Create System of ‘3’ for a Fulfilling Life
What I have found in the study of living a fulfilling life is the power of 3. This is the perfect number — not too much, not too little. The number 3 creates a triangle, the first fundamental shape in geometry which brings about the symbolic representation of the triad or the trinity. In mathematics, the upward pointing triangle is the upper-case Greek symbol (Δ) which is used to mean a change in value or difference. The fundamental principle here simply means Change.
You find it in major religions like Buddhism — Buddha, Dharma, Sangha; Hinduism — Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva; Christianity — the Father, the Son, Holy Trinity. The concept of 3 is widely used across all traditions and all practices and fundamentally, it represents three basic forces of nature.
Going back to the ancient days, when we were simply just observing nature and the stars (the study of Astrology), our ancestors discovered the concepts of Cardinal (initiating force), Fixed (concentrating force), Mutable (dispersing force) across time.
Sacred geometry and numerology is a fascinating study to do research as they speak the language of the universe and I am happy to go down the rabbit hole with you. But, for the purpose of this article let’s stick to idea of the number 3.
System of 3
We tend to think that nature is outside of us — out there in the wilderness. Instead, nature begins within us and we are hard wired to the forces of nature. The power of 3 lives in our bodies and in our psyche. Hence, when we can think in 3s, plan our days in 3s, learn new skills in 3s, we are more likely to get into a harmonious flow, meaning living life towards the path of least resistance.
The famous anthropologist Arnold Van Gennep studied rites of passage in many indigenous tribes found that there were three stages in the ceremony: severance, threshold experience, incorporation. Severance (cardinal) stage reflects the separation from the old, the threshold experience (fixed) represents the force of change by higher forces of life, and the incorporation (mutable) stage represents the force of integration and embodiment. These stages are important for us to understand because when we miss out any one of this stages, our experience is incomplete and the change we are looking to create tends to be unsuccessful for various reasons.
We tend to miss out either one of this stages in our modern lifestyle. This leaves us feeling not able to make the changes we are looking for, knowing many ideas and concepts but not able to practice it, feeling disconnected and disembodied and experiencing many intense highs and lows.
The point of me sharing this with you is not that you get another few hacks or tips from me to live a more fulfilling Life but it is so that you can start engineering your own life and create the system that best serves you.
Why do we need a system in Life? The definition of a ‘system’ is a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network. An interestingly, the etymology of ‘system’ means“the whole creation, the universe,” from Late Latin systema in 1610s.
To create a system is to create a conducive container for growth so that we are neither under-stimulated or overwhelmed, which can lead us down the downward spiral of chronic frustration. Just as Life changes every moment, we too, are hardwired for changes. When we can change effectively by struggling efficiently and resting deeply, the fulfillment of Life grows within us effortlessly.
Chiron’s System of 3
Let me give you an example of what I have created for myself when it comes to living a fulfilling personal, professional and spiritual Life.
- Seek out Novelty and New Experiences.(Cardinal/Severance)
Every day, week, month, year do something different. Do something you have never done before. Meet people you have never met before. Try new food, new taste, new adventures. Go to somewhere new and out of your comfort zone. Spontaneity and randomness are bonus points. Take risks to make something happen and you are never fully prepared or ready anyway. Discover and learn as you go.
2. Create and Make Stuff Up. (Fixed/Threshold)
We spend too much time eating information from external sources (input) and spend too little time creating from within (output). Being creative is intrinsic in all of us, it is not a personality or identity. Worry less about making mistakes, concentrate more in playing and laughing at our mess. Cook, write, play music, make moves up, sculpt an eco art, draw, sketch, dance, sing, role play, act, express, make love, create a puzzle, play games, make stuff up!
3. Share love and Serve Deeply. (Mutable/Incorporation)
Make a difference in your world. Tiny little gestures such as smiling, being present, acknowledge someone’s presence, giving gratitude, quickly forgiving, devotion practices to higher forces, and being authentic with your expression can serve the world in profound ways. It doesn’t have to be grand in order to make an impact. Serve deeply with your business, love deeply with your passion, care deeply with your intention. Share all the great experiences of being human with all that is around you. Vibrate your energy to raise the energy of others. Let them remember why it is so great to be alive. When I do this, I am embodying and practicing what I am learning and creating.
So this trinity is my system. I know if I am able to get those 3 things done, I am living a successful and fulfilled Life — no questions asked. When I started being intentional about this system, I hardly doubt myself anymore if I am doing enough for myself and for the world. I simply enjoy every step that I take in my rich human experience.
Now your turn.
- Figure out what it means for you to discover and have new experiences.
- Figure out how your would like to create yourself, others and the world.
- Figure out how you would like to implement your learning, inspire your environment and receive feedback.
Make up your own rules of life and see if it fits to the rules of the world. This is the beginning of self-authorship.
System of ‘3’ does not confine to just making up a way of living for yourself. You can bring this idea when planning an event, creating a learning experience, or going on a trip.
Below are links to other examples of system of ‘3’ that I have discovered:
- Triangle of Wellbeing by Dan Siegel
- Three Prajna in Buddhism — Naropa University
- Movement Arts and Philosophy from Ido Portal
Go look out for more!
I am Chiron Yeng, your Human Potential Coach.
I serve purpose driven leaders who are suffering from burnout to thrive with exponential energy in their passion and career and experience the simply joys of Life. I believe when humanity starts to do so, the world becomes an enlightened and prosperous place.
For free coaching resources, schedule sessions with me, and more information, visit:
