The Prevalence of Threes

The number three has appeared frequently of late, and in so many different ways. I like the spiritual message of the three, but there is so much more to this number. Today I share with you some of my thoughts and findings about the number three.

Spiritually it is believed that three reveals itself to encourage you to see the divine spark within yourself, to see the divine spark within others, and to notice all that is divine in your life. This message may benefit others who, like me, have felt fatigued by the negativity that has been present in the world.

In numerology the three is all about optimism, creative self-expression, and unique thinking.

Timetables of Survival tell us:

• You can survive 3 minutes without oxygen or 3 minutes in icy water.
• You can survive 3 hours without shelter in a harsh environment.
• You can survive 3 days without water (if sheltered from a harsh environment).
• You can survive 3 weeks without food (if you have water and shelter).

The three has religious significance:

• Buddhists make offerings to the three jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
• Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are honored in Hinduism.
• Islam holy sites are the Kaaba, the Prophet’s Mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
• Christianity celebrates the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• In Taoism the three represents Heaven, Earth, and Human Beings

Sayings:

• Three sheets to the wind
• Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride
• Of the people, by the people, for the people
• See no evil, Speak no evil, Hear no evil

There are both hopeful and ominous Superstitions:

• Third time’s a charm
• An owl, hooting three times, brings misfortune
• Unlucky events are said to happen in a series of three
• Washing your hair on the 3rd day of any month may bring you wealth
• If you want to shoo away the devil you just have to spit three times
• Knocking on wood 3 times adds protection to words that were just said

The Writing Rule of Three is based on the principle that things presented in threes are inherently funnier, more satisfying, or more effective than any other number. Humorists and comedians tend to agree, and follow the rule of the Comic Triple.

Miscellaneous trios:

• Mind, Body, Spirit
• Id, Ego, Super-Ego
• Birth, Life, Death
• Beginning, Middle, End
• Past, Present, Future
• Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
• Three Stooges, Three Little Pigs, Three Blind Mice, and Three Little Kittens

Saved for last is a suggestion that I hope you might find beneficial. When it comes to venting, have a three-time policy. For life’s little annoyances, limit yourself to telling the story just three times at a maximum, and then never bring it up again.

Now that it’s been brought to your attention, you’ll likely notice the three more every day. I hope it brings you joy, optimism and an awareness of the divinity within and around you.