Some spiritual traditions describe life as having several “planes” or layers. One popular version names five: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social. It isn’t a scientific model, but it can be a helpful map for reflecting on the different parts of your life.
Here are the five planes, offered as a gentle way to check in with yourself.
1. The physical plane
Your body, your health and the world you can touch. Rest, food, movement and a comfortable home all belong here.
2. The emotional plane
Your feelings and moods. Caring for this plane might mean naming your feelings, letting them come and go and finding comfort when you need it.
3. The mental plane
Your thoughts, beliefs and ideas. Learning something new, noticing unhelpful thought patterns and giving your mind rest all support this plane.
4. The spiritual plane
Your sense of meaning, wonder and connection to something larger. This might include prayer, meditation, time in nature or reflecting on what matters most.
5. The social plane
Your relationships and communities. Time with friends, kindness to strangers and feeling that you belong all nourish this part of life.
No plane is better than another
Each part of life matters. Some weeks one plane will need more attention than others. That’s natural.
How little is enough
Ask yourself which of these five planes feels most in need of care right now, and do one small thing for it today.
For more, read Oneness experiences.
If you’d like a gentle companion for finding your way through change, there’s a guided journal for it on the Guides page.