The Soul Elements : Found Soul

The Soul Elements is an interconnected knowledge framework that gives a big picture perspective, revealing a holistic understanding of life and gifting greater awareness and insights that can be used to optimize many aspects of living. Essentially, The Soul Elements is a blank coloring book with outlines to give you the ability to color in your thoughts, emotions, motivations, intentions, and behaviors to help enable you to persevere and manifest your goals, dreams, and desires more easily.

EXPERIENCED
UNDERSTANDING

CONCLUSION

FLOW

Feeling no tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

FLOW THROUGH ACTION

Thought and physical activity that results in feeling no tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

FLOW THROUGH ACTION is “a time when the rest of the world melts away,” meaning there is only the full awareness of one’s self and that which one is doing in the present moment.

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FLOW THROUGH ACTION is most often experienced when one is fully enjoying one's self, such as performing or practicing a passionate hobby, pure play, pure fun, or, for the rare few, some aspect of work where there is only awareness of the present moment as it is unfolding.
For many, FLOW THROUGH ACTION will not be found in general tasks but in being able to focus on one task completely for an extended period of time that continuously has the possibility of nuance to be discovered.
FLOW THROUGH ACTION often requires skills that were required, ironically, through the challenging oneself (RESISTANCE) before the FLOW THROUGH ACTION could be experienced.
During FLOW THROUGH ACTION, most usually, one does not absolutely experience no tension, because often there must be enough nuance such that the mind is able to maintain singular focus of the task at hand. However, it is the closest one can come to no tension while in the mode of creating, experiencing, or discovery.
At times, when one is in FLOW THROUGH ACTION , it could be said that one is experiencing desired synchronicities.
FLOW THROUGH ACTION can be experienced through a physical repetitive ritual, creating a hypnotic state.
Often, FLOW THROUGH ACTION is experienced when there is a singular focus or goal while simultaneously there is detachment from the outcome or how others will perceive the outcome.
Having too difficult or too easy of goals prevents one from experiencing FLOW THROUGH ACTION.

FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS

Significantly limiting thought and physical activity that results in feeling no tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS can enable one to be more fully aware and in the present moment.

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Examples of how FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS can be experienced are staring into the flames of a campfire or taking a long quiet shower or bath.
FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS can be experienced through meditation or, depending upon length and kind, prayer.
Those who actively practice FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS are more able to control their thoughts, and ultimately their actions and emotions, from moment to moment and day to day.
The sense of oneness one experiences or feels during FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS allows one to feel at peace with one's environment and one's place in it, generally speaking.
FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS can enable one to have more FLOW THROUGH ACTION moments since it trains one's mind to have a singular focus, on of the required elements for FLOW THROUGH ACTION.

ADDITIONAL FLOW THOUGHTS

It is in FLOW that one is more easily able to learn to control thoughts, emotions, and perception of reality as opposed to thoughts, emotions, and perceptions controlling self.

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In FLOW, one is able to expand beyond the known capacities of an as well as agreed upon limitations via an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM.
Even FLOW requires some sort of constraints and a goal (ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS) that help guide singular focus in order to be experienced.
FLOW can only be accessed through being in the present moment such that there is no longer attachment to the past or future.
In FLOW, one is no longer aware of the conditional value of self.
At times, when one is in FLOW, it could be said that one is experiencing desired synchronicities.
In FLOW, one often feels a sense of being beyond that of one's physical body. This is often described as being at one with or connected to the surrounding environment.
For many, FLOW, the experience itself, is the reward and not some external reward or CONDITIONAL VALIDATION, given by those outside of self.
In FLOW, CONDITIONAL VALIDATION is of no consequence to self.

EASE

Feeling limited tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

EASE THROUGH ACTION

Thought or physical activity resulting in feeling limited tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

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A common negative aspect that is associated with this Element in obtaining EASE is through negatively enforced control, which many obtain through actions such as expressed anger(RESISTANCE) or leveraging CONDITIONAL VALIDATION.
Many do work for material EASE and CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION as opposed to doing it for personal FLOW or COMPASSION.

