My Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis Project, A Holistic Well-Being Curriculum: Guiding Students Toward Success and a Sustainable World, arose from the awareness that when we are not happy, we often make very bad decisions for ourselves and our planet. Our emotional well-being (commonly called happiness) can be considered the cornerstone of our holistic well-being. When we are intrinsically, authentically, happy our capacity to maintain and improve our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is dramatically enhanced. For this reason, the research focus included in this project is happiness…what it is, its benefits and how to increase it.
This project also arose the recognition of the uniqueness of each one of us and from a deep trust in our capacity to know what we require to be wholly well. Far too many of us are taught that someone outside of us must know better–that we must listen to parents, teachers, and experts of all forms on every topic. Certainly others can provide their information and perspectives and only the individual can truly know what is right for them.
The trick, once we’ve been taught to trust others over ourselves, is to reawaken our own knowing and come to trust it. Will we make mistakes? Of course we will! That’s one of the ways we learn. As we re-develop our connections with our body, mind, heart, and spirit, we will find the tools that work for us…these tools of connection and awareness are similar for most of us, although we may use them uniquely. It is these tools that this curriculum encourages each of us to learn to apply as works for our unique self.
If this sounds intriguing to you, take a peak at the research and curriculum included in my thesis project. If you desire more, contact me for the additional appendices and presentations.
A Holistic Well-Being Curriculum: Guiding Students Toward Success and a Sustainable World
Appendix E: Well-Being Toolkit (contact me directly)
Appendix F: Presentations (contact me directly)
BONUS: Self-Care – A Prerequisite to Sustainability (contact me directly)
