Initiative for Intentional Health
The Initiative for Intentional Health (IHI) was established in 2004 to promote holistic health and well-being within the College, University and surrounding community through programs and initiatives. This focus is aligned with the College of Nursing’s definition of nursing as “nurturing the wholeness of person and environment through caring”. The mission of the IHI relates to the College’s dedication to caring. Caring for self, others and the environment are central to promoting health and well-being. The programs of the IHI are designed to encourage mindful engagement in caring for self and others, and focus on supporting human potential, self-knowledge, mindfulness and conscious living.
A cadre of nursing faculty have expertise in holistic health, and board certification in holistic nursing and Integrative Nurse Coaching.
The Initiative for Intentional Health also serves to support the educational focus areas of the College of Nursing including the Master of Science in Nursing concentration in Advanced Holistic Nursing preparing graduates for certification as advanced holistic nurses and integrative nurse coaches.
In addition, the IIH supports research within the College grounded in caring science and holistic health.
Our two-pronged approach includes:
- Offering cost-effective classes and informational seminars to the College, University and community.
- Inspiring research aligned with the holistic health focus area within the College of Nursing.
Center for Intentional Health Programs
The Initiative for Intentional Health hosts a year-round calendar of informational seminars and wellness programs. Sessions can include workshops and classes such yoga, mindfulness, meditation, labyrinth walking, nutrition, healing touch, aromatherapy, HearthMath and more.
Introduction (for the series):
Over the last several months, there have been many challenges and uncertainties within our lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges and uncertainties can impact our health.
Caring for Self during a Pandemic is a new series offering ideas and strategies to help us with exploring possible strategies for living in a pandemic – healing our mind, body and spirit. A new module will be available every 2 weeks.
Dr. France - Power over Worry
https://fau.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Play/98ed54aaf9d240439758504464daa40e1d
Dr. France - Introduction to Caring for Self during a Pandemic
https://fau.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Play/de27ef5283184b298edc6bec1c6414f11d
Dr. Gropper - Food as Health Care
https://fau.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Play/2291b8f3b1184b6dbea1651729383c401d
Yoga
Classes are open to all Florida Atlantic faculty, staff and students.
Labyrinth Walk with Reflection
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton Campus has a classic circular labyrinth with a brick walking path. A classical labyrinth path leads you to the labyrinth’s center. Foliage and flowering plants delight the senses and invite you to enjoy the walk. In 2006, the labyrinth designed by Gundula Friedman was installed in the courtyard.
A labyrinth, an intricate path in a healing garden, serves as tool to calm, quiet, and awaken the mind and spirit. Walking a labyrinth is an alternative and complementary, integrative health intervention with literature reporting its usefulness for stress reduction, cancer care, cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and as a satisfying physical activity.
https://labyrinthsociety.org/research-bibliography/categories/1350-journal-articles
The Labyrinth Society (https://labyrinthsociety.org), an international group offers a labyrinth worldwide locator service and informational and design resources. Labyrinth’s classified by type (https://labyrinthsociety.org/historical-overview/labyrinth-typology/ ), are used in schools, hospitals, retreat centers, churches, prisons, and parks. In this walking and meditative activity, you are invited to engage in thoughtful and respectful meandering along the labyrinth's path while engaging in contemplative practices such as reflection on a meaningful word or words/sounds for meditation from your spiritual tradition.
How to’s
When: Selected Tuesdays 1-2P, once a month with the Labyrinth Docent and anytime on your own. The Labyrinth is open when the College of Nursing is in session.
On selected Tuesdays, a Labyrinth Docent will have a basket with words useful for self-reflection (Your option).
Preparation:
- Come dressed for the weather
- Walking shoes are recommended on the brick surface
- The flat brick surface is wheelchair accessible.
Optional
- Bring your audio device with ear buds with selected meditative music. Consider using an instrumental meditative app on your smartphone. Two suggestions are the Calm app and Meditation Music App:
- Bring a friend to walk with you too.
- Bring your favorite spiritual meditation
Labyrinth Walking with Reflection:
- Enter the college of nursing main entrance and walk across the atrium. View the floor image of the dance of caring persons and enter the doors to the inner courtyard. The labyrinth begins on your left and the pathway is bordered by the lighter colored brick pattern.
- Walk at a pace that is comfortable as you follow the labyrinth and pause at will to engage in your reflection.
- Once you reach the center of the labyrinth, you can start-over, exit, or take a seat to enjoy the garden.
Stretch Sessions
No-Sweat Stretch, Core & Pelvic Floor Classes
Every Wednesday | 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
College of Nursing, NU 115
Join weekly lunch break Stretch, Core & Pelvic Floor sessions for faculty and staff. The classes are suitable for all levels and do not require a change of clothes. Instructor Dr. Shahar Almog, Postdoctoral Fellow.
Reiki
Reiki (free)
Meditation room 1st Monday of each month
Ms. Anne Marie Rempala
Beginning Monday February 3rd 4:00 to 4:25 pm and 4:30 to 5:00 pm
Limited to 8 people in each time frame.
Labyrinth Walk with Reflection 1:00 to 2:00 pm (Free)
Healing Garden (Meet in the Atrium)
February 25th (TBD)
March 31st (TBD)
April 28th (TBD)
