Page 33 - NAMAH-Oct-2021

The four pillars of well-being — an integral approach

Dr. Geeta Kumar

Abstract
Well-being is an innate need that brings vitality and makes life worthwhile. It provides an overall
sense of contentment, harmony, balance and fulfilment between the inner and outer being.
Well-being is all about unblocking and restoring the natural flow. It requires an integral and
holistic engagement across the physical, mental, vital and spiritual levels, individually and
collectively. It calls for investing with sincere intentions, persistence, practising self-regulation
with regularity. This article provides a framework, AVVA, consisting of four pillars adapted from
our scriptures. These are ahara (consumptions), vihara (associations and lifestyle), vicara (guiding
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principles), acara (behaviour patterns, conduct and relationship with the self and others). The
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framework provides a lens to better understand the drivers, effects and impact of these four pillars
and also the interconnections that exists between them. It can also serve as a reference-point for
individuals or collectives for reflection, taking stock, recalibrating and renewal, based on their
current state, their commitment and their goal.

Introduction

It is an understood and undeniable reality
that individuals and collectives seek balance,
harmony and happiness at the core. Well-
being is an innate need that brings vitality,
makes life worthwhile and provides purpose.

Whatever may be the path chosen towards
seeking personal or collective well-being, the
aim is to bring equilibrium. Contradictory
as it may appear; even the manifestation
of a conflict is usually with the purpose of
restoring a state of wellness. The current

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