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We Are Not Our Body
What does it mean to approach life
with a holistic attitude? It means honoring our physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual well-being. This is the definition of transpersonal
psychology, known as the "Fourth Force" in psychology.
As we bridge the world of matter with the world of spirit, we find
more balance and clarity in our lives. The Fourth Force is an expansion
of the field of psychology and it includes areas of human experience
and behavior beyond the personality, the body, the ego, and reaches
into realms beyond the personal, beyond the world of matter, and
beyond what appears to be real. In other words, transpersonal psychology
recognizes all aspects of our selves, as well as the great unknowns
and mysteries of life. This is, indeed, holistic.
As we embrace a holistic attitude, we become more aware
and wise to the fact that:
- We are not a body with a personality, but we have a body with
a personality, as well as five senses, and an ego. Our body can
be equated to the vehicle we depend on for transportation. Our
soul is using the body as the vehicle for the purpose of evolution.
Just as we are attentive to the care of our automobiles, we want
to show equal attention to our bodily "Toyota." Therefore
we want to give it proper care and attention, good food, fresh
air, deep breathing, exercise, and pure water.
- We are not our mind, which constantly changes, and yet we have
free will and complete control over our thoughts, habits, and
choices. Or do we? When was the last time you wanted a piece of
chocolate cake and chose not to have it? What about the last cigarette
you smoked? Was it your choice or habit? How influenced are you
by others’ opinions? How in control are you of your
free will? How free is your free will? Why do we experience repetitive
behavior? Because the pattern originated in early childhood, that’s
why, and until we deal with it, it can be a force to sabotage
our dreams. Our thoughts are incredibly powerful. The Buddha said,
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts, we make the world."
- We are not our feelings. We have feelings, but do we honor them?
Unfortunately, as children we learned to stifle, deny, and ignore
our feelings. Why? Because that’s what we were taught. By
whom? Our primary relationship/teacher—our parents. Our
feeling arena is part of the equipment of the vehicle the soul
inhibits. Living holistically means to develop the feelings language
as a primary language. Do we teach our children that anger is
okay and natural to feel and express through words, not drama?
Anger denied turns into rage, which is not natural.
- Our spiritual aspect refers to our creativity, intuition, passion,
and joy. As an analogy, we can think of the spinning ceiling fan:
because of our body identification in lieu of our soul identification,
we frequently find ourselves on the blades rather than at the
hub, the source of power. As multi-dimensional beings, our sixth
sense is also part of the hardware to steer us in the right direction
while in the physical dimension.
It’s an art to be able to live in both worlds--to
know we are a spiritual being in a physical body, and at the same
time to fulfill our purpose in the world with passion--being
detached from the results. When we live our lives holistically,
we feel more centered, strong, and self-empowered. Our body is respected
for what it is: the vehicle for our soul. Time for meditation is
a priority, as well as quiet, restorative periods. Our heart is
open, feeling life fully, expressing compassion and kindness, yet
we honor the parts of us that even our dog is tempted to turn away
from! We use reason and discernment as our response, in lieu of
reacting out of defensiveness. Our words and communication are impeccable
as they come from a place of integrity and truth. It is our job
to clean the slate of the past, to be present, so that we can create
an invigorating and fulfilling future naturally.
David Hawkins says in his book Power vs. Force, "Everything
in the universe constantly gives off an energy pattern of a specific
frequency which remains for all time and can be read by those who
know how. Every word, deed, and intention creates a permanent record.
Every word and thought is recorded forever. There are no secrets;
nothing is hidden, nor can it be. Our spirits stand naked in time
for all to see. Everyone’s life finally is accountable to
the universe."
What is your "energy pattern" sending out into the
world? As we commit to living a life with a holistic attitude, we
greet each new day feeling happy, knowing that the source of this
happiness is from within and not dependent on the outer world. This
contentment ripples out to the planet offering energy of peace and
love, and goodness knows, we could use more of both. |
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