What is the Mind? The Three Minds That Make the Whole

What is the Mind? The Three Minds That Make the Whole

by | Psycho-Spiritual

While boating this summer, I came across a book which was written 30 years ago, entitled, “Your Mind Over Matter”  by J. Maya Pilkington.  I was intrigued to read it and see if it was similar to what we now know about mind-body phenomena.

The opening paragraph is delightful:
“ Your mind is a wonderful facility.  You can bring things to mind, keep something in mind and put it out of your mind again.  You can be of two minds at the same time, change your mind, and have a mind of your own.  It is also possible to read another person’s mind or go right out of your mind!” (p,10)

It is difficult to define what constitutes the mind.  It has been been described as: intellectual powers, remembrance, the desire to attain, a way of thinking and feeling, the seat of consciousness and volition.  It is difficult to say where exactly the mind is. It is not our brain and yet it works with our brain.  It is not like our leg or nose or other body parts that can be seen or touched. Yet we know we have a mind!

The author suggests that there are three minds that work together as one:  the body-mind (concrete functions);  the astral mind (abstract  functions);  the intuitive mind (spontaneous functions). Each is part of the whole mind; each is important to the functioning of the whole mind. The order of development of these three minds is as follows:

The Intuitive Mind – during gestation and babyhood, we learn directly through our senses. We touch, suck, stare and listen without reference to memory, thought or commonsense. This intuitive function stays with us as we develop a more concrete view of life. However, it also has the ability to know something spontaneously without apparent thought or reason. It senses or picks up information from the outside world as if through the skin and transmits information to the outside world as if through a radiation of energy.

The Body-Mind – we learn to use all our bodily abilities to distinguish between appearances and reality. This concrete function of our mind remains with us as we learn to think in the abstract during adulthood. The body-mind is all those functions connected with the central nervous system that control the physical, mental and emotional behaviour of the body. The body-mind connection functions whether we are conscious or not.  As the saying goes, “Where the mind goes, the body follows.”

The Astral Mind – this is the ability to think about other things while doing something quite different.  We can abstract ourselves from reality as it is now and have our minds on something else.  If taken to the extremes, it allows us to go out of our body temporarily. When we dream while sleeping, we are said to be “in the Astral Realm”.  By allowing our mind to be limitless, we increase our abilities for creative thinking, problem-solving and expression. The Astral Mind is the ability of the mind to step outside the body and view both the body and everything around, in a totally objective, detached and emotionless way.  Near death experiences (NDE) and out of body experiences (OBE) are two examples of the Astral Mind taken to its limits.

Intuition has been labeled as primitive, because it is a spontaneous and unprocessed reaction that comes to us as hunches or instinct. Some of these reactions are considered “silly”, especially if our body-mind can’t concretely explain them. But intuitive hunches and instincts can serve us well over time.  As we learn to develop and trust our intuition, we come to use that part of the whole mind that has been with us since birth.  And if it is the part of the mind that can sense and send energy, then it is a valuable ally to use in many situations.

How do we view the mind today? Intuitive abilities, concrete/logical/mental functions and creative/limitless awareness all combine to create a most complete experience of life and living. The abilities to sense and transmit information via energy has been proven with quantum physics and energetic healing practices.  Visualizations and positive affirmations offer the body-mind an opportunity to heal and stay healthy. Meditation, dreaming and creative expression through art, music, writing, etc. are enhanced when the astral mind is allowed to flourish.

Wherever the mind resides, it is important to develop and use all of its potential. By doing so, we discover greater meaning to everything we experience.  What we choose to do with this information is up to us.  Let’s use our gifts and talents wisely.

Meditation with Movement

Meditation with Movement

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

More people are using meditation as a way of calming, centering and focusing their minds.  For most, getting to a place of peacefulness is easy.  The place of quiet mind is a retreat and a refueling station. For others, the mind is too busy, the body is too restless and it seems more frustrating than anything else when they try to “calm down”.  This often becomes their reason for not trying to do it at all.

 

But meditations need not be done only in the quiet of a retreat setting.  Getting the body-mind-spirit to flow is possible with some of the most ordinary activities.  Ordinary activities done with a different attitude and perspective, that is!   Here are some suggestions from The Meditation Bible, by Madonna Gauding.

Weeding Meditation


Visualization has a powerful effect upon your mind. If you want to make positive changes in your life, visualization can turbo-charge the process.  In this meditation, you use weeds to symbolize any negative habits that you want to drop.

