Living Higher: What It Really Means to Flourish in Mind, Body & Spirit
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
On a recent trip to Indonesia, I found myself on a mountaintop watching the sunrise from a Jeep — a story for another time. In that moment, surrounded by people of different races and nations — all gathered to watch the splendour of the sun God made — I asked myself:
What does it really mean to live abundantly?
For a long time, I thought flourishing meant ticking boxes: excelling in my career, looking after my body, staying connected to God. But there were seasons I had all of that on paper and still felt… off. Like I was existing, not living. Surviving, not flourishing.
Over time, I’ve learned that flourishing isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment — a harmony between mind, body, and spirit that creates space for peace, purpose, and presence.
The Biblical Root of Flourishing
The Greek word used in John 10:10 for "abundant" (perissos) implies “more than enough,” “overflowing,” and “beyond what is necessary.” It’s not just about doing more, but being more — more alive, more whole, more rooted.
This isn’t the hustle or the grind. It’s wholeness.
Jesus wasn’t promising a life without hardship, but a life rich with meaning. A life where we’re fully alive in every part of ourselves.
So What Does That Look Like in Real Life?
Here are a few ways I’m learning to live higher — not in theory, but in practice:
Mind: I pay attention to my thoughts. When anxiety or comparison creeps in, I try to pause and ask: Is this true? Is this kind? Is this mine?
Body: I’ve started walking more, not as punishment, but as a rhythm of care. I drink water before my coffee. I rest without guilt.
Spirit: I make time to pray — sometimes with words, sometimes in silence. I ask God not just for direction, but for connection.
Flourishing looks different every day. Some days it’s journaling with worship music on. Other days it’s saying no to protect your peace. Often, it’s choosing grace — again and again.
Mindfulness as a Path to Alignment
One of the simplest yet most powerful tools I return to is mindfulness — the practice of being fully present, right here, without judgment.
When life feels noisy or chaotic, mindfulness helps me reconnect. It interrupts the autopilot mode. It reminds me to notice— my thoughts, my body, my breath, my surroundings. In that space of awareness, I find God again. I remember I don’t have to strive. I can just be.
Mindfulness is spiritual. It creates room for the Spirit to speak — not through force, but through stillness.
It could look like:
Sitting in silence with your hand on your heart for 2 minutes.
Pausing before you eat to say a slow, grateful prayer.
Taking a walk without your phone, just to observe and breathe.
You don’t have to escape your life to find alignment. Sometimes, you just need to come back to the moment you're already in.
A Gentle Challenge for You This Week
Ask yourself: What does abundance look like in this season?
Then choose one small way to nourish your mind, your body, and your spirit.
Let me know what you try — I’d love to hear from you.
With grace,
Sanaa