What is a system of wellness? I define this term as any contemplative methodology
promoting physical, emotional, psychological, & spiritual evolution. This broad definition allows for a more open and inclusive approach to defining healing and growth, and yet it feels like a “specialized” language only for those in the “know”.
The best way to demystify the practice of wellness is by gathering and sharing these resourceful systems and this is the long term goal of my blog.
In the meantime, here are a set of 5 foundational tenants that will encourage open hearts and minds which are essential for creating and defining your own personal system of wellness.
1. There is no rule book for a system of wellness.
While we may picture wellness as an often traditional approach to healing based in convention, this is not true. Although many philosophies of self-betterment are rooted in cultural heritage, we are redefining wellness with each generation, as well as within each individual. Wellness is a collage, a process of borrowing many approaches and organizing them into something new. Therefore we have the permission to pursue our path towards healing even if it has never been paved before. We are supported by the ideas of the past, but are not limited to them.
2. One system of wellness is not better or worse than another.
Since wellness is a highly subjective and personal experience, it cannot be defined by a universal system of measurement. What may be a form of healing for one person may be toxic for someone else. Therefore, when forming our personal systems of wellness, we must always do the work of accepting the systems that others choose, as long as they don’t bring us harm.
3. A system of wellness does not need to have a certain size or reach.
I'm drawn to the diversity of the world of wellness, and appreciate how we can have a highly individualized system of wellness or adhere to a global philosophy. There is no need for a healing practice to be verified, witnessed, or tested. We have the full power to claim if our healing approaches work for us, and this effectiveness cannot be increased or diminished by outside opinion if we choose to believe in ourselves.
4. A system of wellness will be messy and must be adaptable.
The word “system” comes with a sense of rigidity and may sound too clinical for dealing with the unpredictable nature of life. Systems of wellness are designed to provide structure within the chaos of life, however, these systems work best when they are somewhat messy and chaotic as well. We have the right, as creators of systems, to change the rules at any time, contradict our systems, and abandon them altogether. The chaotic reality of life sometimes requires great flexibility. The definition of growth is change, and our approaches towards wellness must change as well.
5. Everyone has created a system of wellness
Yes, you have a system of wellness. It may have many bullet points, or it may simply have one. You may be aware of it, or it may subconsciously dictate your life. You may have inherited your healing modalities from families, friends, or teachers. You may have curated every ritual of wellness independently and originally. You may call this a system of wellness, or you may call it something different. No matter where on the spectrum you fall, you are alive, growing, learning, and reaching. You have a rich and powerful platform that has enabled you to achieve each accomplishment in your life as well as provide healing for others. The process of adopting a system of wellness is not an external one. While we may learn from others, we will always ultimately find the path towards healing and growth within.
