In our journey through life, we often focus on solving problems and chasing opportunities. However, an essential aspect that frequently gets overlooked is building the right foundation so that the problems don't bother us much. And we are able to enjoy chasing those wonderful opportunities. This foundation requires us to build wellbeing capacities.
Wellbeing capacities are not just about fixing health or wellness issues; they represent the qualities and strengths we can develop to enhance our overall life experience.
What is a Wellbeing Capacity?
A wellbeing capacity is an innate or developed quality that enhances our ability to thrive in various aspects of life. These capacities range from emotional strengths like gratitude and optimism to intellectual abilities such as analytical thinking and creativity. Unlike fixing a specific health issue, building a wellbeing capacity is about enhancing our overall potential to deal with life's challenges and opportunities.
Why Do We Need to Build Them?
Firstly, it allows us to handle life's complexities with greater ease and resilience. When we develop capacities like emotional stability or physical immunity, we are better equipped to navigate through life's ups and downs. Secondly, enhancing our capacities contributes to a more fulfilling and joyful life, aligning with the concept of "Leela" or playful joy.
Different Wellbeing Capacities
The holistic approach to wellbeing recognizes various categories of capacities, each playing a vital role in our overall wellbeing:
- Emotional: Qualities like gratitude, humor, and courage that influence our emotional responses and resilience
- Intellectual: Capacities such as creativity, curiosity, and clarity of purpose that shape our thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Social: Traits like empathy, kindness, and the ability to be social, which are crucial for building healthy relationships
- Physical: Aspects like vitality, strength, and immunity that contribute to our physical health and endurance
- Spiritual: Qualities such as mindfulness, self-awareness, and contentment that foster inner peace and connection with a larger purpose
For more details about these capacities read here.
Discovering Your Wellbeing Qualities and Capacities
To embark on this journey, start by understanding your unique combination of qualities:
- Know Your Essential Nature: This involves self discovery and understanding what are your innate qualities and capacities
- Assess Your Life Contexts: Pay attention to your physical, personal, professional, environmental, spiritual, social and intellectual context. Are they allaligned with your innate nature?
- Identify Misalignments: Detect areas where your life context doesn't align with your nature, and consider the need for change or capacity building
Choosing the Right Capacities to Build
The key to effective capacity building is understanding which areas align best with your essential nature. For all those areas that aren't aligned with your innate nature, you either need to make a choice to change the context or build relevant capacity to enjoy the context. For instance, if you thrive in human connections but find yourself in a solitary work environment, its better to change your work environment. Alternatively, you could build capacities like resilience or self-expression.
Implementing Capacity Building
- Set Clear Goals: Identify specific capacities you want to develop based on your assessment
- Create a Plan: Develop strategies that incorporate daily practices, learning opportunities, and lifestyle changes
- Seek Guidance: Consider consulting experts or using resources for structured approaches
Regularly Revisiting Your Capacities
Like a periodic health checkup, regularly revisiting your capacities ensures they you are satisfied in your different life contexts. This ongoing process of self-reflection and adaptation is crucial for maintaining and enhancing your overall wellbeing.
Wellbeing capacities are more than mere tools for fixing problems; they are pathways to a richer, more resilient, and joy-filled life. By understanding and developing these capacities, we can navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and embrace the playful joy that ancient Indian wisdom speaks of. Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and capacity building, transforming our lives into a vibrant tapestry of wellbeing and joy.