  • Benefits include:
    elevates gardening to a spiritual activity
    helps reduce negative emotions
    promotes positive growth (for you and the garden!)
  1. Sit quietly under a tree.  Bring to mind any negative habits you may have (eg. bad temper, procrastination, controlling). Think of as many as you like. Visualize the weeds in the garden patch as your negative habits.
  2. Get up from under the tree and approach the area you are planning to weed.  See that whole area as your mind. See the flowers and plants as your positive traits and the weeds as those negative traits that you would like to eliminate.
  3. As you begin to weed, try to stay very focused and mindful. When you pull out a weed by its roots, think that you are pulling out your own negative habit by the roots.  Continue this way until all the weeds are gone.
  4. Finish by cultivating, feeding and watering the plants and flowers.  Think of them as your positive traits that you would like to nurture.
  5. Give thanks to the weeds, flowers and plants for the opportunity to clear away negativity and promote positivity.

Clean Sweep
Transform when you sweep the floor into a moving meditation for clearing negative thinking, emotions and states of mind. Sweeping is one of the more satisfying house-cleaning activities, as it is physical and you can see results immediately.

  • Benefits include:
    transforms ordinary house-cleaning into spiritual practice
    provides powerful visualization for clearing negativity
    strengthens spiritual resolve

Think of any past negativity you would like to purify or any mental debris you would like to clear. Then proceed as follows:

  1. Pick up your broom and stand in the area you plan to sweep (inside or outside your home).
  2. Examine the floor for dust and dirt;  may be quite noticeable or quite subtle. See that dirt and dust as negativity residing in your own mind and heart.   The negativity could be in your thoughts, emotions, attitudes or behaviours. Imagine that as you sweep, the negativity will be swept away with the dirt.
  3. Start sweeping.  Focus only on the dirt/dust, the broom and the floor.  As you sweep, see and feel your negativity leaving your mind and heart.  You can sweep away your potential to commit negative acts in the future and your fears and doubts in the present. Get creative and sweep away whatever is bothering you!
  4. End your meditation by sweeping the dirt into a bin and throwing it away.  See your negativity going with it.

Some people find they can do this “clean sweep” when they vacuum, polish, scrub the floors and bathroom.  Others find ironing, washing dishes or their vehicles is meditative. The idea is to be mindful while one is engaged in the activity.

Some other daily activities that can be used to help promote a meditative state of mind include: running, swimming, hiking, beach walking, dancing, listening to music, knitting, colouring, painting, soaking in a bath or hot tub (alone!), long-distance driving – in fact, practically anything that you do on your own, so that you can be completely focused on your activity, mind, body and spirit.

Another movement meditation that has proven itself over thousands of years is that of Walking the Labyrinth.  As you walk meditatively along the Labyrinth, the paths cross, curve and cut back and forth. Eventually, you arrive in the centre.  By walking the Labyrinth, you help connect your left and right brain hemispheres, which can encourage creative thought and problem solving. You may gain more insight into your life or a problem you are trying to solve.  Such is the gift of the Labyrinth.   If you can’t find a Labyrinth to walk, you can meditate by placing your finger on a printed labyrinth and mindfully tracing the pattern to the centre.

As you gain experience with moving meditations, you may find the confidence and calmness to try a sitting meditation.  You just might surprise yourself!

Recognizing Your Purpose

Recognizing Your Purpose

by | Life Reflections

There are times when the road ahead seems hard to follow and our purpose becomes unclear. There are moments in life that just don’t make sense and we ask ourselves Why? It isn’t always easy to have clarity on these issues, but it is essential for us to try. I have always found this exercise from Debbie Shapiro’s book, Your Body Speaks Your Mind, (1996) to be very helpful. It helps me remember what is real for me. Try it for yourself and see what happens. Find a place where you can be quiet and undisturbed for 30 minutes or so. Make sure to have a paper and pen handy. Insights are guaranteed!

Start by sitting comfortably and closing your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Then when you are ready, say three times, “I am here to connect with my purpose”.

Allow the following questions to permeate your heart. Breathe each question into the core of your being and let it sit there before you write down any answers or comments. You are not looking for rational and logical answers, but the deeper ones that emerge from your heart. Try not to let your head do the talking!

  • When do I feel life is most meaningful?
  • What makes me happiest?
  • What fills me with passion.
  • When do I feel life is most meaningful?
  • What makes me happiest?
  • What fills me with passion?

Take your time answering these. There may be other questions that arise out of them. Let your heart speak. When you are ready, continue:

  • What are my three main priorities in life?
  • Am I doing any of these now, and if not, why not?
  • What practical things can I do now, and in the next two months, to honour my priorities further?

Respect whatever answers you have written down and commit yourself to putting these into practice. Remember: the commitment is to your own healing. (Shapiro pg. 47)

There are no right or wrong answers, for everyone is different and everyone must walk their own path on Earth. I am thankful to have found this exercise many years ago as it has been a useful tool in helping me understand what my life’s purpose is about. May you find it to be similarly helpful.

