Holism: Aware and Well

"This foundation of holism became the explanation of the new model, in which the self is at the core of wellness and is depicted graphically (and ultimately statistically), as indivisible."
- Wellness in Counseling: An Overview
Myers, & Sweeney

Since I am currently studying theories in Education, I find myself repeating the same ideas surrounding a holistic education. I am a constructivist who believes that each student has their own particular schemas-a sort of jumping off point to which the individual's education and learning are based. The person and these schemas are inseparable because they may formed from worldviews, religion, or culture. The schemas may be challenged, reinforced or perhaps overturned but that is for the student to work through and decide. The educator's focus is on helping a student toward the journey to self-actualization, beginning in early childhood education and lasting throughout life. Each subject is essential throughout this journey, not just the qualitative science and math, but the arts and even play or leisure. Similarly, the teacher must be aware of the importance of the self, as Myers and Sweeney mention, and each educator's path to self-actualization, in order to help guide their pupils. Unfortunately, education policy-makers do not share my beliefs, despite the evidence otherwise, and the dreams of holistic education are currently buried under stacks of scan-tron sheets and standardized test scores. (cue corporate robot drones)

Counseling and other helping profession are no different and the field's acceptance of the ideas of holism, wellness and awareness are encouraging. Similarly, in education, and fortunately, there is also a trend in multicultural awareness. At the moment, I am reading a book from a great writer and educator, author bell hooks, called Teaching to Transgress. hooks tackles issues of racism, sexism and power in the classroom and her in-your-face writing can be difficult to swallow, especially being a white, middle class female. But, like the textbook mentions, it is important for growth as a counselor/educator/professional to be out of your comfort zone and recognize that sometimes, even though one thinks one is fully free of the indoctrinated traditions of patriarchal, white, wealthy, males; that there is always room for reflection and adjustment. In such instances, I like to think of a famous quote by another author dear to my heart, Leo Tolstoy...‎"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking." After all, who learns anything from an echo chamber?
Ultimately, the concepts of the Wellness Model and holism are a constant reminder and thier effectiveness is undeniable evidence that the self is indivisible. (Other fields should take note, think of all the endless possibilites if all professions ascribed to the wellness model!) Coupling the wellness model with positive psychology strategies resonates with me. I particularly liked exercise 2.9 in the book, Your Own Wellness Assessment. Since I am interested in school counseling, I think this method would be a great for use with older students. I have earmarked the page and am happy to add a tool to my counseling skills toolbox!