How you feel & function is based on… what?
Have you ever done a quick check-in with yourself, wondering “How am I doing right now?” “How am I handling things in my life?” Some call this a personal inventory or reality check. Call it whatever you want. Many people will check in with themselves infrequently, almost unconsciously, or avoid it because they are anxious about what they may discover.
There are multiple different ways to check in w/ yourself and there is not one right or wrong way. Nonetheless, there is one fundamental health model that I default to for myself and when clients ask for a model or template for checking in. Thank you to Dr Rick Hanson, PhD who so concisely explains this in a simple way to understand it. This model says that how you feel and function is based on 3 factors: your load, your personal vulnerabilities, and your resources.
In this context, “load” means “What’s weighing you down?” This could be what is on your docket or “plate of life” when you wake up and get ready for the day. Your load could be current stressors in your life.
In this context, “personal vulnerabilities” could mean your “wiring”, tendencies, what you bring to the table, emotional history. For example, one might say that personal vulnerabilities of mine would be my stutter or being “wired” more anxious. Other examples of personal vulnerabilities could be medical or physical health issues, past trauma, your Type A or B personality, etc.
In this context, resources are broken down into “outer” and “inner”. Outer resources could be your social support system, health insurance, food and drink in your refrigerator, a steady paycheck, sufficient access to healthcare, etc. Outer resources can be more difficult to grow.
Inner resources could be inherent strengths or coping skills like patience, resilience, thoughtfulness, and being kind. Inner resources can be more easily fostered and strengthened than outer resources.
As Dr Rick Hanson, PhD describes, “as a law of nature, if your load or vulnerabilities increase - over a day, a year, or a lifetime - so must your resources… The more you feel supported by the people that are about you, by the natural world, and by your own capabilities, the better you’ll feel.” You have control over your ability to strengthen inner resources or skills. This call to action ties right into previous blogs and posts I’ve made about mindfulness, focused attention meditation, movement and exercise, and gratitude. While it may be harder to make more money and get better health insurance, making a choice to slowly strengthen your ability to be present in the moment (mindfulness) and appreciating what you do have in the moment (gratitude) are free yet require intention and discipline. You choose. Do a check-in with yourself and see where you’re at.
Source: Rick Hanson, PhD - https://www.rickhanson.net/jot-feel-the-support/
