Cassandra Vieten at Wisdom for Life
Mental health is not just in our heads. It is in our whole bodies — our hormones, our glucose levels, our gut, our energy and our spirit.
Mental health is not just limited to our insides. It relies on our outsides as well – our relationships, our surroundings, our communities, environments and society. In short, mental health is everywhere.
That’s why it doesn’t make sense to focus only above the neck to cultivate mental and emotional balance and resilience. Mental health and well-being rely on a whole bunch of stuff, like your:
- biology – including “hard-wiring” and genetics, but also your hormones, blood sugar, microbiome (gut health), neurotransmitters, vitality, brain function, structure and more…all of which are affected by and can be influenced by:
- exercise and movement
- what, how and when you eat
- sleep quality, cycles of activity and renewal
- time in light/sunshine vs. dark
- exposure to heat and cold
- and much more
- strong relationships, friendships, social support and community
- connection to nature, animals, and the Earth’s elements and seasons
- connection to religion or spirituality for some, and for others important human values such as truth, justice and beauty
- experiencing and expressing virtues such as honesty, gratitude and love
- having a sense of meaning and purpose
- engaging in art, music, creativity and play
- being able to contribute or be of service to others, society and the world
- taking time in contemplation, reflection, mindfulness, meditation and quiet time
Given what we know now, focusing solely on the head (like, only addressing brain chemistry, or only addressing thinking patterns) to treat mental health issues or cultivate mental well-being — in ourselves, in our loved ones, in society — just doesn’t make sense.
Our mental health and well-being rely on an interlocking set of practices and conditions (an ecosystem) that we can gradually build over time to create the optimal conditions for our well-being in body, mind and spirit. The great news? We know what these practices and conditions are, and we can build a personal system that supports our thriving.
What will you get in the course?
Straight talk, inspiration, and science-based information and tools you can start to use right away to elevate your psychological, behavioral, social and spiritual well-being.
A whole new view of mental health and well-being that is optimistic, heart-centered and evidence-based that empowers you to create the next chapter of your life.
Agenda
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