I have been thinking a lot about optimal health and holistic wellness, both of which seem to have become popular buzz phrases as of late. Unfortunately, though we hear these phrases often, and even talk about them, we often fail to strive to become them.
In looking at popular definitions of wellness we see the following:
- well.ness (wel’nes) Optimal physical and mental health.
- well·ness noun \ˈwel-nəs\ : the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal <lifestyles that promote wellness>
- Wellness is considered to be an active process of becoming aware of and learning to make choices (healthy choices) that lead toward a longer and more successful existence.
- well·ness [wel-nis] noun the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.
- well·ness [wel-nis] n.The condition of good physical and mental health, especially when maintained by proper diet, exercise, and habits.
There is a predominant theme that stands out in each of these definitions, which is that “wellness” is not simply attained, but rather sought after and then maintained through ongoing effort… We do not stumble upon wellness, nor are we simply gifted with wellness, but rather we strive for and actively participate in creating wellness.
So what is Holistic about wellness?
To understand holistic, we must define the word holism. To be whole we must acknowledge the parts. The system as a whole determines in an important way how the parts behave. Aristotle best summarizes this as “The whole is more than the sum of its parts”.
Holistic Health is the balance between all aspects of life – social, physical, spiritual and emotional. It impacts on how we manage our surroundings and make choices in our lives – clearly it is an integral part of our overall health. (as described by the american psychological association)
If holistic wellness involves intentional action to be obtained, and the goal is to seek overall balance; both in physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, and environmental, then i will propose that we are to be actively and very presently pursuing integrated and collateral balance. Where does one begin this journey? Perhaps that is unique to each of us as individuals.
Look at those six areas of holistic health; physical emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual and environmental. What area needs the most attention in your life? What area feels the strongest and can therefore inform the other areas how to become stronger? Do you put a lot into physical health, exercising and being mindful nutritionally, yet create very little time or space for your emotional well-being? Or are you a very social individual with lots of close connections in your community, while neglecting the importance of your spiritual growth/development? We all have our strengths and we all have our weaknesses.
This week, what would it look like to identify a strength to build even further upon, and name a weakness to begin strengthening from the ground up? Could this be the first step toward holistic health?
We are whole beings, with many intricate parts, and when we neglect even one part of who we are, the whole being becomes off balance. Honor your whole self today, in your own unique way as you begin to seek Holistic Health.
BlissfulPsychobabble 