Well-being is a term often used to identify a person’s psychological state of overall health and happiness, i.e. overall life satisfaction.
There is a range of methods we can use to help us achieve well-being.
In the yogic tradition, the mind, body, and spirit are inseparable, which makes so much sense to me.
Below is a list of factors that can lead to our well-being.
As you review this (partial) list, you may notice how interconnected many of these factors are, which points to a foundational principle of yoga: union. A core principle of yoga philosophy is the belief that each aspect of our being is connected to all other aspects. Even greater still, yoga proposes everything in the universe is connected.
You may also notice, the vantage point through which I view well-being is largely influenced by my knowledge of, respect and love for the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which is so much more than physical postures.
Let's dive in ~
PHYSICAL HEALTH - The vessel for your life force is worthy of your care.
Exercise - Movement is medicine.
Slow mindful yoga is a form of exercise accessible to most people and has a myriad of benefits including:
Develops proprioception, the ability to sense your body position as you move around in your daily life, i.e. improves coordination
Builds resilience, the ability to recover quickly from life's stressors
Cultivates an inner calm amidst the chaos of the world
Hydrates fascia (connective tissue), which connects everything in your body. (Fascia is often the reason for feeling stiff.)
Improves balance, which prevents falling
Builds strength in muscles and bones
Improves mental clarity and focus
Nutrition & Hydration - Feed your sacred vessel the purest nutrition.
In line with Yoga's first Niyama, Saucha, which refers to our cleanliness, we can "cleanse our diet and body" by eating whole, organic, natural foods
Enjoy a colorful palate which provides a variety of nutrients
Include fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Drink enough water daily to restore lost fluids
Sleep - Deep sleep heals the body and calms the heart/mind
Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for muscle tissue repair - which includes your heart
Restorative yoga practice has been known to reduce stress, help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
Laughter - Laughter is the best medicine
Enhances endorphins, the "feel good chemicals"
Have you ever heard of "laughter yoga"? It's a pretty silly practice, but it gets us breathing and releasing the endorphins
PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH - Your mind is neuro plastic, adaptable, trainable
Below, is a list of practices that can greatly benefit your overall well-being. I've been studying and practicing these for a number of years and I can attest to the benefits.
Mindfulness - Paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally
Self Compassion - The act of offering kindness toward your self
Empathy - Understanding another's feelings and/or experience:
Meditation - Sitting in stillness - non-doing
SOCIAL HEALTH - Strong social support systems provide safety and connection
Community and friendships prevent isolation and loneliness
Attending yoga or other classes regularly provides community
While in person events are ideal, online communities also meet needs for connection
SPIRITUAL HEALTH - Provides a sense of purpose or meaning in your life.
Practices that help cultivate meaning, a connection to yourself, or to something bigger than yourself, like a higher power, include:
Yoga
Prayer
Meditation
Mindfulness
Spending time in nature
COLLECTIVE HEALTH - Karma Yoga is defined as selfless action performed for the benefit of others, i.e. service or seva, in sanskrit.
"Sometimes, even knowing the benefits of self-care, we can still have trouble implementing practices or developing new habits. If you find yourself thinking you might benefit from an accountability partner, someone you can check in with, talk to about your goals, motivations (or lack of), please consider scheduling a coaching call or a series of three or more sessions.
I'd be honored to provide non-judgmental support, a space to brainstorm, deep listening, as well share (more fully) any of the practices listed above to help you achieve your well-being goals.
Namaste and thank you ~
Leanne
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