Research

Check-in and listen by asking yourself these questions: What do I see? What am I aware of? What is my body trying to communicate to me? Remember to ask these questions from as neutral a place as you can and simply observe rather than judge.

Notice the stories you’re telling yourself. Become aware of the narrative, the frame of reference, and the interpretations of reality that you’re bringing to the situation. Also, check in on your feelings. Ask yourself questions, such as What feelings and emotions come from the beliefs and story I’m holding about this situation? Am I running judgments that are blocking me from greater wisdom and clarity? Do your best to come from a place of acceptance, neutrality, and compassion towards the parts within that are hurt or upset.

I think of research at the Spirit Level as expanding out to the “meta” levels as an individual and as part of the collective. On this level, observe yourself as an individual—your unique personality and preferences, as well as the aspect of you that is wise, your higher consciousness. Also, attune to yourself as part of the collective and what information that holds for you.

Lastly, do your best to attune to the state of Convergence—that place within which recognizes yourself as both the individual and the collective. Move into compassion and greater acceptance of yourself and the situation. This becomes the bridge to the next step of the process.

REFLECT

The REFLECT step is really the heart of Whole Well Being. Now that you’ve gathered information in the Research step, how do you assess and work with it? This second step helps you create a space between stimulus and response, between reaction and action. In this space, you gain greater self-awareness of your current capacities at the Body, Mind, and Spirit Levels. This informs the range of choices available to you, including which choices are effective and sustainable responses.

Ask yourself: Given what my body is communicating with me and its current ability to respond, what are my best choices?

Are my thoughts, beliefs, and/or story about this situation valid? What do my feelings and reactions tell me about my current capacities? Is there an opportunity to work with me to resolve the inner issues associated with this situation? How might this help me address this situation more effectively? What other choices may support me and others in this?

As you continue opening to the Spirit level, you will experience the greater levels of wisdom, compassion, and capacity that come from connecting with your higher consciousness and Source. This Convergence state of connection and oneness supports the highest levels of problem-solving and decision-making. From this state, ask for guidance, clarity, and direction. Consider the choices available and clarify which is the choice that you’re both capable of and willing to take action on. Ask your Inner Wisdom: Which choice(s) can best serve my individual well-being, as well as the collective or Whole Well Being?

RESPOND

The third step, RESPOND, supports you in translating your choices into effective action. Now that you’re clear on the best choice(s), you can move forward with creating an action plan. Once again, you check in on the Mind, Body, and Spirit levels for further clarity on additional support that will help you fulfill the action(s) you’ve committed to.

As you revisit the Body Level, ask yourself: What physical conditions would support me in taking this action in a sustainable way? In other words, how can I take care of and support my physical well-being? These may be ways you might support your physical health or stamina. Or consider positive behaviors or habits that would help you take the action necessary.

Who am I willing to be on the individual level in order to take this action? What is mine to do in this situation?

Then move to the collective: What support do I need on the collective level to take this action in a sustainable way? In other words, what types of support would be helpful from others, and who could I ask for this support from? Similarly, how may I support the collective?