EASE THROUGH STILLNESS

Significantly limiting thought and physical activity that results in feeling limited tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

Taking a pause to breath deeply when feeling overwhelmed is an example of EASE THROUGH STILLNESS.

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Sleeping can be either FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS or EASE THROUGH STILLNESS. Which of the two Elements sleeping specifically is at any one time usually depends on the mindset one is in before falling asleep.

EASE OF PRESENT

Thought and physical activity that results in feeling limited tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally for the present.

EASE OF FUTURE

Thought and physical activity that results in feeling limited tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally for the future.

ADDITIONAL EASE THOUGHTS

When one has not learned how to balance one's thoughts, there is a competing dichotomy between EASE OF PRESENT and EASE OF FUTURE.

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Many of the EASE activities we do is to escape the RESISTANCE we experience or feel while being alone such as personal shortcomings, the anxieties from work or family responsibilities, disappointments, trauma, etc.

RESISTANCE

Feeling tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

RESISTANCE THROUGH ACTION

Thought or physical activity that results in feeling tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

Examples of intentionally experienced positive thought RESISTANCE are research, reading, and reasoning, which later rewards one with a solution to a question or confirmation to a theory or hypothesis, etc.

RESISTANCE THROUGH STILLNESS

Significantly limiting thought or physical activity that results in feeling tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

Procrastination is a great example of RESISTANCE THROUGH STILLNESS and is often caused by RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN.

RESISTANCE FROM PAST

Undesired acknowledgment of previous active or significantly limiting thought or physical activity that results in feeling tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

Metaphorically, regret is continuously dragging behind one’s self an already opened parachute, following a rough or crash landing, so as to remind one’s self of the past landing. Also, similar to an already open parachute that is being dragged behind one and having, otherwise avoidable, objects getting tangled in it, regret often collects avoidable and detrimental circumstances, thus adding more RESISTANCE.

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RESISTANCE FROM PAST includes trauma and regret. If the lessons have already been learned and there's nothing one can do to change the past, there are few things more wasteful, in terms of one’s precious time, than focusing on regrets.
There are undesired recurrences and themes that may happen throughout one’s life that are often the result of RESISTANCE FROM PAST that occurred in a particular microcosm or set of circumstances. However, the EASE that one implemented, which allowed one to survive or be benefited during the specific past circumstances no longer does so and can actually be quite harmful to both one’s self and those around one’s self. The harm can only be resolved by reflecting on the previously processed negative EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING, releasing the emotions attached to it, and then, essentially, transforming EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING into that which is more desirable while creating a new set of ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS (habits).

RESISTANCE FROM PRESENT

Presently active or significantly limiting thought or physical activity that results in feeling tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN

The strong desire to have all be clearly defined, creating thought or physical activity that results in feeling tension, stress, or discomfort physically or emotionally.

The fear and anxiety created from RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN can be significantly minimized by being in the present moment.

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RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN is a motivation for EASE, EXPANSION, and ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS.
Fear is normal, natural, and ultimately there to help protect self, but it can also make one overly reactive and judgmental and keep one anchored from doing the things that are desired or are needing to be done, which is why learning to bring moments of APPRECIATION and FLOW into the day to day is so important, helping bring balance to self.
Beyond past trauma, RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN is where most anxiety originates.
‍RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN includes the need for absolute knowing, safety, and certainty.
Fear originates from RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN. Hate is a type of fear that is constant, contagious, blind, and toxic to all those it touches.

ADDITIONAL RESISTANCE THOUGHTS

Often, it is how one responds to stressful circumstances (RESISTANCE) that determines whether they, the stressful circumstances, will be positively impactful later or continue to create more stress/stressful circumstances.

