by John Murphy, Chair & Peg Travers, Co-Chair, Prescott Commission on Well-Being
The Prescott Well-Being Commission has a mission to: “Engage those who live, learn, work or play in Prescott in the lifelong pursuit of Well-Being though communication, motivation and action.”
But, what is the meaning of well-being? Wellness author and speaker Greg Anderson says, “Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit. The realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our well-being.”
There are five branches of well-being the commission has built upon to help identify and improve the overall well-being of our citizens: purpose, community, social interaction, financial and physical.
These branches come down to this: “You gotta have heart.”
Purpose is the reason to wake up each day — to give back, to do the things that make you feel worthwhile. It’s our heart that helps bring a sense of accomplishment and meaning.
Community comes in the form of our many nonprofit organizations, downtown events, and arts, crafts and sports-related festivals. Prescott has shown its heart with its food banks, efforts to “Save our Bars,” our wonderful Farmers Market — each which helps those in need. Recently, the Frontier Rotary Club reached out to the Prescott community to bring supplies, food and cleaning products to the Navajo Nation.
Recently, the Frontier Rotary Club reached out to the Prescott community to bring supplies, food and cleaning products to the Indian Nation.
Social connection makes your heart beat through good times with family, friends and neighbors. From the extensive trails and parks to musical events, and now virtual events, we need interaction and social interaction. The greatest predictor of longevity is feeling needed, loved and important.
Financial: The charitable nature — or heart — of Prescott’s citizens has been shown throughout the years, and during these difficult times those who have financial success give to those most in need through donations, activities and encouragement.
Physical well-being means good nutrition, movement, hydration, sleep and relaxation. Maintain ideal weight and physical activity. Think of your heart in more ways than one.
All five branches of well-being together create an “attitude of gratitude,” an overall feeling of faith, family and community. That’s the “heart” of the matter.
Photo: Billie Orr, George and Kethryn Marchese Stivers, Marty and Lynda Henkel, John Murphy and project leader Mike Payson.