Faith & Mission

‘WELLBEING’ & ‘WELLFINDING’ 

I am currently reading the book “Ideas to Save Your Life” by Michael McGirr. In the opening pages, Michael contrasts the words ‘Wellbeing’ and ‘Wellfinding’.

The power of words comes from the meanings that we attach to them. I would not argue that, of itself, there is anything wrong with the word ‘Wellbeing’. The issue is the ways in which some in the Wellbeing industry use the word.

At worst, ‘Wellbeing’ becomes a product that can be purchased in a marketplace. The emphasis is on the individual. The claim becomes that some people have wellbeing and others do not. Personal circumstances can be ignored when there is an implication that wellbeing is a form of miracle cure that can be acquired.

On the other hand, ‘wellfinding’ is an invitation for all to seek the ‘wells’ that will nourish us. Wellfinding is all about community and relationship. It recognises that in the fragility of our humanity there are times of sadness and loss. Wellfinding is a concept that is freely available to all.

In the gospels, we certainly read of miracles performed by Jesus. But the miracles are not the main game. They are signs to a greater understanding. The central message of the gospels is captured in the invitation of Jesus to ‘Come, follow me’. As in the story of the Samaritan woman, this is an invitation to be nourished by the springs of living water.

 The readings from last Sunday focussed on the idea of ‘Humility’. In the first reading we heard the following wise advice:

Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not.

In the gospel, Luke records Jesus saying:

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

In his response to the Gospel, the Columban priest at our parish, Fr Tony Cox, drew on the famous quote attributed to Nelson Mandela: 

Our deepest fear is not that we are weak. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world ... As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Like wellbeing, humility has contested meaning. If we approach the idea of humility from the focus of the individual, then humbleness can readily become an idea that works to limit our horizons and possibilities of our humanity. It can easily become an idea that ensnares us in fear of failure or fear of what others may think.

If we shift the focus of humility to community, then we can begin to see how through humbleness we can become greater. There is a powerful humility that recognises that there are things that we do not yet know and that there are strengths that we do not possess. Being able to let go of our desire for pride in our individual achievements opens us up to the wonderful strengths that can be found in community and relationship.

An individualistic focus on humility and wellbeing can blind us to the reality we are the children of God.

Life is an amazing and beautiful gift of God. It is a gift that connects us to all of creation. It is given as an opportunity. An invitation to ‘Come follow me’. An invitation to do as human communities have done for time eternal. To gather in community around the village well and find sustenance for the spirit. To find the waters that sustain life. To be wellfinders. 

Mercy Day Mass

This is to acknowledge the amazing work being undertaken by our College music department in the preparation of the music for our Mercy Day Mass. The talents of our many student musicians are a beautiful gift to our College community. Our Mercy Day mass will be so much richer for their hard work and preparation. 

I have been working with our wonderful College Student Leaders in the preparation of prayers and readings. It is a privilege for me to be able to gain ideas and inspiration from these positive and enthusiastic students. Friday’s mass will be a wonderful experience.

Mr Mark Hyland

Director of Faith and Mission