Mind: the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels, and remembers
Body: the physical structure and material substance of an animal or plant
Soul: the spirit and essence of a person
Balance: having the right amount — not too much or too little
When we think of health and wellness, each of the words above often come to mind. We are urged to find "balance" in our lives when the stresses of a job or family becomes "too much". To take care of our mind, body, and soul. But do we REALLY think about the definitions above? Do we understand the completeness of the first three words and how they work together to help us find that balance?
I grew up in a Baptist household, faithful members of a Baptist church (the three Sunday services plus Sunday School, Bible Study, choir practice, revival, church/pastor/choir anniversary kind of faithful).
Reference to our souls was on the regular. It wasn't until I got older that I began to truly think about the meaning of my soul beyond the "hell and damnation if I don't live right" kind of soul. I began to understand the association of my soul with my inner peace--that when my spirit was unsettled, my soul was not at peace and therefore, I was out of balance.
I've come to understand the full relationship between the mind, body, and soul--at least from my perspective. When I am able to think and feel good about myself, my current situation, or whatever is going on in my life, I am able to have that inner peace and as such, it frees my mind to focus on taking care of my body in the best way I know how.
But when ANY of those three are out of alignment, balance cannot come. I've been practicing yoga for about 2 years (off and on though for about 8 years) and I have recently added meditation to my daily routine. While I am not adept at this (my mind sometimes wander and I fall asleep before the sleep meditation is over), I am working on being mindful. Even taking moments during the day in the height of frustration and busyness to use the Breathe app and just BREATHE.
I challenge you to stop for a moment and reflect. Is there something you feel you need to do/have in order to have inner peace? Are you happy? Satisfied? Content with your place in life right at this moment? If not, which area is it affecting: mind, body, or soul? What do you need to do to find balance? Drop me a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.
