Guest Blogger Jan Mabey – The Four Bodies of Being

The Four Bodies of Being…

Jan Mabey

Most of us, when we think about our lives and who we are, we stay focused on what we see around us and the “body” that we see reflected in the mirror.  This view is short sighted and limiting when we wish to live a full, vibrant and authentic life.

Everyone, yes everyone, is made up of four very distinct “bodies”. These “bodies” are interconnected and impact each other.  When just one of these “bodies” is out of sync it is difficult, if not impossible for the others to function in a way that creates a unified whole.  This imbalance can show up in one’s life in a variety of ways. These may include, but are not limited to physical health issues. Other areas that are often affected are your emotional body, mental body and spiritual body.

Let’s look at what the key components of each of these “bodies” so we better understand their individual and collective importance in creating both a healthy and happy life.

THE PHYSICAL BODY

We can start with the most understood body, our physical human form.  This body is the one we see when we look in a mirror (or think we see…). This body is made up of our bones, muscles, organs and skin and used most commonly by doctors and scientists (until recently) to study and prescribe most treatments. Our physical body is perceptible by touch and therefore the most “real” to most of us. This body provides us with the ability to see, smell, hear, taste and touch.

THE MENTAL BODY

The mental body is associated with our mind and thoughts. This is where we organize and make sense of our unique life experiences. Our Values, beliefs and social norms are stored here. Everything from the most basic to complex… from blinking an eye or taking a breath to stretching our thoughts beyond our wildest imaginations.

Our mental body not only controls how we move through life based on our past and present experiences, but impacts how we experience the future as we step in to it.

THE EMOTIONAL BODY

The emotional body’s interest is with our feelings and is the trigger point for our reactions to things that occur in our life.  

Our emotional body, just like our mental and physical, grow and mature over time.  As we learn to control our feelings and emotions we can begin to shift how our mental body perceives the world and how we respond. This is where our peace and joy dwells.

Doctors and scientist have begun to make the linkage between our mental/thoughts, our feelings, and our physical wellness.

THE SPIRITUAL BODY

The spiritual body has been noted by ancient wisdom streams around the world and throughout time. Chi(Qi), Prana, Ki, Life Force, God/Goddess within, and the unconscious, name a few.

What they all have in common is the belief that our spiritual body is the seat of our soul, our spiritual self. It is in this body where we find purpose and motivation to grow and expand.

When our spiritual state is upset, it can lead to mental stress, cause physical problems and upset in our emotions. The spiritual body is where we become aware of who we really are.

THE BALANCE ACT

Think of a time you watched someone or you were engaged in learning to snow or water skiing, surf, skate or skateboard, paddle board, ride a bike, a horse, swing, teeter-totter, or walk. You know it takes practice, patience, commitment, and resiliency. These activities take physical abilities, knowledge and understanding, the ability to control or work through your concerns and fears and the desire to keep trying until you get it.

When we witness, a child gain enough balance to take their first step we cheer the accomplishment.  While we recognize there is refining ahead, we can also see their world open as it becomes an even great adventure.  Imagine your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional bodies entwined in a graceful dance.   What would your life look like?

Managing the four bodies of your being is a process of understanding and embracing you.  Moving through this process can lead to a healthier and more joy filled life experience.  A life of adventure we never imagined before!

You can email jan: [email protected] or look for her on the Hello Beautiful website under the “RockStar Business Referrals”.

*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your informational use only.  It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

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