Every moment is a learning experience simply because what comes in the next is unknown. No matter what we do, whether it is the innateness of waking up in the morning or the intentional researching for a dissertation, incremental and ongoing self-understanding is happening as we live and breathe. As we exist in our on-going experiences, we usually are not looking for potential lessons unless we are in explicitly educational environments or practicing mindfulness.
Generally, we want to be in good health; free or recovered from illness, as one definition the Oxford Languages dictionary defines the word well. It also further clarifies it as being sensible; advisable or as an exclamation: used to express a range of emotions including surprise, anger, resignation, or relief. What I take from Oxford is that there is a gamut of what ‘well’ means and for me the latter definition is a frisson; (as my friends know, a colorful word that I learned from MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow). Wonderings and lessons we learn from the root cause of our surprise, anger, resignation, or relief as examples, are my muse for connecting and sharing topics with you that exemplify learning and wellness interconnectedness.
You, me, we, us.
It is the simplicity of life that excites me the most. I have lived long enough to notice the culmination of minutiae that evolves us. To be sensible and advisable, we have to pay attention to the little happenings. This is what mindfulness teaches us and in practice, effectively guides and maintains our wellness. In the first grade’s mindfulness sessions I teach, I ask students to practice greeting a partner. I premise the exercise by explaining that even as adults we often Say “Good Morning. How are you doing?” and most often our general response is “Fine, thank you”. This general talk is a social conditioning that we deem as being polite by asking yet we do not really learn to answer any other way. Too often in our haste while passing by, we may not also return the ask of how the other person is doing. Of course, in some situations time is the culprit that moves us along. We can consider expanding our query awareness.
I asked the students to deliberately look each other in the eyes, slow down and make sure to respond with how they really are feeling and try to be specific without using the word ‘fine’. We practiced ways to respectfully answer each other by saying something like, “I am glad you are feeling good.” Or, “I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so tired.” If the response is too intense for kids to handle, they are encouraged to say something like, “I hear what you are saying. Should we talk to a teacher or an adult to help?” In this 3 or, 4-minute activity, enough time is added if needed to ensure each student in the pair or group has a chance to practice. Students reported appreciating taking the time to be listened to and knowing what to say if a friend’s response is complicated. This is an all-age way to deepen connections to find out (learn) how well someone is actually. It also is a way to see how differently you feel once you’ve honestly shared. Wake up and plan to take the time to listen instead of assuming another person’s state of being… or as is most common, not paying attention at all. Maybe if we shift this greeting ritual to more honest, appropriate communication, we just might set each other up to better focus on our work throughout our day.
There is power in connection.
We can also learn how simply we are connected by paying attention to the magnificence of nature. Hear me out with this personal example if we look for connected wellness and learning in basic unusual places. Yes, I consistently look within myself, listening to my breath and noticing patterns of thoughts surely. How about what I learn from monitoring my total body health and diet? Then, I know whether or not I am at my best. The point is that noticing and being mindful on this basic level teaches me steps I take for the day. Do you see how being balanced in this natural way (that we can control) might subconsciously affect mood, thinking or interactions with others?
Another way to find balance is to take pleasure in a task like washing clothes if you usually find it a dreaded chore. Think about how the act of cleaning your clothes adds to being healthy. If your laundry area happens to be in your basement like mine is, consider the good exercise you get walking up and down the stairs AND getting your clothes clean. My bedroom is on the 4th floor compared to where the basement is. Doing a few loads in a day, folding big sheets, etc. is quite a good workout. Inevitably whenever I start out with it seeming like an overwhelming chore, during the motion of taking the stairs and folding clothes, I re-construct thoughts to connect with my overall well-being.
It is all about perspective.
I love blue Buddha statues. I’ve had this little translucent one on my meditation table for about a year now. Three days ago, I moved some things around to set up an air bed and placed the Buddha on the windowsill. There, the light brought this piece to life! Dancing illuminations gently flow through the Buddha’s body like breath. The simple act of placing the Buddha in a new spot brings me a peace and connection that is new and indescribable. Something old. Now,
something new I am finding in this Buddha blue.
This is another simple way to practice changing perspective as a start. Rearrange your surroundings to make space that physically conveys purposeful strides you promise anew, then reach out into our world and universe. One step at a time. Be earnest about becoming a perpetual learner of understanding in order to increase wellness and build up connections with others.
My hope is for InSeek Blog readers to notice the small yet significant jewels within and around us as links to invite curiosity with gusto to guide and accomplish personal goals.
By now I am sure you see that I am fascinated by language and choose words carefully. The same applies to the tone we can choose when we speak. Poems, etymology or any form of expression may appear here. I figure what moves me might inspire you. All posts are intended to center around aspects of learning and wellness or the combination thereof.
InSeek welcomes your thoughts.