The Power of Inquiry: Five Must-Ask Questions

By Isaac Cherina, Psychologist

Consciousness Studio, Edmonton

From the Consciousness-Based approach that prioritizes nurturing life as the central focus in healing, these five questions are essential. They cover five significant domains of our lives. It's crucial that we engage with these questions, as without them, we might find ourselves engulfed by the frantic rhythm of daily life, potentially losing sight of what truly matters. First, I want you to note down your answers in terms of "Yes" or "No," and then read the significance and the reasons.

1. Upon waking, do you feel excitement and energy to face the day ahead? Yes or No

2. Does your heart eagerly embrace work that not only supports you financially but also ignites your passion? Yes or No

3. Do you find joy in the simple beauty of a flower, the celestial canvas of a star-studded night sky, or the presence of a garden sparrow? Yes or No

4. In the presence of family, does a feeling of affection and care envelop you? Yes or No

5. If you see someone in need, do you often feel the urge to lend a hand, even if you don't know them? Yes or No

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If you've answered "Yes" to all five questions, you're in a wonderful state. Consider yourself as blessed with wisdom and knowing. But if that's not the case, I encourage you to approach these questions with sincere introspection. Remember, you might miss out on a lot of things, but missing out on life isn't something you want to risk.

These five questions serve as a compass, leading us to critical dimensions of our mental well-being. They encompass: Personal wellbeing, Work life, Nature Family and our Social life.

Starting with the first question, it delves into our Personal Domain. It's all about fostering a sense of contentment within ourselves. This state of ease with the ebb and flow of life is what I've come to refer to as "ease-ness." It's our inherent state, often obscured by the layers of life's demands and conditionings. We often tether our happiness to certain conditions, such as achieving goals or accumulating possessions. However, the reality is that we operate at our finest when we're at peace.

Indeed, our bodies function optimally when they're relaxed. Stress, on the other hand, offers little practical value. This holds particularly true in a place like Canada, where essentials such as food, shelter, and safety are readily accessible. Straying from this state of ease often leads to self-imposed dissatisfaction. The conditions we place on ourselves become unnecessary burdens.

The solution lies in exploration and the release of these self-imposed conditions. In doing so, we rediscover our ability to operate freely and experience genuine joy and freedom. Living a life of freedom and joy isn't a distant concept but rather an easily attainable reality.

Turning to the second question – work. Given that a substantial portion of our time is dedicated to work, it's pivotal that it contributes positively to our overall well-being. For instance, a job that aligns with our values, engages our passions, and provides opportunities for growth can significantly impact our mental wellness.

Question three transports us to nature's embrace. Can we genuinely savour the beauty that surrounds us? If we find ourselves unable to do so, there may be underlying issues that require our attention. Disconnecting from nature can adversely affect our mental equilibrium.

Lastly, questions four and five venture into the realms of family and social connections. As social beings, our reliance on each other is undeniable. From the clothing we wear to the food we consume, much of our daily existence is interwoven with the contributions of fellow human beings. This interdependence enhances the quality of our lives.

Ultimately, these questions provide us with invaluable guidance toward a more fulfilling existence. By attending to each of these components, we cultivate a mental landscape characterized by equilibrium, purpose, and joy.

Focusing on removing our problems all the time does not create wellbeing. In the same way weeding a garden does not make the garden beautiful. You need to grow flowers to make the garden. Of course, we do need to do weeding those weeds that affect our flowers from growing. But not all the time. From a consciousness-based approach, the focus is on life, growing the flower. My invitation to you is for a consciousness-based exploration.

Isaac Cherian, Edmonton