Wellbeing is a Skill
Since we have all been “doing time” in isolation, we may have had a few extra minutes to ponder how we are doing?
So...How are you??? How are you doing? No… Really?
The situation with COVID 19 has given many of us an incredible opportunity to check in, and to take stock. To consider (and reconsider) what is really important, where our priorities lie and to perhaps make some fairly significant changes at the outset of all of this.
Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist suggests “Wellbeing is a skill”. He argues that it includes the key qualities of resilience, the ability to bounce back from hardship, outlook, the ability to see the good and connect to other human beings, attention, our ability to remain focused and become more present, and generosity, sharing with others and lessening the focus on ‘me’.
I know from personal experience that it takes practice and patience to really and truly look after ourselves, not just on the surface (groomed hair, sculpted bodies and manicured nails) but, on the inside too.
Wellbeing is learnt in many ways, as we move through life, from the mistakes we make, to the food we consume, from how much we rest and the quality of our sleep, to how often we exercise and meditate, from spending time with friends, to work and education and from time taken to reflect on all of these factors.
I believe that the mind is malleable and settings can be shifted (if we are prepared to do the work). That wellbeing can be learnt, just like any other skill, but it has to be seen to be an important priority if we are to personally develop in this area.
Being busy is the modern mantra, and beneath this lies oceans of exhaustion. The challenge to our wellbeing is that most of us are working too much, that there is not enough play. Work is our religion, long hours, and few holidays. When we play, our vision is broader and we are free to explore possibilities, we become creative, embodied and increasingly curious.
Life is most definitely not all good. There are natural disasters, diseases, poverty and deep suffering. Our Yoga practice can teach us that when discomfort arises, we feel it, rather than turning towards our negative coping strategies (self-medicating, sugar, fatty foods, online shopping – whatever it is for you), we instead choose a space of less compulsion, a place of freedom, stepping onto our mats and into our bodies, hearts and minds… to explore the wonders that reside there.
So while we are spending more time at home and more time with ourselves, can we make our wellbeing a priority?
Can we recognise where we house tension and tightness and instead choose ease and space?
Can we play more? (dance, sing, laugh, climb)
Can we spend time on reflection? (journal, goal setting, conversations with friends)
Can we really look after our physical health? (exercise, sleep/rest, nutrition)
Learn something new each day? (one word in a foreign language, a dance move, a historical fact, a recipe)
Can we simply enjoy the present moment?(sit, breath, meditate)
Can we find gratitude for all that we do have? (health, home, family, friends)
Love Tan xx