Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualim
What Is My Ideal?
By Mae Gimbert St. Clair
(This is a paraphrased version.)
(Based on Edgar Cayce’s approach to self-measurement, explained in simple terms)
Edgar Cayce taught that before a person can truly help others or serve a meaningful purpose, they must first understand and accept an ideal to live by. In 1930, a young man asked Cayce how he could help with his work. Cayce replied that the first step was not action, but belief. The young man needed to be convinced that the work was reasonable, meaningful, and helpful to others. Once he truly believed this, helping others would come naturally, and through that service, the work itself would grow.
Cayce explained that the young man’s real problem was deeper: he had never committed himself to any clear ideal. Without an ideal, a person drifts through life without direction. Cayce said that someone without an ideal is like a wanderer. If a person’s ideal is based only on material things—such as money, status, or possessions—it will not last. These goals eventually lose their meaning and leave confusion behind. Only ideals rooted in something constructive and spiritual can bring lasting clarity and purpose.
An ideal, according to Cayce, is not just a pleasant thought. It is a standard—a guiding measure for how we think, choose, and act. Every relationship and every experience requires such a standard. This applies to all areas of life: the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. Though these areas work together and influence one another, there must always be a clear ideal held as the example we are trying to grow toward.
To better understand our ideals, Cayce recommended making them visible and concrete. Instead of keeping them only in our thoughts, we should write them down. He suggested dividing a page into three sections labeled Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. Under each heading, we should carefully choose an ideal that truly reflects who we want to become in that area. This process takes time, honesty, patience, and self-study. It should not be based on other people’s opinions, but on deep personal reflection.
In simple terms, an ideal can be defined as a standard by which we judge our actions and make decisions. Ideals are basic principles meant to be lived, not just admired. However, Cayce emphasized that ideals should be high enough that we may never fully reach them. Their purpose is not perfection, but growth. We continue striving toward them throughout life. A true ideal is something we could live by, speak for, and even stand by at the end of life.
Applying ideals in daily life requires self-examination. Cayce advised writing down the things we desire most. As we review the list, we should notice which desires serve only personal satisfaction. Over time, these self-centered wishes should be replaced with a higher intention, such as: “Lord, use me in Your way.” As this shift happens, selfish desires gradually fade, and a deeper inner awareness takes their place.
Ideals should not remain abstract ideas. Cayce encouraged people to write them down regularly, review them often, and allow them to change as they grow. Words may be crossed out, rewritten, or refined as understanding deepens. Using the three-column method, even one carefully chosen word for each area—physical, mental, and spiritual—is enough to begin. Looking up the meanings of these words and reflecting on how they feel helps ensure they truly guide behavior and decisions.
As part of this self-study, Cayce repeatedly asked important questions:
What do you believe?
Where did those beliefs come from?
What principle lies at the heart of them?
Knowing your ideals in all three areas of life is essential. Just as the body needs food, the mind needs learning and clarity, and the spirit needs faith and purpose. All three must be cared for and strengthened.
Living by a true ideal leads to growth. When a person consistently lives in a way that reflects their ideal, others are naturally inspired. People not only enjoy being around such a person but feel encouraged to become better themselves. The stronger a person holds to their ideal, the higher their own standards become—and those standards also influence others.
Cayce reminded us that what truly matters is not who we are in name or position, but what we are in character. What counts is the purpose behind our actions and the spirit in which we act. These are what remain and shape the soul over time. Our choices are guided by the will, shaped by the mind, and directed by our ideal. If that ideal is not creative, constructive, and life-giving, then the soul must face the results of those choices honestly.
Life itself, Cayce taught, is like a school. Each experience is a lesson meant to help the soul grow. Every challenge and decision adds something to our development. When life becomes consistent with our ideals, we experience better health, stronger relationships, and greater clarity in both mind and body.
Finally, Cayce encouraged holding onto faith—faith in others, faith in life, and especially faith in oneself and in God. No matter what others choose, each person must decide for themselves whom and what they will serve. Let your guiding purpose, your watchword, be a commitment to serve the living good with sincerity and dedication.
Daily Self-Study Exercise: Living by My Ideal
Purpose
This exercise helps you become aware of your physical, mental, and spiritual ideals, measure your daily actions against them, and slowly shape your life around higher purpose rather than habit or impulse.
Step 1: Center Yourself (2–3 minutes)
Sit quietly and take a few slow breaths. Let your mind settle.
Silently remind yourself:
“Today, I choose to live with intention.”
Step 2: State Your Ideals (5 minutes)
On a page, draw three columns or sections. Label them:
Physical
Mental
Spiritual
Under each heading, write one word or short phrase that represents your ideal for that area of life.
Examples (use your own words):
Physical: Balance, Care, Discipline
Mental: Clarity, Truth, Patience
Spiritual: Love, Faith, Service
These are not goals to “finish,” but standards to live by.
Step 3: Reflect on Belief (5 minutes)
Answer these questions honestly in writing:
What do I believe is most important in life?
Where did this belief come from?
Does this belief support my ideals—or distract from them?
You may not have perfect answers. Awareness is the goal.
