I have always been fascinated with the idea of the Trinity...three distinctively different personalities (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) with distinctive responsibilities operating together as One. Based on biblical truths, mankind was created in the very image of the Trinity or God. We have a body, a mind, and a spirit. The purpose of being made in the image of the Trinity, was and is for the purpose of being like God...whole and complete.
Over the years in working with thousands of clients, I noticed that most of them were deeply wounded and broken due to a lack of understanding of their created being. Although the concept of the body, mind and spirit is often talked about in religion and the medical, spa and wellness industry, I think we rarely hear conversations about its true depth and meaning. Again, while in my MFT program, I had another experience that helped me deeply understand the power of the body, mind, and spirit connection.
Ultimately, those of us in the field of healing and helping want to empower others to be and live whole and well. As one of my professors talked about the body, mind, and spirit connection, I started to visualize three distinctive pieces equally spaced apart. Each piece had one of the words body, mind and spirit written in it. The more I focused on the pieces, I more I felt something was wrong. They all seemed out of place. Upon that realization, the pieces started to move together creating a very distinctive image...the peace sign. An AHA moment! I then realized that in order for us to be completely at peace, we must understand the importance of focusing on our body, mind and spirit.
Unfortunately, very few of us rarely pay attention to all three parts of our being. Our bodies are out of shape, we are often tired, have low or no energy, exercise on occasion and eat poorly. As for our minds, we tend to be disconnected from our emotions and/or thoughts (the idea of being consciously aware of what we feel and think can sometimes be frightening). I think this may be where we get the quote, "Ignorance is bliss." And as for our spirits, without having some kind of knowledge or understanding about spirituality, many of us seem to be clueless about what that really means. This realization began a very powerful journey in helping me understand the powerful connection between the body, mind and spirit.
I wondered, what would happen if all of us became intentional about taking care of all three parts of ourselves? I wondered if we would be more successful, happy, healthy, and at peace? I truly believe so!
I want to encourage you to take sometime to reflect upon how often you pay attention to the total you. How are you taking care of your body? What are you eating, drinking and doing with and to your body? You are so important and valuable to this world's existence. You matter! Focus on staying healthy.
Also, do you allow yourself time to connect and honor your thoughts and feelings regardless of whether they are good or bad? Or, do you avoid them at all cost?
Your emotions are so important to you being and living outrageously well. Remember, your body and mind, specifically, are powerfully connected. If your body is not well, then your mind is probably not well either.
As for your spirit, please allow me to give you my interpretation. First, the definition of spirit is "breath of life." Based on that definition, your spirit is the essence of your existence...it is what gives you life. That said, I see the spirit as having a two-fold purpose.
First, your spirit has a powerful connection to God. Remember the saying we're spiritual beings in physical bodies? Oh, how true! Whatever your faith or belief is, allow yourself time to connect to your spirit often in order to strengthen and empower the essence of you.
Second, I believe your spirit is a true representation of your personality, characteristics, likes and dislikes, etc. The more you allow yourself to connect to your spirit, the higher quality of life and existence you will experience.
To bring this all together, when you become intentional about taking care of the total you, you will experience peace.
As Ellie often says and I FULLY agree, ~ Peace in!
Live Outrageously Well,
Anita
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