To get where we are going, we must have a clear picture of what we desire for ourselves. It is how we imagine ourselves when we are in our best health, at our peak wellness. The wellness vision is a tool used in health coaching to help us stay on track and keep us honest when we are evaluating our progress. When we are being mindful with every step we take, we begin to intuit whether we are moving ourselves closer to or farther away from our wellness vision.
Here is a three step guide to creating your personal wellness vision:
1. Find sanctuary. This is not an exercise to be done in a crowded cafe or on public transit. Go to a place that is quiet and comforting to you. Insert earplugs if you need to and close your eyes. Take a few mindful breaths.
Design your dream. Paint a mental picture of yourself with the body, mind and spirit you wish to achieve. Be detailed. What about you in this moment feels wonderful? Where are you? What is the scenery like? What are you doing? Who are you with?
Stay present. Sometimes the idea of getting what we want is as distressing as missing out on it. Being mindful, turn toward any stressors that your wellness vision brings up. Embrace the tension between where you are and where you want to be. Know that you are capable of reaching your vision with carefully crafted goals.
Once your wellness vision is created, ask yourself what a concrete reminder of your vision would be. Whether it is a piece of art or music, clothing or a photograph, start looking for opportunities to remind yourself of your vision in daily life. A new journey begins when you decide it begins.