Wellness v. Wholeness

I. Introduction

When Healing, the goal is often to restore ourselves “back to normal” by adopting healthy and positive activities which will promote that. Healing is therefore comprised of consistent practices towards establishing both a better present and future. A few months ago, I watched a video where Oprah Winfrey spoke on the importance of striving for wholeness separate from Wellness.

As someone who is completely immersed in a lifestyle of Wellness, my first reaction was that Wellness leads to wholeness. However, after more research and reflection, I now see that this is not always the case, which I explain below. But more importantly, I understand the difference between the two terms and that Healing encompasses both Wellness and wholeness.

II. What is Wellness?

Pursuing Wellness is truly a passion of mine. Nothing is better than feeling healthy i.e., having a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Feeling Well makes your life experiences better, which we are reminded not to take for granted when we become sick or injured.

When I first began designing my Wellness Coaching Programs, I created a Self-Care Routine Chart which has over 20 different categories including, skincare, emotional health, financial health, intellectual health, fitness, and more. This is because there are so many different needs and ways to cater to your sense of being. You can pick any one area to pursue a healthier lifestyle, or you can choose to pursue Wellness in multiple areas!

When you are mentally strong, it shows. When you are financially strong, it shows. When you are physically strong, it shows. All of these are positive attributes to separately have. Yet, an individual who is strong in one area, may not necessarily be a strong individual as a whole.

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III. What is Wholeness?

Wholeness is therefore a level above Wellness. As I mentioned above, in order to Heal your body, mind, spirit, etc., you engage in Wellness activities in order to restore you to a state of wholeness. This means first recognizing where there may be an issue or void in your life which takes away from being your best Self.

For me, I am currently Healing my perspective on interpersonal relationships. There was a time when certain relationships that I had with others felt incredibly natural and effortless. This is because I chose to have these individuals in my life according to who I was at that time. However, as I evolved, a lot of these relationships did too, which caused a lot of discomfort and pain that I continue to Heal from. Despite all of the Wellness activities that I engage in, it is Healing my perspective on interpersonal relationships which continues to make me feel Whole. What is it for you?

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IV. Conclusion

As humans who are constantly experiencing life and its many challenges, there is always an area in our lives that can benefit from Healing. During your Healing journey, ask yourself two questions: “what makes me Well?” and “what makes me whole?” You may be surprised when you come up with two different answers. Both responses however will provide insight on how to better approach the way that you Heal.

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