Much has been written in psychology about the connection between the mind and body. The two are inextricably linked. They interact and communicate on so many levels and we are the beneficiaries of these interactions (positive or negative).
The Christian Scripture refers to the Body, Soul and Spirit being interwoven. This perspective actually reflects five parts of the human being – The Body (physical vehicle in which humans dwell and traverse this earth), the Soul (made up of three parts – the mind or intellectual part of us, the will or volitional part of us and the feelings or emotional part of us) and the Spirit (the part that animates us and connects us to that which is Eternal).
Psychological personality tests work to define and describe the connections between both. The DSM 5 provides detailed descriptions of diagnoses that reflect the connection of both.
In short, there is much evidence of the connection between body, mind and spirit.
Even the Lakota hold conceptualizations of these connections. The Lakota Code of Ethics states, “Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.”
Let’s examine this statement a bit more.
- Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit – I’ve been told by a physician that we are the only species on earth that can actually think itself into a “fight, flight or freeze” state. We are the only species on earth that can think itself into a frenzy, a rage or a faint. We are the only species that can think itself into a state of calm. The Lakota believe that “bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit.” This is the diagnosis. Bad thoughts create disease, dysfunction and disharmony. Proverbs 23:7 appears to reinforce this reality when it says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so he becomes.” The incredible power of thought! The Lakota get it. We live it every day. We become our thoughts!
- Practice optimism – If the Lakota, in this brief statement, provide a diagnosis of part of the human condition, they also present a treatment. The prescription is a change of mind. They say that we should Practice Optimism! Positive Psychology, founded by Dr. Martin Seligman, focuses on the creation of happiness through cultivating positive thoughts and behaviors. He also shed light on the power of thought when he introduced us to “Learned Optimism” indicating the extreme power of positive thought. Dr. Dan Baker wrote What Happy People Know, a book that also encourages in part, a focus on purposeful optimism. Even the Scripture gets in on the party when it encourages us to “be transformed through the renewing of the mind.” Practices of mindfulness and meditation help boost the treatment for illnesses of the mind, body and spirit.
The Lakota know it. We know it. What say we really begin to LIVE IT!
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
