The Vicar Writes
Dear Friends,
Many of you will have heard of ‘five-a-day’ in relation to diet. Foresight, a government think-tank, has compiled a report ‘Mental Capital and Wellbeing’ which sets out a ‘five-a-day’ programme of social and personal activities to encourage behaviour that will make people feel better about themselves. The contents of this report, compiled by more than 400 scientists, are quite surprising. The summary is that people should try to connect with others, be active, take notice of their surroundings, keep learning, and give to their neighbours and communities. Behind this lies much evidence of things people can do that make a profound difference to their wellbeing. We can profitably reflect on these five steps to happiness and note some of the connections to Christian lifestyle.
By ‘connect’ the report means developing relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours which enrich life and bring support. Christians are not alone in knowing how much we depend on each other, and that healing and wellbeing depend on good relationships with God, with one another, and within ourselves. Forgiveness is key to maintaining good relationships.
The second recommendation, to be active, lists a range of possible activities such as sports or hobbies, like gardening or dancing, anything that makes us feel good and maintain mobility and fitness. There is much to be said for moderation in this area, in ensuring some activity, but not letting one activity rule our lives. I always feel that plans, hobbies and activities are key to living a good retirement, and no doubt the same is true for other phases of life.
The third step is entitled ‘Be curious’, by which is meant noting the beauty of everyday moments as well as the unusual, and reflecting on them, so that we have a better grasp of what matters to us.
For the Christian noticing the beauty of God’s world is important. The ability to be quiet and reflect enriches life, and is a key element in prayer.
Also recommended is learning, learning to fix a bicycle, learning an instrument, cooking – the challenge and satisfaction brings fun and confidence. Lifelong learning is one of the things that makes life worthwhile. Whether that means doing practical things, or studying, or learning to do something or do it better, all these enrich life. When we stop looking forward and stop learning, life holds little for us.
The final recommendation is to give. Helping friends and strangers links your happiness to a wider community and is rewarding in itself. As we get older, we hopefully realise the truth of the saying that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I personally believe that happiness cannot be sought directly, but it may result from doing our best to make others happy. The Scout ideal of a good deed every day comes to mind. The state of Bhutan is unique in aiming at ‘gross national happiness’, by which is meant balancing material wellbeing with spiritual values.
There is much of value for us all to reflect on here. A life that is based on connecting, learning, reflecting and giving is a valuable life. If this helps us to re-examine our personal tools for a good life, so much the better. God’s giving of His Son to his world at Christmas reminds us of the centrality of love and giving. We learn to give because God in Jesus has shown us and taught us the way.
Yours in Christ
Peter Hallett
December 08 Parish Magazine