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Three of the most popular ways one tries to move beyond RESISTANCE is EASE, such as watching television, EXPANSION, such as learning a new skill or gain new knowledge, and ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, such as religion and laws. Generally speaking, EASE keeps the RESISTANCE temporarily at bay while laws can keep the resistance at bay more permanently, especially for certain collectives, and religion allows one to more easily cope with the RESISTANCE, in some cases, and EXPANSION can, while also being a distraction similar to EASE, can also give one the ability to grow beyond some of the experienced RESISTANCE.
Often, whether one can find meaning in the world and in place in it, especially while experiencing RESISTANCE, is determined by whether one believes they are the victim and are helpless to the whims of the world and general environment or one has the ability to control one's own destiny. Also, if one can use experienced RESISTANCE to help others as opposed to being completely self-serving, one will especially find meaning in life.
One of the best things one can do for one's self is turn challenges (RESISTANCE ) into growth opportunities (EXPANSION), essentially, to be catalyzed by turning RESISTANCE experiences into EXPANSION moments. Ultimately, challenges can be seen as a threat or an opportunity for growth.

VALIDATION

Recognition of existence and value.

UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION

Recognition of existence and value that is either given or received by the mere fact one exists.

UNCONDITIONAL SELF VALIDATION is true self-love.

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Many pets epitomize givers of unconditional love.
Ultimately, UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION is one of the greatest gifts one can give one’s self and anyone else.
While comprehending the unconditional value of self, just from the fact one exists, allowing one to see both self and the world objectively as well as release attachments that causes pain can be very hard for many, even after the enlightenment of one’s unconditional value. There are a plethora of conditional variables required to not only exist and survive in this physical reality but also because of the unconscious ingrained desire to obtain the most optimal mate(s) for the continuation of self via offspring while simultaneously trying to acquire and establish the most optimal environment and circumstances for those offspring.
UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION combined with compassion is a powerful and positively potent mix.

CONDITIONAL VALIDATION

Recognition of existence and value that is only either given or received if someone or something is, has, does, will do or be, or has the potential to do or be, perceived or actual, a successful specific or set of specifics.

CONDITIONAL VALIDATION is how many of us interact with both ourselves and others.

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Because one must live in this physical world, the trick, in order to adapt and survive while experiencing the fullness of life and not be wholly consumed by the emotional roller coaster of it, is to find a flexible balance between the VALIDATION states, which many do not know how to do and are stuck solely in the conditional value of self and the conditional value of that which surrounds them.
Often, to be at complete peace, one must let go the CONDITIONAL VALIDATION that one holds to self, holds toward others, holds toward objects, and holds toward the surrounding environment. FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS is a great way to let go of CONDITIONAL VALIDATION.
Any framework that sees itself as having value due to the exclusion of others from it, with no exception, is founded in the conditional ego.
CONDITIONAL VALIDATION includes judgement, comparison, and circumstantial approval.
The conditional ego is more interested in perceptual self-preservation than actual truth. However, in FLOW, the conditional ego disappears and one is more able to see and find truth.
FLOW and the conditional ego aren’t able to simultaneously coexist within any one moment.

SELF VALIDATION

Recognition of existence and value that is given to self.

SELF VALIDATION, be it CONDITIONAL or UNCONDITIONAL, if not at the expense of someone else’s VALIDATION, is true self-confidence.

EXTERNAL VALIDATION

Recognition of existence and value that is received from outside of self.

One’s need for EXTERNAL VALIDATION is the reason one may choose to “jump off the cliff with everyone else.”

