A healthy, thriving community prioritizes individual and collective wellness, which is a "conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential," according to the National Wellness Institute. It's more than being free from illness, although physical health is included; wellness is a dynamic experience of personal growth.
A holistically minded model, developed by Peggy Swarbrick of the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, divides wellness into eight interconnected dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, financial, occupational, environmental, and spiritual.
Some may question whether the spiritual aspect is necessary. However, if you define spiritual as a way to find meaning, purpose, and peace with or without religion, it remains an important role.
At the heart of wellness is empowerment, responsibility for our choices, and living life as fully as possible. It's about enjoying ourselves and each other as we develop our potentials in the best way that current circumstances allow.
ADVERTISEMENT
An imbalance or a balance in any dimension has a direct impact on others. Financial stress can lead to emotional stress, which can lead to physical, occupational, social, and environmental stress. Community wellness and personal wellness are also interdependent. A person's particular focus or lack of focus on wellness impacts his or her family, neighbors, and community.
The health and wellness of a community, neighborhood, and family directly affect us as individuals. Each dimension of wellness is useful to keep in mind if we want to grow into the fullness of our being, as individuals and as a community.
Duluth is known for its excellent quality of life, as we have access to numerous wellness resources in all eight dimensions to enhance our well-being. Many of those resources will be on display at a free, family-friendly event Saturday: the 10th annual Northland Community Wellness Day. It's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Duluth Heritage Center. In addition to more than 80 wellness-focused exhibitors, there will be many free and fun activities, including a climbing wall, a bounce house, face painting, games with University of Minnesota Duluth athletes, and relaxing chair massages. Workshops will run throughout the event and will highlight healthy eating, gardening, sustainable living, and the Duluth Police Department K-9 unit.
People of all ages are invited to enjoy the event to learn about resources that can support their evolving potential. It's another great opportunity to celebrate the Northland's ongoing dedication to individual and community wellness.
Dana S. Bergstrom of Duluth is a nonprofit consultant, blogger, house artist/remodeler, and this year's event coordinator for the Northland Community Wellness Day.
GET INVOLVED
ADVERTISEMENT
What: 10th annual Northland Community Wellness Day
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Duluth Heritage Sports Center, 120 S. 30th Ave. W.
Tickets: Free admission and parking
Online: northlandcwd.org
