There are very few topics from your syllabus which manage to inspire you to write an article on it and this is one of those few times. While studying about Health, Lifestyle and wellness, I came across something which goes by the name, ‘Wellness Energy Systems’.
Developed by John Travis, this dynamic whole person model, comprises of 12 realms/ fundamental life processes that interact with one another to shape our life experience and our own state of personal well- being.
I know you would think this is something right off the curriculum and something really academic, I won’t lie ‘cause it is. But there’s something really meaningful about each of these realms and it makes you realize how the small things are what will make living life one filled with value and easier for you and understand what wellness is.
1. Self-responsibility and Love:
‘and if I ask you about all the things you love, how long will it take you to name yourself?’
Of personal wellness, these are the 2 primary foundations. We often are caring but lack-care when it comes to ourselves, we often have personal obligations and we put ourselves last forgetting about ourselves. When we get too closely reeled into the practice of putting ourselves last we lack the motivation to practice self-care. When we care for ourselves, we don’t harm ourselves. We don’t harm ourselves by ignoring our thoughts and feelings; we don’t harm ourselves by not giving the worth we deserve. And when we don’t harm ourselves, we grow. Everything that you do begins with yourself.
Caring includes eating and sleeping well and also maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. Be the way with you the way you want others to be with you.
Through this, we discover what our real needs are and see the way to reach them clearly. Focusing on the within, we learn the art of self-compassion, how to reduce the negative image we have created of ourselves and the desire to consciously and sub-consciously improve our personal wellness.
2. Breathing
‘breathe. In and out. Pause and exhale. And just like that let whatever is happening, take it in and let it out when you have to.’
The primary way to bring energy to our systems and the most essential one is breathing. There’s a lot of support to the theory which says that sometimes a taking a few deep breaths clears down a lot of things. Obviously, breathing is essential for producing energy. But mindful breathing in itself is a technique of stress management. When we become more aware of breathing, practice mindful breathing slowly and mindfully we instantly feel self-relaxation. Mindful breathing is like a reset button. It promotes relaxations, calms down our emotions, helps us focus on our mind, heightens our sensory awareness and helps us become more present.
Breathing is a necessity. And that activity in itself, if done mindfully solves and helps us see a lot of things.
3. Sensing
‘the 5 senses are like the ministers of your body’
We navigate our experiences through the world with our 5 senses – seeing, touching, hearing, tasting and smelling. Feels like a regular thing doesn’t it? The 5 senses, a part of us and just a normal usual thing. But unconsciously we dull our senses because of our lifestyle. Overworking, stress, excessive screen time, lack of sleep and sensory overload. If we know that these senses are a part of us then it should be accepted that we have to pay attention to them. Each and every one of them.
But why you ask? Because while working with the Sensing Dimension, we discover how our life can truly be enriched by engaging our senses mindfully are some of our favourite everyday activities. It may be a morning walk, listening to our favourite playlist, a relaxing bubble bath or even food. Bringing focus to our senses allows us to make a better choice, perform at a higher level, engage more fully in our relationships and be aware of what is happening.
4. Eating
‘ they say food is the direct way to heart’
Goes unsaid that eating too is the primary source of our metabolic energy. But it also holds the meaning that food is the direct way too heart. With our diet of today’s processed foods, the quality of our die doesn’t produce the consistent energy we need to power our lives with which leads to several health problems. For us to have a healthy heart, we have to follow a healthy diet. There goes the literal meaning that food is the direct way to the heart.
In the realm of eating, we have to eat and appreciate the true value of plant-based diet composed of fresh, whole foods whenever possible to be eaten in moderation for the energy to live an optimum life.
This is the true self-care. Eating for physical, mental and emotional well-being. While you are breathing mindfully, also eat mindfully. It’ll help you incorporate a deeper awareness of your senses and enjoy the eating experience whole-heartedly.
5. Moving
‘ life is like a bicycle. To have balance, you must keep moving’
Moving is the basic expression of life energy. When we get so caught up in our fast-paced life and in front of screens, we become too sedentary and struggle to find the time and strategies to reintroduce more movement or physical activity in our lives.
Remember our childhood? Coming back from grounds, all sweaty from playing and waiting for cold water to relax us. Yes, that kinda movement is what we have to get back. Lack of physical movement is not only a direct way to illness but also affects our mental health. We get frustrated and it might lead to us getting very cranky and guilty.
Do any of your chosen form of physical movement for your body. Walks, lifts, yoga, cycling, dance, etc. But give your body physical movement. While in this realm, you will understand the importance of maintaining life long physical activity as a whole person- in body, mind and spirit. And how each small step will help you make you chosen from of physical activity a part of your daily lives.
6. Feeling
The most beautiful form of experience cannot be seen or even touched- they must be felt with the heart
Feelings are your emotions. Feelings and thoughts differ, although they are deeply intertwined. Whenever something happens, you respond to both feeling and thinking. And in the battle of thoughts and feelings, we let our feelings lose. We give priority to our thoughts and ignore our feelings. Then while in that, we start losing our touch with feelings.
This realm, asks you to become more aware of our feelings. By asking you to focus on increasing your emotional intelligence, ability to identify and acknowledge your and the feelings of others. It’s not that your thoughts aren’t important and you should ignore them. But, don’t push away your feelings.
And while you focus on your breathing while in this realm, you’ll start being a lot calmer when experiencing anger or anxiety.
People reacted to this story.
Show comments Hide comments[…] We were talking about the dimensions of wellness. Let’s continue from where we left off: […]