Voice Critique: What is Real Wellness and Why Bother With It?

article link: http://trusted.md/blog/donald_b_ardell/2009/08/31/what_is_real_wellness_and_why_bother_with_it

The title of the article is engaging and already makes the reader reflect about Health and Wellness. It raises such questions as: What is the difference between wellness and ‘real’ wellness? And Why not bother with our health? It is our health! Shouldn’t we all bother with it? It seems that the author asks a rhetorical question. But every reader of the title would wonder ‘does he really ask a rhetorical question?’ and read on to find out more. Afterall, what is all the fuss about health and wellness anyway. There is so much stuff on it these days on the internet and magazines. The author sets the tone for the article with the title and we get a vague impression of his character already.

Since we are all wondering what real wellness is according to the author he defines it as:

A conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential in a multi-dimensional, positive and affirming manner that encompasses lifestyle and mental well-being, as well as a concern for the environment.

The definition was acquired from the National Wellness Institute. In reaction to such an extended definition, the author’s voice is comical and reacts in affirmation with what we are thinking:

Wow - that's a mouthful and a bit much for many regular, down-to-earth folks to digest.

His sentiments reverberate with the reader and this establishes a strong connection with the readers from early on.

Considering the wellness topic is a serious issue since many people read such blogs to improve their quality of life and look for suggestions to diets, exercise and supplements, the voice of the author is almost whimsical and comical in the first five paragraphs that talks about our predetermined concept of wellness. The reason for having such tone is well explained by the author:

I do NOT waste time writing about wellness. I have given up on wellness. It is beyond repair. It's boring, medical in nature and focused on issues that others already address quite well enough (e.g., exercise and eating wisely).

The author considers the current wellness industry a mockery that is filled with

exploitation by product promoters, spa foo foo entrepreneurs, medical quacks or corporate worksite risk reduction managers.

His choice of adjectives such as ‘spa foo foo’ and ‘medical quacks’ derides and ridicules the fancy entrepreneurial efforts of individuals who stand to profit in the name of wellness. He prefers the type of wellness where such deception is absent.

Real wellness is

about mindsets and lifestyles that reflect a reasoned existence of exuberant life quality founded on personal freedom and social liberty.

The contrast in the voice becomes apparent from this point onward as the author talks about his concept of ‘real wellness’. The tone is engaging, courteous and professional. He justifies why he believes in his definition of wellness:

Who would not be interested in that? Compared with the blah blah generalities of the wellness definition summarized above, my REAL wellness definition seems rather straightforward, specific and consequential.

The author frankly compares his definition to the general definition of wellness that we all believe in. In doing so he challenges our society’s concept of wellness. Is it all about exercising, maintaining a healthy diet and consuming supplements? Maybe we should all consider about including psychological and moral principles in our own definition of wellness.