Ways to wellbeing

Over the years I have come across various utterances and exhortations as to what we should do in order to be healthy, happy, fulfilled, enlightened or whatever. Its interesting to see a number of common elements appearing and have these affirmed through my own life experience. Given that one of permaculture design's three main components is the use of principles based on the observation of nature, I now feel ready to present the following exhortations of my own except, though they are not really exhortations, only musings.

To kick off, a few years ago a Sunday newspaper here in the UK did some basic research into various countries or areas of the world where people generally seemed to live longer than average lifespans. The researchers were expecting to find something common about their diets but the eventual conclusions were quite different. The common elements were not particular foods but rather certain shared attitudes and practices, as outlined in the following list.

Cultivate life-long friendships
Lead an active life
Never stop learning

More recently I read an article in Resurgence by Brian Eno where he pointed out that there was considerable evidence that the following practices helped promote healthy, fulfilling lives;

Singing
Dancing
Camping

And even more recently I found the New Economics Foundation presenting five ways to wellbeing that struck similar chords. The whole article can be found here:

http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/neffiveadaytowellbeing221008.aspx

The gist of it is as follows with quotes from the full article by way of explanation;

1. Connect

"With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day."

2. Be active

"Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness."

3. Take notice

"Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you."

4. Keep learning

"Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident, as well as being fun to do."

5. Give

"Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you."

Given the Economy's demonstration of its own fallibility I am reminded that the simple things are often the most beneficial.