When we hear the word “holistic” many of us automatically assume this alternative way of life as outlandish and against the norm. And, if we’re completely honest, it kind of is. It’s a completely different way of doing things than how we’ve been used to doing them for years and years. But in all honesty, it’s the way we were always meant to live.
The word “holistic” means “the comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole”. In other words, it takes into account the whole being of something that cannot be explained separately.
When I think of this word and it’s meaning, I think of how we have strayed far from this idea of living interconnectedly. Our mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational needs, when working together, connect us to a whole and healed life that flourishes and invites others into that same interconnected wholeness. One part, literally, cannot function without the other.
So how do “normal” people live a life that’s holistic without feeling like they have to raise chickens in their backyard? It’s really not as complicated or scary as you might think.
Things to remember when beginning to incorporate a holistic lifestyle, is to first get the idea of perfection out of your head. It’s all about progress, not perfection. Whether you’re crawling, walking or running, any and all forward motion gets you ahead. It’s not a competition or a race. We all arrive at our goals at different paces and it’s ok. Set realistic goals for yourself by making them small and attainable. Don’t overhaul your life in one week. You’re sure to crash and burn and continue putting off those healthy habits you want to implement into your lifestyle.
MIND
The mind is a beautiful, powerful and complicated thing. When it comes to creating a holistic mindset, we start by clearing it out of the junk we’ve allowed to invade it. This means setting boundaries, changing our thought patterns, filling our mind with good, and learning new things to keep it sharp. Caring for the mind means supporting your mental and emotional health. For some that means seeing a therapist weekly, for others it means participating in workshops or support groups that challenge our thinking. Mental health isn’t something to be scared of. It should be something we embrace, because when our mental stability is compromised, so goes the rest of our whole person being.
BODY
The body is also an intricate force. If we don’t move it, we lose it. And if we don’t nourish it with healthy foods, our bodies begin to deteriorate. We invest in the things that are important to us. And the bottom line is, if we can’t find the time or resources to take care of or bodies now to keep them healthy and strong, we’ll have to find the time and money later to invest in our bodies when we are sick and dying. It’s pretty easy to fall into the mental pattern of “I’m too busy to exercise” or “this __ (food, supplements, essential oils, gym membership, class, etc) is too expensive.” Guess what? Any physical ailment that is preventable is expensive, it’s inconvenient, it’s painful and hurts not only you, but also the ones you love.
EMOTIONAL
If it’s one thing people hate, it’s their emotions. Rarely do we know what to do with them, and many of us have been taught to suppress them because they were too much for others to handle or inappropriate to display to others. The funny thing about emotions is that we need them to help us gauge how we’re doing. Feelings tell the story of what’s going on inside of us. We should never make any decisions based off of our feelings, however, we must pay attention to what our bodies are telling us through our emotions, feel what we are feeling in the moment, and move forward. Taking a deeper look into how we feel tells us the condition of our heart, and our emotions, when handled correctly, can be a beautiful part of our holistic life journey.
SPIRITUAL
Spirituality is different for everyone. Whether you believe in God, the Universe, an energy force, or the Higher Power of your understanding, most of us can conclude that there is something bigger than ourselves. Spirituality has nothing to do with a particular religion, (although many people find their spiritual connectedness through the means of a particular religious group) but has to do with the soul. For some of us, it’s something we feel, and not something that can be put into words. When our soul and spirit are connected to it’s source, we find a deeper meaning to life all together. We can find our spiritual connections in so many ways. Some use prayer and meditation, while others enjoy connecting with their Higher Power in nature, through music, participating in yoga, deep breathing, artistic outlets, and the list goes on. There is not one way to connect to your spirit. Because we’re all created uniquely, we also connect to our soul and spirit in unique ways as well.
RELATIONAL
When we choose to be in relationship with others, we are choosing to share in some level of vulnerability. A holistic relationships look like two people knowing they are imperfect, who are open to feedback, who appreciate honesty, and who take care of themselves before trying to meet the needs of others. Individuals who prioritize self-care are individuals who thrive in relationship with others. When you encounter someone who has not loved themselves enough to work on their personal well-being, your heart will often warn you of the red flags. And when you’re moving forward in your wheel-house of self-care, you’re more likely to attract those who are as well.
As you begin to take steps into a holistic lifestyle, remember that it's all about intention, planning, and giving yourself grace for the journey. Start with one thing and then slowly implement the next thing. As you take small steps to your healing, you will find that it will become easier to incorporate new healthy habits. We don't all have it figured out, but together we can encourage one another in this journey.