You are one entity with three aspects. Each has its needs. Each part of you has to honour, respect, and work in harmony with
other parts in order for all to reach their needs. Each part has basic needs, intermediate needs, and ultimate needs.Body's Needs Basic food, water, clothing, shelter
Second level to be healthy, to feel well, to feel good, to feel pampered, to be touched
Ultimate goal to be immortal
Mind's Needs Basic control, safety, security
Second Level to be loved, to be connected, to feel part of
Ultimate Goal self-actualization
Spirit's Needs Basic to be known, recognized, accepted as existing
Second Level to heal, to become whole, to be at peace, to know itself, to find wisdom
Ultimate Goal heaven, nirvana, ending cycle, coming home
We talk about living in peace and harmony with others, but very little is said about living in harmony with ourselves.
Most people emphasize one aspect over others, usually mind. We talk of people so caught up in material world, in making money, acquiring things, paying off mortgage, that they have lost their soul.
Some are primarily concerned about their body, either making it look good or making it healthy. Of them we say they are trying to live forever or be young forever.
Some are spiritually oriented to point where they denigrate their body, become ascetics, learn to overcome physical discomfort, and even self- flagellate. Or more commonly denigrate mind, attributing to it negatives such as selfish, fearful, shameful, controlling, guilt-ridden. They may attack body and mind as distractions, illusions. This is not harmony.
Harmony is each aspect recognizing, respecting, and taking care of others; honouring body, mind, and spirit. Harmony is body, mind, and spirit living and working together in intra- dependence.
Your body is not just a vessel for your mind and spirit. That’s disrespectful. Your body has a life of its own, is beautiful, even a miracle, provides pleasure.
