Two Entities in One Vessel: Part one

One of the biggest revelations in my self-love journey was realizing that I’m not just one single entity but two—merged into one vessel: the Physical Self and the Inner Mind. We might not have known these exact terms, but at some point in our lives, we could sense them. The physical self and the inner mind influence each other, and each has an essential role to play. Working against each other is self-sabotage, while working with each other is self-improvement.

The Physical Self

This is the part of us that we can see and touch—our body, our voice, the steps we take daily. The physical self, to a large extent, can be altered—our facial features, posture, and appearance. It’s easier to influence through direct actions like exercise, self-care practices, grooming, and daily movement. However, there lies an unseen presence deeper underneath—the Inner Mind.

The Inner Mind

This is the most complex part of us. It controls our thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and how we interpret and respond to situations. The inner mind is where our beliefs, perceptions, and a variety of emotions lie. It is shaped by our past experiences, influenced by our environment, and controlled by something even deeper—the Inner Child (note: the inner child is not the inner mind).

The inner mind is a bit harder to rewire, but it can be subtly influenced by habits, the type of content we absorb, and even the people we surround ourselves with. Through intentional self-work, it can be transformed. The inner mind develops more strongly as we grow older, especially past adolescence. We start asking questions, analyzing, and redefining our past beliefs.

It is always active—constantly shaping and reshaping perspectives based on new experiences, critical thinking, and conscious reflection.

How They Interact

In tough situations, the inner mind is usually the first to go into fight or flight mode. It might feel discouraged, doubtful, or even trapped by past conditioning. As a result, the physical self reacts through fatigue, stress, or lack of motivation. We can all recall a time when we felt this way!

For instance, think about the times you knew you had something important to do—your physical self was fine, but your inner mind resisted putting in the effort. This stems from various underlying factors, some of which we might not even be aware of.

How to Strengthen Their Connection for Resilience

Rewiring the Inner Mind:

✨ Deep Reflection – Recognizing the limiting beliefs we have consciously and subconsciously accepted as our truths and realities—and challenging them.

✨ Using Affirmations and Mindful Practices – Positive self-talk, making a list of past achievements in a journal, being mindful of the content we consume, and engaging in hobbies or passions—all of these guide our thoughts in a positive direction.

✨ Patience – Rewiring takes intentional, gradual steps. Trust me, you are doing great—one step at a time. It’s not an overnight miracle!

Supporting the Physical Self:

✨ Moving your body – Through exercise, stretching, and even dressing up in our favorite and most confidence-boosting outfits.

✨ Nourishing with care – Eating good food, practicing skincare, and engaging in physical self-care routines like journaling.

✨ Understanding that physical self-care is not shallow – Our outward appearance influences our inner confidence, which is why we feel happier and more empowered when we take care of ourselves.

Conclusion

Real self-love and self-care are about balance—caring for both the physical self and the inner mind. When setbacks show up, don’t just focus on one—check in on both. When one struggles, it affects the other. By nurturing both, we create a balanced self-care routine that fuels our growth and strengthens our self-love journey.

During tough times, how do you notice if it’s your physical self or inner mind struggling more?

For me, it’s resistance. Self-doubt sweeps in, and my inner mind plays out scenarios where I didn’t perform a task as well as I had wanted to, or past situations where I didn’t live up to expectations. My physical self reacts by feeling unnecessarily tired—even at odd times.

I’d love to hear about yours! Let’s chat in the comments. Do drop a 💓 if this post resonates with you, and don’t forget to share it with a loved one!