Three Aspects

Body, Mind and Spirit

The three aspects of the self are identified and discussed as separate entities; they are integrated into a whole and make up the total human being. Although they can be differentiated and studies as separate elements, individuals must be determined to address all three aspects, the body, the mind and the spirit, in an effort to integrate the parts into a synergistic whole.

Some people are willing to put time and attention toward advancing their mental or soul direction to increase their abilities and performance, and some are willing to work towards increasing the efficiency of the physical body. Most, however, are not willing to put the same effort in to all three simultaneously

Exercise and a healthy diet are ways to assist the physical body to function more efficiently. The Martial Arts, Tai Chi and Yoga, for example, are basic fitness systems consisting of mental self-control, body postures, meditation, regulation of the breath, restraint of the senses, and steadying of the mind. They create a union between the body, mind, and spirit, allowing for more self-control and assisting in physical conditioning and mental awareness. These forms of exercise as physical conditioning and muscle toning, allow each individual to explore the spiritual aspects of the practice on their own if they so desire. 

There are other aspects of the physical body that should be addressed. The role that nutrition plays in the recovery and maintenance of the physical body is important, and each individual should evaluate special needs that may require additional assessment.

In addition, a complete history and physical should be performed by a medical professional yearly in order to determine the extent physical and emotional problems may have had as a result from years of high stress, drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, or lack of medical care. 

The soul can be explored through a combination of mental and emotionally based exercises that create a link between current feeling and belief states of one's life, and any unresolved, mental or emotional pain from previous experiences. The memory of a negative encounter becomes unbearable when the mental/emotional pain is recalled and re-experienced.

Sometimes this pain is re-experienced at a level beyond one's awareness, resulting in confusing thoughts and feelings. If the soul is restricted by the painful memories of the past, the special gifts of the individual will be suppressed and left unfulfilled.

The creative arts and other expressive therapies can play a significant non-religious role in the development and expression of the soul. These therapies sometimes succeed where other methods have failed. Painting or drawing, for example, may help an individual express the painful memories that have been locked inside. Images can then be interpreted and underlying problems allowed to surface. 

In addition to the visual arts of painting, sculpting and drawing, such therapies as movement, music, and journal writing may be used therapeutically to manage suppressed desires of the soul. Problems in the form of mental and physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, learning disorders, and emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety, and addictions, can be examples of repressed or unresolved emotional issues that control the direction that the soul can provide. 

Spiritual aspects of the self are more difficult for the individual to define when in a state of high stress or trauma, which is often the case when a life crisis is experienced. Lack of a strong spiritual nature often gives rise to the feelings associated with a depressed and anxious state.

Confusion, lack of motivation, hopelessness, helplessness, sleeplessness, overeating and addictions are often subtle signs of spiritual distress in the form of despair. Self-esteem is diminished, self-worth is reduced, and self-love is abandoned for outrageous thoughts such as suicide or homicide, in the case of deeply disturbed individuals. 

Spirituality can be explored through learning and applying spiritually based principals to current problems. A study can be made by the individual of the similarities between different forms of religious and spiritual expressions. When similar principles are identified, they may be deemed important, and are incorporated into one's life on a trial basis. Those principles that are useful as change agents for the transformation of one's life are internalized, and are appropriate for that individual. 

A marked change in the direction and intensity of one's life is the proof that the principles are fitting and useful. The process continues until the individual is capable of experiencing a sense of serenity and inner-peace a majority of the time.

The spiritual principles set forth in spiritual and religious writings, and the twelve steps and principles of Alcoholics Anonymous are widely used, and steps can be taken to incorporate the essence of the information into one's daily life. The principles and concepts of one's own religious or spiritual beliefs can be extracted by the individual and enhanced through discussions and exercises. 

Many people are suspicious about, and uninformed regarding the development of their spirituality. Currently there seems to be a lack of techniques and resources available for individuals to find recovery from a spiritual perspective. There is a demand for spiritual information in a non-religious format that is also separate from new age teachings.

For some, a church or a religious discipline is seen as an untrusting source of information, and recovery is impossible until the issues that caused the distrust are resolved. Each individual works throughout the duration of their treatment to explore these critical issues. As they begin to perceive the profound changes that are taking place with them and their lives, they become aware of the healing power that lies beyond their comprehension and understanding.

With the incorporation of new information and newly acquired insights, the individual is able to identify those feelings and behaviors that need to be altered in order to conform to the direction that the divine spirit has chosen for the individual's life.

Although the practice of a religion can be motivating to some, it is not discussed here.  Interested individuals are encouraged to seek a teacher or institution that will further their understanding of the religion of their choice. 

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