Living/Learning Center Programs
The University of Vermont
Seeing health as the totality of a person’s existence is the holistic view of health. This totality is the unity of mind, spirit and body. (Edlin, Golanty,1998) In the Holistic Health and Wellness program, we will improve our physical and mental stress levels and commit to a healthier lifestyle. This year there will be a specific emphasis on the development of massage techniques as well as yoga, meditation, Reiki, a healthy diet and group support in our daily living.
We will increase our knowledge of holistic health and develop skills valuable to the college community and ourselves. The members of the program should all show an enthusiasm for spreading their newly acquired knowledge among the rest of the campus community. Though meditation and yoga will be considered daily practice and the responsibility of the individual, group sessions of a variety of practices will be held to include all who are interested. By creating a holistic residential environment we hope to create a closely-knit group that will support each other and extend their own ideas of holistic living. As a result we expect to see a higher level of individual academic achievement with a decreased level in physical illness, stress, depression, and sleep related problems.
Research has shown that stress has a profound impact on mind, body and spirit. Chronic stress can decrease immune system functioning, cause depression, effect the central nervous system and cause physiological disorders such as headaches. (Benner, 1998). These issues will be addressed both within the program and to other students. And discussions will be generated as to how we can generate a lower stress environment within our designated suites.
The focus of our program will be to improve upon the individual’s quality of health and happiness and also, the Holistic Health and Wellness Program is designed in order to aid its participants in the exploration of holistic studies. The Living/Learning community and atmosphere is the ideal environment for this to take place- the community centered living arrangements and the access to common rooms provide the spatial freedom desired for this program.
Each member will learn meditation techniques and will practice these
techniques frequently in order to achieve maximum affect and optimal health.
Action Steps
§ Each member will attend/participate in Meditation class on a monthly basis (see listing of prospective meditation mentors and teachers in Learning Objective 5)
§ Members will explore meditation techniques to include forms of Hindu and Buddhist traditions as well Western traditions to incorporate a multicultural aspect.
§ Members will learn Reiki techniques as well as other Holistic therapies through research, lectures, and practice.
§ Extensive readings on Zen, Yoga, and Visualization will be accessible in the suite(s), which will provide guidance and training that will be incorporated into the daily routine of the community residence.
Each member will learn massage techniques and will practice these
techniques weekly in order to achieve maximum effect and optimal health. In
addition, members will research the history and advancement of therapeutic
massage from ancient times to modern techniques and share their findings with
the community.
Action Steps
§ Members will read literature pertaining to massage techniques made accessible to them within the suites
§ Members will research massage techniques and compare and contrast for efficacy.
§ Members will practice techniques on the residential community members once per week.
Members will learn about the benefits of Yoga and how it affects both
the mind and the body. Each member will learn the different postures, breathing
techniques, and philosophy of Yoga. The different types of Yoga will be
explored and researched, and we will also practice Yoga in order to relieve
stress, increase energy and balance the mind.
Action Steps
§ Each member will research the history of Yoga and the various postures, techniques, and types of Yoga. Research can be done at the UVM library or the collection of books that are offered in the community living space.
§ Members will participate in workshops, classes, or retreats that are offered within the Burlington and UVM community.
§ Daily practice of yoga will be set aside and offered in the community living space and members can participate, along with breathing and meditation exercises.
Members will learn homeopathy techniques and will utilize them to achieve optimal health and wellness.
Action Steps
§ Each member will develop a working knowledge of the rationale and use of homeopathic medicine through workshop and teach-ins.
§ Members will research the development of homeopathy and write letters advocating the use of homeopathic medications in local medical facilities
§ Each member will gain experience in administering homeopathic remedies used for common everyday complaints as well as long-term conditions.
§ A library of resources will be kept in the residential community living space.
Members will develop a working support group designed to assist with
stress, community and subsequent physical issues. Group dynamics can help
modify individual behavior.
Action Steps
§ Members will develop a safe environment for sharing experiences through weekly check in and community building workshops and activity’s (see list of prospective community building mentors and teachers on Learning Objective 5).
§ Members will keep a journal reflecting the individual stages of the group’s development.
§ Members will develop a democratic environment encouraging all members to participate in decision-making process.
§ Leadership abilities will be enhanced and developed in-group dynamics of the residence.
Members will be provided with the opportunity to expand knowledge and
build skills.
Action Steps
§ To provide the opportunity to attend workshops and learn under teachers/mentors whose expertise fall under one of the four focuses of this program.
§ To locate 2-3 well-trained professionals who will assist in running The Holistic Health and Wellness Program. Advisors must have a strong background in one or more of our fields.
In past years this program worked closely with the Holistic Center in the Burlington Community, Pathways to Wellbeing; it is the up-coming year’s suite complete intention to continue the holistic efforts previously arranged as well as find our own outside interests.