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Harmony Points of Alignment (17)
Harmony Point #17: Emotions
Are we ready for Emotions?
Not quite. I would like to talk to you about Leanings? As we have noted, there are four Tendencies. Can you explain how they factor into Spiritual Equilibrium?
Well, each one works like a counterweight to the others. So, the goal for us humans is to somehow keep a balance between all four of them. Is that what you mean?
In the abstract, you are correct. However, keep in mind that every Garb exhibits aspects of all four Tendencies. Imagine a flat, square board balanced on top of a pole. How might that board tilt? Perhaps toward just one of the four corners, or even toward one side?
I see what you’re saying. The possibilities are… well, endless. At least 360 different ones. And then there’s also the angle, or how steep the slope is. Is that what Leanings means?
Precisely. Let us explore this concept of Leanings further, as it is crucial for our next discussion on Emotions. Leanings can be examined from two opposing perspectives: as causes or as effects.
Can we start with Causes?
I will describe one or two, and then I would like you to offer some explanations. Let us begin with single Tendencies. Allow me to explain Might.
When Might is the dominant Tendency, the other Tendencies become secondary, perhaps even incidental. Muscle memory falls into this category, as do memorized routines—such as driving to a destination without consciously thinking about it.
Mind, alone as a Tendency, occurs when mental effort takes precedence. A classic example would be the absent-minded professor, whose predominant Tendency is focused mental activity.
This is so fascinating! I never would have thought of understanding human behavior through this kind of framework.
But now, let us consider Tendency Pairs, where two Tendencies dominate together. Later, we will briefly address Tendency Groups, where three Tendencies collectively control the Spiritual Heart.
While there are six possible Tendency Pairs, two of them account for the majority of Spiritual Imbalances. Can you guess which they might be?
If I had to guess, one would be Might-Mind, and the other would be Might-Soul. Am I close?
Those are indeed the two most prevalent Tendency Pairs. Of the two, however, the Might-Mind pairing is by far the most common.
When Might and Mind dominate together, the focus shifts heavily toward the material world. The negative impact of this pairing—on individuals as well as on groups—comes from a deep-rooted attachment to physical reality and worldly concerns.
This often results in an overemphasis on achievement, possessions, and control, causing spiritual disconnection. Such a focus blinds one to the emotional and spiritual aspects of existence, limiting true fulfillment and growth.
That makes sense, since Might—human reactions—are mostly taking cues from the Mind, which views life mainly through the TempTerra lens.
Good. Now, you explain Might-Soul to me.
The Might-Soul pairing is all about the Soul tapping into a deeper source of energy and wisdom, unlike the Mind. The Soul gets its strength from being connected to God, while the Mind depends on what it experiences in TempTerra.
When the Soul is in control, Might isn’t just reacting—it turns into a powerful way to show spiritual strength. This combo helps someone act from a place of abundance, compassion, and understanding, not out of fear or selfishness.
In the framework of Spiritual Equilibrium, the Might-Soul dynamic tries to offset the influence of the Mind, which often gravitates toward material concerns and survival instincts.
Exactly! When the Soul takes the lead, Might – through thoughts, words, and actions – is all about spreading love, lifting others up, and building connections, instead of just worrying about self-preservation.
Maggie, now that you understand how these Tendencies interplay with one another, you can appreciate the ultimate goal of Spiritual Equilibrium. Which is?
Hmm. Let me think. It seems to me that the goal is to bring these forces into harmony, so everything we do reflects both the practical needs of TempTerra and the higher calling of our spiritual purpose.
And now … we are ready to talk about the fourth functional distinction between Garbs and Souls, Competing Emotions.
Wait! We didn’t talk about Leanings as effects yet.
That is what emotions are all about, Maggie. As we said, emotions are both cause and effect.
Oh good! We’re getting into Emotions now.
As a cause, Garbs heavily rely on emotions. Emotions drive attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions. But as an effect, those same words and actions can trigger a new wave of emotions.
