Kill Stress & Save Spirit

Most of us know that stress has a negative impact on the mind and body. Stress kills, maims, and disables. The majority of the diseases we face in the modern world are stress related. With the understanding that people are holistic beings, it stands to reason that stress also damages the spirit. The tension and emotional disturbances caused by unpleasant life situations resonates throughout the soul and spirit realms. Bad relationships, financial hardship, destruction and loss of personal property, unhealthy lifestyles, worrying about the future, etc. wear us down, deplete our strength, and hinder the flow of chakra energy within our bodies.

Advantages of stress management

Good health

Longevity

Spiritual growth

Improved mental clarity

Enhanced physical, mental, and spiritual stamina

Removes distractions that prevent us from acquiring and maintaining connection with our spiritual component. 

Opens up channels of communication and energy flow

Much more...

Healthy lifestyles encourage healthy mind and body which are connected to spirit. Encourage healing and cellular regeneration. Incorporate stress management into your daily routine.

Acupuncture

Meditation

Prayer

Massage Therapy

Aromatherapy

Music Therapy

Organic Foods

Reiki

Yoga

Much more...

Healthy thought processes focus on the positive. View problems as challenges or opportunities for growth. Anything that heightens perceptions above and beyond the physical world raises our vibrations. The higher the vibrations, the more ethereal or spirit-like the existence.

Meditation

Hypnosis

Pineal gland Detoxification

Psychedelics

Lucid Dreaming

Much more...

Recreate yourself. Raise your vibrations. Rearrange and reorganize your life situation to render an environment with the least amount of stress as possible. Even if that means...

New friends

New job

Relocating to new city/town

Do what you got to do! It is your life, your body, mind, and spirit. Treat them well and they will do the same for you.

Peace

The Benefits of Darkness

Would the light of a candle truly be appreciated if there was no darkness?

A balanced life requires both light and darkness. 

The sunlight of day illuminates the planet allowing one to clearly navigate the physical world around them. The darkness of night comes along and quiets the world to sleep so healing and rejuvenation can take place. It is that healing and rejuvenation that prepares us for the next day. 

In like manner, the darkness of winter allows animals to hibernate in preparation for the sunlit months ahead. 
The earth's greenery and vegetation receives nourishment from both sun and rain. When the clouds mask the sunlight and darken the sky, life-giving rain falls. 

If it was not for the darkness, one could not adore the beauty of the stars and planets in the night sky. 

Light does not have significance without darkness. 

Our existence requires both elements to interact in a harmonious relationship.

Conflict occurs when darkness and light cannot interact according to the blueprint of nature.

What is your opinion on the topic? Should darkness always be considered a bad or negative thing? Is light always beneficial or desired? Is spiritual darkness in the same category with physical darkness? What are the similarities and/or the differences?

Love Versus Religion

Throughout history, religion has been the source of much of the conflict occurring on this planet. Historically, people in high places with their own agendas, have used religion as a tool in order to control, manipulate, and deceive the masses. Wouldn't it be a gigantic advancement of the human kind if religion was completely removed from the equation? Please watch this powerful short video from the Mind Unleashed TV series and share your thoughts.

How does this theory support or conflict with your religious and/or spiritual beliefs?

If You Like It, Then Please Do NOT Put A Ring On It

If the soaring divorce rate is any indication, putting a ring on it should not be taken lightly. My opinion is based on surmising that putting a ring on it symbolizes marriage in Beyonce's insanely popular mega hit. Imagine asking the average person what they thought the difference was between like and love. In more or less words, they will probably express that loving is simply a stronger, more intense version of liking. It is viewed as being almost the same emotion, but on a different point of the continuum. I beg to differ. 

Like and love are 2 different emotions that are similar, but not the same. The evidence for that is in our everyday lives. For instance, there are people that I love by virtue of their position, but I do not like them! When you like someone, you have feelings of fondness toward them based on what you perceive with your 5 natural senses. The person that you like probably has mental or physical traits that you admire. There is no spiritual connection or commitment. The love chakra is not yet activated.

