The S.P.E.M. Approach to well-being: Applications and extra dimensions

In this final part of the series we will discuss some everyday practical applications of my S.P.E.M. Approach to wellness and well-being.

IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL WELLNESS

There are many definitions of what constitutes being financially well, but overall, the Financial Wellness Dimension involves things such as income, debt, and savings, as well as a person’s understanding of financial processes and resources. 

A person’s satisfaction with their current financial situation and future prospects also comes into play.

• How does the domain of financial wellness impact your life? How is it related to your wellness?
• Does your current job allow you to meet your obligations and have resources to do things you enjoy?
• Are you working in a field that you are passionate about or do well? Or are you looking at doing something differently, perhaps more personally gratifying?
• Are you looking for paid or volunteer work?
• Visit the unemployment office in your state or county to find classes that could train you for a job.
• Have your résumé updated so you can promptly submit it when you see an opportunity.
• Are your savings in line with your life goals, such as taking a vacation, home ownership, or retirement?
• Do you have a weekly or monthly budget so you can plan for expenses such as rent and groceries and have a little left over to enjoy?
• Ask the bank about the types of accounts available— such as checking and savings accounts—so you are using them to your advantage and gaining interest where available.
• Find out if the bank offers tools you can use to keep track of your money.
• Would it be helpful to figure out your total debt and make a plan to pay it down in a manageable way?
• Have you thought about getting help from a person who specializes in money management or personal finances?
• Have you opened a savings account or another kind of account that works for you?

IMPROVE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS

The Environmental Wellness Dimension involves being able to be safe and feel safe.

This can include:

• Accessing clean air, food, and water;
• Preserving the areas where we live, learn, and work;
• Occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support our well-being; and
• Promoting learning, contemplation, and relaxation in natural places and spaces.

Green living

• Are you recycling whenever possible, and buying recycled products?
• Do you limit the power and water you use at home?
• Are you taking public transportation?
• Do you check your car’s emissions every year, even if not required by law?
• Get recycling bins for your home—they may be free from your town.
• Look for cleanup volunteer efforts, such as collecting trash from roadways or parks.
• Explore the “green” aisles at home improvement stores; they often have energy-efficient light bulbs and other products 

Change of Scenery

• Are you spending as much time outdoors as possible?
• Have you visited a public park to either play a sport like tennis or basketball or just take a walk?
• Figure out what outdoor activities make you feel good, and then find a few options that make it easy to do that.
• During work hours, take a break to walk around the block or buy bottled water from a nearby store.

Home and work environment

• Are you going through mail and other paperwork frequently to get rid of clutter?
• Do you organize your work space from time to time and add things that make you happy?
• Is your living space filled with styles and textures you enjoy?
• Make a schedule to clean up your home or living space. It could be by room or activity (bathrooms on Sunday, dusting and sweeping every Wednesday, etc.).
• Look in magazines or online and find styles you like best so that you’re comfortable in your living space.

IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL WELLNESS

The Social Wellness Dimension involves having healthy relationships with friends, family, and the community, and having an interest in and concern for the needs of others and humankind.

Community

• Have you found support groups in your area to connect on important issues?
• Have you made a date with friends for a movie, dinner, coffee, or other social activities?
• Are you keeping in touch with family or friends? You can pick up the phone and catch up if they are too far away—even a phone call can lift your spirits.
• Ask your doctor, a friend or family member, someone from your congregation, or others in your community about support groups.
• Look online or in the local paper for groups that share your interests—whether it’s knitting or playing softball.
• Pick up the phone and connect with others.

New people

• Are you getting out and meeting people with your same interests? If you like art, try a gallery; if you enjoy history, visit historic sites.
• Are you open to meeting people from different backgrounds?
• Have you found a place to volunteer? You never know who you might meet.
• Look in the newspaper to find out what is happening in your area that could be an opportunity to make friends.
• Keep an open mind and exercise your curious inquiry when meeting new people.
• Ask in your spiritual community or any other community about volunteer opportunities.
• Join meet-up groups online.

Social time

• Do you set aside quality time to spend with family and friends?
• Are you making time to go to places where you can meet new people, or visiting a new location?
• Keep track of when you need to catch up with someone or when a friend or family member is due for a visit.
• Organize a calendar of events that would be good ways to connect, or reconnect, to friends, like a public concert or a class reunion.

Light your fire and discover your soul

I hope my S.P.E.M. approach to well-being will benefit you – actually, I’m sure about that 🙂 Here you may find all the posts in the series for my S.P.E.M. Approach.

You may also read my introductory 3-part post on the pillars of shamanism and the S.P.E.M. approach. I encourage you to explore their content to deepen your understanding and embark on a transformative journey.

Remember, the path to spiritual growth is unique for each individual, but with dedication and an open heart, you can cultivate a profound connection with yourself and the world around you.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly through this website or through my Instagram profile, if you need help or guidance, or you feel that there is more to explore in your life…

Always here, always yours,
KC The Greek Shaman