It is not a coincidence that 8 of National Geographic’s 10 happiest cities are found on the shores of lakes or seas. Another, Kuala Lumpur, like many cities is at a river confluence.
It is impossible to separate our emotional wellbeing from where we live. Indigenous peoples know this, as reflected in some models of health care: http://tearawawhanauora.org.nz/2013/11/maori-models-of-health-wellbeing/
For Maori, connection to the land (Whenua) is essential for wellbeing. It gives a sense of identity and simultaneously places them in the present, in their ancestral past and in their childrens’ futures. Without it, cultural disenfranchisement occurs leading to depression, alcoholism and poor social outcomes, both as individuals and as a people.
Western cultures tend to forget about this – I have never heard a western doctor ask a patient about this and I suspect we don’t have the language to express it. Our hyper-developed urban sprawls make it hard to observe and understand the rhythms of nature, even at the fundamental level of contemplating a beautiful view. Possibly this is cultural disenfranchisement on a continental scale?
Living by the sea enables us to more easily respect these connections and incorporate nature into our daily lives. The human spirit yearns for this, even as we build our way further inland.
Participation in society is another key to mental well being. Monterrey, although not by the sea, is on the list because its residents have got the work life balance right. Have you?
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/photos-top-10-happiest-cities/
It is impossible to separate our emotional wellbeing from where we live. Indigenous peoples know this, as reflected in some models of health care: http://tearawawhanauora.org.nz/2013/11/maori-models-of-health-wellbeing/
For Maori, connection to the land (Whenua) is essential for wellbeing. It gives a sense of identity and simultaneously places them in the present, in their ancestral past and in their childrens’ futures. Without it, cultural disenfranchisement occurs leading to depression, alcoholism and poor social outcomes, both as individuals and as a people.
Western cultures tend to forget about this – I have never heard a western doctor ask a patient about this and I suspect we don’t have the language to express it. Our hyper-developed urban sprawls make it hard to observe and understand the rhythms of nature, even at the fundamental level of contemplating a beautiful view. Possibly this is cultural disenfranchisement on a continental scale?
Living by the sea enables us to more easily respect these connections and incorporate nature into our daily lives. The human spirit yearns for this, even as we build our way further inland.
Participation in society is another key to mental well being. Monterrey, although not by the sea, is on the list because its residents have got the work life balance right. Have you?
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/photos-top-10-happiest-cities/
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