“We don’t realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.” -Eat, Pray Love
How many times in the past year have you made promises to yourself that you would – start running, lose weight, meditate, get a massage or find professional support to address the thoughts and stress that keep you awake at night? How many times did you not follow through? In order to travel the road to wellness it needs both your good intentions and your focused action.
Wellness is a positive approach to living that emphasises the whole self. It is the integration of the body, mind, and spirit that comes about as a result of consciously crafting a lifestyle that brings physical, mental, emotional and spiritual vibrancy and health. The result can support joy, satisfaction, and fulfilment and brings a sense of autonomy and meaning to life that touches your innate sense of confidence and inner peace.
What is Your Wellness Quotient?
The ability to embody wellness in life requires that you first reflect on and understand your present situation and then develop a focused plan of action to address the shortfalls:
Try this Exercise ->
Take a moment to find a quiet, inspiring space. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and begin to breathe deeply. Follow your breath in and out for five cycles with the intention of allowing all blocks to awareness be release with each exhale.
Begin rating your present life status for each of the conditions below. (rate from 1 – 10, ten being the optimum quality of wellness that you embody in your life)
- How healthy is the environment in your home (clean, organised, quiet places, socially inviting)?
- Do you feel satisfied and enriched by the work you do?
- Do you feel happy with the way you live your life (play, friends, love)?
- What is the level of physical exercise you engage in each week (10 = >5x per week)?
- Does your life have meaning, direction (community engagement, support for causes, know what your passionate about)?
- Do you love yourself (the good, bad and ugly of you)?
- How well do you know your strengths and positive qualities?
- Do you challenge your mind with stimulating and creative mental activities?
- Do you take part in sharing your gifts in community to make a difference?
- Do you have a regular practice of self-reflection and take time for personal development (meditation, Breathwork, being in nature, counselling)?
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Imagine your scores mapped on a circle, with 10 being at the outer edge. How smooth would your circle be? Take time to look at areas where you might focus and begin today to devise action steps that bring attention where needed.
For example:
- Low on clean environment? Clean out the clutter, open windows to bring in fresh air, re-arrange the furniture to provide more flow and space
- Not feeling too connected to your rich inner life? Begin a meditation practice, take a timeout to attend a retreat or begin Breathwork to clear the blocks .
Prioritise Your Wellness
The ability to cultivate wellness as an integral and primary aspect of life experience depends on being able to develop habits that incorporate:
- consistent self- care that takes personal responsibility for your well-being
- awareness of the need to make choices that prioritise positive life outcomes.
- appreciation for the truth that everything you do, think, feel, and believe has an impact on your state of health.
- habits and behaviours that promote better health and an improved quality of life.
- balance between physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of your life to embody your whole potential for well-being
- such modalities as meditation, Breathwork, chanting, yoga, affirmations to open to the intuitive wisdom that guides an awakened self.
Never underestimate the power of the breath in the quest for wellness and healing
“Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.” ~ Krishnamacharya.
