What amazing advice. Sometimes, a friend does a world of good by saying, when everyone else is bowing and scraping and chanting, in unison, 'We are not worthy,' these immortal words, in so many or rather so few OTHER words, 'Ardell--you're full of poop.' Thank you. I needed that. Mr. Clark, I must applaud your 'The emperor is buck nekked' - like observation. You remind me of the politically incorrect H.L. Menckin. There is a reason you did not recognize any 'practical, tangible and specific suggestions.' There ain't none. You cut right through the bull-bleep."

In fact, Mr. Clark is correct to point out that my advice to the builders and architects was indeed short on practical, tangible, and specific design suggestions, along with instructions on how to implement them, in creating a well community." Why? Primarily because of the limits of physical or environment features as influences on the adoption and sustainability of wellness lifestyles. Relative to the predominant role of education and attitudinal/behavioral factors, reinforced by supportive cultures, the significance of design features are easily overestimated.
 
Think, for examples, of key aspects of wellness and ask yourself what physical features could possibly establish or even encourage such qualities to be manifested, honored and otherwise reinforced? Here is a partial list of well indicators. In my view, no number of physical designs will lead to these outcomes, all of which seem separate and apart from environmental features.

• A neighborhood that is open, pluralistic and democratic. 
  
  
• A culture that favors the enjoyment of life here and now and the development of talents to the fullest.
  
  
• A population engaged in a lifelong quest for and openness to added meaning and purpose, along with the cultivation of moral excellence.
  
  
• A community where everyone feels free and accepted in pursuing his/her desires and aspirations, including those not shared by the majority (for examples, in the sense of sexual preferences, the exercise of reproductive choices and a preference to die in a manner and time of one's own choosing.  

Qualities of healthy people, which also seem independent of buildings, trails and the like, include the following characteristics:  

• High self-esteem and a positive outlook.
• A foundation philosophy and a sense of purpose.
• A strong commitment to personal responsibility.
• A good sense of humor. 
• A concern for others.
• A respect for the environment.
• A drive to excel in one or more areas.
• A sense of balance and an integrated lifestyle.
• Freedom from addictive behaviors of a negative or health-inhibiting nature.
• A capacity to cope with whatever life presents.
• A substantial degree of resilience, grounded in reality.
• Highly conditioned or physically fit.
• A capacity to love and an ability to nurture.
• An ability to communicate effectively and to sustain healthy relationships.

These are qualities of well people. There are many more such qualities in at least sixteen skill areas in the physical, mental and meaning/purpose dimensions of wellness. Few, if any, could enable the practical, tangible, and specific (as opposed to general and vague) suggestions that Mr. Clark found wanting. 
 
Of course, none of this should discourage anyone from trying to design features of a well community, particularly for oneself wherever he or she lives. Nor does it excuse Mr. Clark for being so frightfully honest. (Just kidding again.)
 
All the best. Be well and always look on the bright side of life.    

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MEANING DOMAIN under the skill area of applied wellness. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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