Step 4: Daily Self-Check (5–7 minutes)
Review the past day or the day ahead and ask:
Physical
Did my choices honor my body today?
What small action can better reflect my physical ideal?
Mental
Were my thoughts constructive or reactive?
Did I think in a way that matched my mental ideal?
Spiritual
Was my attitude loving, patient, or purposeful?
Did I act from ego, or from a higher intention?
Write one short sentence for each.
Step 5: Release Self-Centered Desires (2–3 minutes)
Write one desire or concern that feels centered only on personal gain, fear, or control.
Then rewrite it as a higher intention, such as:
“Use me in the way that brings the most good.”
This helps shift focus from self-gratification to service.
Step 6: Choose One Intentional Action (2 minutes)
Decide on one small action you will take today that reflects your ideals.
Examples:
Speak more gently
Be honest instead of defensive
Care better for your body
Pause before reacting
Help someone without expecting anything in return
Keep it simple and realistic.
Step 7: Evening Review (Optional, 5 minutes)
At the end of the day, ask:
Where did I live true to my ideals?
Where did I fall short—and what did I learn?
What will I carry forward tomorrow?
Do not judge yourself. Growth comes from consistency, not perfection.
Weekly Adjustment (Once a Week)
Review your chosen ideal words.
Do they still feel right?
Do they need refining or replacing?
Has your understanding grown?
Change them as you grow.
Closing Thought
Your ideal is the standard by which you choose, act, and become.
You are not measured by who you are, but by the spirit and purpose behind what you do.
Sample Answer 1: Learning Awareness
Physical Ideal: Care
Mental Ideal: Clarity
Spiritual Ideal: Love
Belief Reflection:
I believe life works better when I slow down and pay attention. I learned this from experience—rushing usually creates mistakes and tension. This belief supports my ideals because care and clarity both require awareness.
Daily Self-Check:
Physically, I didn’t eat very well today, but I did rest when I needed to.
Mentally, I caught myself overthinking but paused and breathed before reacting.
Spiritually, I tried to be kinder in my words, especially when I felt irritated.
Releasing Self-Centered Desire:
Desire: I want things to go my way today.
Higher Intention: Help me respond with love instead of control.
Intentional Action:
I will pause before speaking when I feel frustrated.
Evening Review:
I wasn’t perfect, but I noticed myself more. That feels like progress.
Sample Answer 2: Building Discipline
Physical Ideal: Balance
Mental Ideal: Focus
Spiritual Ideal: Faith
Belief Reflection:
I believe consistency matters more than motivation. I learned this from starting and stopping too many times. This belief helps my ideals because balance and focus grow through steady effort.
Daily Self-Check:
Physically, I moved my body even though I didn’t feel like it.
Mentally, I stayed on one task instead of multitasking.
Spiritually, I trusted that small effort was enough for today.
Releasing Self-Centered Desire:
Desire: I want quick results.
Higher Intention: Help me stay faithful to the process.
Intentional Action:
I will complete one task fully before starting another.
Evening Review:
I felt calmer when I stayed focused. Faith made the pressure lighter.
Sample Answer 3: Practicing Patience
Physical Ideal: Respect
Mental Ideal: Patience
Spiritual Ideal: Service
Belief Reflection:
I believe growth happens slowly. I learned this by watching how impatience causes stress. This belief supports my ideals because patience allows better service to others.
Daily Self-Check:
Physically, I respected my limits and didn’t push too hard.
Mentally, I noticed impatience and chose to wait instead of reacting.
Spiritually, I listened more and talked less.
Releasing Self-Centered Desire:
Desire: I want others to change.
Higher Intention: Help me serve without expecting outcomes.
Intentional Action:
I will listen fully before responding.
Evening Review:
Patience felt uncomfortable, but it created peace.
Sample Answer 4: Seeking Honesty
Physical Ideal: Responsibility
Mental Ideal: Truth
Spiritual Ideal: Integrity
Belief Reflection:
I believe honesty with myself is the foundation for growth. I learned this by noticing how excuses delay change. This belief strongly supports my ideals.
Daily Self-Check:
Physically, I followed through on what I said I would do.
Mentally, I admitted when I was avoiding something.
Spiritually, I tried to act the same in private as in public.
Releasing Self-Centered Desire:
Desire: I want to look good to others.
Higher Intention: Help me live truthfully instead of impressively.
Intentional Action:
I will tell the truth gently, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Evening Review:
Integrity feels grounding, even when it’s hard.
Sample Answer 5: Growing Compassion
Physical Ideal: Care
Mental Ideal: Understanding
Spiritual Ideal: Compassion
Belief Reflection:
I believe everyone is struggling with something unseen. I learned this through my own challenges. This belief strengthens compassion and understanding.
Daily Self-Check:
Physically, I cared for myself without guilt.
Mentally, I tried to understand instead of judge.
Spiritually, I chose compassion when it would have been easier to withdraw.
Releasing Self-Centered Desire:
Desire: I want to protect myself from discomfort.
Higher Intention: Help me stay open and compassionate.
Intentional Action:
I will offer kindness without expecting appreciation.
Evening Review:
Compassion made the day feel meaningful.
