In addition to talking about training goals and planning, I have written a bit about Dimensions of Wellness. The National Wellness Institute has a wonderfully researched model, and it has made its way into “pop” culture via Hal Elrod’s Level 10 Life. While I enjoy both of these versions, they can be a bit overwhelming. And, as expected, when life gets too complicated, yoga often has an answer.
Yoga, regardless of which branch you choose to practice, has the concept of the Self built right in. Yes, that is Self with a capital S. The Self is quite simply the idea that our bodies, minds, and spirits (or souls) are integrated, unable to be completely separated. In the West, we distill this down to a mind-body connection, but in true practice, there is a spiritual or soulful component as well. Similar to the Dimensions of Wellness model, the Self is a way of looking at the interconnectedness of our health.
Our bodies provide the physical shells for our minds and spirits/souls. Keeping these vessels in top working order (free from illness and injury) ensures that our minds and spirits/souls are not hampered by dealing with pain. Obviously there are some situations beyond our control where physical health intrudes and must be taken care of (i.e. cancer), but by putting energy and effort into maintain our physical bodies, we can free our minds and spirits/souls to engage in different challenges.
Our minds are the control boards for what we know and learn. Our mind is able to assimilate new information and make decisions. Our minds are also pliable, allowing us to change and grow in our attitudes and abilities. Our mental capacity has great power to help both our bodies and spirits/souls. We know, for instance, that when a person undergoing physical challenges chooses to use their mind to think positively, outcomes are much better (i.e. cancer).
Our spirits, or souls if you prefer, are the engines for who we really are. Here is the realm of the hard-to-define essence of our truth and how that relates to others and our world. Our spirits/souls are extremely personal and most of us are fiercely protective of this part of our Self. This is the part of our Self that holds the true key to change. Unlocking our potential here, allows us to be steady in our relationships and within ourselves. Again, we know, that individuals who have a strong faith relationship (regardless of the specific religion or practice) have much better outcomes when faced with adversity (cancer, again).
The beautiful thing about the Self is that even though all of the parts can be clearly defined, it says something else critically important. Due to the integrated nature of the body, mind, and spirit/soul, we actually become more than a sum of our constituent parts. When we are attending to all three parts and trying to ensure that each is functioning at its best capacity, we are able to achieve so much more. In yoga, we would call this awareness or enlightenment. In psychology, we would call this a flow state. And the benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices are hot topics at the moment.
In life, this is just a state that we choose to create for ourselves that, hopefully, allows the best of each part of our Self to compliment the others in ways that lead to experiences that enhance the Self further.