Like is not a watered down version of love, although it may appear that way. Love can enter in the equation if the conditions are favorable. A couple in the early phase of their relationship may just like each other. As the relationship evolves, they may grow to love each other. The fact that they liked each other laid the foundation for love to emerge. However, the like did not become the love. It simply made the conditions more favorable for the love to happen.

When you love someone, no matter what type of love, your spirit communicates with their spirit. The love chakra is activated and you perceive things on a higher frequency. In other words, anyone who has ever loved anyone automatically encountered the supernatural. The cornerstone of love versus like is that love is based on using higher perception. Love requires awareness of the supernatural. Like is strictly limited to your intellectual perceptions and functions off the natural or physical realm.

Marriages require much work, sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to stay afloat. Particularly, in today's hectic and fast-paced world that bombards the union with multiple distractions. The genuine presence of mutual love provides an impermeable foundation for relationships. It creates a spiritual connection heightening the chances of marital survival. 

If you love it, then by all means, put a ring on it!

What is your opinion? 

Laughter Is More Than Medicine

When was the last time that you laughed? I mean 'really' laughed? Was it a few minutes ago, 2 days ago, or weeks ago? I am not talking about giggling or snickering, but a deep belly chuckle? The kind of laughter that makes your eyes water and your belly muscles sore. The kind of laughter that make the people nearby look at you as if you have lost it! Did it start from something you saw, heard, or did it begin with a thought?

It seems that most people do not realize how therapeutic laughter is to the spiritual, mental, and physical health. Here a some of the benefits that are supported by scientific research:

• Reduces the hormones associated with feelings of anxiety and stress.
• Decreases the blood pressure.
• Activates your immune system to function better.
• Increases the release of the feel good hormones called endorphins. They give you a sense of well-being and are natural pain relievers.
• According to E.C. Lameaux 7 Health Benefits of Laughter, it is a fun ab workout that tones your abs. When you laugh, your abdominal muscles expand and contract similar to intentional exercise. It is also reported that laughter is a great cardio workout. It actually burns the same number of calories per hour as a slow to moderate walk!

There are research studies that found people who laugh more have fewer illnesses and live longer than their somber counterparts. 

One's spirit feels lighter and more open with a sense of well-being that increases energy.

Does a burst of amusement activate a particular chakra? Some feel that the heart chakra is more involved because it is connected to emotions. There is some debate on the topic. It appears that laughter has such wide spread benefits, it likely impacts the energy flow of all the chakras. 

So by all means, rent that comedy, hang out with that crazy friend that tells those hilarious jokes, or buy tickets to see your favorite comedian. Laughter is more than medicine, it is food for your soul.

What is your opinion on the benefits of laughter? How does the mental and physical benefits relate to spirituality?

Aura Versus Chakra: What is the Difference?

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration." Nikola  Tesla

Science has proven that everything in our universe is energy vibrating at different frequencies. Auras are fields of electromagnetic energy that surround all living things and even inanimate objects. A human aura is actually a part of our anatomy that is not physical due to it  vibrating at a higher frequency; Remember the more solid the object the slower the vibrations, such as our physical bodies, trees, buildings, etc. Auras take on the form of the object it is emitted from. 

According to various experts, it is divided into seven layers also referred to as bodies. Each layer represents a different aspect of how we perceive and interact with God and universal laws. The energy of the various layers move in and out the physical body and is interconnected with the chakra energy. Auras come in different colors impacted by our personalities, emotional state of mind, physical health, and the environment. The movement and colors of auras can change frequently depending on the influential factors present. Auras can be seen with the natural eyes or with the mind's eyes (pineal gland/third eye). The aura ceases to exist when the physical body dies except for the outermost astral layers which support the soul and spirit. 

Chakras differ from auras in that they are internal and physically rooted at specific locations of the body. The colors and vibrations of the chakras are more consistent and not as easily changed. However, chakra energy can be shifted and its appearance can be altered from major or extremely traumatic life events. The flow of energy extending from the chakras that travel outside the body become the various layers of the aura. The more internal the layer, the more it is connected with the physical body. The more external the layer, the more it is connected with the spirit. 

Check out the following video on how to see auras with the natural eyes.

