Soul

Soulful

What makes us human is the immaterial and the way in which it influences our material world. The concept of a soul is not new, but perhaps it is time for a new look into how it defines our identity and what part our understanding of the soul plays into our spiritual journey. 

Being human means sharing a universal trait that ties us all together— having a soul. The definition of soul varies amongst cultures throughout history, but let’s take a look at what we think it means. 

The soul is the overarching relationship of the mind and body. The body houses the mind, but the mind gives the body its essence. Together, we have a soul. Understanding this relationship is important to understanding how the mind affects the body and how the body affects the mind. 

Body and Mind

The body is our physical form and therefore more accessible to observation. But what have we observed? That the mind can influence the body in a myriad of ways. Having mental health conditions such as depression can lead to heart disease and obesity. On the other hand, improving your mindset can lead to a reduction in stress and a more restful sleep cycle. For more information on our mind and how it can determine our reality, click here: (Mind Article)

Just as the mind can affect the body, so too can the body affect the mind. Physical practices such as meditation and breathing exercises can help with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To read more about our body’s relationship with our mental health, click here: (Body Article)

Understanding the intimate relationship between the mental and the physical leads us to our definition of a soul. Despite our belief system, religious background, or cultural upbringing, we can look at the soul as our human infrastructure. For as important as our mental health is, so too is our physical health. For as powerful as our bodies can become, so too can our minds. Maintaining both and allowing the mind and body to work in tandem creates the most self-actualized version of yourself.

Body

The Body and Mind Connection

While considering the emotional benefits of psychotherapy, it’s important to keep in mind that it can also improve your physical well-being. Experts report that psychotherapy can help to relieve stress, improve your sleep cycle, and increase your libido.

While many of us look at the body and mind as two separate entities, studies have shown that the two are intimately intertwined. 

For more information on cultivating a healthy mind, click here: (Mind Article)

In fact, neglecting your mental health may lead to your body physically manifesting ailments. 

Sleep:

People who suffer with their mental health are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders. Studies have shown that 50% to 80% of people with mental health conditions will also have sleeping problems. For reference, only 10% to 18% of the general population experience these same kinds of sleeping problems. Overtime, a lack of sleep will pose some serious health risks.

Stress:

Stress is a response to the pressures of circumstance. While it is mentally taxing, it has also been shown to affect us physically, as well. Headaches, chest pain, muscle tension, and high blood pressure are oftentimes physical manifestations of our state of mind. 

Libido:

Those with mental health conditions such as depression may experience a decrease in their libido. This, in turn, may take a toll on their relationship. This physical manifestation of mental health conditions is common enough that doctors often point to a decreased libido as the reason for their diagnosis. 

The Good News:

In the same way that the body can physically manifest negative mental health conditions, it also manifests a healthier ‘you’ when you cultivate a healthy mindset. Seeking help from a professional therapist will allow you to be your best self, both in mind and in body.

Mind

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is becoming an increasingly popular topic, especially on the heels of a pandemic that left many wondering what the ‘New Normal’ would be. These circumstances have led many on the path to becoming mentally healthy. But what is mindfulness and how does it tie into mental health? 

Mindfulness Is: 

-Being fully present in what we are doing and being aware of what is happening around us.

-A process that has been scientifically studied because of its positive effects on the human mind and body. 

Mindfulness Is Not:

-An external attribute that must be sought after, but an internal quality that humans can access with some practice.

-A hard and fast set of rules that apply equally to everyone. For as subjective as the human experience is, so too is the journey to mindfulness. 

How Does It Work?

Mindfulness improves your physical and mental well-being. 

For more information on how mindfulness can improve you physically, click the link here: (Body Article)

Continue to read for more information on the mental benefits of mindfulness.

In recent years, experts have looked towards mindfulness as a key element in the treatment of a number of problems, including: depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples’ conflicts, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. (You can link these to specific pages on your site.)

Therapists have found that mindfulness is so helpful to people because it allows them to accept their experiences instead of reacting with aversion or avoidance. This, in turn, creates a proactive attitude towards negative experiences, allowing people to presently process their lives through a healthier lens.


The journey to becoming more mindful is a personal one. Nobody’s path will be the same, but there are some proven techniques to improve one’s mindfulness. Meditation, for example, has been found to help cultivate a mindful outlook. Whether you formally schedule time in your day to practice or you simply take small meditative breaks throughout, meditation is worth looking into! To learn more, click here: (Soul Article)

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