The mind-body-spirit connection implies that our bodies respond to the way we think, feel, and act.

For years, researchers have known that our emotions have a strong impact on our health. For example, when we are stressed or anxious—our bodies warn us that things are not right.

In fact, when things are not going well, our bodies might warn us by exhibiting symptoms. These may include back pain, palpitations, changes in appetite, sexual problems, a stiff neck, diarrhoea, constipation, and other random ailments.

Over the years, when stressed, I’ve noticed a shift in where I feel discomfort in my body. I used to feel stress in my neck muscles. However, more recently, I feel pain in both of my feet. Because it’s important for us to be tuned in to the mind-body connection, when I feel physical discomfort, I try to pick up my journal and write about what I am feeling.

The body, mind, and spirit are forces of energy that work together and react to one another in either a positive or a negative way. Connecting the three is a way to keep the energy flowing well in our bodies.

When energy flow is balanced, we experience an overall sense of well-being. This sense of balance, well-being, and harmony may also lead to feelings of euphoria or bliss.

When we talk about the mind, we are usually referring to the “self” or the person we consciously perceive ourselves to be. This is also known as the ego. When I think about going below the level of ego consciousness, I am reminded of the elevator metaphor.

Imagine lying down and remaining perfectly still in a moving elevator with your eyes either open or closed. Once relaxed, envision the elevator doors opening slowly on each floor, allowing people (or secrets) out that have been waiting to leave. Then, figuratively push the button to descend as you go deeper into the mind—each floor takes you deeper—as the doors continue to open and close on each floor.

If the elevator doors remain closed for too long in our lives our minds can become cramped and unhappy. This exercise is a good one for helping us release negative energies that accumulate, which can occur when there’s not a balance between the body, mind, and spirit.

Another good way to release negative energy is through the practice of journal writing, because it can bring the light back into our lives, facilitate healing, and help us think positive thoughts.

Good writers have a strong connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Some writers also say that sometimes their bodies are vessels for their story. They need to stop and think where their story rests, and then trust the creative process which can lead to transformation and the release of blockages.

To tune into our body, we must listen to our body’s messages. The body informs the mind. This means paying attention to our breathing, sleeping, digestion, and other cycles.

Doing a body scan is a meditation practice to check in with our bodies. Get comfortable and relax. Start at the top of the head and work down the body. Notice where tension and discomfort lies. Breathe, meditate, message the body part, and relax.

When we open ourselves to spirit, we’re opening and connecting ourselves to the world with an understanding and recognition of a sense of interconnectedness between people. This is a reminder that we are not alone—and that everything we do has the potential to affect others.

Tuning into the spirit world is like raising our vibrational frequency. During daily meditation set an intention to open the door to receive and listen to messages from the universe. Use all the senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, and touching. Spirituality is also about relaxing into our own sense of being. It is about finding our bliss, which can be a lifelong journey during which we search for meaning and clarity.

And, although they’re difficult to go through at the time, it’s important to remember that sometimes life crises can be catalysts for helping us understand the deep connection between the body, mind, and spirit.

When we are feeling somewhat “off” or “not right,” it might mean that our body, mind, and spirit are not balanced, so it might be time for a tune-up!

~

Author: Diana Raab
Image: Unsplash
Editor: Lieselle Davidson
Copy Editor: Leah Sugerman
Social Editor: Sara Karpanen