Wellbeing Where Bluebirds Fly

Bluebirds fly, beyond the rainbow, as the classic Wizard of Oz song goes. The imagery evoked by those lyrics seems ethereal. One cannot pinpoint the rainbow nor beyond it. Given the strife in our world, hearing these lyrics elicit a healing sense.

Wellbeing where bluebirds fly and beyond. Let’s explore further.

Mental Wellbeing Incarnate

Previous posts in this blog have elaborated on the means to pursue mental wellbeing and the manifestations we might recognize on our trajectory to wellbeing. The title of this section is misleading because mental wellbeing is not a static condition. Rather, like life itself, mental wellbeing is a process; it is not achieved nor attained. Mental wellbeing is pursued.

Mental wellbeing can be manifested physically. We do not arrive at mental wellbeing by transitioning from point A to point B. We proceed towards mental wellbeing with every step we take, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

Socially, really?

Of course, socially. Human beings are interconnected. We do not live in a vacuum. Our social interactions flavour our lives and influence us, right down to our core. We need social interaction to be healthy. We need social connectedness to experience mental wellbeing. Thus, society and the individual symbiotically exist and the mental wellbeing of each is dependent on the other.

See previous posts related to social connectedness and mental wellbeing.

Finding the Rainbow and Going Beyond

Imagine your rainbow. Where is it? What does it contain? How does your rainbow intersect with the rest of your life?

Examples of rainbows? I would be remiss to enumerate rainbow examples because that would bias your identification of the real rainbow in your life. Be open-minded while you are discovering your rainbow. Consider the ‘beyond’ component; a rainbow is not an edge, is not the limit.

Rainbows speak to your passions in life. Rainbows reflect your ideals. Rainbows inspire your actions. Rainbows offer opportunities to expand your knowledge base and to stretch your consciousness. Rainbows allow you to connect with people. Rainbows expose you to needs in the world and remind you of the gifts you hold which you can use to help the world.

Wellbeing: You and the World

Rainbows and beyond. You are part of the world. Your rainbow and the world’s rainbow are the same, on a continuum. Otherwise, you would not be in this world.

Rainbows are shared between you and the world.

You are unique. You are no more special than anyone else. You are part of the world. Select the options which include the world.

Brain Synchrony for the Wellbeing of Our World

This world is a gift of resources and opportunities. We have been granted the fortune to be living on Mother Earth. As stewards of the world, we have obligations towards Mother Earth. We are tasked with caring for the world.

Which means we need the help of others. I cannot take care of Mother Earth all by myself. You cannot mind Mother Earth’s needs all alone. In needing the assistance of others, I must cooperate with other people.

Cooperation entails respecting and caring for people. Not selectively. Not when I want to. Not because they espouse the same religious beliefs as I do, nor because they hark from the same country as I do. Not because we share a primary language. Not because we feel affiliated with the same culture. Not because we look alike.

Nope. Those are not the reasons underlying my caring and respecting for people. The only reason dictating that I love another person is their existence. Pure and simple.

Humanity is supposed to be humane. Human beings often do not behave humanely: either towards each other or towards other living beings or towards any aspect of Mother Earth. We can always change our behaviours to ensure we conduct ourselves humanely. Otherwise, we have no business calling ourselves human.

Wellbeing for All: Over the Rainbow and Beyond

Recall the podcast by Andrew Cooper-Sansone about connecting to people through brain synchrony. Take another listen.

The Secret to Deeper Conversations: Inter-Brain Synchrony.

Work on developing the skills discussed in this podcast. These are some of the essential skills in your toolbox for pursuing wellbeing, your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the world.

Invest in expanding the toolbox. Invest in insurance covering the tools you acquire. Teach others how to employ the tools.

Do you see the rainbow? If you do, you will also be able to see beyond it.

Consider how music and language intersect, allowing us to communicate and to evolve. Reflect on the impact of music in your life and on your mental wellbeing. Read my previous posts about music and mental wellbeing. Listen to a podcast by my favourite neuroscience geeks, Taylor Guthrie and Andrew Cooper-Sansone, about the evolution of language and music for human beings:

How Music Shapes Our Identity and Our Brain (The Social Brain, episode 41, June 26, 2024)

Just as music and communication collaborate in our lives, so can we collaborate with other people.

Wellbeing Where Bluebirds Fly and Beyond

A world of cooperation for my wellbeing, your wellbeing, and the wellbeing of Mother Earth. We can build this community together.

Be kind. Listen and pay attention to what you hear. Set aside your smugness and arrogance. Be humble.

Remember that you are not special. Yes, you are unique. Everyone is special. Treat everyone with grace because they are unique and they are special.

I see the rainbow and beyond. Join me. Take a listen to a world over the rainbow, for all of us.

Over The Rainbow/For Good by Wilson Cruz and Voces Latinas

Selected References:

Andrew Cooper-Sansone. (October 6, 2023). The Secret to Deeper Conversations: Inter-Brain Synchrony. Sense of Mind. Accessed on May 31, 2024, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TddFhY4IVkQ

Taylor Guthrie and Andrew Cooper-Sansone. (The Social Brain, episode 41, June 26, 2024). How Music Shapes Our Identity and Our Brain Accessed on June 26, 2024, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aXqstkKuEE

Disclaimer: The content of this post is not meant to substitute for a consultation with your healthcare team.

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