Health Development Plan

Geneva McCloud
Health Development Plan
Kaplan University
August 11, 2015

Health Development Program

Health Development Plan

Those individuals contributing to western thought and philosophy are recognizing that a
new revelation to spirituality is at the horizon. Many global countries have centered their lives in
relying on healing modalities through holistic wellness approaches to bring peace and balance to
their lives, which has contributed their integral optimal health and well-being. Optimal health is
achieved through complete balance of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being,
which attributes to complete wholeness (Seaward, B. 2013). My focus today will be to introduce
a health development plan that will contribute to spiritual growth.
By reviewing previous lessons throughout this term, I have been able to compose 10
questions that will be pertinent in a health development plan. I have selected one respondent for
each of the questions. Lets begin with, What concept do you rely on to help guide your
spiritual growth? My interviewee responded, with utilizing prayer as his guide. He emphasized
the importance of thanking his divine source for allowing him to wake up each day and to help
guide him throughout the day to make the right choices and decisions, throughout his journey.
This question is very relevant to growth, when compared to the story of Gari Carter. Gari was
embedded with strong will and determination, after the accident, but by utilizing prayer,
meditation and a host of other healing modalities, she lead a normal life (Seaward, 201).
Next, Where is your calmness and peace of mind delivered from? He responded,
through meditation. He stated, there is stillness, and his mind body and spirit are completely
relaxed. This form of concentration is extremely necessary, to calm our restless minds, which
further disentangles them from countless worries that take space in our minds (Walsh, R. 1999). I
further questioned, How much time, do you set aside for meditation. His response, was that he
really has never paid much attention to the length, so it could vary. Because I have been made
aware of the two essential forms of meditation, which are insight and concentration (Stahl. B.
and Goldstein, E. 2010), I was led me to my next question, What kind of meditation are you

Health Development Program

practicing? That kind of threw him for a loop. He stated, he just reviews his thoughts as they
come to mind, and try to release any thoughts that are negative. My interviewee appears to
practice mindfulness meditation. In mindfulness meditation, we focus on the present, focusing on
what is happening now in our bodies without any judgement or attempts to manipulate the
experience (Stahl, B. and Goldstein, E. 2010).
My next set of questions, involved handling obstacles, misfortune, and traumatic
experiences. How do you handle obstacles and barriers? His response was, I try to have an
open mind. Realizing that, I cant change what has happened, and allow myself time to gradually
move on towards a more positive outlook. This optimistic approach, tells others, its just a
temporary setback and that they will bounce back (Seligman, M. 2006).We move to, How do
you handle or relate causes of misfortune to your life? He responded, it is very stressful, but he
knows he has reliable resources and stops focusing on the issue, because it will not change what
has occurred. This approach is effective, because it will allow growth. Additionally, we are
allowed to move forward without any inhibitors, inflicting no such fear or anxiety upon the
spirit.
We are now half way through the interview. As I look over the responses, I have come to
the conclusion that he appears to have an optimistic perspective. Which works out perfectly for
my next question, which is, How do you believe an optimist can contribute to good health? His
response, if you remain positive, you know you will get better, because I seek further aid and
assistance. Seeking help and taking immediate action to heal what is ailing, are the actions of
someone who is optimistic (Seligman, 2006).We went a little deeper with the next question,
which was How do you handle moments of emptiness? He responded with a positive and
optimistic approach, which included surrounded himself with those who love him, while staying
busy and focusing his attentions elsewhere. My interviewee is on the right path, some battle

Health Development Program

emptiness, with spiritual bankruptcy, which suggest moral decay, with shopping or unhealthy
behaviors (Seward, 2013).
Next, I asked, do you have anger issues, if so how do you control them? He responded,
everyone gets angry at some point, but he is able to control his anger by continuing to rely on
meditation, along with playing video games, listening to music or watching something comical
on television. Utilizing healing modalities, known as cognitive coping strategies and relaxation
techniques can attribute greatly to inner peace (Seaward, 2015). This led us to my final question
by asking How do you bring out your inner beauty? I loved his reply, which was to express
genuine love and kindness. Genuine love and kindness is like a spiritual metaphor of a
transformation unfolding. Further empowering our gift of transcendent beauty to mature and
blossom, while unfolding potential (Walsh, R. 1999).
Based on my interviewees responses, he is well on his way to maintaining a state of
homeostasis, while embarking on lifes forever changing journey. His concepts and practices are
useful in resisting stressful situation and circumstances. His optimism greatly influences his
positive energy. My interviewee relies on prayer and meditation for spiritual growth, which is
essential to optimal health.
The concepts being practiced are excellent for the health development plan. I would only
make some small modifications, which include incorporating additional strategies for anger
management. Some useful tips include simple relaxation tools, including deep breathing and
relaxing imagery, to further calm down angry feeling, just so that he allows himself quiet time
away from technology, which further, can attribute to clouded judgement. Also adding non
strenuous activity, such as Yoga or Tai Chi to relax muscles, where we may embark upon a much
calmer experience (American Psychological Association 2015). Healing practices have allowed
other who have encountered tragedies to return to normal and fulfilling lives.

Health Development Program

Spirituality has been defined as a direct experience with the sacred, although there is no
one definition that can be relied upon as the true meaning. Spirituality may include the aspects of
higher consciousness, transcendence, self-reliance, self-efficacy, love, faith, enlightenment and
mysticism, along with numerous other concepts based on each individuals human spirituality
(Seaward, B. 2015).
When relying on the optimistic view of things, such as the way we think about our health,
it is to have the mindset of spiritual hunger to obtain spiritual growth by further seeking an
understanding of the big picture and allowing yourself not to be defeated. This understanding
would produce even greater rewards to the health development plan. When there is a desire for
spiritual dimension while granting an open mind, there is the reality of strengthening ones
belief, attitudes, and philosophies (Seward, B. 2013).
Without changing our way of thought we continue to be in the dark, relying on ignorance.
Having an optimistic view of things, will increase awareness and bring a willingness to devote
time and energy to the positives of spirituality. My interviewee added, he relied on humor which
is a perception of something funny or comical, which triggers a feeling or mood of joy and
happiness, this will be a key aspect to spiritual growth, because of the elation and euphoric
feelings brought to our spirits. All of which have positive healing effects on health (Seaward, B.
2015). Each of the components listed, will provide continued essential benefits to optimal health
and well-being, supporting a health development plan.
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2015). Controlling anger before it controls you. Retrieved
August 11, 2015 from http://www.apa.org/topics/anger/control.aspx
Seaward, B. (2013). Health of the Human Spirit: Spiritual Dimensions for Personal Health. (2nd
Ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones Bartlett Learning.
Seaward, B. (2015). Managing Stress. Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. (8th
Ed.) Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Health Development Program

Seligman, M. (2006). How you think, how you feel. In Learned Optimism. New, NY: Vintage
Books. Inc.
Walsh, R. (1999). Essential Spirituality. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons