Wellness Wednesday - why do we need to keep growing?

The saying tells us that we can't teach an old dog new tricks however I know this to be false. Our rescued greyhound is twelve years old and still learning new tricks. These are not tricks that we teach him but rather tricks that he learns to get more of what he wants. Currently he is learning how to encourage us to let him spend more time in the main family living room rather than in the den. And it is working, for him.

So far we have explored the four core needs of the body, the physical needs. We will always meet these needs either unresourcefully or resourcefully. We know that we will meet these needs in the same way that we know that we will continue to breath in and out. We assume that we can always meet them in the same way that we assume that there will be enough oxygen in every room we enter.

When we meet our four physical needs resourcefully we are able to meet the two core needs of the spirit; growth and contribution.

Why is it important that we meet the needs of the spirit? Because when we do we continue to keep growing but when we stop we don't just stop growing, our world becomes smaller and smaller. One way to explain is that if a tree or the grass stops growing then it is because it is dying. Even if it stops getting taller it will still grow new branches, which will also grow longer. Even trees that shed their leaves every winter are still able to grow again in the spring.

When we stop growing our comfort zone starts to shrink. Contributing is also important and is part of growing. In contributing we are meeting the needs of others and of the greater good. When often experience gratitude when we contribute which can also help us grow.

I visit a 92 year old lady who is in an aged care facility and she is still continuing to learn new things which means that she is still growing. She has always contributed in one form or another. She and I discuss architecture, wild life, politics and history plus what ever is going on in the world. We both learn something new just by chatting. You are never to old to learn.

Learning how to do a new dance is a wonderful way to keep growing and contribute. It is social, active, good for the brain and the body and heaps of fun.

Enjoy finding new ways to grow and contribute. If you have any questions about any of the 6 core needs please comment below.

warmest wishes
Sarah