There will continue to be many definitions (or partial interpretations) for the term wellness. In a “nut-shell”, I define wellness to be inclusive of Wholeness, Healing, Health and Well-being.

I further believe that it does not need to be all- inclusive or “optimal health and well-being”, all the time to be on a wellness journey. There is often a focus on one or two at a time. For example, while not exercising, or eating right, someone could be intensely focused on improving relationships with their family…which could enhance their feeling of Wholeness…and ultimately their feeling of well-being as they let go of guilt and resentments…and sense the peace, serenity…and change in brain chemistry…possibly from then on.

Now if one were to also exercise and eat right, then the body receives both the nutrients to enhance the body, and mind…they are also likely to feel good about such choices and so the spirit is brought closer to optimal wellness, even moreso, if they already loved eveyone and were loved. Synergistically speaking, it is always the collective of efforts of all four, that make for the “most” optimal wellness porgram. (If I am allowed to use a double positive).

What do I mean by Wholeness. This will be different for most than what I may define as wholeness. It is inclusive of connection to all things and the feeling of oneness with the universe…while there are some very personal definements. Wholeness is everything about you…occupation for example…the mechanic will have a great attachment to cars…and the tools to fix…or the diagnostics…that determine the “wellness” of the vehicle. I being a nurse…in some ways…similar to a mechanic…a passion about “fixing” people…inclusive of both mental and physical health…while concerned and sensitive to their spiritual needs as well. I am also…nearly obsessed about “fixing” the health care system…and the education system (especially as it applies to Health Care professionals…needs to be integrated, more collaborative)…and the Social System…needing major overhaul…and has significant impact on all other systems (Health Care and Education). All who know me well…my family, my friends and my co-workers all know that I have “save-the -world syndrome”.
So for me to approach a feeling or state of wholeness…I need more than just resolving the issues with my loved ones…but I need to love the folks I work with…and work for…the patients and their families. If I hold resentment…for the cleaning crew even (or dietary department, who short-changes on wellness, on a continuation of “economic and nutrient poor” food choices (did I say choices?)…oh, see I seem sarcastic and resentful…better just let it go…or better yet…always considered advocating for patients and their nutrition needs as my “wellness model” orientation, by exchanges and encouraging foods from home.
Further, for me to feel whole…I need to feel respect…by family members yes…and most definitely for co-workers and from other members of teh health care team. I earn respect from my demonstration of work ehtic, care and advocacy for patients and their families…and to earn respect for colleagues of differing orientation and education, (physicians, pharmacist, nutritionists, physio, and social workers….I must show respect and be open to learn, share and contribute to mutual understanding. All this is done for the sake of the patient, but for my sake…and a sense of whole person health and functioning…as we are all one. No one is an island.

The feeling of wholeness for me, is hugely dependent on my connection to the natural world. As is reflected in my blogs and all the metaphors I use about rivers, rainbows, and wildlife…I love the great outdoors…and feel most connected when under an moonlit sky, I hear the call of the loon, and feel the “floating” as the canoe is the vessel which contains me…it is the water which “rocks” and soothes my soul.

So, as I push the envelope at work…for extra cash…or with the need to spend every additional momnet with family…I am feeling less than whole, till I can return to the woods, rivers or beach (The Pinery, Grand Bend, will always be there waiting for me). I now need to get ready for work…work that extra day, see my Dad…and plan for the Pinery visit in about two weeks time.

So please return to this post and page (will appear as both),…and I will continue on with my take on Healing, Health and how I define Well-being,…okay?

BE wise, BE, well,

Dave