Life’s challenges can often leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of balance. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, stress, or compulsive behaviors like compulsive eating, OCD or body-focused repetitive disorders (BFRDs), these mental and emotional states can feel inescapable. However, the Hermetic Principle of Polarity offers a powerful solution: every state exists on a spectrum, and with focused intention, we can shift toward more empowering, positive states.
In this blog, I’ll share how you can apply this principle to yourself or others to create meaningful mental and emotional shifts while also exploring the connection between mental states and their physical manifestations, as well as how the Principle of Cause and Effect comes into play.
Understanding the Principle of Polarity
The Hermetic Principle of Polarity, as described in The Kybalion, teaches us that opposites are simply varying degrees of the same thing. Hot and cold, for example, are not fundamentally different—they are points on the spectrum of temperature. Similarly, mental states like joy and despair, focus and chaos, or calm and stress, are points on the same spectrum.
This principle empowers us to consciously move along that spectrum, shifting from one pole to the other through intention and practice.
Mental States and Their Physical Manifestations
Many mental states, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and compulsive behaviors, manifest physically:
Depression: Fatigue, body aches, slowed speech or movement, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.
Anxiety and Stress: Rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, shallow breathing, digestive issues, and difficulty concentrating.
OCD and BFRDs: Physical behaviors like hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, or repetitive rituals often result from heightened mental distress.
These physical effects remind us that mental states and physical actions are deeply interconnected. This is where the Hermetic Principle of Cause and Effect becomes relevant: mental causes lead to physical effects, and physical actions can reinforce or diminish mental states.
By addressing both the mental and physical aspects, we can create lasting transformation.
Practical Applications for Mental and Emotional Shifts
1. Shifting Polarity for Depression
Depression often feels heavy and overwhelming, but it represents one point on the emotional spectrum.
How to Shift:
Start Small: Focus on one simple thing that brings gratitude or comfort, like a warm beverage, your favorite chair, or a supportive conversation. Allow yourself to re-experience the sensation of the comforting item. Hold that sensation in your mind and feel it in your body. Breathe into it.
Expand Gradually: Build on those moments by seeking small joys, like a favorite song or a walk in nature.
Example Practice: Reflect on three things you’re grateful for daily. Over time, this practice trains your mind to recognize and amplify positive emotions.
2. Shifting Polarity for OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Disorders (BFRD), and Compulsive Eating
OCD and BFRDs involve mental compulsions that manifest in physical habits. These behaviors often stem from heightened focus or emotional discomfort.
The Shared Emotional Thread
For many who struggle with OCD, BFRD, or compulsive eating, there may be an accompanying feeling of not wanting something- for example, not wanting certain textured hair, uneven nails, skin blemishes, extra weight; or obsessing over how they look in pictures. They may want perfection, and anything less than that is undesirable. The "unwanted" feeling manifests physically as the disorder, but is tied to emotional or psychological discomfort:
Stress or Anxiety: The behaviors may emerge to manage or suppress feelings of unease.
Perfectionism: The need to "fix" something reflects deeper self-critical tendencies.
Trauma or Emotional Pain: These actions may distract from or soothe unresolved hurt.
Control: When life feels chaotic, these repetitive actions provide a sense of mastery or relief.
Awareness is part of the healing journey.
How to Shift:
Delay and Replace: If you feel the urge to engage in a behavior (e.g., hair pulling, skin picking, nail-biting, compulsive emotional or boredom eating), delay for 5 seconds, then increase the delay gradually over time. Use alternative tools like a fine-toothed comb for hair or textured sensory items for skin, honor your body with a nourishing meal, or drink water or a warm cup of tea instead of binge eating unhealthy foods when bored or stressed. If bored, you may try engaging in your own five-minute yoga flow, or five minutes of dancing or listening to your favorite music, or some other creative element.
Acknowledge and Reframe: Recognize the underlying feeling (e.g., wanting to remove what feels “unwanted”) and explore what else in your life might feel unwanted.
Example Practice: Use a mantra like, “I am choosing nurturing actions,” as you redirect the behavior. Reward yourself for small victories to reinforce the shift.
3. Shifting Polarity for Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety often arise from a feeling of overwhelm or lack of control, but their opposites—calm and clarity—are within reach.
How to Shift:
Pause and Breathe: Use grounding techniques, like the “4-7-8” breathing method, to bring yourself back to the present moment.
Focus on Small Wins: Identify one thing you can control and act on it, like organizing your thoughts with a list or completing a simple task.
Example Practice: With each exhale, visualize releasing tension from your body. Picture your mind clearing and your strength returning, one breath at a time.
The Interplay of Polarity and Cause and Effect
The Principle of Cause and Effect reminds us that every action has a reaction. By changing the “cause” (your mental focus or physical habits), you create new “effects” in your body and mind.
For instance:
Focusing on gratitude shifts mental polarity toward positivity, which reduces physical symptoms of stress.
Redirecting a compulsive habit reinforces feelings of control, diminishing both physical and mental discomfort over time.
Together, these Hermetic Principles guide us to approach transformation holistically, addressing both the mind and body.
Ready to Transform?
As the holidays approach, many of us face heightened stress, financial pressure, or personal challenges. But remember: you have the power to shift your mental state and create positive ripple effects in your life.
At Tranquil Heart, I’m here to guide you through these transitions. My sessions focus on nurturing your spiritual essence and empowering you with tools for lasting change.
Explore my services and begin your journey toward balance and harmony: Visit My Website
Warmly,
Karen Jenkins
Usui Reiki Master | Seichim Master | IET® Master | Spiritual Wellness Guide
Tranquil Heart
Nurturing Your Spiritual Essence, One Session at a Time
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