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The Vital Role of Hope in the Human Experience ©

Updated: Jul 16




The human body is a marvel of interconnected systems, each playing a pivotal role in sustaining life. The physical organs are tangible and available for observation and study, but often passed over is the important role of the soul. Because the soul exists in the metaphysical and not the physical realm, let’s consider it analogous to the physical circulatory system of the body.

 

The soul's main organ, and pump, if you will, is the self (the soul's heart) at the center of the circulatory system which hosts the soul's emotional and psychological makeup. This is where we begin to uncover profound insights into human nature, love, social interaction, hope, and health.


Just as the body's heart stops when deprived of oxygen, the soul can suffocate without hope. Hopelessness can lead to feelings of powerlessness and psychological desperation. This state inhibits our ability to envision a future, crippling our mental health. Chronic hopelessness may escalate to severe health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation.

 

Throughout literature, blood symbolizes life, sacrifice, and a deep connection. In many narratives, blood represents the essence of humanity and the bonds between individuals. Conversely, love in literature is often symbolized as an undying force, a relentless pursuit of connection and completeness, mirroring the lifegiving properties of blood. Authors use this symbolism to highlight the importance of love in maintaining the vitality of the human spirit.

 

Hope operates in much the same way as oxygen does within the physical circulatory system. Oxygen sustains cellular functions, while hope sustains our emotional and psychological well-being. Hope is a cognitive process involving goal setting, pathways, and agency. When we set realistic goals and believe in our capacity to achieve them through adaptable strategies, we foster a hopeful outlook that propels us forward.

 

The circulatory system of the body functions by transporting oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, ensuring their proper function and vitality. Comparable to this system, the soul's circulatory system has love as its lifeblood. Love nourishes the soul, fostering emotional and mental well-being. It moves through our interactions, relationships, and experiences, enriching our lives.

 

Feelings of powerlessness often give rise to desperation. When individuals perceive their efforts as futile, they may resort to extreme measures as a means of gaining control. Suicide, as devastatingly tragic as it is, can be seen as the ultimate act of control for someone who feels devoid of agency. Addressing issues of powerlessness through therapeutic and supportive interventions is vital in restoring hope.

 

Oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone,' plays a significant role in social bonding and interaction. It is released during moments of intimacy and social connection. This hormone serves as a bridge, connecting the biological with the emotional, reinforcing the analogy of love as the blood in the soul's circulatory system.

 

By comparing the body's circulatory system to the intricate emotional processes within the soul, we glean a better understanding of the profound connections between physiological and psychological health. Nourishing both body and soul with vital elements—in the form of oxygen, love, hope, and meaningful social interactions—ensures overall well-being and resilience.


(c)2024, Warrior Healing Center

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