ENHANCING WELLNESS THRU ARTS AND SPORTS
Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University defined wellness as a multidimensional state of being, describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.” Hence, wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.
Throughout the centuries men have a never ending quest for a successful and comfortable existence. The quest for the elixir of life has been never ending. And in our generation, we are assailed with medical discoveries and experiments that covet solutions for pain, sickness, and death. Promises for total wellness have become a global industry. People desiring a long and satisfying existence become insatiable for the possibility of a panacea, a universal cure.
Who would never desire total wellness? When it means possessing the sinew that would help you enjoy a day after another, strength that would bring you to miles and beyond, heart that would pound for love and happiness, and mind that would create possibilities. The potential and destiny of a man can only be achieved when he is totally and thoroughly well. The English Philosopher Francis Bacon said, “a healthy body is the guest-chamber of the soul, a sick, its prison”. Practically, wealth and wellness are just equal; you could never enjoy one without the other.
These thoughts bring us to the core of education. Education is not just here to make us high-yield producers in a capitalistic society. Education is here to make us well rounded individuals who understand themselves and their world. Two areas that can help us achieve the heights of our potentials are arts and sports.
IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS
The importance of sports in the life of a student is invaluable. Scientific studies revealed that high activity levels are associated with higher academic achievements. This simply means that sports make a student intelligent. History even confirms this. The Greeks and Romans in ancient times harnessed the potentials of their bodies through strength trainings and sports. And we saw them not only championing wars but also knowledge. Greece and Rome became a think tank of our civilization. They gave way to Renaissance that had shaped and influenced our world. Indeed in sports, there is brain power. Add to this the physical benefits and the value of discipline, responsibility, self confidence, sacrifice, and accountability.
THE POWER OF ART
How can art contribute to wellness? Well, art makes life profound. God painted the sky with different hues, molded the stones with different shapes, and filled the Earth with beauty. God made art a song to the soul.
Art transports us to different time and place. It brings the sense of enjoyment and pleasure. It allows the expression of truth and belief. It makes us see the beauty of our world and ourselves. Seeing ourselves and our world in the light of art will make us think beyond the limits of previous ideas and inventions. It will make us see the power of what we can be in our world.
Art and sport are the energy that can enhance a man. And we, the youth of today, will stand and seize the powers that those two can bring. Our potentials and possibilities are endless. Our strengths are unbendable. Our minds are powerful. We all have the responsibility to equip ourselves with wellness for a better life and a better world.
Enhancing wellness through arts and sports? I’m one for the journey.
