♥Hi Friends!
Regarding the SPIRIT/BODY/MIND connection a wise man (namely Boyd K. Packer) once said: “Our spirit and our body are combined in such a way that our body becomes an instrument of our mind and the foundation of our character.” What does that mean? Here’s three thoughts with preschool visuals (because I process things better that way!) (side note: The following information is from my reading. Some of it scientific and some of it religious in nature. And a little bit Eastern philosophy, which more and more is being backed up by science. But most importantly, from inspiration. From praying, meditating and listening. Although I forget sometimes (like when I’m yelling at my kids or feeling angry feelings for the not very smart driver who just cut me off), I know who I am and Whose I am! I can hear when He speaks to me and so can you!)
1♥ We need to understand that everything has matter (examples, good and bad, in my next post), whether SPIRITUAL matter, PHYSICAL matter, or EMOTIONAL matter. Through Quantum Physics, science is showing us that matter (meaning everything) is and has energy. I like to use the terms matter and energy interchangeably.
2♥ I visualize this SPIRIT/BODY/MIND connection in a triangle, a ‘HEALING TRIANGLE’, with Heavenly Father at the top, because he is the author of our SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL matter/energy.
3♥ So what’s the connection? We know that matter/energy is always moving, and since all three areas share real estate here on earth (see gingerbread girl visuals below) it goes without saying that all three parts of the ‘TRIANGLE’ affect each other.
(SPIRIT/SPIRITUAL) Here’s a SPIRIT child of God.
For our discussion today, this spirit was created by Heavenly Father as a ‘she’ (represented by the adorable pink purse!) But this little lesson could just as easily apply to a ‘he’ (although he should probably lose the purse if that’s the case!) Because of WHO she is, she’s AWESOME and AMAZING and POWERFUL! She also knows WHOSE she is and that He has a plan and purpose for her.
(MIND/EMOTIONAL) The little heart and brain (because they definitely communicate with each other) represent the wonderful part of her that, among many things, gives her tender feelings (and sometimes not so tender feelings depending on the day, time, how the kids are behaving, etc.), helps her nurture others, and encourages her creativity!
(BODY/PHYSICAL) She came to earth to receive a BODY and gain earthly experiences so she could progress (through HEALING) toward perfection (because of the Atonement). She also knew that the SPIRIT/BODY/MIND connection would be separated by death, but rejoiced in the knowledge that after the resurrection that connection would be restored, never to be separated again (HOORAY!)
So, in a nutshell, there’s my version of the SPIRIT/BODY/MIND connection.
♥Love you!
PS: Click here for a great article from INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK with some interesting studies on the subject.
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Here’s another soup I came up with that we served at our women’s conference a few weeks ago. It’s hearty but mild tasting, like a “comfy food” type soup.
BARLEY LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
- 5 quarts (20 cups) vegetable broth and a little “Better Than Bouillon Organic Vegetable Paste” to taste or 5 quarts water and 3 heaping Tbsp “Better Than Bouillon”
- 1 lb lentils, any kind but red
- ½-1 cup barley
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 12 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 10-12 medium cloves garlic, minced
- Tbsp organic no-salt seasoning (I use Costco brand)
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 2-3 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (brightens the flavor)
- S&P to taste
Place all ingredients in a dutch oven size pan and bring to a boil. Cover and turn down low, simmering and stirring occasionally until everything is soft. You may need to add more liquid if you use the full cup of barley. The secret to this soup is good seasoning. Flavor with more “Better Than Bouillon” and S&P if needed. Make the day before for best flavor.