What is true well-being?

Whilst sitting in the weekly Friday sermon, I happened to glance at my smart watch and noticed that my heart was beating at its lowest in the whole week. So, what was this phenomenon? In which I felt a sense of calm not only spiritually but also emotionally and physically. The topic being discussed was being kind in speech and having the best manners to others, regardless of their status, wealth, appearance and position etc. This sermon left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

It arose the following questions in my mind:

1)      Is our well being linked to kindness and good manners?

2)      Is our well-being linked to other people’s happiness and well-being?

3)      Is well-being a one-off thing or does it take time and practice?

Positive values such as kindness and good manners can activate our body’s relaxation response, just as negative emotions can trigger frustration and anger.

Compassion and ethical behaviour may further enhance these effects by fostering a sense of connection and emotional well-being. The phenomenon I experienced was interconnectedness of spiritual, emotional and physical health. By engaging in spiritually enriching activities, one can promote relaxation and well-being.

This was evidenced by the calming effect on my heart rate during the sermon. Finally, the benefits of speaking words of kindness are beautifully explained in the Qur’an in the following verse, comparing a good word to a good tree that yields its fruits in every season:

“Do you not see how Allah compares a good word to a good tree? Its root is firm and its branches reach the sky, ˹always˺ yielding its fruit in every season by the Will of its Lord. This is how Allah sets forth parables for the people, so perhaps they will be mindful.”

Surah Abraham, The Holy Quran Chapter 14, verse 25