Harmony Unveiled: The Canvas of Mental Wellness

Today, I aim to assist you in revitalizing your mental well-being and potentially leading a fulfilling life. To achieve this, I will be sharing five scientifically-backed keys that have been tested and proven over thousands of years of human experience. Let us commence with the first key.

Connect

In recent years, the impact of Covid on mental wellness has been significant. Many individuals have experienced a decline in their mental health, and if you are one of them, it is important to know that you are not alone. Previously, it was estimated that 1 in 12 people suffered from symptoms of anxiety disorder, but recent studies have shown that this number has increased to 1 in 3.

One of the most crucial factors in maintaining mental well-being is meaningful human connection. Research has shown that connection is the epicenter of well-being, and when we feel connected, we feel safe and secure. It is comparable to having a strong net beneath us when walking on a high wire.

To support greater connection in our lives, we must be attentive to micro moments of listening and attending to people in our lives. This can be as simple as wishing a checkout person well or regularly connecting with friends and family through text or facetime. By bringing awareness to the importance of connection in our lives, we can strengthen our nervous system and create a stronger foundation for the other keys to mental wellness. Ultimately, meaningful human connection is the number one factor in maintaining mental well-being.

Be Active

It is important to remain active in life and engage in physical activity. The human brain is connected to the nervous system through the spine, arms, and hands, and requires exercise and movement to function optimally. Failure to do so can result in energy blockages, leading to physical and mental rigidity or overwhelming chaos.

Therefore, it is essential to engage in physical activity to promote the flow of energy and enhance overall well-being. This can be achieved through various means, such as taking walks, performing push-ups, or engaging in physical activities with others. It is crucial to prioritize physical activity and take micro steps towards incorporating it into daily life.

Be Present

The third aspect to consider is the importance of being present. It is crucial to remain aware and mindful, paying attention to things with a sense of purposeful curiosity. This practice helps to reduce the influence of our inner critic and the noise in our minds. Scientific research has shown that intentional focus on even the simplest things, such as savoring a delicious meal, can quiet the incessant chatter of our thoughts.

Additionally, taking pleasure in the small, beautiful things in life, such as the features of a loved one's face, the sight of a flower, or the observation of clouds, can be a source of joy. Being present and silent with ourselves is also a valuable practice. Therefore, cultivating mindfulness, intentionally paying attention, and approaching life with curiosity are essential components of restoring wellness.

Keep Learning

The fourth imperative is to maintain a commitment to learning and personal growth. It is common to feel stagnant in life when we are not actively pursuing new knowledge or skills. Engaging in learning activities stimulates the mind, fosters engagement, and promotes a sense of vitality and purpose.

Whether it involves enrolling in a structured program to develop skills in guitar or mindfulness, or exploring a new subject area, it is important to remain engaged in the learning process. This can be achieved through reading, seeking out mentorship, or participating in small courses. Our Mindful Living Teacher Training program is a comprehensive nine-month program, but there are many smaller opportunities to learn and grow. It is essential to ask oneself, "What am I learning right now?" and "What am I interested in?" in order to continue making progress in personal and professional development.

Be Generous

Generosity is key. When you give, you are forging a connection and strengthening the web of life. It feels good because we are all interconnected. By lifting up others, you are also lifting up yourself. Giving can take many forms, such as a smile, sharing knowledge, or donating to a cause you care about. Take a moment to reflect on the ways you are already giving and give yourself credit for it. If you feel you could give more, consider simple acts like a smile or a small donation. Every little bit counts.

Recap

So just to summarize, are you ready? So here's five keys to restoring our mental wellness during this time. The first one is meaningful human connection - finding ways to connect more meaningfully with other people. Second thing is be active - be physical, get your body involved in life again. Create more vitality for yourself and it feels good and you send the message to yourself that you're worth paying attention to. Three, be mindful, be present, be curious about things in life. Curiosity has been shown to be heavily connected to and correlated to feeling well in life. So make sure to get that going in a variety of ways. There's so many ways we can do that in life. Four, keep learning, grow, be engaged, be active! What is there? What am I interested in? What can I learn right now? What can I grow with even in a time of Covid - there's so much opportunity to learn. Fifth and final one - be generous! Give. Strengthen that web.

Okay I hope this is supportive. Take notes on those five things and ask yourself, Where am I? What am I doing in these different areas of my life right now? And what are some areas that I could encourage more growth in these areas or maybe celebrate the things I'm already doing. I hope this was helpful. Feel free to comment. Stay connected.