Spiritual

Physical

Intellectual

Relational

Emotional

What is SPIRE?

It’s the 5 elements researched to bring people or employees a happier life in spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational and emotional realm(s) and thus, increase productivity, decrease absenteeism and increase engagement. Ben-Shahar suggests “happiness isn't a destination but a byproduct of building these five areas. Trying to feel happy directly often fails (the happiness paradox), but by focusing on strengthening each SPIRE component, well-being naturally increases, leading to a richer, more fulfilling life. The model makes abstract happiness tangible and actionable.”

What are MVIs?

It stands for minimum viable interventions (MVIs) or plainly stated, short happiness boosts done consistently every day. In business, MVI stands for Minimum Viable Increment (or Value), or the smallest release of a product or service that provides a clear, tangible benefit to customers and the organization. A business MVI focuses on delivering actual business value with each release, leading to quicker learning and a faster time-to-market. SPIRE MVIs is the least an employee or person can do to effectively to impact their mental and physical health expeditiously. For example, four rounds of 4-7-8 breathing is 1minute and 4 seconds. An employee or person can practice it commuting to work, driving to school or anywhere. Gratitude journaling, writing down three simple things, takes up less than five minutes and leads to more positive emotions and managing difficult emotions.

Why does SPIRE work?

Western culture segregates the mind from the body. SPIRE emphasized the importance of interconnectedness of the two. Most wellness programs offer exercise and nutrition programs, or only the “P” of SPIRE. SPIRE is the next, elevated level of wellness; a holistic or whole-being approach.
Happiness or human flourishing comes from spiritual- a sense of purpose and meaning in one’s life; physical- activity, nutrition, restoration, sleep and movement; intellectual- reading, learning new skills, staying curious; relational- quality time with friends, family, pet, strangers and oneself plus kindness and gratitude; emotional- accepting painful and pleasurable emotions plus skills to cultivate the feel-good emotions through various practices.
SPIRE also offers science-based activities if practiced in short bursts each day (MVIs), can make a lasting change. SPIRE treats the whole person in what is called “whole-being” wellness by connecting and weaving each element together.

The "S" of SPIRE- spiritual

Let’s dig into “S.” "S"- spirituality can be found in organized religion for some. But for others meaning, purpose can be derived from meditation and yoga. Prayer, meditation, yoga and gratitude are all means of practicing the spiritual element. Yet for others, a walk in nature provides spirituality. When we experience awe it creates connection and cultivates powerful positive emotions. I personally feel spirituality when I walk along the beach in January. It’s cold in New Jersey during the winter months. It would seem life has halt on the beach, but actuality it is teaming with life. I’ve witnessed an 800 lbs seal resting on its journey elsewhere in the ocean, or a seagull dropping a puffed-up blow fish on the shoreline. Breath work can be incredibly spiritual for some. I practice 4-7-8 breathing before I get out of bed. The exercise engages the parasympathetic nervous system disconnecting the fight or flight. That’s something you can try in a 1 min and 16 secs. A quick "S" boost!