Last week I touched on the need for Physical and Emotional Wellness, and this week, I want to round out that discussion with Social and Spiritual Wellness. In last week’s article I shared the need for personal responsibility in the pursuit and sustainment of our wellness, and this week, I want to share a story that speaks to how we become captive in our minds, even when reality tells us different.
The story has to do with the training of an elephant. When an elephant is young, the trainer chains it to an anchor point in the ground. No matter how it tries, the young elephant can not break away, and ultimately accepts it captivity. Now as the elephant grows, it continues with the belief that its circumstance has not changed and will, despite any efforts, remain captive, although the stake in the ground has long ago lost its ability to hold that larger and stronger elephant. At any time, the elephant could free itself with little effort, but remains captive due to its previous experience, and acceptance of its previous limitations.
Our life’s story is being written each and every day, by our experiences and actions. What once held us back, no longer has that same power over us, that is, if choose it. To often in our journey for wellness, we become our biggest limitation. This is especially true in our Social Wellness. We have to be willing to step outside our comfort zone, go against our past practices, and be present in the moment with those around us. Each and every moment with another person is truly a gift. That’s why they call it the “Present”
Our Social wellness is reliant on three “Cs”- Communication, Connection, and Commitment. Each and every day we should be nurturing our social wellness by engaging in meaningful and authentic communication. In doing so, we establish a human connection with those near us, which will naturally lead to a shared commitment to each other. This is the essence of Social Wellness.
In the limited space of this article, I want to conclude with the most important tenant of wellness, that being our Spiritual wellness. When I teach resiliency, this one brings with it the greatest hesitation, which is unfortunate, as it is truly the foundation. I think the reason for the hesitation is the assumption that spirituality brings with a conversation which is strictly based in religious beliefs. Although a person’s religious faith may play a large role in their spirituality and spiritual wellness, it is actually defined by the active search for meaning and purpose. It includes things like our morals, beliefs, and values. It is that which brings about inner peace and harmony, knowing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. What spiritual wellness should not be, is something tied to a superficial or materialistic existence.
A good formula for determining if your current activity or lifestyle is in fact one of purpose, is to answer three basic questions; 1. Do I enjoy this activity? 2. Does this activity come naturally, and allow me to use my gifts and talents? 3. In doing this activity, am I having a positive impact on others? Give that some thought. Only if you are able to answer yes to each of these, are you on life’s path of purpose. Enjoy the Journey!!
