The journey to becoming a whole person does require perfection. It is not something that we should be aspiring for because even our worst days and difficult struggles can help bring out the best in us. They teach us that there is beauty in our unfiltered and raw nature. Our struggles make life colorful because they allow us to grow from the myriad of experiences that we go through and help us filter what we no longer need.
Becoming whole is a dance with many steps and turns; it is not a light switch that we can just flick like magic. Wholeness like wellness asks for our time and effort. Here, five words which could serve as your blueprint in your journey towards becoming healthier versions of yourselves:
- Simplify. Do we need all the things we claim we do? When we simplify, we make the deliberate choice to make the most of what we have. It teaches us how to choose well because we are challenged to prioritize quality over quantity.
- Sensing. Let us go back to the five senses – sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. The pandemic allowed us to maximize our senses and take notice of things we took for granted. We’re now given the liberty to appreciate and become more mindful of the birds chirping in the morning, to sip the flavor and notes of our coffee during breakfast, or to sit back and appreciate the scent of our candles and soaps during bath time, or even appreciate the perfume that we wear daily. When we sense, we allow ourselves to take notice of all things, big and small.
- Savoring. This is all about capturing the moment so we can bring with us something valuable in the future. It goes beyond taking photos; it is imprinting on the mind and heart. To savor is to immerse ourselves in the moment. It’s a beautiful act because it teaches us how to make the most out of the experience. When we savor, we invest in our core memories. The present moment is the door to all moments because it allows us to indulge in our life’s details and see the beauty of the mundane on a much bigger scale.
- Support. We need to love ourselves better. Find a community that is good for your well-being. For instance, my Feast family is one of my core communities as it is my companion in my spiritual journey. Encouraging comments and the enthusiastic engagement of the viewers on my Facebook Coffee Break sessions on also inspire me to keep doing what I do. It makes the process more enjoyable and fulfilling, too. Knowing that I have good people who are journeying with me allows me to learn, recuperate, and embrace the entirety of the process. Support doesn’t always stem outwards so do not forget to also shower yourself with support. By knowing what you need and finding ways to support yourself helps.
- Self-care. Aim for holistic wellness, one that includes the mind, body, and spirit. How are you taking care of yourself? People who take good care of themselves also have more energy to care for others. I find that every time I practice self-care, I also become more loving. We need to deliberately practice self-care so we can support a healthier version of ourselves. After all, we cannot pour from an empty cup. What self-care practice has been helping you?
When we learn how to simplify, we can make the most out of our senses better. If we know how to maximize our senses, we can savor our life’s experiences. When we learn how to savor, we can better find ways on how to support ourselves and our loved ones. When we support ourselves, we can practice self-care better. Everything is connected and related. It leads to a healthier and more blessed version of ourselves. I hope that this post blesses you and encourages you to prioritize your well-being and wellness. – WITH PAU DE VERA
Plant on vase photo by Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash
Succulent photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash