Holistic Health

As we continue to explore various aspects of flourishing, it’s important to consider the chemistry between domains. Flourishing involves “holistic health,” but in some ways that optimal condition is unique to each person.

The Human Flourishing Program defines flourishing as “when all aspects of a person’s life are good.” Yet, there can be an inverse interaction between the domains. Sometimes less in one area can lead to more in another.

A Franciscan monk takes a vow of poverty to increase character and virtue, meaning and purpose, and happiness and life satisfaction. A person who loses one physical sense typically improves in their remaining senses.

It can be helpful to think of flourishing as a journey, rather than a destination. It’s about the means (becoming) more than the ends (arriving). As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we often find ourselves in challenging situations. We need to view struggle and suffering as an essential part of flourishing.

Close Social Relationships

A domain that profoundly affects everything else is close social relationships. Friendship is essential to thriving… mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Flourishing can only truly happen in community.

Marisa Franco, a professor at the University of Maryland, offers these statistics. Out of 106 variables that influence depression, having someone to confide in is the strongest preventative factor. Diet reduces the risk of death by up to 24%. Exercise reduces the risk of death by up to 30%. But a healthy social network reduces the risk of death by 45%!

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, launched in 1938, is the longest and most extensive research of health and happiness ever conducted. Their conclusion is that people who are most satisfied with their relationships at age 50 are healthiest at age 80. Good relationships keep us happier and healthier.

Who Do You Call

Do you have someone you can call any time for any reason? Outside of your spouse, is there an adult you can confide in?

Friendships are built on mutuality, shared experience, compromise, healthy conflict resolution, and regular personal investment.

Cultivating relationships requires initiative, risk, vulnerability, and authenticity. “Putting yourself out there” is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you assume you’ll be liked, you probably will be. If you assume rejection, it’s more likely.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”