Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection or the potential effect of the mind on the body is a very powerful tool that I can use in a positive or negative way.  A good example of this connection, which is generally known and accepted is usually called “the placebo effect” commonly seen during drug trials.  The placebo effect demonstrates that, within limits, the body can heal itself if the mind/brain believes it can.  I was diagnosed with cerebellar degeneration, a progressive and degenerative neurological disease back in 1988.  At that point, I was in very bad condition and was told that I would never improve and that I would continue to get worse, meaning that I would die, though that was not explicitly stated.  Rather than believe what I was told, I began to apply meditation, visualization and thoughts of healing and love to my situation.  As a result, I am now in better physical shape now than I was then, though I still have considerable physical challenges and continue to work on them.  I have also used the mind-body connection in similar ways numerous other times, with similar results.

Meditation

In my case, in addition to giving me a positive and spiritual grounding for the day ahead, meditation has led me to realize that I have capabilities beyond what I believed.  As has been suggested by many people, I begin my day with a period of meditation on things like love, compassion, connectedness and God.  That period, even if only a few minutes, changes my attitude for the whole day.  My outlook becomes much more positive.  I also become much more aware of things like the power of love, the mind-body connection and my close connection with all living things.  This increased awareness then leads me to the realization of increased capabilities.  For example, using the power of love and the mind-body connection in a physically healing way.

Causes Rather Than Symptoms

When someone approaches me with a problem, looking for a solution, I generally offer suggestions that get at the cause of the problem and some sort of long term solution, rather than simply dealing with the symptom(s).  For example, if they approach me with anxiety or low self-esteem, I might suggest some support groups or methods of confronting and getting to know and understand the feelings, followed by laughter, love or meditation to overcome those feelings, thus addressing the cause.  Alternatively, the symptoms could be treated with things like Valium or Prozac.  My approach generally requires some sort of discipline, is usually long-term, and has little or no instant gratification.  Most people do not even acknowledge that my approach exists until they have exhausted all other options!

Life

I truely enjoy my sense of “being lost in a trackless desert”, living within a bubble of love, having a direct link with God and having God/love be the guiding principle for my life.  I like the analogy of being on a ship that I own (my own body and mind), being on the open ocean with someone I don’t know steering and not knowing which direction we are going or what island we are going to stop at.  I enjoy the birds that come to our feeder, a functioning garage door opener or the kitchen cabinet, but also recognize that these things are transient and a bit silly.  At this point in my life, I have no formal goals other than continuing to do what works and feels right.

Like Leads To Like

I went to a fairly violent movie today, for reasons that are not clear to me.  The name of the movie does not matter, but one theme clearly expressed in the movie was that actions motivated by anger, judgment or ego lead to more of the same, while actions motivated by love and compassion also lead to more of the same.  This is a theme which is generally, but not always true in real life.  Personally, I have done each type of action many times in my life.  At this point, when I feel anger, judgment or any of various feelings prompted by self-centered ego, I do not act at all and simply let the feeling pass.

Balance

During my twenties, while studying for my B.A. and then my Ph.D., I focused, intently, on developing what is usually called my ”left brain”, my logical, scientific, cause and effect side.  For the next decade or so I made primary use of that aspect of my brain, while also feeling that something was missing.  Then, recognizing the source of my imbalance, I began trying to develop my intuitive, creative, feeling side (right brain).  I am still striving for the correct balance since, as Maharaj puts it “Mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it.”  Today, I began (again!) the study of English grammar, in order to improve my writing, a creative process that will require both parts of my brain.

Understanding Is Not Required

In my experience, during discussions of spiritual principles or ideas, people frequently talk in terms of understanding or trying to explain the ideas.  I must confess that I have spent much of my life trying to understand or explain these principles and then a greater sense of freedom came along, when I shut down that part of my brain.  Things like the feeling of being connected or experiencing some sort of Divine intervention can be partially described but our words can only point to them, not explain them.  Spiritual experiences can certainly be known, but not understood, which is wonderful.  In my view, trying to explain them is like trying to explain the glory of sunlight or a rainbow.