The Lens of Engagement
As an Occupational Therapist, Chris views the world through the lens of engagement—or lack thereof—in chosen occupations. The goal is simple yet profound: to ensure everyone can participate in the activities that matter to them (within reason, of course!). The benefits of engaging in meaningful occupations are immense for both our physical and mental well-being—it's a two-way street. When we're engaged, we thrive; when we withdraw, we often face challenges.
Many of us naturally associate "occupation" with work or specific roles, and that's perfectly normal. When asked about their occupation, people typically respond with titles like electrician, teacher, beauty therapist, or even mother, grandfather, and carer. And they’re all correct! Occupation encompasses anything we do throughout our day to fill our time. As an OT, I argue that these occupations are the essential building blocks of our skills and experiences in life.
Consider the children of the world. They have it best—play is their primary occupation! And what a wonderful teacher play is. It nurtures social skills, fine and gross motor control, emotional and language skills, behavioral regulation, and sensory integration—all through interaction with friends and family. These foundational skills are what we build our adult lives upon. As adults, we engage in chosen occupations like work, parenthood, and hobbies. These activities continue to shape our skills and bring us the highs and lows of life. It's important to remember that failure is a great teacher; it's not the opposite of success but a stepping stone toward it. This is especially evident in our engagement with occupations.
In summary, engagement in occupations provides us with key elements of life: meaning, purpose, and identity. The baker finds meaning in perfecting their bread, with their work and goals providing purpose to their day. This, in turn, shapes their public identity—father, friend, chess player, baker.
But what happens when this occupational engagement is missing? At Weave, we've been pondering this question, especially as many in our community struggle to find meaningful occupations that provide them with the necessary meaning, purpose, and identity. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue. Many people were forced to stay indoors for extended periods, losing their routine and sense of purpose. Unfortunately, many lost their jobs, social circles, and hobbies during the lockdowns, and the resulting mental health impacts are unsurprising when viewed through an occupational lens.
As Ann Wilcock, a renowned scholar in Australian Occupational Therapy, eloquently stated:
“The idea that occupation is not just the object of human function but is an integrated part of each persons being in relationship with the world, suggests the need to explore the biological purpose of the human need to ‘do’. This need is so much a part of our being that we have, to this time, paid scant attention to it’s purpose, other than, in post-industrial societies, as an objective of living. In considering people as occupational beings it is implied that humans need to engage in occupation in order to flourish, and that as Selye observes purposeful use of time is a biological necessity because ”our brain slips into chaos and confusion unless we constantly use it for work that seems worthwhile to us.” Further Sigerist (referenced author) argues that work is essential in maintaining health “because it determines the chief rhythm of life, balances it, and gives meaning and significance. An organ that does not work atrophies and the mind that does not work becomes dumb””
At Weave, we take great pride in helping our clients overcome barriers to meaningful occupations. The role is incredibly rewarding. When someone re-engages in a beloved activity or finds the motivation to explore something new, the benefits are immense for both them and us.
Next time you walk through your town, consider taking an occupational perspective. You might start to notice the positive impacts and the unfortunate challenges that shape the lives of those around you. At Weave, we find that this approach fosters a deeper, more personal understanding of the world.
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