(R)Evolutionary Wellbeing

It seems obvious to me — and I’m open to discussion on this — that individual, social and ecological wellbeing are all deeply interconnected. In other words, when the planet or the local landscape, the country or the organisation we’re part of is unwell, it’s more challenging for us to be well. Probably we can all see how this is happening in our world now. It might even feel rather overwhelming. Luckily, the reverse is also true — the more we nurture our own wellbeing, the more energy and capacity we have to support the healing of the beings around us.

When we really dedicate ourselves to being well on every level, we are including those around us. By those I mean not only fellow humans but also plants and animals, water and soil, beings seen and unseen, and also the material objects in our lives. Caring for our possessions not only makes them last longer, it’s also a way to honour the materials and labour that went into creating them. Caring for all our relatives is a way to nurture our relationship with all of Life, including ourselves.

Because inequality is so deeply ingrained in our culture (hierarchies are everywhere, have you noticed?), it’s very common to either put ourselves first (narcissism or entitlement) OR put ourselves last (people pleasing, living as a victim, acting as a martyr). Learning to care for ourselves equally with all others is a great challenge and a tremendous opportunity to help our world (including ourselves).

A fantastic 10 minute introduction to how our individual, social and ecological wellbeing are all connected and why we need to work together now to help heal our world. Thank you, Greenpeace UK!

It’s perhaps helpful to remember that societies, institutions and organisations are also living beings, just like our individual bodies or the great ecosystem we call Earth. All living beings are able to change, able to heal. Whenever someone tells us, or we tell ourselves, “that’s just how it is,” that’s a way of limiting our awareness, inhibiting our imagination and reducing our capacity to engage meaningfully with life. We’re here to do the opposite! With clear eyes, we can look at what is happening in our lives and in the world AND be aware of the ways in which we can act for ever greater wellbeing for all.

As some of you may know, my PhD was on the subject of anarchism. In my research, I found myself defining anarchy as “the art of relating freely as equals.” This is a way to create a very different kind of order that holds reverence for all life — and a way we can all participate. By transforming how we related to ourselves, each other and the world, we contribute directly to (r)evolutionary wellbeing. We might call this sacred anarchy.

The government is lying to us about immigration to create hatred and fear in our society. By dividing us against each other, we become easier to control. By coming together and supporting each other, another way of living is possible. This is the time to act, directly from the Heart.

In Yoga terms, we might talk about Karma Yoga, or selfless service, in the recognition that all life is interconnected. That we are all One. By focusing on the needs of the whole (including ourselves and others equally), we contribute to a healthier world and healthier individuals. Yoga also calls on us to speak with honesty and integrity (satya) and to do what we can to stop harm done to others or to ourselves (ahimsa). In the UK currently, we have a government which is actively promoting hatred and creating gross inequalities. This is harmful to all of us.

Spiritual and activist traditions emphasise the importance of dedicated practice and community support to help create real change in ourselves and in the world. At Flowing with Life, we offer support for (r)evolutionary wellbeing through practices including yoga, heart meditation, creative writing and more. By coming together, both online and in person, we nurture relationships and a sense of community where we support and uplift each other. We come to see that more is possible than we could have ever realised. And we share our income with organisations working to support the healing of our world on all levels. If you would like to work with us in any way, please get in touch.

One way to contribute is to join Enough is Enough which is a network of ordinary people like you and me who are calling to end the cost of living crisis. We can’t afford to keep making the rich richer and the poor poorer. It’s time for (r)evolutionary wellbeing for all! You can sign up on the website here. Please help spread the word. It’s only by coming together can we create real change.