Flourishing: The Art of Creating a Life that Is Worth Living Through Holistic Well-Being (Part 2) - Exploring the PERMA Model

Building upon the exploration of Flourishing in Part 1, where we questioned the purpose of our pursuits and delved into the concept of a life worth living, we now venture into the practical guidance offered by the PERMA model (as promised!).

In the previous segment, we pondered the meaning of moving forward and introduced Flourishing as a holistic way of living.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the specific pillars that contribute to this Flourishing way of living by delving into the PERMA model – a powerful framework that can guide us on this journey – and understand its approach to looking into life.

The PERMA Model: A Framework for Flourishing

PERMA is a prominent model that sheds light on five pillars that individually and collectively contribute to a thriving life. These dimensions are Positive Emotions (P), Engagement (E), Relationships (R), Meaning (M), and Achievement (A).

-       Positive Emotions (P):

Embracing joy, gratitude, and contentment.

-       Engagement: (E):

Losing track of time and sense of self (and this is flow! – article on Flow coming soon, don’t miss it).

-       Relationships (R):

Nurturing positive connections and discerning energy-draining relationships.

-       Meaning (M):

Aligning actions with values (refer to the article on Values), finding purpose beyond the self.

-       Achievement (A):

Pursuing goals that bring personal satisfaction and enhance overall well-being.

These five pillars of PERMA encompass all aspects of your life. They can be applied in broader contexts or within specific areas, consistently providing a comprehensive view and perspective to help you become conscious of your current situation.

While PERMA provides a valuable framework, it’s important to note that the exploration of Flourishing encompasses various research and approaches beyond any single model. Various alternative models provide unique perspectives and essential pillars for evaluation. The common denominator between them is that Flourishing is not confined to a single aspect of life but rather envelops various aspects that work synergistically to the whole.

In essence, Flourishing is the art of weaving these elements into the fabric of one’s life, creating a tapestry that reflects a life well-lived.

In the context of our exploration, let’s deepen our understanding of flourishing by examining how its principles unfold within the PERMA model.

PERMA Model Exploration:

Take your own journey of self-reflection through these five dimensions:

-       (P) What Positive Emotions color your life? And how often and in each situation?

-       (E) What Engages you to the point of losing track of time and sense of self? (and this is entering the realm of Flow!)

-       (R) Assess your Relationships and distinguish between the ones that make you feel loved and/or nurtured and those that give you repeated feelings with a negative connotation and/or drain your energy out.

-       (M) Uncover where you find Meaning and Purpose. How does this enrich your life, propelling you toward causes greater than yourself?

-       (A) Identify and pursue Achievements that are nurtured by and nurture these domains.

Take your time to reflect on these questions.

They unveil pathways to consciously enhance your life satisfaction. You might even discover you're thriving more than you think.

Note that some domains can be enhanced individually, though usually synergistically improving others.

Invest time in your search, and you will probably find some big improvements that are closer and easier than you might have imagined.

Gaining Consciousness and Sculpting Your Future:

Conducting frequent self-reflection through the PERMA model dimensions helps gain awareness and take control of our life’s path. This ongoing reflection is essential for consciously sculpting our future.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration into the art of Flourishing and the transformative power of the PERMA model, remember that your journey toward a life worth living is an ongoing, dynamic process.

Flourishing is not a destination but a continuous dance in an orchestration of several pillars. And as with any well-practiced dance, cultivating a Flourishing way of being involves time, effort, and, above all, will and determination. Following the PERMA model, these pillars are Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. Each pillar is a crucial part of the whole and offers its unique perspective and means for improvement.

This holistic approach to well-being, guided by the PERMA model, empowers you to gain consciousness, take control, and actively shape your future.

And remember, as you start actively and mindfully stepping into the rhythm of your unique dance, you will already be sculpting your future by dancing forward to the inimitable sound of your heart.

Stay tuned for more insightful explorations on well-being, and until then, keep Flourishing!