Chicken Soup for a Better World

Chicken Soup for a Better World

by | Life Reflections, Psycho-Spiritual

As I cleaned out my bookcases, I came across a book by Canfield, Hansen and Spilchuk called,  A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul.  Hard to believe that it is almost 20 years old now – it seemed almost revolutionary in its day! I decided to give it a re-read and thought I’d share some of its pearls with you. The life lessons and musings are truly timeless.Sayings from famous and not-so-famous people:

If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money on them.
Abigail Van Buren  (Dear Abby)

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children;  one of these is roots, the other wings.
Hodding Carter

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible!
Walt Disney

 You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.
Beverley Sills

If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything.
Allyson Jones

When faced with a decision – decide.
When faced with a choice – choose.
Sitting on the fence will leave you too tense
Because you neither win nor lose!
Barry Spilchuk

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances,
but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
Hugh Downs

The Obstacle In Our Path
by Brian Cavanaugh

In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway.  Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.  Some of the kingdom’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way.  Then a peasant came along, carrying a load of vegetables.

On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road.  After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.

As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been.  The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.

The peasant learned what many others never understand:
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one’s condition.
(page 84)

Did you know ……

  • Cinnamon essential oil is antiseptic, warming to muscles and offers relief from coughs, colds and stomach/bowel upsets
  • Eucalyptus essential oil is antibacterial, antiviral and can help relieve nasal and lung congestion
  • Ginger essential oil warms and soothes arthritic pain, relieves stomach upset and helps calm nervous tension

 

Time to Meditate

Time to Meditate

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

  • With the slower pace of summer upon us, now would be a great time to practice a few short, daily meditations. The more often you practice, the easier meditation becomes.  As your confidence increases, feel free to increase the length of time.  Here are some starting tips:
  • Try to do your meditations at the same time each day;  our minds like familiarity and routine
  • Create a pre-meditation ritual – make it easy;  this helps prepare your mind and body for the meditation experience.  Could be as easy as washing your hands,  spritzing the space with aromatherapy, lighting a candle
  • Find a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed
  • Be comfortable:  clothing, posture, glass of water handy, etc.
  • Take some long, slow breaths and focus your attention on your meditation for today, before you start

These ideas for basic, short meditations were taken from the Essential Meditations Deck published by Chronical Books. Feel free to adjust and ad lib them to your personal preferences.

Harness Energy
This meditation aims to fill you with energy.  Sit down and hold your hands out in front of you, palms up.  Close your eyes and concentrate on your index fingers.  As you breathe in, imagine energy entering your body through these fingers.  Exhale and imagine the energy reaching deep within you.  Repeat, focusing on each finger in turn. When you have finished, you should feel thoroughly revitalized.

Float in the Night Sky
On a clear  night, when you are away from city lights, go outside and look at the sky (if possible, lie on your back, looking upward). As you become accustomed to the darkness, see how many more stars appear to you and how the sky seems to go on  forever.  Notice how each star glows with different brightness.  Can you see the different colours of the stars – blue, yellow, red?  Spend five minutes like this, meditating on the infiniteness of space.

Illuminate Your Spirit
In religious symbolism, light often represents spiritual illumination. Use this metaphor to visualize your own spirit.  Picture a point of light at the centre of your being that exudes pure, brilliant energy.  Feel its warming incandescence flowing within you.  Each time you breathe in, your spiritual light grows brighter, fanned by life-giving oxygen.  Meditate like this, breathing evenly and deeply, for five minutes.

Receive Rays of Energy
Watching the first rays of sunlight glow on the horizon, we might wonder at the miracle of the sun’s return every morning.  One morning, get up before dawn and find a place where you can watch the sun rise.  As the sun rises, think of it radiating life-giving energy.  Then, imagine a sunbeam streaming to a point of light at your centre. Keep imagining this beam streaming stronger and stronger as the sun gets higher in the sky. Your body will feel infused with the energy and vitality of the sun.

After each meditation session, bring yourself back to the present.  Give thanks for the opportunity to “just be”, even if it was only for five minutes.  When you feel ready: take a deep breath, stretch, drink water and stand up.  If you feel unsteady, sit down again and wait a bit.  Then try the breath/stretch/water routine again.  All should be well now.

Meditation is helpful in reducing our 21st century stresses and strains.  Just for a moment, we can feel free, calm and balanced.  Over time, even 5 minutes a day can have positive effects on our lives.  Why not give meditation a try this summer?

Relevant articles:
Quick Fix Meditation
Meditation With Movement