Do you notice how many times a day you ask or are asked, “how are you?”
How do you answer?
What answers do you hear most?
Good.
Fine.
Tired.
Excited.
Why is asking such an important question “Phatic”? In linguistics, a phatic expression is communication which serves a social function, such as social pleasantries that don’t seek or offer information of intrinsic value but can signal a willingness to observe conventional local expectations for politeness.
How many times do you hear answers or share answers like, “I’m strong and vulnerable” or “I’m confused about so much, scared, and also really excited mixed in with a generous amount of overwhelm”?
Just so you know, when we ask you how you are, we really care and want to know, so please don’t feel obligated to answer with one word and move on (unless you want to!). In today’s challenging times, more than ever, we feel that it’s important for us to connect with one another and care about how each other is managing. Also … we can really help each other when we answer with what is true. Being real is one of the best ways we can nurture deeper connection with one another … to find pain points or joy to share, to offer safe space and solutions.
So … how are we?
We have our highs and our lows and everything in between, often all at once … all with ebbs and flows. We are confused, concerned, and overwhelmed. We find ourselves profoundly grateful as a foundation and also deeply appreciative for you … those that share your “realness” with us in consult and in The Wellness Intelligence Collective … it is fuel for our work, our minds, and our souls. You help us do better.
How are you?
Can we help you do better? Feel better?
On this last day of March 2022, we have chosen to share just a few links that might just change your answer from a Phatic, “fine, how are you?” to a real and inspired answer.