It stands to reason that if everything is energy, then, everything is connected. We have been given a clear scenario of how the energy we project and surround ourselves with impact who we are physically, mentally, and spiritually and vice versa. How do you propose mankind can apply that concept to a broader platform, such as humanitarian love and global peace? What type of resources would you use to shift the balance of energy toward a more ideal world? Do you think religion would facilitate the process or be a hindrance?

Wisdom Speaks

"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict."---  William Ellery Channing

Out of the Comfort Zone

Growth and maturity whether physical, mental, or spiritual rarely come from a comfortable snug position. It takes effort, exertion of energy, struggle, and pain, ultimately, movement away from comfort. When we are going through hardships, we are forced to search deeper for resources in finding solutions. Those resources might be characteristics within ourselves or external factors. We are challenged to come up with alternative ways to adapt and adjust to not so ideal circumstances. Life struggles help us gather new and more effective coping skills, become smarter, and more empowered. Our paradigms are shifted and expanded to a broader scale resulting in broader thinking and greater insight. After overcoming a hurdle, we gain new inner strength. What does not kill you really does make you stronger. Reflection on a difficult situation brings about life lessons, self-revelations, and wisdom. The impact of hardship on the human spirit can be compared to the transformation of a rock to a sparkling diamond!

Realistically speaking, most people do not set out to inflict painful situations on their lives no matter how productive the outcome. Have you heard of the saying, "No need to look for trouble because trouble will surely find you"? Hardships and struggles will inevitably occur in this life without any input or permission from us. No one's life on this earthly realm has ever been trouble-free no matter what their status. A popular life theory purportedly having scientific evidence explains that everything that happens to us emerges from our thoughts and emotions. That theory was made popular by the movie "The Secret" released in 2006. If such a universal law is true, do you think a trouble-free life is possible if people only emitted positive energy through thoughts and emotions? Do you think it is realistic or even possible for a person to live beyond infancy with a strictly positive mindset? Why or why not?

Soul Mates Created Not Born

When the average person is confronted with the question of "What is a soul mate?", most will respond with answers like someone who God created just for you, someone you are spiritually connected with, someone you are totally compatible with, someone who understands the real you, etc... It is expected that an individual would automatically fall in love with their soul mate for the obvious reasons. In other words, the love expressed is contingent on the person being perceived as a soul mate. My question is can people become soul mates after falling in love? The answer to my question is based on the assumption that people fall in love and stay together for other reasons. There may be other factors involved that one admires or holds high in priority that ignites the fire of love. The evidence can be found in statements like, "He is not exactly what I wanted for a mate, but he is a good man." The person making this statement is implying that love expressed is based on him being a good man as opposed to being "the one" God designed for her. 

I strongly disagree with "the one" theory. I believe there are numerous individuals in this world one can blend with harmoniously. After being in a relationship of that nature for an extended time, it stands to reason that spiritual connection and compatibility can evolve. It seems that two people can actually become soul mates if mutual love and respect is present. Where there is love, there is the desire to please and make happy. There is also the inevitable connection of hearts. Heart and soul are synonymous in the Bible and other religious writings. If you are in a relationship with someone you consider your soul mate, did you view them that way from the very beginning or did it evolve over time? Have you ever been in a relationship with a soul mate that ended? If yes, do you still feel the same connection although you both are no longer together or did the connection end when the relationship ended? If you presently do not have a mate/partner, do you think it is realistic to believe there is only one person out there for you? Why or why not? 

Healing Melodies of the Universe

Sound...It is something most of us take for granted with the exception of the hearing impaired. Nevertheless, it is one of the most utilized natural senses allowing us to interpret and experience our world. What exactly is sound? Simply explained, vibrations that travel through air, gas, water, etc., forming wave patterns called frequencies. Frequencies, in turn, are counted or measured by units called hertz (hz). Hertz are units accepted by a worldwide standard known as the International System of Units (SI) [see The Free Dictionary by Farlex at http://goo.gl/oPl8JX]. The human spectrum of audible sound is broad ranging between 20-20,000 hz! Check out this video to experience the range of your hearing capability: 

