What does Holistic Really Mean?

Holistic Meaning and Lifestyle Basics

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Despite being an often misused, yet super trendy, “key word” that is being thrown around to label anything ...HOLISTIC is a WHOLE aspect of living. It is NOT just a type of aesthetic, a gym/workout, a new fad diet, or any ONE aspect of anything, even if it is “healthy.”

Holistic a is a term that emphasizes the importance of considering the whole picture, rather than just individual parts. In various fields such as health, education, and personal development, a holistic approach focuses on the interconnectedness of different aspects of life. It encourages looking at the complete system and understanding how each part influences the others ...and the whole.

A holistic lifestyle would be described as one that encompasses caring for all aspects of a person's life and well-being. This includes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual and also incorporates many smaller sub categories that fall within these areas. 

A holistic lifestyle emphasizes the interconnectedness of all of these different aspects and aims to create total balance and harmony. By prioritizing mindfulness, self-care and a dedication to wellness in ALL AREAS of life, we can experience a true sense of overall health, happiness and wholeness. 

Health Care

Holistic health care, as an alternative to modern (allopathic) medicine, advocates for a whole-person perspective of health management. This perspective sees health as a dynamic state of wellbeing across all aspects of an individual—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Holistic therapies, commonly incorporating natural or non-invasive interventions, aim to restore the body’s balance, enhance its innate healing ability and foster long-term wellness. They acknowledge the impact of lifestyle factors— diet, sleep, exercise, environment, stress, emotional wellness, relationships, spiritual fulfillment and more —on health, using this understanding to customize treatment plans for each individual.

This focus on restoring balance and promoting whole health, rather than merely controlling or suppressing symptoms, distinguishes holistic health from modern medicine. While both approaches have their unique merits, integrating both fosters a more comprehensive, effective approach to total health and wellbeing.

It is a long continued belief, in many cultures, that everything we need to heal and take care of ourselves is readily provided through both nature and these natural practices, and while we are so fortunate these day to have access to such amazing lifesaving drugs and surgical options, these should be considered a last resort in most non-life threatening situations.

Empowering us to make informed decisions about our own health is at the core of holistic healthcare. By providing education, resources, and support, this approach encourages everyone to take an active role in their well-being. Through informed, conscious choices we can cultivate a balanced and nourishing lifestyle that promotes long-term health and vitality. 

Yoga can improve balance, flexibility and reduce stress, swimming is a fantastic full-body workout, hiking allows you to connect with nature while getting exercise, and dancing is a fun way to boost your mood and cardiovascular health. Overall, the holistic approach to physical activity is about much more than just hitting the gym - it's about finding activities that benefit and resonate with your whole being.

Also, natural healing modalities like, Reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, sound therapies, infrared sauna, all types of massage and many other physical therapies are all fantastic tools to help aid in the self care of your physical body, contributing to healing, balancing, relaxing and stress reduction. 

The Etheric Body (Quick Introduction)

A human element often disregarded in typical Western holistic wellness models is the recognition of the etheric, or energetic, body. While extensively embraced in Eastern practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, it has faced challenges in gaining acceptance within the more materialistic view of Western medicine. The etheric body represents the life force or vital energy, often referred to as ‘prana’ or ‘chi’ in Eastern traditions, that sustains our physical health and essentially influences and every aspect of our being.

Healthy Environment

Your environment is most strongly linked to physical and mental health, however it can effect all aspects of your health and life. A healthy environment means surrounding yourself with positive energy, limiting negative energy and keeping your surroundings clean and clutter free. 

This can involve organizing your living and work spaces, incorporating elements that uplift and inspire you, using colors that speak to you, bringing in elements of nature by adding plants that can oxygenate the air and bring a touch of green serenity to your home or workspace. Natural light can also uplift your mood and energy levels, so make sure to welcome in as much sunlight as possible. Cleanse your space of negative energy and distractions that disrupt your peace and hinder your concentration. Whether it's items that provoke bad habits or negative thoughts and memories, clutter, noise or digital interruptions, take the time to create a space that nurtures a clear, focused mindset and inner calm.

Additionally, your environment is more than just the aesthetics of your surroundings; it also entails surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who bring positive energy into your life. Cultivating relationships with people who encourage, inspire, and uplift you can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By choosing to engage with those who radiate positivity, you can create a nurturing and motivational environment that fosters personal growth and happiness. Remember, the energy you surround yourself with plays a significant role in shaping your mindset and experiences. Choose wisely and cultivate a space filled with optimism, kindness, and encouragement.

Diet and Nutrition

By focusing on the interconnectedness of food, lifestyle, and overall health, holistic nutrition emphasizes the importance of nourishing both the body and the mind. It advocates for a whole foods-based approach, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It focuses on the quality of the food consumed, the individual's unique nutritional needs, lifestyle choices, and emotional and mental health.

The holistic approach to diet also recognizes that each person is unique and therefore requires personalized nutrition plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. By being mindful of what we eat, we can better understand how our food choices impact our bodies, energy levels, and overall health and vitality.

** To help differentiate the nutritional needs of each individual an Ayurvedic approach, using the guidance of the Doshas, may be a good option. (Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, categorizes individuals into three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents a unique combination of elements and qualities within the body. By understanding your predominant dosha(s), you can tailor your diet and lifestyle choices to better suit your individual needs.) 

