Awareness of Well-being

The "A" in the MPA

Introduction

In our previous essay we explored the letter M in the MPA acronym, meaning making. MPA is an acronym I’ve coined that stands for meaning, purpose, and awareness. Spiritual health means different things to different people. Creating this acronym is one way to help bring focus and clarity to this topic. Today we discuss the letter A in the MPA acronym.

The A in the MPA acronym stands for “awareness of well-being.” Awareness of well-being encompasses various domains of health—physical, emotional, psychological, mental—and our abiding sense of happiness. Developing a heartfelt awareness of our well-being is an essential facet to our spiritual health.

A Finely Tuned Ear Is Needed

Whether you drive a gasoline-powered or EV engine car, both consist of integrated parts designed to produce a fully functional machine. The ear of an untrained car mechanic might hear something is off with an engine but have no clue what is causing the problem. A trained mechanic can sometimes detect an engine problem without lifting the hood of the car, or if necessary, be able to determine the source of the problem and any corrective action needed. Just like an expert auto technician, we need to train our ears to detect if our overall well-being is functioning properly or not and take corrective action when it’s needed.

The Awareness of Overall Wellbeing Checklist

When I take my car in for service, the technician uses a 22-point checklist to evaluate the condition of the car. Using a similar approach, here’s a possible check list to assess the awareness of your overall wellbeing:

1. Inspiration: The feeling of being motivated, energized, and enthusiastic to do something.

2. Joy: Feelings of great delight or happiness.

3. Creativity: Using my imagination to come up with new ideas or solutions.

4. Gratitude: The feeling of thankfulness for all things in life.

5. Humility: Being free from puffed up pride and holding a modest view of one’s abilities, achievements, and self-importance.

6. Empathy: The capacity to share and understand the feelings or thoughts of another person.

7. Love: Patience, kindness, forbearance, compassion.

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Self-reflective Activity

Using the above checklist, take a few minutes upon waking in the morning and before retiring at the end of your day to repeat calmly and slowly each word three times. The first time, speak each word at your normal talking volume. The second time, repeat in a whisper, and the third time, repeat each word silently in your mind. Then, read the brief description for each word out loud once.

Simply sit in the calmness of the energy field these words embody, feeling into each one, without expectation or any effort to “make something happen.” You are not trying to get some kind of result or seeking after something you think you are lacking.

Note: If you are not familiar with a technique to bring your mind and body into a condition of calm and equanimity, use the following activity to help you:

Step 1:

· Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted and where you feel comfortable. Give yourself at least fifteen minutes or more to engage in this activity. Note: If you are a seasoned meditator, go ahead and use your practice to bring yourself into a state of calm and equanimity.

Step 2:

· Take a few slow, gentle breaths in and out through your nose or through your mouth if you prefer. If through your nose, keep your mouth closed, with your lips gently touching, and your jaw and neck relaxed.

· Focus on your breathing. As you inhale and exhale in a relaxed and gentle manner, try to feel and hear the air you take in and breathe out. Slowly. Gently. Without effort. Relaxed. If your mind starts to wander, distracted by thoughts, mental chatter, or outside noise, gently bring your attention back to your breath. That’s all.

· Keep focusing on your breathing. If you find it difficult to stay focused because your mind keeps wandering, that’s okay. Gently focus your attention on your breathing. No judgement or evaluation on “how you are doing.” Just breathe.

Conclusion

To be aware of our overall wellbeing cannot be emphasized enough. Our normal human condition is one of health and vitality. Sometimes we don’t feel well or lack sufficient energy to function at our optimal level. However, just as a well-balanced car engine runs smoothly with no need for outside tinkering, we are created to be full of life and vital energy to do what we are designed to do in life; to love, be inspired, creative, grateful, empathetic (to self and others), and humble.

Next time we will explore P in the MPA acronym, purpose.

Here’s to your spiritual health!