Spiritual_Wellness_Holistic_Health_and_the_Practic

14 Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
share with you briefly the essence of the personal philosophy that gives direction to
my professional practice. I believe Creation provides the most reasonable explanation
for human existence (Where did I come from?). Deity endows each human being with
a life force, or soul, making every human being inherently unique arid valuable. Human
beings exist to serve Deity, and we render that service in part by helping other
human beings in our common journey toward an eternal existence (Why am I here?).
Through successful service, we serve Deity for eternity in the afterlife (Where am
I going?). I also believe in ultimate justice, where good eventually triumphs.
A clear philosophy of the purpose for human existence can significantly influence
our approach to personal and professional relationships. For example, a professor
labors against an impossible deadline to complete a critical project when a student
knocks, sticks her head in the door, and asks, “ Do you have a minute? ” In this situation,
you know two things. First, you don ’ t have a minute, and second, even if you
do, the matter will take more than a minute. What do you do? Time management tells
us to lock the door, pull the shade, and turn off the light, but a philosophy that views
the individual with respect and value says to help now, or at least make certain the
need isn ’ t urgent or life - threatening.
Some would question the preceding example, suggesting we should take time for
ourselves. While we all need time for ourselves, Americans have elevated self - care to
an art form. Since helping others usually requires sacrifice, a clear philosophy confirms
the purpose and importance of serving. While anyone can render acts of service,
those who work from a sense of right and duty (or love) often serve with contentment
and conviction for a lifetime. In this sense, service represents as much an attitude as an
act. Even on “ bad days, ” a philosophy grounded in service sustains us in helping our
students, patients, and clients — especially when they don ’ t deserve it or appreciate it.
Conversely, service without substance eventually fades, leaving the individual frustrated
and disillusioned.
CONCLUSION
I ’ m reminded again of that time with my dad on a snowy Christmas Day in 1959. Dad
was not a politician or social activist. He just believed in people. He respected them,
accepted them, and related to them as individuals regardless of their circumstances.
He particularly loved children. That year, dad worked at a furniture store. The sharecropper
had bought the tricycle as a Christmas present for his son, but he had no car
and the snowstorm prevented his picking it up on Christmas Eve. Dad knew that without
the tricycle, the little boy would have no Christmas. He saw a need, and he met it.
That act was especially significant in 1959. The little boy was Black.
Dad died on October 6, 1992, at age 80 following a ten - year struggle with countless
health problems. The experience jaded my view of modern medicine, but Dad
didn ’ t complain. Rather, he accepted the situation and endeared himself to the countless
medical workers who filled his life. His passing left a small hole in the universe,
not so much for his worldly accomplishments, but for the quality of his character. He