It’s a lazy Saturday evening. The monsoon has finally arrived in gusto and the heavens have opened up. The mood at home is reflective and introspective.
In the last few months I have increasingly been trying to understand what the term “well-being” means and what it means to me personally. After having many an interesting conversation with my husband Marcus, I have come to realise that well-being is just a word that can have many definitions but it means different things for different people. It is an ever evolving process.
Our experiences not only help in shaping our personalities and outlook towards life but also our sense of well-being. For some it can mean eating or sleeping better, whilst for others, lowering their daily stress and burnout can be their current well-being goal.
This summer after a particularly trying first trimester one of my ‘well-being goals ‘ was to spend more time with my 2 year old son Aeden. While I had spent the last three months with my head down the toilet bowl, he had grown into this amazing, curious human being whose carefree spirit and sense of wonder never ceased to amaze me. Sadhguru wrote this very insightful quote: When a child enters your life it is time to learn not teach. And I couldn’t agree more. Yes, I had this strong urge to connect with my child, spend time with him, experience his world and let him teach me all over again.
As adults we grow more complex in our thoughts and feelings. Our senses forget to appreciate simple inputs as they grow accustomed to integrating sensory processes in a more complex manner. We find ourselves lost and unable to connect to simple stimulii.
Spending time together with my son allowed me to walk down memory lane as well as create new experiences with him. From baking brownies, to enjoying the raindrops falling on our heads, splashing in puddles and listening for the sound of birds chirping around us, I truly embraced the things we enjoyed in simpler times. That’s when it hit me ; it doesn’t take much to feel happy. Just Keep it Simple Stupid.
My takeaway from this summer is spend some time doing things you loved as a child, reminisce about old times and spend time finding joy in the simple things of life. It will improve your well-being quotient for sure.
Thank you my son for teaching me.
I look forward to many more life lessons from you.