Index page

Welcome

A good quality lifestyle is one that involves optimal levels of functioning. It is a process not a static condition. It is comprehensive, involving the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of each person, as well as the family, the community and the physical environment. The intention is to strengthen the positive and not simply to eliminate the negative.

While it is relatively easy to make such theoretical statements, the practical development of positive lifestyles is a very difficult challenge. What do we really mean when we use words like wholistic health, prevention, wellness or a comprehensive and positive approach? What do we advocate when we strive for more than the simple absence of disease and more than just freedom from lifestyle problems? What practical steps can we take to ensure that everyone is entitled to a quality of living that is not negative or merely neutral but truly positive?

The activities section of the website has further information about the use of model activities to enhance lifestyle. activities section

In spite of our best intentions it can be difficult to change from an orientation toward problems to a focus on positive lifestyle. A truly positive approach requires some fundamental changes in perspective, including the study of a broader range of subjects, an emphasis on participation, and the use of different kinds of criteria for judging success.

The ideas section of the website has further discussions about theoretical issues related to lifestyle. ideas section

For example:

A comprehensive lifestyle approach is based on the inclusion of many elements at one time. One does not go for a walk just to raise cardiovascular function. Instead, enriched walking might involve a wide variety of elements including shopping, companionship, nature study, meditation, rhythm, posture, and so on.

Our training focuses on proof and encourages us to limit the number of things we consider at once. As a result, measuring the success of a walk by the duration and by the level of our pulse is common. Enriched walking is evaluated by considering all the elements of the experience but this can be uncomfortable for those who have learned to narrow the field and set specific measurable goals.

The evaluation of a quality of life strategy must be comprehensive but it is not effective to try and check all the elements separately. Instead, the appropriate approach is to focus on balance. Just as we do not check the position of one particular body part when attempting to balance on one foot so it is with lifestyle. We learn to recognize a loss of balance and to correct it. We also learn to identify the center and emphasize it. And finally, we learn how to deviate from a balanced position and regain it.

A comprehensive lifestyle approach is based on participation. Although it is possible to study and judge simple relationships (like exercise and cardiovascular function) by observation, the complexities of a high quality lifestyle are much more effectively studied by participation. It is only by being integrally involved in the activity itself that one can sense all the factors and experience all the consequences of any actions.

Further discussion and reviews of information about quality of life can be found in the ideas section of the website.

Our reviews of information on model activities can be found in the activities section of the website.

Home Ideas Illustrations Activities