The Whole

The practice of Naturopathy is built on a foundational understanding that the human (the “whole-istic” human) expression is comprised of much more than the immediate physical body. In fact, the physical body is only one aspect of a much more complex and integrated 4-body system, comprised of the physical, the emotional, the mental and the soul bodies. Each of these bodies contains it's own set of organs, and though not visible to the physical eye, disease and illness develops and expresses in a number of ways across this 4-body system, with the physical body often merely reflecting disease and phenomena occurring on other levels. Rather than being the immediate cause (and fix) of dis-ease, the physical body is part of a complex and multi-dimensional system which is constantly being fed and influenced by each of its parts. Just as the physical body itself is comprised of numerous complex micro-systems (the nervous system, the endocrine system, the digestive system, the integumentary system, the renal system, the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system, the immune system, the reproductive system, the skeletal system, the muscular system and the vestibular system) which are constantly interacting with each other and which contribute to the production and maintenance of a healthy physical organism, the physical organism itself is merely a complex micro-system, one part of a more complex system comprised of the 4-bodies.

In the physical body, optimal health is obtained when all the physical body systems are existing in harmony, first within themselves, and then with each other. For example, when the endocrine system is in disharmony, this impacts hormonal balance, which impacts the reproductive system, the thyroid, insulin-production, and stress management (amongst other things). This in turn impacts the cardiovascular system and the digestive system, which impacts the renal system and the integumentary system, and so on. No thing occurs in isolation – if one part of the whole is impacted, then balance (or homeostasis) is disrupted across the whole organism. If one part is out of balance, the entire organism is out of balance.

This same method of understanding can be expanded out and applied to the 4-body system. Just as within the physical body, disharmony in any of the 4-body systems will result in disrupted homeostasis across all “systems”, resulting in dis-ease. As above, so below; as within, so without. With no one part acting in isolation and only impacting itself, we have come to understand that we are more than our immediate, physical experience... and this is the fundamental and foundational change in perspective which will see us, as humans be-ing, becoming more whole, more connected, and more in harmony with our (immediate) entire selves. We are limited in what we can achieve as long as we manage the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our being as separate and complete embodiments, as they are merely aspects of a much more integrated and complex potential whole, and harmony is dependent on all of these systems (on a micro-cosmic and macro-cosmic level) being in balance within, and with each other. Our attempt at healing the physical body, the emotional body, the mental body and the spiritual self in isolation is akin to attempting to heal the gastrointestinal system without considering the systems both affecting, and being affected by, it. Holistic health describes the consideration of the whole self.

The Soul

The soul is the part of you that feels timeless. The part that feels connected, is capable of an experience of infinity and oneness. The soul is curious, asks questions, seeks growth and experience. The soul is also the part of you that feels a sort of Divine Discontent. It's the part of you that isn't necessarily satisfied with your “lot”, the part of you that perhaps longs to be confronted with challenges because it knows that it will grow and learn through these experiences. It's the part of you that allows you to stand strong and steadfast in the face of adversity, seeking the lessons of life, harnessing each stretch as an opportunity to grow, rather than be broken. It's the part of you that encourages you to keep striding, keep trying, keep deepening, keep being confronted. It's the part of you that understands that the point of life is to evolve, and that everything which challenges you has been perfectly orchestrated to help you to grow stronger, to develop wisdom, to change through experience. The aim of the game is to be as changed as possible by the time we reach the end of the game. Part of you knows this and understands this... even longs for this.

At the beginning of each life, the soul is loaded up with experience and resources, strengths and talents, abilities and potential destinies. The soul is also loaded up with intended learning. There are lessons that need to be had, weaknesses which need to be developed into strengths, unexplored aspects of life which need to become known... things which will enable that particular soul to grow (through experience) into a more compassionate, wise, powerfully loving, integrated and well-rounded entity.

Unfortunately, we find ourselves born into a society where discomfort is perceived to be wrong, and so is actively avoided. The exact circumstances which are designed to encourage our growth are currently perceived as tedious inconveniences which are better avoided. A good chunk of humanity is currently attempting to avoid this soul-level evolution and is choosing instead to dedicate life to seeking comfort and familiarity. We are seeing an increasing number of humans attempting to “numb out” the desires of the soul – that desire to be challenged and confronted, to embrace growth and change – focussing instead on the gratification of immediate physiological impulses and desires. More and more we find ourselves moving into an age of materialism, and away from spiritualism (or evolution). This phenomena alone is a great cause of much of the dis-ease experienced by humanity, as this avoidance breeds a Divine Discontent which, if the course of action is not modified, may evolve into an experience of frustration, dissatisfaction and discontent, massively contributing to stress across all 4 bodies, and exacerbating physical, emotional and mental dis-ease.

At the beginning of the life, the mental, emotional and physical bodies are “birthed” from the soul. These three bodies have been specifically designed to reflect those strengths and potential learnings possessed at the soul-level. These bodies are built as a vehicle through which the soul can experience life and undergo the intended learnings and experiences which will allow the soul to evolve. Again, refusing to utilise the 4-body system for what it has been designed can result in dis-ease and malfunction (including depression), as the bodies are not being correctly aligned and utilised, and the path of evolution is being stunted and blocked. Basically, we have the “plan” of what we came here to do, and then we have what we are actually doing and the disparity between the two can cause physical, emotional and mental pain.

An important aspect of healing (an aspect which is often over-looked) is the “re-attunement” of the physical, emotional and mental bodies to the body of the soul. As humans, we need to be able to recognise and respond to the subtle messages, inclinations and desires being quietly transmitted from the soul level. So many of us are running around, totally immersed in our three-dimensional experience, overwhelmed by our own thoughts, our own feelings, our own physical phenomena and impulses. Our higher senses (those senses which are capable of recognising the gentle language of the soul) become blocked with the constant and ferocious bombardment of our immediate environment and concerns. The ability to slow down and to recognise the voice of the soul would bring a great amount of healing and satisfaction to a great number of humans, as this is where the unique “purpose” and direction of each life is understood. As ones begin to attune to and prioritise the inspiration of the soul, the other bodies need to be supported so that they can live in alignment with this higher truth. The soul supports a higher vibrational consciousness, and as this consciousness begins to permeate through all of the bodies, the immediate experience may be one of stress, as all bodies are being stretched to accommodate this more refined vibration. Furthermore, as ones begin to adapt their lives to more closely mirror the desires of the soul, a sort of healing crisis may be experienced, as this healing soul energy begins to reverse any damage which may have accumulated on the physical, emotional and mental levels. Holistic support during these times is imperative, as the body's ability to adapt needs to be recognised and nurtured by ones who recognise that soul's potential.

Here at Enlightened Naturopathy, we offer holistic and integrated health support in consideration of the Whole Self. We offer to walk beside you as you undergo your own unique process of transformation and conscious evolution.