Most of the music we hear through mainstream media is 440 hz described as harsh and out of sync with the universal rhythm. Scientific research has discovered the energy that comprises our universe vibrates at distinct frequencies to include 432 hz and 528 hz. The numbers 432 and 528 occur mathematically in the very structure of the universe. It stands to reason that listening to music in those ranges might have therapeutic effects on the listeners. Researchers of the benefits of 432/528 hz have reported benefits, such as enhancement in DNA and cellular functions, alleviation of chronic illnesses and stress-related conditions, increased mental and spiritual clarity, enhanced chakra energy, and a softer, more gentle impact on the ear drums reducing the risk of hearing loss. Wow! Imagine getting all those benefits just from listening to music! The medical and pharmaceutical companies would go bankrupt! Put on some earphones and listen to the following 528 hz therapy:

Do you routinely listen to music at alternative frequencies? If yes, have you noted any positive changes in your mental or physical status? Do you think mainstream broadcasters of music would be open to the 432/528 hz transformation?

Chakras 101

"The most fatal illusion is the settled point of view. Since life is growth and motion, a fixed point of view kills anybody who has one." Brooks Atkinson, Drama Critic

Science has proven that everything in the universe is actually energy vibrating at different frequencies. The science of chakras has always stirred my fascination and interest. However, the Western world often thrust me in circles of rigid people who shunned Eastern-based spiritualism. It was my decision to acquire a level of spiritual maturity where I was willing to broaden my scope of how I viewed the universe. The feeling of understanding a different system of knowledge might some how complete the life puzzle was always lingering. Have you ever allowed your religious/spiritual views to hinder you from investigating others? Do you consider yourself open-minded believing all religions, at the least, offer a piece to the puzzle or are you totally convinced your spiritual views are the only reality and everybody else is crazy? How do your views impact how you interact socially with individuals of different belief systems?

Religion: Is it Good or Is it Bad?

Over 4000 religions have been identified on the planet earth as of 2014. Among the world religions, only 15-20 have been identified as major (based on the extent of membership). I was surprised to find that Atheism is considered a religion. I always viewed Atheism as the absence of religion (I will discuss that in more detail in a future post). See chart on Major Religions of the World Ranked By Number of Adherents on ChartsBin.com. One can easily find a potpourri of statistical data that confirms the majority of the world population is religious (adheres to a specific belief system). Wikipedia states, "A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence." In other words, religion gives us an organized format to explain why we exist, the purpose for our existence, and how to go about fulfilling that purpose. Most religions are supported by ancient writings explaining the origins of that belief system, eg., the Tanakh of Judaism. Ancient doctrines serve as a guide for our behavior and performing designated rituals. More specifically, religion dictates social behavior and expresses itself via ritualistic practices. In my opinion, it gives people hope based on faith, direction, and purpose...something meaningful to strive for.

Religion has been blamed for much of the conflict and chaos in the world as it impacts how humans view and interact with each other. How can that be when it is meant to promote clarity and enlightenment? There is no denying that a substantial amount of the hatred and violence we experience, observe, or hear about is based on religious differences, distortion, and misinterpretations; Slave owners in the historical United States used the Holy Bible as their justification for cruelty to African Americans. There are Muslim extremists who use the Quran as justification to hate and slaughter Christians. Tribal warfare is rampant in certain parts of the world due to clashes in beliefs and culture. The Vatican has been accused of distorting the church system to suit their own personal agenda. Based on those realities, some have come to the conclusion that religion is not a good thing.
What is your opinion on this topic? Do you agree or disagree with the impact religion has made on history as well as current events? If you do not agree with the manifestation of religion, then what do you propose as the explanation for the human journey? How do your views impact solutions to world problems and social dilemmas we presently face?

Spirit First & The Rest Will Follow

It is recommended by the experts that we take a holistic approach to healthcare addressing our physical, mental, and spiritual components. Based on my experiences and observations, it appears that most of us prioritize our health according to the physical first, followed by the mental, and in last place spiritual. It is the physical and mental health fields that provide the most resources, products, and services. There is concrete and empirical evidence that all three aspects are connected, interactive, and impacted by the status of the other. During this life, they cannot be separated until physical death launching the spirituality to a new realm. In other words the physical and mental will eventually cease, but the spiritual aspect will remain. With that being said, do you think people would be healthier from a holistic perspective if spirituality was placed as priority? If so why? Do you think churches and other places of worship are enough to promote optimal spiritual health? If not, what do you recommend or suggest?

