 A holistic approach means taking care of something in all aspects. When we talk about holistic living, it means a complete and whole approach to the well-being of our body, mind and spirit. We are not just our bodies nor just our minds or spirit, if one is off balance the others are likely affected … and both should be addressed as we journey towards maintaining wellness.  In our normal busy states of being, people often tend to be very much in their "heads". The mind is busy thinking, planning, remembering, engaging. For most occupations we have to be, however, what is going on with the body during this busy time?  Two things that I notice when clients are in for a session, especially Massage Therapy; They often don't realize just how many sore muscles the have in their body until I begin to work on them, and I can often feel the muscles begin to relax as people talk on the table about the issues keeping them busy. It's as though air is finally being released from an overfilled air mattress, the muscles become softer and more fluid. This is often my reasoning to asking questions before a session starts. How are you doing, on all levels, that day? Your answers give me some insight into how you're connecting with all aspects of your holistic well-being. When you plan an activity is it purely physical? Or do you also account for how it will feel on a mental/emotional level and how it feeds (or not) you on a spiritual level?  An example of what I mean by the question above. Some years ago when looking for a workout I needed to find something that I would stick to. While I played a lot of team sports and did competitive swimming in high school, my life just didn't have a space of time for that as a business owner and single mother. I thought back through the things I had tried during my growing up and pre-mum years for what I had really enjoyed doing. Here was the list I came up with:
 My workouts became: Taking Belly Dance classes and moving on to also teach (moving the body freely with music is so energizing!), yoga because I loved it and it really goes hand in hand with taking care of dance muscles and joints and walking or hiking in nature. This holistic approach to my well-being fed me on all levels, mind, body and spirit. I take this same approach to other activities, and to my work. I love the work I do and the interactions that I have with clients. My work doesn't feel like a job but instead is a passion that I get to take part in every day. While I've been a secretary and interior designer in past careers and did find some satisfaction in that, they don't feed my soul in the same way as providing Massage and Holistic Therapies does. The holistic approach to well-being is not just about the body. It also takes into account your mental state, how you're feeling about your day to day activities, and if they feed you on a spiritual level as well.
 With the changes life has brought us during the Covid19 pandemic I encourage you to take some time to take a look at your daily activities and ask yourself if they bring a holistic balance to your well-being or do they need to be tuned-up, changed or dropped completely. Once you begin to take a holistic approach to one or two activities, you'll find it begins to change your approach to others. Note: This is not a space for you to be self-judgemental or look for blame, it's simply having an honest look at ways to make positive changes for your whole healthy being. I hope that you'll share your experiences. Join me during the month of April for A Journey into Taking a Holistic Approach to Covid19
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 Does the look on this child's face make you break out in a smile? It sure did for me. What I notice is how often I witness this exhuberant joy in children but not as often do I see it in adults. It leaves me wondering why? I do have the joy of experiencing this kind of enthusiasm for life when I teach dance and I think it is because the women that come to class have the opportunity to forget, for just a little while, all the stresses and responsibilities of life. In the safe environment of the studio, for just a short time, it doesn't matter who they are in day to day life, what "hats" are worn, whether they are thin, chubby, tall, short, had a bad hair day, can't make the contacts go in,...none of it matters, none of it is noticed. (While I hear others say that this is rarely seen these days, I'm blessed to be surrounded at these classes by the least judgemental and most supportive women that I have ever met) In that "freedom" I am witness to these ladies playfully enjoying the camaraderie of each other as they experience and express their creativity together (oh yes, and have the fitness benefits too.) I do get to see smiles like these and it is a blessing.  In the pure joy of others, be they children or adults, the surrounding energy is uplifting. It feels great to be around happy people. But why do you think it is seen less often in adults?
In a society where it seems that to "be too busy" is worn as a badge of honour, or where one needs to feel overwhelmed, burned out and totally stressed in order to fit in and relate to others, are we forgetting the benefits of adding Joy to life? Of taking time to play? and if so, why? The healing benefits of laughter and joy can not be underestimated. The feel good chemicals and endorphins released in the body are essential to good health of body, mind and spirit. My great-nephew often asks me why I laugh so much, I ask him "why not?" It does not take a lot of effort to choose joy. It may take some time to explore and discover what brings you joy at this stage in your life, but the adventure and exploration can be joyful in itself AND it is worth the time it takes. I'm told that when I dance or teach dance, I glow. I haven't noticed that aspect of it but what I do notice is that the rest of my world goes away for a while and I can lose myself in the joy of the music, the movement and the time I am spending with others. When teaching and I happen to notice that smile, or sparkle of joy in the eye of a student, I know that I do glow on the inside...it warms my heart to see another person in that moment of joy. Here is an opportunity to experience some pure JOY! In a one hour playshop we will put on some inspiring music and just move! I'll share some very basic and easy belly dance moves that we can playfully put into combinations. We will bump our hips, twirl with veils and most importantly enjoy the experience of moving in a safe and fun environment. YOU will play at the speed and level of movement that works for YOUR body. This playshop is for every woman regardless of size, age or fitness level! No dance experience is required. I can guarantee that this one hour of play will bring a smile to your lips! Playshop size is limited so please register early. Wear comfortable clothing, bring some water and even the smallest desire or motivation to have some fun. Saturday, August 23rd 10:00 to 11:00am and/or Wednesday, Sept. 3rd 6 to 7 Cost: $5.00 |
Teresa Graham,
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