It also emphasizes mindful eating practices, like listening to your body's hunger cues, eating only when hungry, only eating until ¾ full and savoring each bite. By being present and attentive while eating, not multi-tasking or eating on the go, so you can truly appreciate the flavors and textures of your food. 

Furthermore, holistic nutrition promotes the idea of humane practices, sustainability and environmental consciousness. By home growing, supporting local and organic food sources, as well as reducing food waste and choosing eco-friendly packaging, individuals can contribute to a healthier planet while also improving their own health.

Mental and Emotional Health and Well being

Holistic mental health care practices encompass a wide range of approaches that aim to support mental well-being by considering the whole person. Some common types of holistic mental health care practices include mindfulness and meditation, yoga, art therapy, journaling, shadow and inner child work, traditional talk therapies, aromatherapy, and biofeedback to name a few. These practices focus on promoting balance, relaxation, self-awareness, as well as emotional regulation and healing

Also vital for nurturing your mind is embracing a mindset of lifelong learning. This not only boosts your mental well-being but also paves the way for personal growth and development. Continuous learning is like exercise for the brain, helping to keep it sharp and agile. It allows you to explore new ideas, challenge your perspectives, and stay curious about the world around you. By Engaging in activities that stimulate your curiosity and intellect, and acquiring new skills, you not only enrich your knowledge base but also enhance your cognitive abilities.

Journaling is by far one of the most effect practices of emotional well being. By providing a safe space for self-reflection, expression, and creativity. It allows us to unload our thoughts and emotions onto paper, freeing our minds from the weight of our worries. Through journaling, we can explore our innermost feelings, dreams and goals, work through and release stuck emotions, change our limiting beliefs and fears that are holding us back and discover new insights about ourselves.

Creativity is a wonderful gift that nourishes both our mental and emotional bodies but also connects us to our spirituality. This form of divine expression allows us to manifest our thoughts and ideas into reality.  When we immerse ourselves in creative expression, we are able to access a flow state where time seems to stand still and our minds are fully present in the moment. This process can be deeply meditative and can lead to a sense of peace and harmony within ourselves. Whether it's through art, music, writing, dance or any other form of creative expression, we are engaging in a spiritual practice that allows us to connect with the deepest parts of our consciousness. It is here we are able to explore our innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires, gaining a better understanding of self and our purpose.

Mindfulness

Learning the art and practice of mindfulness is one thing, that I believe, is necessary to have true holistic health and balance in your life. When practicing mindfulness, you are simply being fully present in the moment, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of life around you. When used regularly, mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. This is first by being fully present and aware of these thoughts and feelings, and then by being able to calmly work through them instead of unconsciously  reacting. This in turn, creates a more conscious and peaceful life, enhances your relationships, increases your self-awareness and it allows you to release the need for control and just accept each moment as it comes. Embracing mindfulness can truly transform your life in profound ways, leading to more peace, balance, gratitude and contentment.

Spirituality and our soul

Embracing spirituality is not about adhering to strict rules or beliefs but rather about fostering a sense of connection, harmony, and inner peace that resonates with our hearts and souls. Practices such as meditation, yoga, attending church, prayer, spending time in and connecting with nature, studying the universe, participating in rituals or ceremonies, journaling and creativity, volunteering or engaging in acts of kindness and compassion, simply connecting with the self or even a like-minded community, plus much more, can all types of spiritual connection or expression.  

Each individual may resonate with different forms of spiritual practices, and it's important to explore and discover what brings a sense of fulfillment and connection to one's life. By incorporating spiritual beliefs and practices into our lives, we can enhance our overall well-being, find a sense of purpose and fulfillment, connect with something greater than ourselves and cultivate a sense of direction, inner peace and contentment. 

Meditation

First, it allows us to quiet our minds, center our thoughts, and connect with our bodies and the present moment.  It is a space where we can explore our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs with compassion and curiosity. Incorporating meditation as a part of our daily routine can lead to a more a peaceful, balanced, and mindful life allowing us to navigate challenges with a clear and calm mind. 

Physically, for those who engage in meditation regularly, have increased focus and concentration, improved emotional well-being, reduced stress, anxiety and therefor lower cortisol levels, improved immune system function, lower blood pressure, better sleep quality and much more. As well, many studies have shown that having a long-term meditation practice can even reduce the risk for cancer, heart disease, dementia and many other illnesses. These benefits make meditation a vital tool for promoting overall well-being and maintaining a healthy holistic lifestyle. 

Conclusion

The holistic health perspective takes a significant divergence from the traditional concept of healing being an end-point or a cure. Instead, it endorses the principle that healing is a life-long journey – an evolving, dynamic process of continual self-discovery, growth, and rebalance. Health, in this context, is not a static state but a dynamic balance that continuously adapts to life’s changes and challenges. Keeping this balance requires ongoing care, proactive health practices, and constant learning. It necessitates an understanding that no single intervention or pill can ‘fix’ health. In fact, ‘fixed’ health doesn’t exist, but instead health fluctuates across a spectrum of wellness throughout a person’s life.

The principle of healing as a life-long journey fosters an expanded perspective that nurturing health is a commitment, not to a short-term fix, but to a lifetime of mindful choices and practices. It teaches us to take a conscious, empowered and proactive approach to our whole health and in turn our whole lives.