‘Holistic’ What does it mean to you?

holistic

/həˈlɪs.tɪk/

adjective

• characterised by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
  • MEDICINE
    characterised by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness.

Education, physics, linguistics, healthcare, biology – every field seems to use the word holistic as a way of describing interconnectedness, both in theory and practice. 

The word is derived from the Greek ‘holos’, meaning ‘whole’ and the suffix -istic (or ism) meaning principle or method. 

The well-being industry could be accused of overusing the word recently, but who can blame them (us!) when humans are craving a world that doesn’t attempt to break them up into ‘manageable’ pieces.

In these first two weeks of classes and sessions at Mo.Co. a theme has surfaced that is deeply related to holistic practice.

Particularly in group sessions, there’s a necessity to adapt material to make it appropriate and useful for every student. In order to successfully do this, teachers need feedback from the class. In order to give feedback, students need a strong ability to ‘sense’ themselves, and the language to communicate that back to their teacher.

As a student, do you recall being encouraged to observe yourself? To assess yourself; your position, your movement, your breathing, or even your headspace. The skill of observing of one’s self, layered with the freedom and confidence to communicate what you’re noticing, is part of a holistic practice.

Getting in touch with yourself is a first step to bringing the pieces together. 

We’d love to know your thoughts…

xx

Amy Laithwaite (and the Mo.Co. team)

Co-Director