Understanding Psychological Well-being: Unraveling the Natural Path to Equilibrium
“If the only thing that people learned was not to be afraid of their experience, that alone would change the world.” Sydney Banks
An area of research showing promise in both the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety is psychological well-being.
Psychological well-being is defined as an array of positive functioning behaviours, cognitions, and attitudes. This definition includes six distinct constructs: purpose in life, autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, self-acceptance, and positive relations with others.
There exists a substantial base of evidence for the health-protective features of psychological well-being, underscoring the importance of such a positive psychology approach.
The Wisdom of Sydney Banks: Innate Well-being
Sydney Banks, a renowned philosopher in the field of psychology, defined innate well-being as an inherent state of mental health and peace that exists within everyone. According to Banks, this well-being is not something that needs to be attained or achieved from external sources; rather, it is a natural, inborn quality of the human mind.
He believed that this inner state could be accessed by understanding the Three Principles of Mind, Consciousness, and Thought, which explain how our experiences and perceptions of life are created. It is our attachment to, and belief in, anxious thoughts that pull us away from this natural state, leading us to feelings of lack and discontent.
Understanding that well-being is our default state can be incredibly empowering, offering a new perspective on mental health challenges.
The Role of Self-awareness in Psychological Well-being
Developing self-awareness is a crucial step in enhancing psychological well-being. By observing our thoughts without becoming entangled in them, we can gain greater insight into our mental processes. Sydney Banks emphasised the importance of recognising that we are not our thoughts.
By creating a distance between ourselves and our thoughts, we can prevent anxious thoughts from dominating our mental space and disrupting our peace.
Pausing and Reflecting: Finding Balance
An effective technique to reclaim our natural equilibrium is pausing our thinking. When we take a moment to stop and reflect, we interrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts that can lead us to a state of distress. This pause allows us to return to our innate state of light-heartedness.
It is not about stopping thoughts altogether but about not giving undue attention and belief to every thought that passes through our minds.
Purpose in Life: A Construct of Psychological Well-being
One of the constructs of psychological well-being is having a purpose in life. Sydney Banks’s teachings align with this, suggesting that when we let go of negative self-beliefs and anxious thoughts, we are more likely to connect with our sense of purpose.
A clear sense of purpose can provide direction and meaning, steering us towards positive mental health.
Autonomy and Environmental Mastery
Psychological well-being also includes autonomy and environmental mastery. Autonomy involves making independent choices and feeling in control of one’s life. Environmental mastery refers to the ability to manage life’s demands effectively.
By staying present and not getting caught up in negative thinking, we can enhance both these aspects, leading to greater satisfaction and resilience.
Personal Growth and Self-acceptance
Personal growth and self-acceptance are key to psychological well-being. Embracing personal growth means being open to new experiences and learning from them.
Self-acceptance involves acknowledging and embracing all aspects of oneself, including flaws and imperfections.
Sydney Banks’s philosophy encourages a compassionate understanding of oneself, which fosters both personal growth and self-acceptance.
Fostering Positive Relations with Others
Positive relations with others are crucial for psychological well-being. When we are in our natural state of well-being, we are more capable of forming and maintaining healthy, nurturing relationships.
These connections offer support and increase feelings of belonging and happiness.
Returning to Our Innate Well-being
Embracing the constructs of psychological well-being can significantly enhance our mental health. Sydney Banks’s teachings remind us that well-being is our natural state. By practicing self-awareness and pausing our thoughts, we can return to our natural equilibrium and lead more fulfilling lives.
Understanding and nurturing our innate well-being is a powerful step towards preventing and treating depression and anxiety, making it a vital aspect of positive psychology.
You can learn more about the art of pausing by clicking here.
With love,
Angela
Namaste- I honour the place in you in which the entire universe resides. I honour the place in you, of love, of light, of truth, and peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.