The building block of society is the person. A community is just a group of persons who share something in common: space or arts for example. Often when we speak or think of people (persons) we speak of their group, ie, white, black, urban, suburban, rural, American or Nigerian. The thing is when we do this we often lose sight of the person who becomes a member of the “group”. But of course we are more complicated than that. As community develpment advocates, as human service providers, as community organizers we do well as we think of our groups (block clubs, renters, seniors, early life, etc, etc), we will do well to not lose sight of the individual person.

SAMSHA says has 8 dimensions of wellness. What do you think?

Wellness/Wholeness

The Person

We cannot “make” someone well. We can be a hand up and a help out. Who is we? We are the allies and partners of Brightmoor (the community of persons) who form the Alliance.

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness for a Person are:

The Building Block

  1. Spiritual— with a continually deepening understanding, connecting to our place in the Omnipotence of God – pastor Simmons definition*

  2. Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills

  3. Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep

  4. Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being

  5. Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations

  6. Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work

  7. Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system

  8. Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships

https://www.samhsa.gov/wellness-initiative/eight-dimensions-wellness  

https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4953.pdf

*(Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life SAMHSA definition)