Deep Resilience: Mind, Body & True Self Connection
Discover how deep resilience helps you access your true nature beyond the thinking mind. Learn mindfulness techniques for inner peace and wisdom.
The Body-Mind-Spirit Connection Explained
Most people recognize two primary aspects of themselves:
- The physical body (our tangible form)
- The thinking mind (also called the ego or human mind)
But there's a deeper layer - your true nature or deep self - that observes both. This awareness is like the ocean's depths, while thoughts are merely surface waves.
Why Fighting Your Mind Backfires
Many spiritual seekers make a critical mistake:
- Viewing the mind as an enemy to conquer
- Trying to "destroy the ego"
- Rejecting parts of themselves
This approach creates:
✖ Inner conflict
✖ Increased stress
✖ Blocks to spiritual awakening
The Deep Resilience Approach
Intelligence vs. Wisdom: Key Differences
| Thinking Mind | Deep Self |
|---|---|
| Logical problem-solving | Innate wisdom |
| Survival-focused | Values-aligned |
| Conditioned patterns | Unconditioned awareness |
As Mark Manson noted: "Intelligence without wisdom is a dangerous form of stupidity."
3 Benefits of Deep Resilience
- Reduces inner conflict by befriending all parts of yourself
- Accesses deeper wisdom beyond survival thinking
- Creates life alignment with your core values
How to Access Your True Nature
Evidence-Based Methods
Modern psychology and ancient traditions agree on approaches:
- Mindfulness meditation (proven to reduce stress/anxiety)
- Contemplative practices (observing thoughts without attachment)
- Therapeutic techniques (integrating all aspects of self)
Simple Awareness Exercise
Try this now:
1. Notice your current thoughts
2. Observe them like clouds passing
3. Feel the awareness behind the thoughts
This unchanging awareness is your deep self - called different names across traditions:
- Buddhism: Buddha nature
- Hinduism: Atman
- Psychology: Higher self
Conclusion: Living from Your Deepest Wisdom
Deep resilience isn't about eliminating your mind, but:
✔ Honoring its survival intelligence
✔ Letting wisdom lead your actions
✔ Living from awareness rather than fear
Excerpted from Deep Resilience by Melli O'Brien (Rethink Press, 2024)