The previous example talks about transcendence or a state of "existence above and beyond the limits of material

experience." Transcendence originated from the words trans, meaning "go beyond," and scandare, meaning "climb."
In the example, fulfilling a goal entails transcendence because it opens a state of thinking and feeling that there is
something more in life than just physical and material things. Much like Abraham Maslow's self-actualization concept,
transcendence is a state of being intrinsically satisfied with life regardless of physical and tangible factors.

The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

In totality, a man is a physical body, a living soul (the inner self; mortal), and a spirit (the life-force; immortal).
The spirit takes form through the mortal, physical body to represent its qualities in the conscious, physical world. Each body
part has its worldly function that is communicated in an expressive and understandable form.
For Aristotle, a human person is a personal being that possesses its intellectual nature in a natural unity with a
material body. This unity is called: "man as a rational animal."
For St. Thomas, the total vision of man would be the "embodied spirit."

Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence

Here are some limitations and possibilities for transcendence:
Limitations of Transcendence
 may not occur to everyone
 does not come at a specified period
 varies across all people
 may coincide with physical limitations of the body
Possibilities for Transcendence
 developing a positive outlook in life
 working towards reaching a goal
 learning from experience
It is also important to know that transcendence may be applied to present worries by living in the present. This means
that life is lived from moment to moment in a carefree and exuberant manner where concerns for stress are reserved for the
future, and regrets or guilt feelings are kept in the past.
The Human Body in Imposing Limits and Possibilities

From a biological and physical standpoint, it can be recognized that the human body, although it can perform many
functions, also has limitations. Limits in the environment, demographics, and society may also hinder a person from reaching
transcendence.
Here are some examples:
Bodily Limitations
 mental and emotional disorders (e.g. anxiety, intellectual disability)
 disabilities (e.g. amputated leg, deafness)
 diseases and illnesses (e.g. hypertension, cough)
 failures and experiences (e.g. failing a subject)
Social and Environmental Limitations
 socioeconomic status
 location of neighborhood (e.g. armed, disorganized, or violent neighborhood)
 abusive relationships (e.g. emotional abuse)
 negative influences (e.g. drug use)

Overcoming Limitations
Bodily limits can be tested by trying on new experiences and working on challenges with increasing levels of difficulty.
The human body, if given enough exposure to any situation, can attain a goal with efficiency.
Social and environmental limitations are more difficult to overcome than bodily limitations because they involve the
influence of other people and the external world. However, with a proper mindset, clearly defined goals, and motivation to
rise above challenges, one may successfully overcome his or her limitations.

Recognize and Evaluate Own Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence

Even though you are still young, you are not prevented from further understanding yourself. Transcendence is even more
possible when you begin to understand that you can go beyond your limitations if you set your mind on your goals.
Some points to remember when going beyond your limits are:
 You are connected to the external or eternal world.
 Challenges are learning opportunities.
 Your goal is more important than your fears.
 Think outside the box.
 Recognize that everyone has fears.

Prudence and Frugality

In the previous example, the college student was shown to have direction and control over what he needs versus
what he wants by being prudent and frugal with his money.
Prudence is defined as the ability to have good judgment that allows avoidance of dangers and risks.
Meanwhile, frugality is the act of using money or other resources wisely and practically.

These virtues or values should not just be applied in a personal setting. The environment is also in critical need of
these so that it can function efficiently and productively. People have the responsibility to exercise prudence and frugality
not just within themselves, but also in taking care of the environment.
 Disorders in the Environment and Aesthetic Organization
Noticing disorder in the environment is relatively straightforward. People are required to employ observation to determine
whether an environment is organized or not.
However, there may be signs that may easily point to environmental disorganization, such as:
 Lack of resources: The environment is both a producer and consumer for all species. The unavailability of a
particular local byproduct may imply excessive disturbance that is not at par with its reproduction.
 Things are not in place: The environment exhibits a sense of chaos or confusion. It does not create a place of
comfort and warmth.
In times of disorganization, it is essential to fix aesthetics to make the environment more conducive. Such ways include re-
potting and rearranging plants or using a variety of flowers. By the end of the day, it is important to remember that there is
no specific way of improving the environment aesthetically, and that it will all come down to your perception of what is
aesthetically acceptable.

The Importance of Caring for the Environment

The environment contributes to health and well-being.

 Some plants have medicinal properties that may aid in the removal of pathogens in the body.
 Fruits and vegetables are good sources of numerous vitamins and minerals.
 The aesthetic properties of the environment make an excellent venue for various exercises and activities.
The environment contributes to sustainable development.
 The environment is the primary source of raw resources used to make all types of food and materials.
 With appropriate techniques, the environment can reproduce and regenerate resources that have been harvested or
lost.
 The environment produces oxygen and carbon dioxide which are necessary factors in the continuation of life
systems.

Demonstrating Prudence and Frugality Towards the Environment

With new forms of technological advances that make life easier, the seemingly simple task of demonstrating prudence and
frugality towards the environment becomes a challenge. One must realize that the processes involved in the environment
are not occurring as fast as modern technologies do. Looking deeper, exercising prudence and frugality towards the
environment is both a personal and collective responsibility.
Below are some examples:
 cooking and consuming food with little to no leftovers
 planting trees in replacement of cut-down ones
 employing waste segregation strategies in the community and recycling reusable materials