I came across a “formula” for well-being a while ago that I’d like to share. Formulas don’t always work well with human beings, but this one is actually very practical and versatile. It’s a way to understand well-being and to explain why the same experience affects people differently–or even affects us differently from one day to the next.
Its real strength is you can use it to step back and discover ways to improve your well-being, especially around a difficult situation or “challenge.” When I first saw this formula, I thought, “Meditation can help with all of these!” I’d like to share the basics of the formula with you and how meditation can expand well-being.
An example is the best way for you to get an idea of how these three relate to each other. Here is one specific challenge, and what the related resources and vulnerabilities might be.
Your resources and vulnerabilities also aren’t static. You might be stressed because a family member has become ill, so you might feel more anxious and less creative about job hunting. Or, if you make a new friend who’s a good listener and they become a new resource to support you while you find your way.
So, why would you want to look at a situation in this way? It can seem sort of simplistic to break down something as organic and alive as well-being into a formula. But, for myself and people I teach, there’s a tendency to think well-being “just happens.” We either feel content and capable or we don’t. But we all want to know we can change our inner and outer worlds, rather than being an effect of causes we can’t even see.
The ultimate purpose of this formula is to help you see a situation more fully and find ways to increase your well-being around it–to feel more content, strong and resilient. You have the most power and possibility to do this by decreasing your vulnerabilities and/or increasing your resources. When you do this, your well-being will grow and deepen, as will your confidence and ability to respond well to the challenge. For example:
One of the main reasons I love to teach meditation is it’s like medicine for whatever ails you. Meditation is a tonic that can balance your body, mind and spirit. It helps you build inner resources you can bring to any situation or challenge, or goal or aspiration.
Here are just some of the ways I’ve seen regular meditation practice strengthen people’s inner resources and reduce their vulnerabilities.
Our meditation cushions come with these gorgeous totes, each with a little reminder to breathe!
Meditation is like watering the roots, so the whole tree remains vibrant and healthy. There’s a real synergy where your vulnerabilities are lightened, resources strengthened and challenges are seen more clearly–so your well-being has a chance to flourish.
@travelling_yogigirl finding her zen on our rose quartz meditation cushion
About the Author-
Ann Vrlak is Founder of OneSelf Meditation and a meditation practitioner for over 25 years. She’s a Certified Meditation Teacher for adults and for children (the best job ever!). She loves to share how the perspective and practice of meditation can support people with their everyday stresses, as well as places of deep dissatisfaction and disconnection.
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