* Spend some quiet time, an hour if possible, in which you simply contemplate and/or write about the ideas presented above. For instance, what do you think about the statement, "Health is a function of participation"? What do you believe about the old adage, "If you've got your health, you’ve got everything"?
* Make a phone call to a friend or relative who is currently ill or dealing with some chronic condition. As you listen, silently support, love, and pray for the person without trying to solve any problems or without demanding anything for yourself. Just be there. Notice if this activity affects the way in which you view your own health concerns.
Reprinted with permission from Simply Well by John W. Travis, MD, & Regina Sara Ryan. Copyright
2001. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA. www.tenspeed.com
John W. Travis, M.D., M.P.H., acknowledged as
a founder of the wellness movement, established the first wellness center
in the U.S. in 1975, and created the Wellness Inventory (the first wellness
assessment). He is co-author of the classic Wellness Workbook with Sara Regina Ryan (Ten Speed
Press). The online version of the Wellness Inventory may be accessed by individuals at (www.WellPeople.com)
and licensed by organizations (www.WellnessInventory.net).