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Tiffany Allen
Kaplan University
“Since the time of Descartes, the human soul has been shrinking, reduced to the pineal
gland of the brain. Simply stated, the soul is boundless. It is expressed in your passions, your
convictions, your hopes, even your suffering, your joy, and your thoughts—wherever they go and
whomever they touch. This is your soul. Our bodies become instruments of our soul. We don’t
have a soul in a body; we have a body in our soul. The medicine of the soul is to grow the soul,
through courage, compassion and love. Medicine for the soul means to understand our
cosmology, the big picture, the whole and our purpose in it (Seaward, pg 232).
This statement is a standing testament of Mr. Fox’s views, and others, of the well-being
of the human soul, mind, and body. Throughout human history, man has sought meaning for life,
and how to connect with others, and ourselves on a level other than physical. Around the world,
regions developed their own meanings, stories, and followings based on cultural relevance and
significance. Some followed nature, Earth, and the cosmos; some followed actual people in their
community; and over time, some followed science and medicine. Whatever the followings of
those people and regions, they all had similar aspects: a connection and meaning.
But over time, there are revelations, developments, and discoveries that bring people to
question some, if not all, of their beliefs. One revelation for people can be seeing the constant
suffering, pain, and death around them. These people may even be suffering ailments as well. So,
this brings them to question why a higher power isn’t answering their prayers and allowing these
things to happen. For others, it can be the discovery that their god or idol is false, and that their
own leaders created these, so that the leadership may benefit or profit from others. These are
Along with time, comes the expansion and integration of man’s beliefs. To better
understand this, the Catholic Church had Inquisitions. This was the expansion of the Catholic
belief system through force. For other religions in history, they may not have been forced to
believe, but rather, they integrated these new beliefs with their own. Several religions today share
similar ideologies. Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and even Islam share a fundamental
Throughout history, man has expanded their beliefs with knowledge and technology.
These started out with drawings, statues, and writings. And expanded into radio, television, and
Internet. People can now have an instant connection with others who share similar beliefs and
thoughts. Unfortunately, this instant connection has created short attention spans, the need to be
accepted, and the need for instant gratification. People today will follow what is trending, new,
and popular. These people are lacking a fundamental system of self; self-belief, self-
leaders aren’t to blame for the current state of the upcoming generations. Rather, people are
finding ways to connect on a new and different level; through technology. Technology isn’t
inherently bad, but rather, it lacks what people strive for: connection.
So, with these insights, I will look at several questions and thoughts. I will look at the
importance of these and use these to interview a friend of mine, Tony. I have known Tony since
high school, and he has helped me over time with watching my dog, Deja. I asked him these
questions that I found in the chapter, which are very insightful and useful. These questions hit on
As an interviewer, looking at these questions and my friend’s answers, I can see that
some of these are relatable to life, and myself although not all of them. Obviously, we all have
lived different lives, with different beliefs, and different interactions. But, there is still some basic
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relevance and connection that I can relate to. So, with my reflection on these questions, I can
offer some personal insight and advice on different issues that my friend has encountered, and
Although these ten questions are just a small glimpse into a person’s well being, I don’t
see a need to subtract from this list. But, I am sure that I could make an addition to it. I’m just
1. The art of self-renewal. List three ways in which you can find time to renew your personal
energy—alone. Pick the activity, the day, and the time of the day.
a. Well, my day starts early with walking my dog before work. During this time, it is very quiet
and peaceful outside at 4am. This gives me time to prepare myself for the upcoming workday.
b. I usually work through lunch, and stay busy. So, again, when I get home, I walk my dog again.
c. Lastly, I like to read after dinner. I read anything and everything. I tend to stay away from
social media and news, and like to read science and history.
2. The practice of sacred rituals. List three rituals you take part in on a regular basis to remind
a. I was combat medic in the Army, and served three deployments overseas. I meet with my
military friends once a year, and we reflect and connect over the friends we lost. It’s tough at
b. I visit parks and sites that have significant and important meaning. These places help me
c. Prayer has been a part of my upbringing. I was raised Southern Baptist, and my grandmother
3. Sweet forgiveness. List three people who currently have made it to the top of your “bad” list.
First write down why you feel violated, and then write down how you can let it go and move on
a. Ex-wife. Although she did some things that lead to the divorce, I find that it is better for me to
b. Former boss. He had said my work contract had ended, which it was near time. I went to file
unemployment and was denied because the boss told them I was fired. I eventually won the
c. Former friends. It’s hard to keep friends with they constantly cancel on plans. But, this is a part
4. Embrace the shadow. List three aspects of yourself that you find less than flattering. How can
b. Body image. It’s difficult to find and keep a relationship. Yes, people can be picky, but there is
c. Attitude. No one is perfect. But, I strive to better myself and be more accepting.
5. Acceptance. Identify at least three issues in your life that you have absolutely no control over.
c. Friends being there for you. Yes, people have a life other than me, but breaking plans
constantly is a downer.
6. Keeping an attitude of gratitude. List three things in your life for which you are extremely
grateful. When you are down in the dumps, think back to them and count your blessings rather
7. Keeping the faith. Remind yourself of three times when the call of faith was answered. Then
think of a problem you are dealing with now. Imagine that 7 years have passed and your prayers
a. Personal safety. We have all had some form of close calls with danger.
b. Physical and mental health. No one can stay healthy 100% of the time.
c. Going through boxes and finding stuff of fond memories from loved ones who are no longer
with me.
8. Walking with a light heart. List three things that are sure to make you laugh. They could be
a. Situational humor. Sometimes, it’s easier to laugh at something embarrassing, rather than
c. Sarcasm. So many shows, radio, and stories are full of this context.
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9. Compassion in action. List three things you can do to express your compassion in action. Is it
feeling a sense of obligation—really being there! Next, set out to do all three of these.
a. I am secure in most things in my life. So, due to this, I often help others with problems or
b. Although I love dogs, I hold back on owning more than the one I have. So, I donate to local
c. Whether I have rented a place or owned, I always look for a place with a minimum of 2 bed/2
bath. From time to time, I have had the unexpected guest that has needed a place to stay.
10. Living your joy. Name your joy! What gives you happiness, real unconditional happiness,
without any sense of regret afterward? List your top three pleasures. When was the last time you
c. Driving. I travel, and always drive. This way, I can see and do more things.
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Reference:
http://gospelway.com/religiousgroups/buddhism.php
Seaward, B. L. (2013). Health of the Human Spirit, 2nd Edition. [Kaplan]. Retrieved
from https://kaplan.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284090444/
Seligman, Martin E.P. (2006). Learned Optimism. How to Change Your Mind and Your
Life