guidance will come in many different forms and from many different places. I have found many answers to life’s dilemma in my dreams, while in prayer or meditation.
6. Integral assessment addresses the aspects, levels, and line of development that are relevant to our current circumstances. – There have been times in my life when I didn’t work and I had more time to read, rest, pray, meditate and write. Therefore, I spent more time doing all of those things. With my current busy schedule, I have to be more intentional when it comes to relaxation and mental health. I use the time at work to practice my deep breathing and listening to brain entrainment downloads. It is currently summer and I am trying to spend as much leisure time outside in nature.
Shertina-
ReplyDeleteLife's daily stressors can often times get to us. It's great that you turn to your reading and writing as an outlet. The entrainment downloads sound cool too. Where do you get those? I'm not a single mom so I don't know what that feels like, but I am also involved with a job, school, being a mom, and home-life. It's hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind of obligations. But you're right, we need to just take a breather and relax. I think you're on the right path to integral health.
Shertina, what a great blog and such an honest approach to what is happening in your life. My mother was a single parent, uneducated, and she had to clean houses to support us. She worked all the time. I remember being young and having to go to her night time job with her to clean a local bank. She got her GED when she was 60 and though she attempted to get some college education she could not dedicate the time, because of the amount of hours she worked, while raising her two young children at a much older age. I was adopted when my mother was already in her 50’s. The point is, you are doing it, just as the millions(?) of other single parents around the world and the though you may be frustrated with time and resources, you are taking the steps to make a better life for your family. Most importantly you are setting an example for your children just how important a higher education is. You are showing them that goals can be achieved and though there are sacrifices to be made, a family that grows together is better than any circumstance that keeps families intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually stagnate. I applaud you, as a matter of fact all of us that are working, raising families, dealing with financial strains; I stand and applaud all of us. You are stronger than you are giving yourself credit for. During the times that you might feel alone close your eyes and remember that you are never alone. You are taking great strides and measures to be a better person and that will only yield positive results for your family in its entirety. You go girl! Keep your head up and know that there will be someone praying for you and supporting you emotionally if you want. When I practice loving kindness I think of people like my mother, like you and me, and all the others that struggle to make the right choices, that have limited resources, and other issues that sometimes make the world seem like a very dismal place. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you are well on your way to reaching it. "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~ Maya Angelou. You have a song for everyone to hear and some day you will sing strong, loud and for all the world to hear. Your children will hear it and will be proud of their mother. Peace to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI hope that didn’t sound to preachy, that wasn’t my intention but your blog struck a chord with me and I have a special place in my heart for mothers struggling with trying to make a life for their families. So many strong women in this world…it’s truly is a beautiful thing. Be well my friend you made an impact on me.
Okay my response is too large to post in one comment, so there are a string of comments. In these early morning hours Shertina, you have awakened my spirit, thank you.
ReplyDeleteShertina, what a great blog and such an honest approach to what is happening in your life. My mother was a single parent , uneducated, and she had to clean houses to support us. She worked all the time. I remember being young and having to go to her night time job with her to clean a local bank. She got her GED when she was 60 and though she attempted to get some college education she could not dedicate the time, because of the amount of hours she worked, while raising her two young children at a much older age. I was adopted when my mother was already in her 50’s.
The point is, you are doing it, just as the millions(?) of other single parents around the world and the though you may be frustrated with time and resources, you are taking the steps to make a better life for your family. Most importantly you are setting an example for your children just how important a higher education is. You are showing them that goals can be achieved and though there are sacrifices to be made, a family that grows together is better than any circumstance that keeps families intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually stagnate. I applaud you, as a matter of fact all of us that are working raising families, dealing with financial strains, I stand and applaud all of us. You are stronger than you are giving yourself credit for. During the times that you might feel alone close your eyes and remember that you are never alone. You are taking great strides and measures to be a better person and that will only yield positive results for your family in its entirety.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! Keep your head up and know that there will be someone praying for you and supporting you emotionally if you want. When I practice loving kindness I think of people like my mother, like you and me, and all the others that struggle to make the right choices, that have limited resources, and other issues that sometimes make the world seem like a very dismal place. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you are well on your way to reaching it. "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~ Maya Angelou. You have a song for everyone to hear and some day you will sing strong, loud and for all the world to hear. Your children will hear it and will be proud of their mother. Peace to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI hope that didn’t sound to preachy, that wasn’t my intention but your blog struck a chord with me and I have a special place in my heart for mothers struggling with trying to make a life for their families. So many strong women in this world…it’s truly is a beautiful thing. Be well my friend you made an impact on me.