Wellness: The Awareness of the Whole Individual

By Karen Lindwall-Bourg and Grace Edoho-ukwa

Are you tired of that incomplete and unbalanced feeling? Are you seeking a full and comprehensive life for yourself and those that you serve? Wellness may seem like the buzzword of this century, but wholeness and completeness are necessary to satisfying relationships and entrepreneurial success!

The Word of God tells us th

• Language: English
• Publisher: RHEMA Publishing House
• Release date: Feb 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781937660864

Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the Founder of and Counseling Supervisor at RHEMA Counseling Associates. She is an inspired writer, speaker, Biblical Counselor, coach, and consultant & Texas LPC supervisor leading families, couples, and individuals who are overwhelmed or grieved by life's demands toward inspired and insightful solutions based on the Word of God (rhema) that glorify and honor the Lord along life's journey. She loves her blossoming blended family and raises Great Pyrenees (Gentle Giants) to care for her Texas ranch!

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INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Twenty-first Century

Wellness Beliefs

by Karen Lindwall-Bourg

Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence in multiple areas of a person’s life.

Wellness is the buzzword of the twenty-first century and has been termed the science of the whole individual.¹ Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University defines wellness as a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.²

The concept of wellness today goes far beyond a single consideration of being physically healthy and knowledgeable about healthcare. In our current culture, there is a growing trend of people looking for a more personalized approach to wellness. People want to be viewed as a whole person—they want all caregivers and helping professionals to address other dimensions of their lives. We all want to be well!

Seven Dimensions of Wellness

BODY—The physical dimension of wellness encompasses commitment to and education about general health and strength. It includes regular and safe physical activity, knowledge of food and sound nutrition, and attaining proper and restorative sleep. Healthy families learn to recognize the signs of illness and strive for wisdom when administering and seeking medical care. We are to recognize our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit bought with a price; therefore, we are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, ESV) and care for and maintain our bodies in a way that pleases the Lord.

EMOTION—Healthy families strive for stable emotions and mental wellness. Families need to be aware of and accepting of individual and collective feelings and enthusiasm for life. Individuals strive to manage their emotions and behaviors within their strengths and weaknesses. They live and work independently while also realizing the importance of seeking and appreciating the support and assistance of others and functioning well within family and community. Mental wellness can be influenced by biological factors, social environments, and family history. We are transformed through the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:1–2, ESV) and the power of the Holy Spirit—the One who produces in us self-control (Galatians 5:23, ESV).

LIVELIHOOD—We seek occupational fulfillment by choosing a career which is consistent with our personal values, interests, and beliefs, and we work toward financial security. We all want our work (paid or volunteer) to be complete, to contribute to the greater community, to enrich our personal sense of fulfillment, and to contribute unique gifts, skills, and talents toward making life meaningful and rewarding. We strive to be good stewards of what God has given us and meet family financial goals through an understanding of our financial situations and maintaining a balance and comfort with money. We are to work heartily, as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23, ESV) and to use our gifts to serve others and model God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10, ESV).

INTELLECT—Giftedness for learning may vary, but we should all strive to reach our total mental capacity. We are charged to study: Do your best [study] to present [show] yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV). Families want to be creative, stimulating, and growing in knowledge and understanding and potential, seeking wisdom above all. James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (ESV). With wisdom, we seek to solve problems, learn through diligent reading and studying, and use creative means to build strengths and talents. Let us model God’s grace by serving others through our unique gifts and callings!

ENVIRONMENT—Families should provide a safe and healthy home and outside lifestyle that honors and respects others and the surrounding environment. They should seek purity and avoid pollution in all entirety. We are charged to care for what God has given us: The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it (Genesis 2:15, ESV). And He charges us to provide a home for our loved ones with His wisdom and according to His precepts: By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3–4, ESV).

FAMILY/FRIENDS—A healthy social dimension of wellness begins with an individual firmly rooted in God’s Word, who is part of a unified family seeking harmony and contributing to a whole and supportive community. We strive for good communication and positive interactions, collaboratively seek solutions to problems, and support one another during life’s trials. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1–4, ESV). This is the charge that brings stability in the family and in individuals’ lives as each member is faithful to his obligation and responsibility. Families hold the front lines of responsibility for the welfare and education of their members. What a charge; what a privilege!

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. —Deuteronomy 6:5–9 (ESV)

SPIRITUAL/SOUL—Spiritual wellness involves growing in faith and beliefs and seeking meaning and purpose in life. Families strive to live each day in a way that is consistent with their values and beliefs. Spiritually-oriented families appreciate God as Creator and His world around them and learn to value concepts that cannot be completely understood. We strive to know God and His Words (rhemas), to meditate and worship regularly, and to share Christ with others. We have hope:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. —Jeremiah 29:11–14 (ESV)

We seek a full and comprehensive life for ourselves and others: ...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10, ESV).

SEEKING SHALOM—PEACE

Add to these promising descriptions of wellness: shalom, or peace!

HEBREW םוֹלש

shalom (šā·lōm)

A