Wisdom
Reflections on knowledge, culture, metaphysics, life and health
Philosophical Enquiries for Embodied Wisdom
How does wisdom impact your wellbeing?
Wisdom is often associated with old age and experience, but it's actually a trait that can benefit people of all ages. It refers to having a deep understanding of yourself and the world around you, and using that knowledge to make sound decisions and navigate life's challenges.
In fact, studies have shown that wisdom can lead to better mental health, physical health, and overall wellbeing. One way wisdom can improve your life is by helping you to make better choices. When you have a deeper understanding of your values, priorities, and goals, you are more likely to make decisions that align with them. This can lead to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
Wisdom also allows you to handle difficult situations with grace and resilience. By being able to see the bigger picture and approach problems from different perspectives, you are better equipped to find solutions and cope with stress. Furthermore, wisdom can enhance your relationships with others. It helps you to communicate effectively, empathise with others, and resolve conflicts peacefully. These skills can lead to stronger connections and healthier relationships.
In terms of health, studies have shown that wisdom is associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. It also correlates with better physical health outcomes such as lower blood pressure and decreased risk of chronic diseases.
How philosophical enquiries can help improve life
Engaging with philosophical enquiries can be a powerful tool for stress reduction and improving your quality of life. By exploring fundamental questions about life, existence, and values, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Philosophical practices such as mindfulness, reflection, and contemplation can help you to develop resilience and cope with stress more effectively. By examining your beliefs and perspectives through a philosophical lens, you may find new ways to approach challenges and uncertainties, leading to a more profound sense of inner peace and wellbeing. Whilst embracing philosophical concepts like stoicism or mindfulness can also provide valuable insights and strategies for managing stress-related concerns.
On a practical note, when you encounter life challenges which occur outside of yourself, it can be much more devastating because there is not so much of a level of individual control. Situations such as loss, bereavement, violence, trauma, war, lack of care, or poverty, are difficult to deal with. These issues require insights into life on a collective level, and may involve exploring issues such as political activities, cultural beliefs, ethical concerns, and inequalities in health.
When you begin to explore life on this level, it takes you into the realms of service, and can highlight the desire to make more of a difference in the world. To participate in something which is bigger than just focusing on yourself, and which will leave a lasting legacy once you are gone.
Reflections for Embodied Wisdom
- How do you live a meaningful life?
- What is the difference between good and evil?
- Should we try and prevent bad things from happening?
- Are all relationships of equal importance?
- Can free will and pre-destination both co-exist?
- Are human rights universally accepted?
- Does your worldview change how you perceive scientific evidence?
- Can life without love be possible?
- Is it ethical to punish other people for their actions?
- Do people have the right to prioritise their own opinions over others?
- Is war and violence ever justifiable?
Exploring Life on a Collective Level
Deeper contemplations on life and health
Often, contemplations on life at a collective level begin with some type of challenging or traumatic situation. Something which you never expected to happen, which has taken you by surprise, and knocked you to to the floor to work through your emotional wounds.
It may be a life situation which involves physical or emotional trauma. Being exposed to death and bereavement for the first time. Or realising that something in which you placed absolute trust, does not deserve such an honour. Perhaps the justice, politics, or medical system, to name just a few.
These situations can bring up a period of deep depression and personal reckoning, before you are able to move through them. Some people refer to this as a dark night of the soul. For some people this process can be relatively brief, whilst for others it may last for years.
The way through is generally the same - to come to terms with whatever situation lies at the root of the problem, and to process it until it becomes a catalyst for change and deep transformation. Only then can you successfully move through to a better life, with a deeper understanding, and have successfully integrated this into your life.
This is where therapeutic philosophy comes in. It can help you to work through this process of dealing with the challenges of life on a collective level. To work through ethical issues, move beyond cultural expectations, let go of conditioning, and to step into an ever deepening version of yourself.
Daniella Saunders
MA Eastern & Western Philosophy
BA (Hons) Philosophy & Mind-Body Health
Over 35 years experience working in the NHS, private healthcare, and holistic health
Specialist in the mind-body connection
Advocate for embodied wisdom and optimum wellbeing
