OHI in 2015: Laying A Strong Foundation for the Future
“So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts on it will never be dismayed.’” – Isaiah 28:16
This Biblical truth applies equally to people and institutions — to endure and flourish, one must first carefully establish a solid spiritual foundation. Trying to build a plan, an organization or a life without a clear direction is futile. Without a vision, where are you going? Without core values or principles, what guides you? These elements must be defined in your heart and mind to create a clear vision for growth and fulfillment.
Our commitment to being an effective God-centered community has remained the cornerstone of OHI since its beginning. We looked to the scriptures to define our core values of holism, generosity, relationships, life-long learning, stewardship and service. Our guiding principles were then, and continue to be, trustworthiness, respect, empowerment and alignment.
Next year Optimum Health Institute (OHI) celebrates its 40th year as a change agent for human-kind, continuing our mission to improving the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of everyone we touch.
Connecting the Optimum Health Institute Community Spring 2015
To prepare us for this milestone and following the rhythm of the OHI program, we are dedicating 2015 to being the year of inspiration, exploration, reflection and integration . We are prayerfully reflecting on where we have been, where we are, and where we are going as we build on the solid foundation our founders created.
We’re digging deep into the roots of what makes our program elegantly simple and uniquely OHI. We’re evaluating how we can best be of service to our guests and how we can take the OHI holistic healing program to the next level.
“And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…” – Matthew 16:18
You are part of this “rock,” part of our mission to change and heal the world by changing and healing ourselves. When we feel whole and healthy in body, mind and spirit, we have a solid foundation for growth and living each moment in gratitude, compassion and God’s grace.
As your needs change, we’ve changed and evolved our holistic healing program and our facilities in San Diego and Austin to best be of service. Some of the foundational work we’re doing is purely physical. We realize that part of creating a safe space for guests to heal and grow requires comfortable, affordable and engaging accommodations. This year we continue the renovations and upgrades to rooms and classrooms at our missions in both San Diego and Austin, Texas.
In alignment with our commitment to a holistic healing program, we’re equally committed to providing guests with an opportunity to celebrate their spirit, and grow in their personal relationship with God. Every OHI class now includes at least a one-minute guided meditation to take guests into a restorative and receptive Alpha state.
OPTIMUM HEALTH INSTITUTE • SAN DIEGO • AUSTIN
“The way you help heal the world is you start with your own family.” – Mother Teresa
As a member of our growing OHI community “family,” you can count on us to continue to provide you with material to inspire, educate, nurture and delight you during our year of strengthening our foundation. In 2015, each issue of our quarterly newsletter will focus on inspiring and exploring our personal growth through self-study in order to know thyself , as we are instructed in Psalm 77:6.
In this issue, you will find articles that Inspire personal growth through spiritual disciplines, such as journaling and meditation; the importance of body consciousness in the body-mind-spirit connection, and an update on OHI’s progress in refurbishing the interiors and exteriors of our accommodations and classrooms.
Moving into the summer, our theme will focus on the second step of insuring a strong foundation – Exploration and Encouragement , and how to deepen your practice of self-awareness. In the fall, we’ll share practical advice and tools that support the process of Reflection . We will end the year, appropriately, with ways to Integrate your new-found knowledge and wisdom. In alignment with the Quaker proverb, “When you pray, move your feet,” this issue will share practical, step-by-step guidance for following through.
We invite you to join us this year as we mindfully reexamine each aspect of our program and our facilities. How can we enhance your experience with us, and help you know yourself better? Are there any additional classes or practices that could enrich your path to optimum health? How would you like to become more involved with OHI?
We look forward to hearing from you, and continuing to serve you on your path to optimum health.
Yours in prayer,
Robert P. Nees, Jr.
Senior Pastor and Chairman
Optimum Health Institute
of San Diego and Austin