Now I’m starting to see how emotions are both a cause and an effect in the Garb’s world.
In the Spiritual Equilibrium system, Might represents the physical manifestation of thought—whether on a personal level, within a society, or across the span of human history. The Spiritual Heart governs all Physical Might. Both Mind and Soul communicate with the Spiritual Heart through the emotions they emit.
Picture the letter “Y” as a visual guide: the two angled lines represent Mind and Soul, each feeding into the Spiritual Heart at the central vertex. The Physical Mind generates negative emotions, while the Spiritual Soul produces positive ones. Can you now see why this balance is essential to understanding the Law of Attraction?
The Law of Attraction is the idea that positive or negative thoughts and intentions can attract similar experiences, outcomes, or energy into someone’s life. Honestly, I’ve always felt a bit anxious about this concept. It feels like such a huge responsibility, having to constantly monitor every word and thought.
Then you can take comfort in knowing that ALL provided you with a simple litmus test to understand the Leanings of your thoughts. Just check your emotions.
If you are feeling scared, angry, resentful, jealous, or any of the countless negative emotions, it means your Spiritual Heart is receiving its strongest signals from your Garb’s Mind. And…
And if I’m feeling positive emotions like love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and inclusiveness, it must mean my Spiritual Heart is picking up the strongest vibes from my Soul, and its Altruism Tendency.
To know which Tendencies hold the greatest influence at any given moment, simply take stock of your emotions. In the end, our emotions shape and color our personalities.
I think what you’re saying is that it is not just what you do, but how you do it. You can disagree with someone—with arrogance and aggression, or with respect and understanding. You can pay your rent—with resentment or gratitude.
As one last lesson before we move on to other Harmony Points, let us test our understanding of Tendencies by back-tracing to them from the effects of those Tendencies.
I will toss out a few TempTerra circumstances or conditions, and you identify the Tendencies that are most likely causing them. Ready?
I think so…
A country that puts great emphasis on a strong military, a globally-dominant economy?
That’s easy! Might-Mind. The Might part is pretty clear, but the Mind plays its role by coming up with strategies and reasons to explain or defend the related actions and policies that push for greater Might.
Free lunches in schools? Debt forgiveness for student college loans?
Well, that would be Might-Soul, since the Soul’s Tendency is Altruism. Right?
Good. Now, here is a tough one? Explain the two opposite sides of the Abortion debate.
Wow, let me think. The Pro-Choice side is… You know, this is tough. I’m not sure how it fits into the context of Tendencies or Contributors either. Can you help me figure it out?
Perhaps it would help to think of the issue as a contest between Free Will and Control.
I get what you’re saying. Free Will is definitely at play on both sides. The Pro-Life supporters use their Free Will to passionately argue their beliefs, just like those who are Pro-Choice. So, yeah, both sides are exercising Free Will in their own way.
True, but there is a glaring distinction. Do you see it?
Yeah, when you stop and think about it—strictly in terms of Free Will—the Pro-Choice side is really just asking for the right to decide for themselves whether or not to have an abortion.
On the other hand, the Pro-Life side is insisting that their belief, their deep passion for the value of life, should be imposed on others. So, in a way, that would be denying others their Free Will.
Now, returning to the question of Leanings—can you now speculate on which Tendencies are influencing this issue?
See if I’m on the right track! The Pro-Life folks could be demonstrating Might-Mind Tendencies—focused on a practical, performance-driven goal but with a bit of Heart’s Empathy showing through in their passion for life itself.
On the other hand, the Pro-Choice side seems more like Might-Heart, with a strong backing of Soul. They’re driven by what they believe is best for both mother and child, which taps into Heart’s Empathy.
But, showing the influence of Soul, they also hold firm to the right of Free Will – a spiritual tenet that is central to the Freedom to Choose and, thus, to the ability to Spread Love.