21 April 2021
Last week the discussion focused on the resilient balance of the eight dimensions of wellness. We concluded that as life changes, the emphasis on emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions also changes. As I researched this topic, I found a helpful site that echoed the premise of last week’s blog: evenly distributed time, across the eight dimensions, is not the way to go. I also thought it might be helpful to gain a better understanding of each dimension.
My first roles in professional life were as a builder/architect. So my environmental dimension is important to me. I am almost never without a book, know all nearby libraries and bookstores, churches, bodies of water, and important buildings, wherever I am. Those spaces restore me to wholeness. Dr. Jordan Peterson has suggested that you build a good day by first making your bed when you rise. I agree. The point is our environments are internal and external. When you make your bed, you start your day knowing you have just done something good. At the same time, your room (and life) are better ordered. Stick with that trend and get better at occupying your own best environments.
The financial dimension isn’t about getting rich quickly—or slowly. It is about being satisfied with current and future financial situations. If money is an issue, learn to take Stoic pride in stripped-down living. Think about how little it would take to still enjoy life. Or, go with basic management stuff: pay yourself first, spend less than you make, pay off debt, and run as tight a ship as possible in a shape-shifting life. If you are overwhelmed, get help at a local bank, library, or from a financial planner. Yes, you can.
The William & Mary University site, from which I’m building this blog, states that the spiritual dimension is about purpose and meaning. This stacks up for me because it accords with Frankl’s (1969/1988) Logotherapy. One of Frankl’s main premises was that much of what ails modern humans is of spiritual (meaning, purpose) origin. We’re not going to solve this in a paragraph, but you can begin to ask yourself, and others, about the purpose and meaning of your life. Again, I cannot recall reading of anyone who resolved this once and for all—like last week’s premise, one’s purpose often changes as one moves through different stages of life. Know your stage, know your purpose.
Because I’m using a university website to begin this exploration, their two recommendations under the occupational dimension are 1. Go to class, and 2. Get to know your advisor. Taken metaphorically, this is good advice: 1. Get involved with a broad, long-term goal, becoming part of that community, and 2. Have a wise, trusted person you can turn to for counsel and support. Generally, the criteria for occupational wellness are having work that satisfies and enriches.
The emotional dimension is interesting: to be emotionally well we need to cope effectively with life’s challenges, think well of ourselves, and foster positive relationships. In many ways this is big enough to define a good life. Hacking it, not running from mirrors, and having someone you can laugh your head off with. Details: dealing with stressors, being realistic about expectations and time, and being emotionally sensitive with others and with yourself.
Just the name, the intellectual dimension can be intimidating. Do not let it stop you. The best advice garnered is “Learn because you want to.” You don’t need to learn Latin, calculus, or astrophysics to improve your mental capacity and agility. Whatever you’re interested in, dig deeper. Find out what’s beneath playing a guitar or skiing the face of a mountain. And then dig deeper until you see some steps coming into view. Make a list, take the first step. Watch documentaries, read a book on something you have never read about...new ideas, new you.
Physical dimensions are popular in the media. Many writers assume the mind-body divide. There is a small but powerful resurgence of thinkers who question that divide and look at human health as more holistic. The needs listed under “physical” include activity, food, sleep. If we do not maintain proper sleep levels our mental health suffers which has an adverse effect on our bodies and minds. Ditto for activity and food. Hence looking at the mind-body as a single integrated system.
It is also significant that, despite being a young person’s website (university age target audience), jogging, weight training, or vigorous sports are not listed. “Activity” can mean walking around your apartment, taking the stairs when available, and doing arm curls with loaded grocery bags. In short, you don’t have to be an Olympian to be active and well.
The social dimension is headed by “Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system.” Notice they begin with “developing.” In other words, if you, like a dangerously increasing number of people today, experience loneliness, you are more typical than you may realize. I don’t think there’s an easy solution that doesn’t feel a bit awkward but if emotional awkwardness is the price of pursuing healthy values, pay the price and reap the rewards. Help others, make time for casual conversations, think well of yourself and others. Add something awkward to your routine and laugh about it. But get connected with others and you’ll soon feel an increasing sense of belonging and all kinds of good things come from that.
In SMART Recovery for addictive behaviours, there is a tool called the Lifestyle Balance Pie. It’s an eight-section circle with slightly different dimensions aimed at fostering awareness. That awareness happens on two levels: the pieces of your life and the pattern of your overall life within larger contexts. During this pandemic, we’ve all read about resilience. The point of this blog is to apply that resilience to your changing conditions, so you don’t slip out of balance and into stubborn rigidity.
Dan Chalykoff provides one-to-one counselling concerning life direction, addiction, and change. He writes these blogs to increase (and share) his own understandings of ideas. Since 2017, he has facilitated two voluntary weekly group meetings of SMART Recovery: danchalykoff@hotmail.com
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