Dr. Weil's Peaceful Wind Chimes

Dr. Weil's Peaceful Wind Chimes

Aromatherapy 4 the Spirit

Inhalation of plant extracts for the purpose of therapeutic benefits is known as aromatherapy. The plant extracts are known as essential oils. The science of its effectiveness is not simply the aroma, but the medicinal effects on mental and physical well-being. It is a very popular practice that is used in both mainstream and alternative health promotion. Manufacturers of commercial preparations often label their products as aromatherapy for a particular scent added. However, the scents used in most commercial products are synthetic. Practitioners of aromatherapy argue that any smell can affect one's mood, thoughts, or state of mind. True aromatherapy can only occur through the use of pure essential oils that have medicinal properties. Different oils have different properties and are used for various purposes. They can be inhaled directly, applied topically to the body, or diffused in the air. Some essential oils can be toxic, caustic, or irritating to bodily tissues so they must be used properly. One must do the research and take the necessary precautions prior to self-administering aromatherapy. Otherwise, it would be more feasible to go to a professional. I routinely use aromatherapy as part of a holistic approach to health maintenance, disease prevention and healing. The benefits are enhanced from the cumulative impact of complementary regimens (adequate sleep, proper exercise, good nutrition, stress reduction).

In addition to health promotion, aromatherapy is also used in the religious/spiritual sectors to facilitate spiritual enlightenment and meditation. Candle and incense burning is an ancient practice in worship sanctuaries around the world. I often burn frankincense, myrrh, sage, or sweet grass at home when I am praying, meditating, or reading the Bible. It seems to relax me, open up my mind, enhance my senses, and creates an overall pleasant environment. As a result, I become more receptive to that inner voice. I believe in the holistic model that says a person has 3 major components that are connected: mental, physical, and spiritual. Does it not stand to reason that whatever influences your mental and physical states will also influence your spiritual status? What are your views when it comes to aromatherapy impacting spirituality? Do you think the effects are fleeting and minimal in their usefulness or play a more significant role in spiritualism and related rituals?

Hypnosis Versus Meditation

Altered mind states that are similar, but have key differences or purposes. Hypnosis is often used to solve a specific problem or accomplish a particular goal, such as elimination of addictions and bad habits. Stimuli to the brain come from an outside source ( the hypnotherapist or hypnotherapy tool). Meditation is used to get in touch with God or the inner-self and stimuli come from an internal source. Do you think hypnosis is underrated as compared to meditation? Have you or anyone you know benefited from hypnosis therapy? Watch the following video for a clear explanation of both practices.

Meditation Versus Prayer

What is the difference between meditation and prayer? Dr. Gabriel Cousens MD explains.

In Touch With Nature & Ourselves

There is something exceptionally healing and rejuvenating about a natural environment. Most of us are instilled with feelings of peace and serenity as stress dissolves. Being closer to nature makes many feel closer to God. This is probably why churches sponsor spiritual retreats against breathtaking landscapes. What is your favorite landscape or nature scene? How does being in that environment influence your inner self? Do you feel that a man-made synthetic environment impedes spiritual growth?

Romancing to Spiritual Music: Is It Appropriate?

A while ago, I attended a Sunday School class taught by a husband & wife. The discussion was the impact of different types of music on spirituality. They couple joked about how they had finally reached the point where they could "get busy" while listening to gospel music. Does it make you feel awkward or uncomfortable to get physically intimate while listening to spiritual or faith-based music? Does secular music seem more appropriate in creating the mood? Why or why not? Do you view the capacity to make love to faith-based music a sign of spiritual maturity?

Birds of Different Feathers

Are you married to someone of a different faith? Are you in a marriage where one is a monotheist (believer in one God) or polytheist (believer in multiple Gods) and the other is agnostic/atheist  (non-believer)? How have you both adjusted? How has the difference in your beliefs affected your daily routine and household decisions? Are there children involved and how are you directing their belief system?