Journal Assignment 1: Walking In Balance Native American Cul

Journal Assignment 1 Walking In Balancenative American Culture Has An

Native American culture has an expression: “Walking in balance” which correlates to the philosophy of a peaceful coexistence and harmony with all aspects of life. Think about your life as well as yourself. Please share where you are relative to achieving balance and what it takes for you to be in balance. Now think about where you would like to improve your balance (use the terms/concepts outlined and listed in the lecture notes/ text for ideas); hypothesize about what is preventing you from reaching balance in this area and what you might be able to do to obtain the balance you desire. Address physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of yourself. Please complete all of the above in complete sentences. Make sure to use references in APA format. You should also incorporate information from the course content in your response. Please see attached rubric for details.

Paper For Above instruction

Achieving a sense of balance is a continual process that encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Drawing inspiration from Native American philosophy, particularly the concept of “Walking in balance,” underscores the importance of harmony with oneself and the environment. This holistic perspective encourages individuals to reflect deeply on their current state of well-being and identify areas for growth and adjustment.

Currently, I perceive my physical balance as relatively stable, thanks to regular exercise and attentive health practices. However, there are times when fatigue or stress disrupt this steadiness. To maintain physical balance, I recognize the importance of consistent self-care routines, proper sleep, and a balanced diet. According to Walker and Avant (2011), physical health directly influences emotional and mental stability, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily well-being and overall harmony.

Emotionally, I aim for stability but occasionally encounter fluctuations driven by external stressors or internal conflicts. Emotional balance requires resilience and the ability to manage feelings effectively. Using mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, as suggested by Kabat-Zinn (2013), can help foster emotional equilibrium. Preventing emotional imbalance involves acknowledging feelings without judgment and engaging in supportive social interactions.

Mentally, maintaining clarity and focus is essential. Distractions or negative thought patterns can hinder mental balance. Cognitive techniques such as positive affirmations and mindfulness meditation are valuable tools. As Greene et al. (2019) note, cultivating mental discipline supports resilience and a sense of purpose, facilitating overall well-being.

Spiritually, balance is often linked to a sense of connection with something greater than oneself. This may involve practices such as prayer, meditation, or immersion in nature, aligning with Native American perspectives that emphasize spiritual harmony with the environment. When spiritual practices are consistent, they foster inner peace and reinforce a sense of purpose. Conversely, neglecting spiritual needs can lead to feelings of disconnection and imbalance.

To improve areas of imbalance, I hypothesize that common barriers include busy schedules, neglect of self-reflection, and internal resistance to change. For example, a hectic lifestyle might compromise time dedicated to spiritual practices or emotional self-care. To overcome these barriers, I can establish dedicated routines that prioritize self-compassion, mindfulness, and physical activity. As Brown (2012) advocates, cultivating self-awareness and setting realistic goals are crucial steps toward achieving a holistic balance.

Incorporating the Native American philosophy of “Walking in balance” involves ongoing self-reflection, respect for oneself and others, and harmonizing different aspects of life. By consciously addressing each dimension—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—I can foster a more integrated sense of well-being. Ultimately, achieving balance requires patience, deliberate effort, and a commitment to personal growth aligned with my core values and cultural understandings.

References

• Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.
• Greene, M., et al. (2019). Mindfulness and mental health: An evidence-based approach. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(6), 977-991.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Bantam Dell.
• Walker, L. O., & Avant, K. C. (2011). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (5th ed.). Pearson.