Holistic Human Development – What Is It & States of Human Self!

Holistic development is an approach to human growth and development that emphasizes the importance of nurturing all aspects of the self. It is based on the idea that human beings are multi-dimensional and have various states of being, including physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, moral, and spiritual aspects. For meaningful development to occur, all levels of the self must be adequately developed, since they are interconnected and interdependent.

The philosophy of holistic human development promotes a sense of responsibility for our own well-being and that of those around us. It emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices about what we do and how we act, enabling us to create positive changes within ourselves that can have a ripple effect on those around us.

By practicing holistic development, an individual becomes more aware of not only themselves but also their environment and other creations around them. This heightened awareness enables wise decision-making based on both short-term needs and long-term objectives. Overall, holistic development offers a powerful approach to human growth that leads to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and a positive impact on the world around us.

Multiple States of Being or Levels of Self

As opposed to other creatures, human beings have multiple levels of the self or states of being. Islamic tradition views humans as having various levels, including physical (body), psychological (mind), intellectual, emotional (soul), moral (heart), and spiritual (spirit). 

• The Body (physical). As human beings, we exist on multiple levels of the self. At the most basic level, there is the physical body, which is the tangible, material manifestation of the self. The body is the vessel through which we experience the world, and it is intimately connected to our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It allows us to interact with the physical world around us.

• The Mind (psychological). Above the body is the mind, which is the seat of our thoughts and memories. The mind is where our conscious awareness as well as subconscious programming resides. Through the mind, we also process and interpret the information we receive from our senses. The mind is the lens through which we interpret the world, and it plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of reality.

• The Intellect. Beyond the mind is the intellect, which is the capacity for reasoning, understanding, and making judgments. The intellect allows us to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions based on logic and reason.

• The Soul or Emotional Self. The soul is the seat of desires and emotions. The soul determines how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. It is influenced by the apparent attraction to this world and creates desires and emotions 

• The Heart or Moral Self. At an even deeper level is the heart, which is the center of the moral self. The heart is the seat of all the positive and selfless attributes, where we experience selfless love (not romantic love), compassion, and empathy. The Heart receives illumination from the divine through spirit and gives a deeper sense of purpose beyond the material.

• The Spirit. Finally, at the highest level is the spirit, which is the connection we have with something greater than ourselves. Soul and spirit are often used interchangeably but may have different meanings depending on one’s beliefs. The soul is often associated with the essence of a person, their individuality. The spirit is the bridge between our individual self and the universal consciousness, and it is the source of our spirituality and sense of awe and wonder at the world around us.

Each level requires development to achieve holistic wellness, similar to cultivating a three-dimensional garden. Keeping these levels in sync is crucial for positive connection and aligning with ourselves.

Moreover, we must allow faith to guide us on the path toward overall well-being by upholding healthy Islamic values. Each stage demands effort yet prioritizes inner peace, for without harmony, our actions become less meaningful compared to those that foster restorative faith.

With deliberate effort and determination, we can attain balance in our lives while uniting all levels in our pursuit of well-being and success.