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Negatively utilized CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION allows self to receive VALIDATION only if another individual is deprived of VALIDATION. This aspect is why it is so important for everyone to have and be shown how to have positive UNCONDITIONAL SELF VALIDATION (unconditional self-love) and give positive VALIDATION to self by giving others UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION (i.e. volunteering, giving a small random gift without expectation of a return, etc.) so as to, as much as possible, not create “victims” and “oppressors”, essentially negating the need to deprive others of VALIDATION in order to have VALIDATION (i.e. racism, genderism, etc.).
The conditional ego knows nothing of balance nor any concept of curtailing EXPANSION, even for its own sake, because it often only finds value in the expanding of its own conditional value.
If you choose to have other people’s opinions (CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION) be the only guide to your value, you will always be at someone else’s mercy and never have full CHOICE.
In terms of the positive aspect of combined CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION and UNCONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION, everyone greatly benefits by being a part of a positive community where each knows that one is cared about and looked out for by others and is able to enjoy daily interactions. The previous mentioned aspect of positive combined CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION and UNCONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION is no less beneficial on the smaller scale of individual relationships.
While CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION can be very beneficial through that of a community and relationships (family, friend, and intimate), it can also be very detrimental, because it can also create “the victim” and “the oppressor” relationship and mentality.
Those that have been trained to or allow themselves to be completely controlled by CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION have fewer CHOICES in what they can think and do.
Continuous criticism, belittling, taunting, ridicule, verbal threatening, etc. (continuous verbal RESISTANCE), knowingly or not, takes validity away while giving absolutely nothing in return, essentially leaving holes in one’s external and perceived self-validity and self-worth of the victim who is receiving the continuous verbal RESISTANCE. This is particularly true if the victim is unaware as to how to both build and maintain positive SELF VALIDATION and positive self-worth. If “the victim” is willing to sacrifice the EXTERNAL VALIDATION and sense of self-worth of another in order to gain back the EXTERNAL VALIDATION and sense of self-worth that was lost, as opposed to building it back or maintaining it by validating one’s self, “the victim” becomes “the oppressor,” thus carrying forward the cycle. If “the victim” is not willing to or does not know how to take the VALIDATION of another, or if “the victim” is not shown how or does not know how to give VALIDATION to self outside of others (SELF VALIDATION), “the victim” will forever remain “the victim.” Also, if “the oppressor” does not know how or is not willing to build or maintain VALIDATION from self, “the oppressor” will forever be “the oppressor” unless one of two things occurs. First, “the oppressor” is shown the damage that has been caused, and through the feeling of EMPATHY, takes action to change (compassion). Second, “the oppressor” is forced back to being “the victim,” through an event or circumstance, where it is then possible to be taught VALIDATION that is independent of those outside of self (SELF VALIDATION). This is why it is so important that leaders have both natural or experienced EMPATHY and SELF VALIDATION (true self-confidence). Continuous verbal RESISTANCE, coupled with lack of knowledge as to how to build SELF VALIDATION is often responsible for the cycle of “the oppressor” and “the victim.” The other causations of “the oppressor” and “the victim” are continuous physical or emotional abuse (RESISTANCE) as well as trauma, regardless of type.
The foregoing reveals that much of our ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS (i.e. relationships, families, organizations, collectives, etc.) is built upon and operates on “the oppressor” and “the victim” where by one, several, or many are benefiting from, what could be perceived as or actually is, a dysfunctional system. This also reveals that this dysfunctional situation does not have to continue and one does not absolutely have to be a domino piece in carrying forward the model of “the oppressor” and “the victim,” even if one has already previously been exposed to and is currently operating in such a mode. The individual as well as collectives have CHOICE in such matters.
Democracy is an example of a ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS that arose due to the desiring and idea of evolving away from the system of “the oppressor” and “the victim” and the CHOICE to enact such.
Constructive criticism positively acknowledges a person’s validity and positive worth in the current moment while also providing guidance on thoughts or actions that could amplify one’s CONDITIONAL SELF VALIDATION or another’s already positive EXTERNAL VALIDATION.

ADDITIONAL VALIDATION THOUGHTS

While RESISTANCE is the Element that pushes, VALIDATION is the Element that pulls.

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VALIDATION includes like, love, approval, respect, acceptance, worthiness, belonging, significance, and purpose.
VALIDATION is ultimately the need to feel significant, valued, and wanted.
It should be noted that there are two spectrums/scales that coincide and interact with each other in relation to VALIDATION. There is one spectrum/scale for CONDITIONAL VALIDATION and UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION and another spectrum/scale for SELF VALIDATION and EXTERNAL VALIDATION, which can be viewed in a matrix diagram.
The healthy interdependent and emotionally intelligent individual knows optimally how and when to transition into and be in one, several, or all of the quadrants simultaneously in the VALIDATION diagram, depending upon the circumstance, situation, and people involved and based on past personal experiences, education, training, and for the lucky few who know how to listen to it, intuition.

