In most religious systems, our being is defined in three parts (triune) as in spirit, mind, and body. For me the spirit must be at the top of the list, but many place theirs in a different location on the hierarchy and as such, will find trouble balancing their lives.
As we move towards wholeness, all three of these parts must be addressed and the order in which one does, and the balance achieved, will affect the lasting outcome of whatever results we may acquire.
Let's consider the simple problem of weight loss. We can address this strictly by addressing the body, i.e. reducing calories, exercising, etc. These are good things and the desired result may be attainable, but if the rest of you has not been included in the plan, you'll soon spiral back to the place you began, the weight will return and because of the disappointment, you may also pack-on additional pounds, above and beyond where you began.
Okay.so you've seen the error of your ways and you decide you will work on your mind/emotions. You've come to an understanding that, without a reconciliation of why you overeat, the unseen and unrecognized motivations behind your overeating, you'll not be able to take or keep the weight off.
So you dig deep, you may even begin seeing a counselor, join a group, talk about it openly with a friend, and by doing so, be able to resolve the conflicts which drove you to satisfy an emotional need with a physical tool, food.
Ah!...you've been enlightened! You have clarity! You dive back into your weight loss program, the pounds melt off and you've found nirvana.but to your surprise, you slowly drift back into your negative habits, the exercise becomes a boring Task instead of a Joy, the foods you've stayed away from call back to you more and more each day and soon you are back to square one or worse. Why?. you cannot understand, what's missing?
Glad you asked. So far you've addressed two-thirds of who you really are, but you've left a vital third in the closet, this is the part you can't get a handle on, it too spooky pooky, too medieval.this is the stuff of superstition and for the weak and simple minded.
Oh, my friend.if you believe that, you're doing yourself a disservice. For just as we cannot drive your car with only three wheels down the road, we cannot travel successfully through life on a two-wheeled tricycle. You must find that third wheel, your spiritual connection; you must come to the understanding that we are a part of something larger than ourselves, a Plan, which is bigger than ourselves and then join a community of like-minded people with whom you can work towards a common spiritual goal.
Once you've found that place, those people and yourself, you will be able to grow whole. You will come to understand how you were created to function, and then you will have "all" the resources needed to carry on. You'll have the strength and the knowledge to confront and have victory over everything from overeating to how to deal with an unkind boss, a loss of a loved one and even how to confront sickness and disease to become well again.
I'm not going to presume to tell you your way. I will say that there is a way for you and would encourage you to pray, spending true quiet time listening to your spirit speak. If you reach out, if you ask and if you listen, you will find your spiritual connection. The God of my understanding is desirous to hang out with you, but you cannot hear Him through the noise of life. You must take time to separate yourself from this world, if for only a few moments at a time, to breathe, to ask and listen as The "Broadcaster" is on the air. tune in and you will receive.
Blessings gabriel