What is the definition of wellness and who defines wellness? Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University defines wellness as:
“a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.”
But how do you define your own state of well-being?
From a Processwork perspective wellness is an active and multidimensional process rather than a state. It is shaped by individual, family and collective cultural and social factors. Process means that wellness is not static but in constant movement and flow. We redefine it daily based on individual values and cultural norms and expectations.
Paradoxically a process-oriented definition of wellness includes functional impairments and symptoms. Health and wellness are not states that are free from any symptoms and feelings of pain and hurt. The concept of a wounded healer exemplifies what we all go through when illness gives us the gift of downtime and reflection. Positive health is balanced by a state of “positive” weakness and humility.
There is nothing intrinsically good about pain and illness. On the other hand physical and emotional symptoms are always part of our lives and they hold developmental opportunities and personal powers. Process consists of both gains and losses. Illness is a transformative process that challenges us to reinterpret our ways of being in the world and transcend our old selves.
Our process-oriented creative wellness coaching addresses established dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and creative) as well as the wellness that is embedded in your physical and emotional symptoms.