Vitality is such a great word! It conjures up images of feeling alive, it can be described as feeling enlivened and energized, and leads to overall health and feeling of wellness. I think vitality can be experienced on both a physical as well as a psychological/emotional level. I believe another important component is appreciating what you have and being content with it, instead of always yearning for more, since I feel that is a setback to feelings of vitality. Also, the freshness of a new experience can help you feel vigor and liveliness.
When thinking of vitality, the first thing that comes to mind is my grandparents. They stayed active and sharp well into their seventies. What I remember about them is their zest for life and their enthusiasm. They were always smiling, chatty, and either active with taking care of their grandchildren or getting together with friends. They were always full of stories that I soaked up and they made my childhood special. I would definitely use their example to help define vitality!
In our last class we once again revisited the topic of play. As I sat in class listening to everyone’s comments, I had vivid memories of my childhood. My family had a weekend house at the foot hills of a mountain close to Belgrade. I would spend my summers playing with the neighboring children as well as going on walks with my grandparents. We were an active bunch of kids, hiking, playing soccer, hide and seek, and various other games to fill our summer days. When we were done, we would enjoy yummy snacks laid out by one of our grandmothers. There is one night especially that stands out in my mind, when all the children gathered for a feast at dusk and we stayed on the porch, much later than usual. It felt like a magical night and I can still bring back the tasty of the juicy watermelon, warm homemade donuts with homemade jam and other treats. Looking back on it, I think the full day of play and the specialness of the experience combined to bring feelings of vitality.
Kids are naturally playful, curious, and free and there are no rules. That is great way to approach life, but as adults we lose these feelings and become more constrained and guarded in our actions. I invite everyone to remember their favorite childhood memory and to rediscover the child within them I believe only then can we be closer to feeling full vitality!
