So, who are you really?? Have you considered this question? Is the "real you" your "body"? We all live in a body, and our body is a critical factor in our well-being in this world. Yet, "you" are not your body. The "real you" simply lives in your body.

"Go Out of Your Mind!"
Is the "real you" your "soul"? The Greek word for soul is "psyche" which is the basis for the word "psychology" and specifically related to the mind. In fact, the "soul" is the expression of the "real you" in the world, your thoughts, your emotions and your choices. But, is the "real you" your "mind"?

Sometimes we get the most peace by going out of our mind! We experience the "talking tape" of our mind, and often realize we need to turn a negative tape off or play a new mental tape! So, the "real you" is not your mind.

"The Breath of Life"
Again, so, who are you? The "real you" is "spirit". The Greek word for spirit is "pneuma" which is also the Greek word for "breath". What was the first thing you did when you entered the world? You gasped for air. This was the "breath of life". When the real you exits the planet, the last thing "you" will do is experience your last breath, your "spirit", the real you, will depart.

"A Picture of You"
Now, of course, the body, soul and spirit are all integrated uniquely for the whole person to be expressed in the world.

Many years ago I visited Father Damien de Veuster’s leper colony on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai. The residents’ leprosy is a horrible disease that severely disfigures and eventually paralyzes its victims. The community functioned normally despite its residents’ disfigurement.

One day I visited the hospital cardiac ward. As soon as I entered the ward, I was greeted by a cheery voice. I turned in the direction of the first bed where lay a grotesquely disfigured patient. That was Julie, an 85-year-old survivor of leprosy and a recent heart attack. She was without a nose, ears, lips eyelids, arms and legs, but not without her spirit.

"How long will you be on the island?" said the voice that held a smile.
"Only one day." I responded, trying to match her example.
"Then you need to see the children. We’re doing fine here. Thanks for coming by."

In spite of the destruction of her body, Julie spoke from her spirit and our exchange had been heart lifting. If she had focused on her external circumstances, surely she would have been depressed. Instead she allowed her spirit to bubble up to transform her mind. She accepted her physical limitations and lived from the inside out, whole in spirit, soul and body, and sharing her wholeness.

"Personal Application"
The world is concentrating on feeding the soul (think of all the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" that is available!), and looking after the body. But, who is taking care of the spirit, the "real you"?

Here are six simple practices for keeping your spirit healthy.

Sing!
(You can’t worry and sing at the same time!)

Focus on your true passion in life!
(Grow, and expand your investment of time and energy in your passion!!)

Count your blessings!
(Before you go from horizontal to vertical in the morning, think of five things for which you are grateful.)

Display your enthusiasm.
(Smile and call people by name!)

Ask questions and listen to the answers.
(Forget yourself and tap into other people’s stories.)