Recently, our family enjoyed a fun vacation in Wisconsin. While on vacation, we went to the zoo and saw many incredible animals- including flamingos!
It’s always fun to see animals up close when we usually only see them in books or movies. I guess that’s why I was surprised when I noticed how many different colors the flamingos were. “Huh, I thought flamingos were pink … but the color of these birds ranged from light pink (almost white) to dark pink.
There was an informational plaque near the flamingos that explained the different varieties of pink hues. The plaque read, “Adult flamingos range in color based on their diet and overall health; the healthier the flamingo is, the more vibrant pink their feathers will be.”
I learned that flamingos are naturally white and their diet containing healthy carotenoids (brine shrimp and algae) is what turns them pink. Wow. I guess the expression, “you are what you eat” is absolutely true for flamingos! To maintain their pink hue, flamingos also need plenty of sleep.
We also learned that both flamingo parents feed their young, and that during this labor intensive time, their feathers often turn pale pink, or even white. As physicians, we don’t have feathers that reflect our overall stress and present level of health, so it’s imperative that we become aware of the stressors that impact our ability to care for ourselves and our patients.
I began to wonder, “If I was a flamingo, what shade of pink would I be based on my current health habits?” To be healthy, flamingos need good rest and healthy food to retain a vibrant color; but what do humans need to obtain abundant health and well-being? In addition to rest and nourishment, we also need to pay attention to the health of our mind and our spirit. Again I asked myself, “Do my daily habits support a vibrant pink color?”
Deepak Chopra, M.D., best-selling author, teacher and co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, reports, “There are five simple things individuals can do to live healthier lives.”
Get enough sleep (7-8 hours)
Daily meditation/prayer/connection with one’s higher power
Exercise (every little bit helps)
Nourish your body with healthy food and drink
Control emotions, especially anger
“That’s it. It’s not really rocket science,” says Chopra. Observing these five health practices will help you to become the healthiest version of yourself.
Flamingos are beautiful, unique birds that symbolize beauty, balance, grace, and confidence. It’s also true that the pinker (healthier) a flamingo is, the more desirable they are as a mate. This fact resonates as truth for humans as well; we are more likely to attract and enjoy positive relationships and outcomes … when we are living our healthiest life.
Reflections
We've kicked off your Well-Being Journey with this visual “flamingo article” for two reasons:
It serves as a quick self-assessment tool. It’s an easy and non-threatening way to gauge your current shade of pink based on how you feel.
It's a nifty conversation starter. After everyone has read and grasped the symbolism of pink flamingos, you can ask your colleagues, “What shade of pink are you today?” – a lighthearted way to help spark meaningful discussions in your physician group.
If you were a flamingo, what color would you currently be?
White, Pale Pink, Bright Pink or Medium Pink?
What one health habit will you focus on to become a happier and healthier version of yourself?
Get enough sleep, Daily meditation/prayer/ connection with higher power, Exercise, Nourish my body with healthy food and drink or Control my emotions, especially anger
What action step will you take to help achieve your goal?
If you were living life as a “bright pink flamingo” what would you be doing and how would you feel?
