Posts tagged Mind Body Spirit
Mind Mastery – Towards Integrating Mind Body & Spirit
Oct 3rd
Did you know that our conscious mind is capable of receiving over 2 billion bits of information per second? The problem is, if all this information was taken on board, it would literally send us insane. So, we have an external filter called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) which distorts, deletes and generalizes the information into approximately 7 +/- 2 chunks, or 134 bits per second.
Information comes into the conscious primarily through the five senses – sight, sound, taste, touch and smell, and also via our thoughts and feelings. The selected data will then be processed and sent to the unconscious. As the unconscious mind is the equivalent of a 7-9 year old, it will take on board any instructions provided by the conscious without question.
The interesting thing is, however, that our conscious mind only utilises between 5 -10% of the total capability of our mind. The unconscious mind however has a powerful processing capacity that accounts for up to 95% of our mind and is able to process information and data that the conscious mind cannot. It alertly responds to internal and external events even if they do not require our conscious attention at the time (ie. breathing us, beating our heart & alerting us to potential danger).
Let’s take a closer look at the different functions of the conscious and unconscious mind:
The Conscious Mind
Operates only while we are awakeIs associated with a thinking stateCan voluntarily (deliberately) move parts of your bodyIs the place where our cognitive learning occursProcesses sequentially & logically (step x step)Uses intellect and logic for problem solvingLikes things to make senseConnects cause & effect by way of linear & analytical thinkingSeeks answers to “why”?Is the place where our self-talk originates (verbal)Is aware only of the nowHas a limited focusDisregards what it cannot understand
The Unconscious Mind
Operates 24/7Is associated with our dreaming, day dreaming, meditative, reflective & sleeping statesCan involuntarily (automatically) move parts of your bodyIs aware of, and can processes everything in our external and internal environmentIs a place of experiential learningCan process simultaneously (multi-tasks)Accesses internal resources to solve problemsCan operate without structureConnects thoughts, ideas & feelingsKnows “why” (holds memories & future constructs)Perceiving, feeling & intuitive (non-verbal)Is unlimited in time and spaceHas unlimited focusDecides what to do with information (ie forget, distort, let it go)
It has been said that we are what we think, and that our thoughts determine our reality of the world. For example, if we plug “happiness” into the search engine in our mind, this is what we will focus on and therefore what we bring into our experience. If however, our search engine is programmed to “unhappiness”, then it is this which we will attract.
Our conscious experiences are completely subjective and based on our own personal and unique perspective of the world. It is in this part of our mind that we review or reflect on our experiences and make deliberate choices about how we will respond in any given situation. It is in the mastery of this aspect of our minds that allows us to tap into our true potential.
It is in the conscious mind where our negative self talk occurs (which of course the unconscious takes on board), so being able to control this aspect of ourselves is critical to success. When the conscious is providing congruent, clear and consistent positive messages to the unconscious, we can then access our unlimited potential and transform our lives in ways we had only dreamed about, and integrate our mind, body and spirit.
Maintaining Balance in Your Life
Sep 20th
I receive many e-mails almost weekly from people who tell me that they do not have enough time in their already hectic busy lives to do what they must do. And I’ll admit that yes life can be extremely busy at times with work, your family, your career, and your own marriage.
But guess what, 24 hours in a day is all the time that God has given any of us. My response to everyone is that you do not have enough time in a day-it is that you are not prioritizing and organizing your day so you have balance in your life.
I endorse a holistic approach to goal setting about me, in that I
believe that God intends for us to have equal balance in all three areas of our lives (mind, body, spirit)
Mind/Mental
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
The bible is clear on this. We should all strive to be more Christ-like in our approach to our daily lives. Are you filling your mind with knowledge and wisdom or foolishness and debauchery? You are a reflection of what you entertain (good bad or indifferent), it doesn’t matter. You either entertain enough positive thinking of enough hope, or you allow your mind to be controlled by enough fear.
Physical Body
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Our physical bodies are the literal temple of God. For non-believers this may be a difficult concept to understand, but Christianity is based upon a personal relationship with God Himself. It is though our faith that God imparts knowledge to us, for us who seek his face.
The point here is we are to honor God’s temple (our physical bodies), by taking care of our bodies. Are you getting enough rest and exercise or are you over weight? Are there any addictions in your life that you need to break away from?
Spiritual Body
2 Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness
Lastly, how is your spiritual growth with God? God is personal God who desires a personal relationship with all God’s children. But you need to seek him in prayer, so God can be part of your life in providing balance in your life.
Balance in your life does not come from the TV, it doesn’t come from your frat buddies, or your girl-friend, or your social networks, or from the beer or wine or pills you are taking to escape life. True Balance can only come from having a relationship with Jesus Christ-Lord God himself. If after everything else you’ve tried in vain has not worked in your life and you’ve failed, you’ve got nothing else to loose than asking God to be Lord of your life. Your life is waiting.
