by Ragan Graves, Refuge Center Intern
I think I speak for all of Middle Tennessee thinking that the recent sunshine, warm temperatures and blooming flowers have been a gift of awakening! Combined with the recent Lenten season and celebration of Easter, it has been a time of spiritual renewal and increased wellness for me.
This early spring and Easter season has been a time for soul searching and repentance; a season for reflection and faithfulness. With the spring comes a natural catharsis, whether it is literally the act of “spring-cleaning” our homes and closets, or symbolically ridding our lives of burden, all in an attempt to increase our wellness.
But what does “wellness” mean? The World Health Organization defines it as, “an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.”…a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” and the National Wellness Institute defines it as, “a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.”
Wellness, it seems, is a process of change and growth. Spiritual wellness is just one of eight dimensions of overall wellness. Other areas include emotional, occupational, environmental, physical, social, intellectual, and financial wellness. Maintaining and optimizing each facet of wellness can help reach optimal levels of wellbeing.
If you want to strengthen areas of your personal wellness this spring, the staff at The Refuge Center would be honored to walk alongside you. Visit us at www.therefugecenter.org or call us at 615.591.5262.
Reference:
https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/#.VQdMtlqJnww
