In Happiness Studies, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar tells us:
“The twelve principles are to happiness studies what axioms, theorems and laws are to math, and what a constitution is to a nation. The Twelve Principles of the Wholebeing Approach
“Wholebeing 1 (W1) The aim of life is and ought to be wholeperson wellbeing
“Wholebeing 2 (W2) Everything is interconnected
“Spiritual 1 (S1) A purposeful life is a spiritual life
“Spiritual 2 (S2) The ordinary is elevated to the extraordinary through mindful presence
“Physical 1 (P1) Mind and body are connected
“Physical 2 (P2) A healthy life requires adherence to our given nature
“Intellectual 1 (I1) Curiosity and openness help us make the most of what life has to offer
“Intellectual 2 (I2) Engaging in deep learning fulfills our potential as rational animals
“Relational 1 (R1) Relationships are crucial for a full and fulfilling life
“Relational 2 (R2) The foundation of healthy relationships with others is a healthy relationship with oneself
“Emotional 1 (E1) All emotions are legitimate, acceptable, part of being human
“Emotional 2 (E2) Emotions are the outcome of our thoughts and deeds and inform our thoughts and deeds”
I love the idea that everything is interconnected. It is true. If you crush your physical fundamentals (eating, moving, sleeping, breathing, and making waves), you will have the energy to excel at the spiritual, intellectual, relational, and emotional elements.
Similarly, you need to pay attention to your physical fundamentals (eating, moving, sleeping, breathing, and making waves) to have the energy to excel at the other SPIRE elements.
The other day, I got sick with COVID and slept 4 hours, tanking the physical element in SPIRE. That resulted in more emotional reactivity, which strained my relationships, and I found it quite hard to focus on my typical intellectual and spiritual practices.
