Early morning meditations focused on the unification of body-self-mind. I’m finding clarity by focusing on one aspect of self at a time, with the awareness that the other parts of the whole are supporting, assisting, and breathing into the area of focus – unification of the entire being.
Mind
For example: I can choose to open to subconscious and collective unconscious, recognizing that I am part of a larger network of people, animals, plants, sound, thought, vibration, etc. I’m learning that the subconscious mind must be acknowledged. It begs for justification, but more so recognition. It needs to know that it serves a purpose, that it’s doing a job. Setting aside body and self, the subconscious ceases to become a nuisance. It is happy, and as a result I can see the beauty and interconnection of all living things. The body and self are not dissatisfied as a result. They are not depleted. On the contrary, they are strengthened and joyous. The whole recognizes when the parts are coming together, and it rallies to support the progression. The body and ‘self’ step aside calmly to give the mind the recognition it deserves.
Self
Vice versa, when I choose to focus on self or conscious mind and spirit, the sub-conscious does not jump to defenses. It recognizes the need for the self – the healthy Ego to be acknowledged and strengthened. The subconscious mind is able to turn off for a moment to allow the self to be acknowledged. There are two reasons at the moment that I can attribute this to.
- The subconscious now knows it will have its moment to be acknowledged, and is therefore more willing to step aside momentarily
- The subconscious recognizes that it becomes stronger if the conscious self becomes stronger
You are only as strong as your weakest part. The self is strengthened by the mind, and the mind is strengthened by the self – unification of the entire being.
Body
Lastly, or fist, it doesn’t matter as long as the self remains at the center, the body too must be paid attention, acknowledged, given proper awareness, understanding, and care. Its role is no less significant than the former two and no greater. However, it can be argued that the body plays the most significant role of them all.
- It is our vehicle for manifestation, experience, and validation in this world. It’s animation. Nothing moves without the body.
- It is the shell that encompasses our entire physical and energetic existence. Within the body lies our own personal universe. It manages so many living functions simultaneously without thought. It’s a functioning eco system, and like the natural external world that is subject to environmental changes and responds accordingly, so too the body is subject to internal and external stimuli, responds, and pushes us ever so gently back to homeostasis.
- The body is arguably the best ingress into higher consciousness. Meditation training begins with the breath and the body. Why is that? Because awareness of one’s body is awareness of the internal and external universe and all of its functions.
Similar to its counter parts, the body craves awareness and proper treatment. And again, the self and the mind (subconscious) do not object, but they appreciate the acknowledgement of an equal and the strengthening of the whole.
You are only as strong as your weakest part. The self is strengthened by the mind, and the mind is strengthened by the self – unification of the entire being.
Panama Memphis
Whole
Only by recognizing each individual part as unique but also interdependent can the whole start to function in rhythm. Each piece plays its part. It’s a triangle. Archetypically this figure exists throughout all of life – math, religion, etc. It’s a self-repeating pattern. In order to develop the self, you must recognize and develop all three parts as individuals and as a whole working together in unison one with another.
Mindfulness Journal 