EXPANSION

The ability and need or desire to grow or move beyond current circumstances, limitations, awareness, or understanding.

UNFOCUSED EXPANSION

No specific end results in mind other than to be creating or having new experiences.

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FLOW THROUGH ACTION and EASE THROUGH ACTION can occur during UNFOCUSED EXPANSION.
In terms of business, UNFOCUSED EXPANSION may almost assure an enterprise’s quick demise which is usually done in the form moving forward with assumptions (no unbiased data to inform decisions) along with no strategy.

FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION

While there are specific end results in mind, the process and timeframe used to create the results are open to evolving; the specific end results desired may evolve as well.

FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION is how the majority of the best new thoughts, innovations, continuous improvements, learning, and opportunities occur.

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FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION is how many of the best relationships continue to positively progress.
In terms of business, FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION is the most optimal form of EXPANSION, especially when the correct ratio of organic vs controlled and creating vs experiencing is occurring, which also can be viewed in a matrix diagram. A great example of the ratio at it’s most optimal are the content and tools created for and on the internet, which partly accounts for its speed of development. Another factor, which accounts for the speed of development of the internet, is the speed that the ratio is allowed to occur due to not being restricted by an inordinate amount (i.e the majority of the content, the many of the tools are free to be utilized) of ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, the ease to utilize and implement resources, and the speed by which one is able to receive VALIDATION, giving further incentive for EXPANSION.
FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION happens both outside of and in combination with ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS.
FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION, in reference to a goal, means that, while you have goals and direction, you are ultimately open to evolving the direction and focus on either how to achieve a goal or open to evolving the goal based on new information and data received.
FLOW THROUGH ACTION and EASE THROUGH ACTION can often occur during FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION.

FOCUSED EXPANSION

There are specific end results in mind with little to nearly no openness for deviation in the process, timeframe, or specific end results.

While concrete processes and absolute finalized desired results can be a beneficial as means towards focusing, they also can and often significantly limit new thoughts, innovations, learning (EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING), and new opportunities.

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FOCUSED EXPANSION, if too strictly controlled, transitions into ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, thus almost completely eliminating all new thought and innovation. Many already established enterprises are riddled with ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS on multiple layers and levels, which, while providing protection and EASE, essentially, makes innovation and evolving EXPANSION nearly impossible.
Strict FOCUSED EXPANSION, ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, or catering too much to the optics of EXTERNAL VALIDATION combined with the lack of COMPASSION is what results in the inability to compromise, lack of patience, and continuous criticism.
FLOW THROUGH ACTION and EASE THROUGH ACTION can occur through FOCUSED EXPANSION, but they are often very limited by this restricted approach.
Strict FOCUSED EXPANSION is often very detrimental to personal relationships (family, friends, and other).

ADDITIONAL EXPANSION THOUGHTS

EXPANSION includes adventure, new learning, new growth, and innovation.

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Reflection is EXPANSION of knowledge (ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS) via insights and awareness through understanding the past, individually and collectively.
Those that are able to find EXPANSION through their own inner-world (own consciousness) as opposed to just the outer-world (all that is seen and can be physically touched), are often happier.
One of the best skills one can learn is to take unwanted RESISTANCE and turn it into future EXPANSION, such as skills, knowledge, etc. that can be harnessed later.

EMPATHY

To comprehend the emotions, thoughts, or physical experiences of others.

COMPASSION

EMPATHY in action.

COMPASSION is more likely to occur if one has already experienced a particular emotion or physical experience that others have had, are having, or are going to have as opposed to imagining an emotion or physical experience.

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COMPASSION, defined via the Elements, is EMPATHY combined with CONDITIONAL VALIDATION or UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION of others followed by helpful action towards the acknowledged others to give EASE and/or VALIDATION.
Portrayed COMPASSION is where one may not actually be compassionate nor feel such but portrays COMPASSION in order to receive EXTERNAL VALIDATION.

