Choosing to take personal responsibility for your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual (PEMS) health is the most empowering decision you will make.
There is deep conditioning, personally and collectively, of outsourcing our wellbeing. But, once our eyes open to what’s possible, we can reclaim and prioritise radical self-care and vibrant wellness.
There is more to life than living in pain, illness, depression, exhaustion and chronic stress. This is a lesson I learned the hard way, and I intend to inspire others to take back control of their wellbeing, so that life can be deeply enjoyed.
Your wellness – outsourced
As babies and children, it is necessary to outsource wellbeing needs to an adult caregiver. However, all too often, this outsourcing continues by transferring reliance onto doctors, health-care professionals and medication as a means for good health – because this is what society knows. Whilst these have their place, over-use means we’ve disconnected from the body’s innate healing wisdom. Much of humanity has lost sight of the power and knowledge that enables us to positively impact our wellbeing.
When you in-source your wellbeing, and truly take personal responsibility, you become a force of nature and an inspiration to those around you. Not to mention your own improved quality of life, with increased vitality and joy.
What is PEMS wellness?
There is a sweet spot, where optimal physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness overlaps. I call these the ‘Core Four’, because practicing self-care in each of these areas will bring you to that sweet spot.
Each area contributes to the health of the others. When one falls out of flow, it has a knock-on effect to the whole system. Therefore, for optimal wellness, it is important to nurture all four areas. It might sound like a lot to do, but let me reassure you that it’s easier than you think!
PEMS Wellness on a bigger scale
You are a whole system. You are not a separate mind, body and spirit. You are an energetic being. An extension of Mother Earth and part of her complex, rich eco-system. Imagine that as you have cells within your body that make up organs, bones and tissue – so too are you a collection of cells that make up a part of Mother Earth. When you thrive, you are contributing to the vitality of the planet.
You are not separate from nature. You are an intrinsic part of it. So, when you nurture yourself, you also nurture Mother Earth. Could it be said, then, that we all have a bigger responsibility than first thought?
Approaching wellness from a PEMS perspective will enrich your life, and that of those around you. When you are in alignment in the “Core Four”, you experience less pain, physical symptoms, emotional, mental and spiritual distress. You will thrive!
If it’s that simple, why don’t we do it all ready?
This is a big topic of discussion on its own! In brief, it comes down to dysfunctional systems that disempower individuals. Add to that ancestral conditioning, the chronic stress of today’s culture, and unresolved trauma.
We have all been de-conditioned from knowing what’s possible. Disconnected from our inner wisdom and intuition. Disempowered and focused on fear.
It doesn’t have to stay this way
The knowledge, tools and techniques are available to insource your wellbeing again, and to re-connect with your inner wisdom. It might mean courageously taking what is (currently) considered an alternative path to wellness, but one that, in time, will become the new normal.
You will increasingly thrive, with each step towards personal responsibility and empowerment. The more you lead by example, the more you will inspire those around you. Ultimately this will create a ripple effect across humanity and the entire planet.
Modern science hasn’t fully accepted all ‘alternative’ ways yet. But it doesn’t mean they’re not effective. Science is amazing. What it has proven, the technology that has saved the lives of thousands. And there’s always more to discover.
The invitation is to get curious and listen within: What resonates as true and correct within you? Experiment with different tools and practices with a ‘beginners mind’ and notice the impact. By experimenting in this way you’re encouraging your body’s wisdom, and your intuition to re-awaken.
A series of small steps lead to big strides
How can you begin to look at each of the PEMS areas? Here are some ideas.
Consider these as seeds of inspiration for you to cultivate as you choose!
Physical:
- What do you put into and onto your body. Is it nourishing?
- What information do you consume through media?
- How and when do you move your body?
- Do you feel gratitude towards your body?
Emotional
- Do you feel and communicate your emotions? Or keep them buried away?
- Do you let fear, or love, lead you through life?
- Is there unresolved trauma or emotions trapped in your energy?
- How much time do you spend cultivating joy?
Mental:
- What are your deepest beliefs about yourself and the world around you?
- Are there any pervasive thoughts on repeat?
- Is your inner narrative critical, or supportive?
- Do you notice whether you judge yourself, and others?
Spiritual:
- What makes you feel connected to something greater than you?
- How much time do you spend immersed in nature, with no devices?
- Do you spend time in meditation or contemplation?
- What brings you closer to gratitude and peace within?
There is a lot to consider here, and please don’t try to change everything at once! Perhaps consider: What ONE THING can I change today / this week / this month?
As you spend time cultivating PEMS wellness, you can ask yourself: Am I moving towards or away from thriving and joy?
There are many strategies you can explore that cultivate wellness in each of the core four, including Yoga Nidra, breathwork, movement, energy healing, journaling, immersion in nature, changing up your diet and personal care products.
Ultimately, in taking these steps, you are embarking on a journey of increased awareness, self-connection, re-alignment towards thriving, which leads to healing and personal transformation.
Everyone is worthy of wellness, including you. Are you ready to help shape a new normal? Your mind, body, spirit, humanity and the planet will thank you for it.
Article by More to Life Elder – Carli Thorpe
Article published in More to Life – Edition 66
