I’m coming to you from not-so-sunny Byron Bay. After a weekend of anxiety over the invasion of Ukraine I flew to Byron Bay for a work retreat just in time for the worst floods this region has seen in decades. My distress over Ukraine has been eclipsed somewhat by the tragedy unfolding much closer to home. It reminds me of the time my husband, baby son and I were stuck in Christchurch during the earthquake in 2011 knowing that people were trapped so close to us and there was nothing we could do. Heartbreaking.
I was going to write about something completely different in my blog this week but instead I wanted to share about one of my core beliefs when it comes to health.
I believe our heath is built on a foundation of five factors:
- Good nourishing food (no surprises there!)
- Clean & purified drinking water as nature intended
- A safe and clean environment in which to live
- Community & belonging
- Spiritual health & purpose.
With so many people suffering so close to where I now sit typing in safety and comfort in the heart of boho chic Byron Bay, I’m reminded once again of these five foundational cornerstones and how much each of these are threatened during times of tragedy as we are seeing in Northern NSW and South East Queensland this week.
Naturally, a sense of community and belonging can be strongest at these times when trials draw us closer to one another. A strong sense of belonging can extend a net of protective grace over the physical, emotional and spiritual health of a person just as much as isolation & loneliness can ravage their sense of wellbeing as we saw during lockdowns. In this way, the community factor is arguably the most influential over our health while probably also being the most underestimated.
After two years of division & isolation it is my hope that we can all reconnect with the power of community as we are witnessing in NSW & QLD right now. You might be seeing images of those using their recreational boats to rescue their neighbours & community from roofs and flood waters. In what ways can you lift anchor? What waters can you traverse to reach your family, friends and community to strengthen or reestablish their sense of belonging and safety? Whether you are affected by the flooding or not. Maybe I’m pushing the metaphor too far but we can’t thrive on an island, the wellbeing of your community is yours also.
If I can do anything to support you, let me know.