ADDITIONAL EMPATHY THOUGHTS

EMPATHY, in one of its simplest and tangible forms, is actively listening.

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A narcissist is very dependent upon receiving EXTERNAL VALIDATION, while also lacking or choosing to ignore one’s own ability for EMPATHY. Also, while some narcissists may experience EMPATHY, the strong desire to receive EXTERNAL VALIDATION outweighs the action that may have otherwise been created from experiencing EMPATHY. A narcissist will very often deprive others of FLOW, EASE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, and CHOICE in order to divert these Elements to him or herself.
A sociopath is similar to a narcissist in relation to not experiencing EMPATHY but is not very dependent upon receiving EXTERNAL VALIDATION.

CHOICE

The ability and allowance to choose how to think, create, feel, and respond to specific circumstances.

Ultimately, CHOICE is the ability and allowance to choose perception, emotion, action, what, when, where, how, and with whom.

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CHOICE includes autonomy, independence, freedom, and free will.

APPRECIATION

The realization and acknowledgment of the tangible and non-tangible that give FLOW, EASE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, or CHOICE.

One’s ability to be fully aware and in the present moment is a key component of experiencing APPRECIATION.

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There is a direct correlation between one’s ability to be fully aware and in the present moment, acknowledging and realizing one is currently receiving FLOW, EASE, VALIDATION, and/or EXPANSION, and one’s ability to experience APPRECIATION. Without being fully aware in the present moment while receiving FLOW, EASE, VALIDATION, or EXPANSION, there is little to no acknowledgment and realization to self that one is actually already receiving these Elements, paradoxically creating the never ending cycle that further motivates one to continue the search for these Elements, beyond which may be truly necessary in order to experience APPRECIATION.

Some rarely or never experience APPRECIATION due to the paradox created from not being able to or not allowing themselves to be fully aware and in the present moment, regardless of what they accomplish, who they know, or the material goods and assets they acquire.

Elaborating further, some get lost in details of the present and future in such a way that they may never allow themselves to experience APPRECIATION due to self-imposed demands or being convinced by others that the stipulation of “x” details must be completed first before the feeling of APPRECIATION can occur. Because there are always more details unfolding, if one is utilizing this dependency and does happen to experience APPRECIATION, it, quite often, is very quickly fleeting and absolutely goes away much faster than the time it took for the action that allowed for the feeling of APPRECIATION. Also, demands may be set up by self or others in such a way that one may never be able to experience APPRECIATION (i.e. the sometimes used caricature of the carrot dangling from a string in front of one’s face that is attached to the end of a stick, which is then attached to one’s head).
If APPRECIATION is derived from SELF VALIDATION as opposed to EXTERNAL VALIDATION, there is little that those outside of self can do to control or take away one’s feeling of APPRECIATION. This means one has the ability to have and feel a continuous stream of APPRECIATION. Also, if one’s sense of APPRECIATION is not derived from EXTERNAL VALIDATION, there is no feeling of the need to take someone else’s VALIDATION in order to regain the VALIDATION that was taken. A commonly used metaphorical example of the need to regain VALIDATION after it has been taken is one feeling the need to “go home and kick the dog,” after a bad day (i.e. boss yelling, reprimanding, criticizing, etc. at work).
APPRECIATION includes happiness, joy, and gratitude.
While APPRECIATION is not truly an Element in the strictest sense since it is not needed in order to physically survive, it is included in The Soul Elements as such due to the fact that it is necessary to have in order to be an emotionally whole and happy person.
Without FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS or APPRECIATION, it's naturally very hard to prevent negative thoughts from continuously coming to the forefront of one's mind.

ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS

Provides specific processes on how to think, create, feel, and respond to specific circumstances.

Each individual has and is an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM, while simultaneously operating in conjunction with ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS outside of self.

