by Andrea Gardiner Ph.D.

Created on: October 13, 2007

When we think of ourselves, we see our physical nature first. We think of the various body parts, organ systems, and tissues that comprise the human body. Then we go a little deeper and remember to involve our mental capacity. After all, without a mind to think and reason we could not be the creatures we know ourselves to be. Then of course we come to the beloved spirit; that unseen part of ourselves that is life-giving in nature. Yes, we have arrived at the classic Mind, Body, Spirit Trinity that we typically think of when thoughts of the Self come to mind.

The Mind, Body, Spirit Trinity is recognized by various holistic and not so holistic disciplines around the world. What is largely understood is that each section within the Trinity is not an island unto itself and there is some degree of connection between the three. What happens in one area will ultimately affect the other. For instance, the medical community for the most part now understands that many of the diseases that affect the human body are largely emotionally based. Emotional health and well-being is now becoming the focus of many preventative and curative measures within the healthcare system today. However, while we understand the deep connection between the Trinity, do we understand the fluidity that exists among them and the many layers that exists in between?

For the most part, many (spiritual and non-spiritual alike) still view the Self in the various layers described above. In an attempt to logically organize the structure of the Self in the conscious mind, they separate the Trinity. The Self is then perceived as an onion with various layers. At the top would be the physical body, then the mental body, and finally the soul or spirit of the Self. Such a viewpoint leads you to the belief that human body is a vessel or vehicle that carries the Divine Spirit. You may become tempted in believing that the physical part of you is less than your deeper, sacred counterpart.

Now, while such structures of the Self do exist, these artificial divisions between them can give you a less than accurate impression of who-you-really-are. First, there is no natural separation that divides the Self into parts. Rather than thinking of an onion with layers, it would be more accurate to envision a spectrum or a rainbow of conscious energy that flows from one end to the other, differing in vibration as you progress along it. Second, the physical body is no less Spirit than the essence you think of when you imagine your soul. Your body is the beautiful expression of yourSelf and is not really as physical as you might suppose. As a physical expression of the Spirit which is you, it falls within the spectrum of Self and vibrates at a unique frequency.

With this new awareness of the Trinity, you can now more accurately recognize yourself as a stream of consciousness rather than a being with separate and distinct parts. You are not these three different things, but instead you are all three at the simultaneously with many levels of existence in between. One part does not have to attempt to communicate with the other because it is that part while at the same time being itself. You are pure Spirit, energy, and essence; everything else is just a vibrational expression of your essence.

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