Wellbeing is everywhere now. It’s quite the zeitgeist. We have wellbeing classes, wellbeing coaching, companies are bringing in wellbeing consultants to create wellbeing strategies. We’re all told that we need it, but what is it and what will it give us? Anyone else confused?

Enter Jen Wood. Restoration Yard's Wellbeing Consultant. Jen is instrumental in creating a varied timetable of wellbeing and fitness classes for The Studio and is here to give us an insight into her thoughts around wellbeing.

When Restoration Yard was first conceived, wellbeing was at the very heart of the concept. We wanted to restore the buildings, the spirit of the Park and the Self. Now, as we are still at the time of writing in the latter part of a global pandemic, this has never been so important. One of our aims is to build a nurturing community who can connect with themselves, others and the natural world and environment.

Wellbeing is all about how we can change our minds to help us grow our psychological resources, skills and strengths which can increase our happiness and resilience. We have 3 fundamental core needs for Safety, Satisfaction and Connection, and when these needs are met we experience a lasting sense of peace, contentment and love. Life becomes more meaningful.

The 12 Pillars of Wellbeing

Wellbeing is both a state and a journey. We see this journey having 12 steps which we will call the 12 Pillars of Wellbeing: Self care, Mindfulness, Learning, Vitality, Gratitude, Confidence, Calm, Motivation, Intimacy, Courage, Aspiration, and Service.

The origin of these 12 pillars, informed by the work of psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Rick Hanson, come from applying the 4 R’s of wellbeing – Recognising, Resourcing, Regulating and Relating – to our 3 core needs: Safety, Satisfaction and Connection. Each of these 12 pillars represents an inner strength, and we will look at one of these each month. We look forward to sharing this approach to wellbeing, as well as connecting more with you and hearing what wellbeing means to you.

Jen Wood is a coach, psychological therapist and mindfulness teacher with 20 years’ experience. She is also our Wellbeing Consultant at Dalkeith Country Park. Jen offers mindfulness groups in person at Restoration Yard, in Dalkeith Country Park. For more information contact jwood@buccleuch.com. For more information about Jen, visit her website at jenwoodwellbeing.com.