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Math, science, language, education, laws, regulations, government, DNA (genes), heritage, culture, ego, and religion are ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS.
ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS are used to give order and meaning to one's experiences and existence to ultimately give a sense of EASE that one may not be able to feel otherwise.
Because of continuous EXPANSION, ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, especially those created by humans, are not able to always provide indefinite answers.
Often, if the ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS that were created to give EASE do not evolve, they end up, due to natural EXPANSION, creating more RESISTANCE then if they had never existed to begin with.
ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS are used to maintain, give to, or take from self and others FLOW, EASE, RESISTANCE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, CHOICE or other ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS.
ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS evolve over time.
Depending upon the specific industry, strict FOCUSED EXPANSION and ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS may ensure a slow or quick demise for an already established enterprise.
Much of the ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS give defined processes and guidelines to control self to offset some of our natural aggression (i.e. sports, which is essentially civilized war).
Chaos happens when there is no or very limited ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS.
When a collective of individuals together accept an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM or a set of ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS that extend possibilities to experience EASE, there is the probability that it is done at the expense of other individuals, nature, or both.
Because an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM is validated by an individual, a majority, or a collective, it does not absolutely mean it will continue to exist. Additionally, the fact that an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM benefits an individual or collective, it does not mean it will be beneficial to others and may actually be detrimental to them.
All ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS evolve, though often slowly, due to the simultaneous competing dichotomy and the merging of the need for control (resisting RESISTANCE and desiring FLOW, EASE, and VALIDATION) and continuous EXPANSION outside of ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS.
Privilege is a VALIDATION / ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS hat has been granted by others to have or take from others FLOW, EASE, RESISTANCE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, CHOICE or other ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, beyond the average, based upon CONDITIONAL EXTERNAL VALIDATION that has not been earned by the one who has it.
Entitlement is a VALIDATION / ESTABLISHED SYSTEM that one bestows upon self or is granted by others to give to self or take from others FLOW, EASE, RESISTANCE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, CHOICE or other ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS. Entitlement can lead to one taking more than their fair share. Entitlement can either come from privilege or be earned. Unbalanced and unhealthy entitlement underlies contempt.
By default, all ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS have boundaries with which to maintain it.
Often what sets the direction of particular goals is the perception (ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS) and filters used to interpret the events we've experienced (EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING).
While not always the most effective, ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS are utilized to simplify, organize, and control.
Where there are no ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, balance and harmony cannot exist, but ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS can only bring harmony and balance if working in harmony with EXPANSION and EMPATHY.
ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS also includes patterns, frameworks, boundaries, constraints, biases, expectations, assumptions, purpose, themes, intentions, desires, goals, social conditioning, stories, and labels, consciousness, personality, interpretations, perceptions, memory, symbols, identity, values, principles, goals, rituals, traditions, stories, and mythologies.
Attention and focus (one’s ability to harness the CHOICE of what one thinks about and directs one’s vision) is the filter by which one’s perception (ESTABLISHED SYSTEM) is created and thus shaping EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING.
Money is an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM which to attempt to a measure transference of energy and value given and received.

Money is an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM that is both a great, due it's expediency in measurement, and simultaneously poor way, due to the fact that it does not measure true value and impact.
Most if not all ESTABLISHED SYSTEM have other ESTABLISHED SYSTEMv to maintain and protect it.
Ego is an ESTABLISHED SYSTEM used to help and maintain the survival of another ESTABLISHED SYSTEM (individuals and collectives).

Ego is ultimately the boundary keeper and value measurer.

Ego is attached to the emotions in the fact the emotions are there to help give help give context in order both to measure and react, essentially to help react beyond what logic is able process in a particular circumstance or set of circumstances.

EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING

All relative information received that is helping to give feeling and perception of what was, is, and could be.

The environment and other people influence us while simultaneously what we do influences our environment and other people.

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EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING has all of the other Elements feeding into it, which then feeds back into all the other Elements.
Often, the undesired EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING (RESISTANCE) sharpens focus much more desired future experiences.
EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING includes anything learned and one's environment or exposure to.
EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING also includes time awareness.
Vulnerability is the awareness, via EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING and ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS, that FLOW, EASE, RESISTANCE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, and CHOICE will be taken from (perceptually or actually) one’s self, that which outside of self one values or has APPRECIATION for, or that which one experiences EMPATHY towards due to one's thoughts, behaviors, or actions.
It's through our EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING as well as our ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS that we are born with which create many of the filters (perception) we use to interpret the world with. Those who learn to be able to consciously control and shape those filters are more able to positively impact their own lives as well as potentially those around them.

