Shelby's Seven Dimensions of Wellness Defined
In the 1950s, then chief of the National Office of Vital Statistics, Halbert L. Dunn said, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Dunn was looking for new terminology to convey the positive aspects of health that people could achieve, beyond simply avoiding sickness. By the end of the decade, Dunn sketched out his concept of “high-level wellness” and defined it as “an integrated method of functioning, which is oriented toward maximizing the potential of which the individual is capable.”
Today, the words health, wellness and well-being are often used interchangeably to mean the dynamic, ever-changing process of trying to achieve one's potential. For me, wellness is wholeness. Wellness is a philosophy. Wellness is an integrated approach to leading a healthy AND happy life, and it requires personal transformation and a willingness to feel good.
As a Wellness Ambassador it is my job to spark your recognition that all dimensions are needed to create fluidness; to remind you that we are always in motion, transforming energy, and constantly changing as we try to stay in a balanced state of homeostasis; and to share in the joy that as individuals and communities, we embrace the emerging world view of interconnectedness.
The Seven Dimensions of Wellness are:
(1) Intellectual/Mental Wellness - Our Mind
The process of using our minds to create greater understanding of ourselves and the universe.
(2) Physical Wellness - Our Body
The process of using our bodies to create a strong connection to ourselves and the universe.
(3) Spiritual Wellness - Our Soul/Spirit/Higher-Self
The process of “experiencing life” while seeking meaning and purpose in human existence.
(4) Environmental Wellness - Our Home
The process of making choices to create sustainable human and ecological communities; and improving qualities in air, water, land and space.
(5) Occupational/Career Wellness - Our Contribution
The process of making and maintaining choices that are meaningful and contribute to our personal growth, and that of our employers and communities.
(6) Emotional Wellness - Our Heart
The process of creating and maintaining a positive, realistic self-concept and enthusiasm for life.
(7) Social Wellness - Our Mirror/Teachers
The process of creating and maintaining healthy relationships.
Current views of health and illness recognize health as more than the absence of disease, it acknowledges that humans are conscious, energetic, feeling, sensing beings — sentient beings — whose state of health can change from day to day, hour to hour. The perspective we need is holistic, emphasizing alignment of the mind, body and soul, and integration of our heart, contribution, mirrors and home. Achieving wellness means attaining the optimal level of well-being for our unique limitations and strengths and the fulfillment of our potential.
Today, the words health, wellness and well-being are often used interchangeably to mean the dynamic, ever-changing process of trying to achieve one's potential. For me, wellness is wholeness. Wellness is a philosophy. Wellness is an integrated approach to leading a healthy AND happy life, and it requires personal transformation and a willingness to feel good.
As a Wellness Ambassador it is my job to spark your recognition that all dimensions are needed to create fluidness; to remind you that we are always in motion, transforming energy, and constantly changing as we try to stay in a balanced state of homeostasis; and to share in the joy that as individuals and communities, we embrace the emerging world view of interconnectedness.
The Seven Dimensions of Wellness are:
(1) Intellectual/Mental Wellness - Our Mind
The process of using our minds to create greater understanding of ourselves and the universe.
(2) Physical Wellness - Our Body
The process of using our bodies to create a strong connection to ourselves and the universe.
(3) Spiritual Wellness - Our Soul/Spirit/Higher-Self
The process of “experiencing life” while seeking meaning and purpose in human existence.
(4) Environmental Wellness - Our Home
The process of making choices to create sustainable human and ecological communities; and improving qualities in air, water, land and space.
(5) Occupational/Career Wellness - Our Contribution
The process of making and maintaining choices that are meaningful and contribute to our personal growth, and that of our employers and communities.
(6) Emotional Wellness - Our Heart
The process of creating and maintaining a positive, realistic self-concept and enthusiasm for life.
(7) Social Wellness - Our Mirror/Teachers
The process of creating and maintaining healthy relationships.
Current views of health and illness recognize health as more than the absence of disease, it acknowledges that humans are conscious, energetic, feeling, sensing beings — sentient beings — whose state of health can change from day to day, hour to hour. The perspective we need is holistic, emphasizing alignment of the mind, body and soul, and integration of our heart, contribution, mirrors and home. Achieving wellness means attaining the optimal level of well-being for our unique limitations and strengths and the fulfillment of our potential.
