Needs in Action: Why Health Matters

I've recently been thinking about what it means to be healthy: physically healthy, psychologically healthy, and spiritually healthy. All of these lead to emotional health for me: peace, love, meaning, and joy.

Physical health is probably the easiest to define: there are a range of metrics we can use to measure our physical health, from how our clothes are fitting, to blood analysis results. Psychological health means, to me, the ability to respond to events and triggers (rather than react), the ability to find meaning and joy in each day, resilience to set backs, and giving and receiving love and belonging in my relationships, conscious communication. Maybe a sense of humor and the ability (or at least willingness) to see things from a range of perspectives.

But what about spiritual health? I feel at my most spiritually fit when I practice gratitude on a regular basis; when I practice rituals; when I notice the divine in nature, in other people, and the way life is unfolding; and when I act with intention and attention. When I take time to listen and be still; when I practice presence; when I forgive, when I am compassionate. When I manage my power with humility; when I see myself as a co-creator of my life...God/fate + my choices = reality. When I have the ability to sit with the mystery.

Of course, these aspects of health are interdependent: it's important for me to physically move my body, to be healthy and strong and flexible and clear, so that I can be in tune with the divine. When I engage in therapy to take out my emotional garbage each week, I use less energy processing interactions and my inner narrative, which leaves me more liberated and able to approach the world with curiosity and wonder and grace. When I go for a long run, my body feels more calm and ready to work. When I practice yoga, I can meditate for longer; when I meditate, I feel more present in my relationships. You get the picture...

Why Being Healthy Matters to Teaching and Learning

As a conscious educator, I can best serve my students and relate to my colleagues when I am healthy in mind, body, and spirit. If I haven't eaten properly, I might be short with a challenging colleague; if I am not rested, I might not be able to focus on the feedback I give to a student. If I am depressed, I might not share the joy of my students' successes; if I do not properly process anger, I might not see the humor in my own mistakes in class. If I am not forgiving, I might not act with grace when a student challenges me; if I am not compassionate toward myself, I might not act with compassion when a student asks for an extension.

In order to come to my work with compassion, grace, focus, and meaning, it's important to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Taking care of my own needs truly allows me to meet the needs of others in a way that leaves me at peace and able to find joy in my day-to-day teaching and leadership tasks.

What does being healthy mean to you? What happens in your classrooms and meetings when you aren't taking care of your own health? How might your relationship to your students and colleagues improve if you were to show up with a healthy mind, body, and spirit?

I'm here to help if you or your department would like developing healthier habits.

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