In Sweden there is a health phenomena that has been on the increase for the last two decades. It’s called Burn-out syndrome and is often referred to as hitting the wall. While many athletes might know of this danger if one doesn’t compete well enough trained and prepared, not many other countries share cases of the type of mental fatigue that envelops the Swedish diseased. Most people collapse also physically, but it’s seen as a mental disorder with a depression to follow.

Luckily, me and my fellow classmates in Workscience at Malmo University, were taught another perspective in the early 2000’s before the institution was closed. And I can now stand fully behind this, through my own experience. As you might have noticed online, I keep one foot still firmly planted in Hawaii, or at least the United States. This is to prevent me from hitting the wall, more than I already have some years ago. The Swedish sociologist Johan Asplund made a study and concluded that it was the lack of response that created burn-out. It’s the lack of relating with depth and sincerity, that isolates people and make them miserable, while often still busy at work. He called it dissocial responsitivity and it might be quite controversial as it pertains to the Swedish culture and our law of Jante – to not believe, less say, that you are someone.

Sometimes we may put up a wall, or a facade, against other people that we don’t like or out of our own lack of self-confidence perhaps. Imagine if this wall comes up by professionals who simply refuse to answer and solve problems? As a means for ostracism? Swedish people have often thought of Americans as superficial with their quick banter with strangers. I, myself, has grown to like it, to see it as a form of validation that builds the foundation of really being seen. Perhaps it’s even a spiritual thing, because a Swedish minister or pastor is often also good at confirming one’s true value. Why don’t people in Hawaii become burned out as easily, if ever? They might even be working two jobs. Because of the palm-trees and the temperature? Not only. I’m sure the daylight also plays an important part in having health, but of course it’s thanks to the Aloha-spirit, which in fact also permeates most of the Americans from elsewhere, that I’ve met during my various travels.

That love is the answer, sounds like a cliché, but it isn’t. It’s by opening our hearts, the wall becomes transformed. And this is why coaching is essential for a healthy society since coaching is about validating and empowering our clients, as well as hosting small groups that meet and talk in sacred circles. Preferably in person, at Telluselle Living Center.

Read more about hitting the wall here and here.