Spiritual_Wellness_Holistic_Health_and_the_Practic

52 Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
In essence, each scholar expressed belief that the development of human potential
is equated with the evolutionary process of man ’ s responses to environmental stimuli.
The evolutionary process is partly a function of man ’ s choice and partly a result of
genetics and environmental influences.
Tillich and Tournier believed that part of the process also results directly from the
grace of God. Each of the scholars emphatically stated that the development of our
potential, within the limitations of our existence, is an essential need. If an individual
does not reach his or her potential, then he or she will not achieve inner harmony and
health. Development of human potential is infinitely significant to the development
and maintenance of health.
Although the definitions of health developed by Dubos, Fromm, Maslow,
Montagu, Tillich, and Tournier vary, they share strong commonalities. Their definitions
support the concept that health is an expression of quality of life. When the positive
quality of one or more life processes is hampered from external or internal sources,
full development and actualization may falter and a greater potential for illness or disease
may result.
Numerous barriers compromise the potential and expression of health. Perhaps
the most paramount barrier perceived by the scholars is lack of opportunity for the
development of full humanness. According to the scholars, not developing the capacity
for full human functioning will be a source of distress, illness, and disease. As
such, individuals must attempt to discover and embrace opportunities for developing
their full human potential and expressing health and quality of life.
Studying these scholars helped me develop a personal understanding of how
individuals express health and how the potential for health can manifest despite
severe limitations in one or more dimension(s). I have come to believe that when
external and internal elements that facilitate development of human potential are
available, individuals are more likely to experience optimal health. This has helped
me understand my role as a health educator responsible for assisting individuals,
communities, and society. It also has led me to believe that nearly everyone expresses
some level of health even when they are confronted with the most devastating
circumstances. I prefer to look for that expression of health as a starting point for
professional interaction, education, and enhancement of health rather than focus on
existing debilitation.
CONCLUSION
As stated earlier, each health education and promotion professional should study the
dimensions of human functioning to develop a set of personal beliefs and subsequent
framework for professional practice. The aforementioned framework represents a professional
philosophy. The philosophy should provide a personal definition of health
grounded in dimensions deemed important for addressing the complete essence of an
individual. Once developed, the philosophy gives direction and provides a sense of
professional comfort and expertise to the practitioner.