INTRODUCTION
The theme of today and everyday is one of WELLNESS. The word wellness
originally comes from Wholeness, and it is that wholeness, or connectedness
that enables us to function at our personal and professional best.
Stephen Covey noted that the progression was from DEpendence to INdependence,
to INTERdependence. The poet John Donne said, “No one is an island entire
unto itself. We are a part of the whole.”
This Wellness/Wholeness concept works at every level.
- On a personal level it is the connectedness of mind, body , and spirit.
- On an interpersonal level, it is a connection with our society and
environment. Being A PART of the world, and not APART FROM the world.
Wellness is about balance and connectedness. It is something that we
understand instinctively, but sometimes take for granted. Healthy individuals
and organizations are usually the result of conscious growth, decision making,
renewal and effort.
"Wellness is a procession, not a possession."
In an era of accelerating change, it is timely to look at some of the
unchanging features of the human animal. An appreciation of our biological
makeup and needs enables us to make informed decisions regarding lifestyle,
health care and recreation. In the coming years it will become increasingly
important to consider not only the personal, but also planetary wellness in
the choices we make.
Dr. Collis uses the M.E.L.L.O.W. Acronym to discuss ways of maintaining enthusiasm and minimizing stress and burnout.
Mind - As you think so shall you be. (Proverbs)
Mind itself is magic. (L. Cohen)
Exercise - Life is a struggle to become in fact that which you are by design. (Ortega)
Laughter - To miss the joy is to miss it all. (M. Moore)
A merry heart maketh like good medicine (Proverbs)
Love - All you need is love (Lennon/McCartney)
Optimal Nutrition - You are what you eat (Anon)
Wonder -
To see the world in a grain of sand
And heaven in a wild flower
To hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour
(W. Blake)
In the coming months, I will explore the various components of M.E.L.L.O.W. as
they pertain to your personal and professional wellness.