THE SOUL ELEMENTS
CONCLUSION

All thoughts, emotions, motivations, intentions, and behaviors are derived from accepting or rejecting or fear or hope via EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING and ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS that FLOW, EASE, RESISTANCE, VALIDATION, EXPANSION, and CHOICE was, is, or will be given to or taken from (perceptually or actually) one’s self, that which outside of self one values or has APPRECIATION for, or that which one experiences EMPATHY towards.

Through understanding your world more wholly and more deeply, both within and outside, via knowledge frameworks, such as The Soul Elements, and having focus and direction, as well as being present and open to opportunities and continuous improvement, you are more empowered to have more insights that enable you to make more choices that harmoniously align with you and that which surrounds you while also experiencing more desired synchronicities. In essence, success design is enabled.

Thought, emotion, and action, diagram background

TO BE NOTED

In addition to my own reflections, I spent time reading to find any holes in my above understanding. In that reading, I did discover a hole, which was the fact that the Element CHOICE was missing, found in the reading of Daniel H. Pink’s Drive.

Also, upon reading, I became aware that The Soul Elements embodies various aspects of what others (specifically, Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory, Carl Rogers' theories on Positive Regard and Self Worth as well as Congruence, and Kurt Lewin's Field Theory) have already discovered and revealed.

Additionally, a friend of mine, a licensed clinical psychologist, let me know that I was not the first person to come up with the concept of FLOW in the way that I have defined it and that I should read Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentamihalyi. What I learned in reading Csikszentamihalyi's Flow is that his concept of Flow is essentially the exact same as my FLOW THROUGH ACTION (better said, my concept is a reflection of his flow concept, since his concept came decades before mine), but my FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS is a completely different concept altogether relative to his concept of FLOW.

Furthermore, the colors and icons associated to each Element have no true association and are merely used to help the reader in creating a clearer separation between the Elements.

Lastly, Found Soul, generally speaking, does not ally specifically with any one faith, sect, or denomination. The Soul Elements is for all.

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If you want to learn more about how Nathan can help you implement The Soul Elements in your life, business, or organization, feel free to connect with him.

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The Soul Elements was first uploaded/submitted to the United States Copyright Office on December 25th, 2012 and again on February 18th, 2013 as A Living Theory.

THESOUL ELEMENTS

Without further ado, THE SOUL ELEMENTS:

FLOW

FLOW THROUGH ACTION

FLOW THROUGH STILLNESS

ADDITIONAL FLOW THOUGHTS

EASE

EASE THROUGH ACTION

EASE THROUGH STILLNESS

EASE OF PRESENT

EASE OF FUTURE

ADDITIONAL EASE THOUGHTS

RESISTANCE

RESISTANCE THROUGH ACTION

RESISTANCE THROUGH STILLNESS

RESISTANCE FROM PAST

RESISTANCE FROM PRESENT

RESISTANCE FROM UNKNOWN

ADDITIONAL RESISTANCE THOUGHTS

VALIDATION

UNCONDITIONAL VALIDATION

CONDITIONAL VALIDATION

SELF VALIDATION

EXTERNAL VALIDATION

ADDITIONAL VALIDATION THOUGHTS

EXPANSION

UNFOCUSED EXPANSION

FOCUSED YET OPEN TO EVOLVING EXPANSION

FOCUSED EXPANSION

ADDITIONAL EXPANSION THOUGHTS

EMPATHY

COMPASSION

ADDITIONAL EMPATHY THOUGHTS

CHOICE

APPRECIATION

ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS

EXPERIENCED UNDERSTANDING

THE SOUL ELEMENTSCONCLUSION

TO BE NOTED

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THE
SOUL ELEMENTS

THE SOUL ELEMENTS
CONCLUSION