Aspects

I'm not sure if the term 'Aspects' is correct. I've tried to find another word which can really sum up what I'm trying to put over, and it's a common, well used concept, used in many, if not all paths to self improvement, those being the separation of Mind, Body and Spirit from the self.

These are, I believe, important concepts to consider.

Your Mind, the way you think and solve problems. How you decide what you are going to do with your life, what you remember. It's a very cold side of you, very methodical. It's your reasoning, how you justify your actions.

Your Body, the way you physically DO things. Bloody obvious, I know, but it is not just the muscles this talks of, but your physical projection in this world, and your interaction with everything in it.

Your Spirit, the not so obvious aspect of you. Difficult one to try and sum up this, but if your body is your physical self, then your spirit is your Non physical self. It's different from your Emotional side (see below), it's unquantifiable. The world is being torn apart and put back together by those seeking just the smallest sense of understanding of the Spirit. A lot of people don't believe it exists. A lot of people do, and a lot of people, most if they are honest with themselves, generally nod in the direction of the Spirit content to know that there may be something there but not to worry too much about it as it can probably look after itself, but it holds close to it some of our strongest parts, that part that hopes.

However, there is I believe a fourth...

Your Emotion. Separate from the Mind yet at the same time very close to it as it can also dictate how you react. It however isn't cold, Separate from the Body but tied in very close, as an imbalance in how you are treating your Body will affect. Separate from the Spirit, but almost the same as Emotions can empower the Spirit, but also shrivel it.

I used to think I was doing quite well when it came to developing Mind, Body and Spirit. I exercise and enjoy it, I work with computers and enjoy solving problems, and even spend time meditating on the spirit, but it was never enough. It was only when I managed to find the fourth element, Emotion, that I managed to bring a balance to myself, though I found my Emotional development severely lacking, and still do. You cannot grow unless you address all four aspects. If just one is left behind, the others cannot progress beyond a certain level, until the absence is addressed, as each one derives strength from the other. Emotion allows us to utilise the strengths of the other three aspects to a much greater degree, enhancing the concentration of the mind, or the strength of our back, or our faith, if used correctly. When used incorrectly, say in anger, then it becomes destructive. The mind becomes locked in a cycle of hate, the body damaged through our actions, the spirit becomes dark.

I guess my point is, develop all four aspects, together, paying a close eye on what Emotion is doing. Use your mind to justify the emotion, use your body to experience the emotion, use your spirit to hold the emotion and empower it, and you won't go far wrong.