FOUR DIMENSIONS OF RENEWAL
The single most powerful investments we can make in life- investment in ourselves. We are instruments of our performance, and to be effective, we need to recognize the importance of sharpen the saw in all four dimensions—Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Social/Emotional.
THE PHYSICAL DIMENSION
The physical dimension involves taking care of our physical body—eating right kind of food, getting rest, doing exercise.
The essence of renewing the physical dimension is to sharpen the saw, to exercise our body on regular basis in a way that will preserve our capacity to work and to adapt and enjoy.
THE SPIRUTUAL DIMENSION
The spiritual dimension is core to your value system. It draws upon the sources that inspire you and uplift you and tie you to timeless truth of all humanity.
David O Mckay taught,” The greatest battles of life are fought out in daily chambers of the soul.” If you win the battle there, if you settle the issues that inwardly conflict. You will find public victory—to promote the welfare and good of other people. Spiritual renewal rakes investment of time. When we take time to draw center of our lives, in our daily spiritual renewal we can visualize the events in harmony with our values.
THE MENTAL DIMENSION
Most of our mental development and study discipline comes through formal education. It is extremely valuable to train mind to stand apart and examine its own program. There is no better way to expand your mind on regular basis then to read literature. Writing is another powerful way to sharpen the mind. Character can be made by steady, long continued process.
THE SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DIMENSION
The goal of renewing ourselves socially is to develop meaningful relationships.
To renew yourself emotionally, you can:
· Seek to deeply understand other people
· Make contributions to meaningful projects that improve the lives of others
· Maintain an Abundance Mentality, and seek to help others find success
Renewing our social and emotional dimension helps us practice Habits 4, 5, and 6 by recognizing that Win-Win solutions do exist, seeking to understand others, and finding mutually beneficial third alternatives through synergy.
BALANCE IN RENEWAL
Organization as well as individual effectiveness requires development and renewal of all 4 dimensions in wise and balanced way. Any dimension neglected will create a negative for resistance that pushes against effectiveness and growth. Balanced renewal is optimally synergetic.
THE UPWARD SPIRAL
Renewal is the principle – and the process—that empowers us to move on an upward spiral of growth and change, of continuous improvement.
Moving along the spiral requires us to learn, commit, and do. To keep progressing, we must develop upward spiral, we must show diligence in the process of renewal by educating and obeying our conscience.
