Body, mind and spirit- the foundations to a happier, successful and grounded life.
Life can be tricky. One minute you’re on top of the world, the next you’re fighting for your life. Life is never constant. There are challenges on the way that we as Beings need to overcome. Whether that is overcoming Coronavirus, battling your emotions or being aware of your actions.
I firmly believe that when we focus on our body, mind and spirit — living life will become much easier. Don’t get me wrong, life will still have its ups and downs like a rollercoaster ride. This time though, you’ll have your hands up, screaming your lungs out in euphoria and sticking your tongue out when your picture gets taken. And who knows — you might end up buying the picture this time.
As you’ll see, the body, mind and spirit are all interlinked. It’s the trifecta of living a fuller life.
The body:
The age old phrase of ‘Health is wealth’ springs to mind. When you take care of your body, you increase your longevity of life. Imagine for a second we’re in the future. Congratulations, you’ve got grandchildren! You are sitting and soaking the sun in the garden and one of your grandchildren approaches you and asks to kick some ball with you. You tell him about your youth and how you used to score top bins and dribble past players like they didn’t exist. You tell him that you would’ve became a professional if only for that knee injury (if you know you know). His face gleaming with excitement and curiosity, he asks you to play with him and you agree. You line up the ball. You kick it, and there it goes. No, not the ball. Your back.
The point I am trying to make is that right now you may be mobile, walk and exercise with ease. In the future this may not be the case. Take control of your health. Start treating your body like a temple. Eat healthy. Exercise regularly. Stretch. The way MedTech is heading, I wouldn’t be surprised if our average lifespan increased in the future. You’d want to squeeze the juice out of the remaining years of your life and not be limited by the lack of your health. Therefore, you’d ought to look after it to the best of your ability. As much as you enjoy going out and about today, you’d want to keep that healthy body for when your grandchild wants to kick ball with you.
Tools to better your body:
- Exercise
- Diet
- Stretching/Yoga
- Cycling
- Jogging
- Walking
- Better sleep quality
The Mind:
The mind. What is it? What does it do? Why is there a voice in my head as I am reading this sentence? The mind, to some extent is that voice in your head.
The mind ranges from what you think, your memory and your consciousness. It’s the logical and rational side of you. It’s the personality you possess as an individual. It’s being cool when everyone in the room is panicking. Your outlook on life.
Having read Carol Dweck’s Mindset book some time ago, I recall her saying that there are two distinctive states of mind: The growth and fixed mindset. The fixed mindset says that everything is permanent and nothing can’t be taught. Conversely, the growth mindset says that anything can be learned through persistence and sheer resilience. It also talks about how we look at success of others, criticism and effort amongst other topics. In order to get most out of life, we have to look at life with a growth mindset. Sometimes we think an objective is farfetched, a skill is hard to learn or the goal you set out is impossible. We all have limiting beliefs. To combat this, acknowledge that everything can be taught. Yes, some individuals may be naturally gifted and talented but that does not mean you cannot reach their level or go beyond by working harder than them. Remember: hard work beats talent anyday. You can do anything you put your mind to.
Tools for improving your mind:
- Meditation
- Reading
- Watch your thoughts
- Journalling
- Becoming present
The Spirit:
The spirit is the emotional side of you. It’s your outlook, attitude, courage and motivation. I also see it as the foundation of your morals and principles. What you stand for? It’s your attitude and reasoning. It is also where your creativity stems from. It’s how you stand up against the face of adversity. It’s closely linked to the mind.
The spirit is your personality. Are you a reactive or proactive person? What and why do you feel what you feel? How do you intrepret that feeling? Do you fight or flight in the face of obstacles?
Your attitude is one of the most important traits you possess. In Mans search of meaning by Viktor Frankl, he clearly states that the attitude of his peers led them to pass away. The only reason he stayed alive in Auschwitz was his outlook on life. It is vital to possess a good attitude for life is filled with suffering. Giving up and possesing a bad attitude will definitely hinder you in life.
It is also the religion aspect of a persons life, related to a persons soul. The connection between him and God. This also leads to an indiviuals ethics, morals and principles.
Tools for improving your spirit:
- Pray
- Meditate
- Be aware of your emotions
- Think positively
- Surround yourself in nature
Most tools are interlinked. When one focuses on their body by exercising, they automatically become more mindful since you’ll be in a state where you are emptying your mind. You are not thinking of anything. You’re braindead. You’ll get them shower thoughts, which ultimately lead to paradigm shifts. When you meditate, you become aware of your thoughts and reasoning. When you journal, you become aware of your thoughts, feelings and your emotions. You can reflect and improve on your behaviour which will focus on all three aspects. Ultimately, everything leads back to reflection. Reflection allows room for growth.
This is the ultimate trifecta to lead a fulfilling life. I believe that when one hones and focuses on the body, mind and spirit, other successes will follow naturally. You will attract wealth by the person you become and not by the things you have achieved. It also improves the quality of your life and your relationships. You will have an aura of positivity around you, attracting the right people in your life. I truly believe that this the ultimate way to cultivate happiness. Remember: you will never reach perfection in these respective states. There is no ceiling. It is a lifelong quest. Ultimately, the most important quest a Being could go on: finding himself.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” — Victor E. Frankl
