Spirituality and Health in Today's world
Spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health. The practice of using spirituality as a means to improve health has been around for thousands of years. Many believe that the use of spirituality to improve health has such a long history because it seems to works. Here we examined spirituality and its importance in promoting health, helping patients to face illness, death, and suffering, as well as examined the current role of spirituality in compassionate care by physicians.
Spirituality has been defined as: a belief in a power operating in the universe that is greater than oneself; a sense of connection with all living creatures; and an awareness of the purpose and meaning of life. Spirituality is also the manner in which one finds meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in life. It is expressed in an individual's search for meaning through religion and/or belief in God, family, nature, values, principles, and the arts. Although religion and spirituality are often associated, many believe that personal spirituality can be developed outside of religion. Acts of compassion and selflessness, altruism, and the experience of inner peace are all characteristics of spirituality.
There is considerable scientific research analyzing the potential connection between religious practice, prayer and health. This research has been undertaken at some of the countries' most prestigious universities and is the basis of dozens, if not hundreds, of major scientific articles. Although the research is mostly observational, it suggests that there is a link between spiritual practice and better health. Of the more than 300 studies done, over three-fourths show positive effects. Certain studies have shown that people with a religious commitment have fewer symptoms of mental and physical disorders and make fewer doctor visits than other people. Other studies have found that these patients tend to have a reduced risk of diseases including cancer and coronary heart disease. These studies are divided into three major categories, and examples are given:
]]>
1-For example, researchers at the Human Population Laboratory in Berkeley California (1997), examined the association between religious attendees and mortality rate in 5,286 people. They found lower (up to 65%) mortality in frequent religious attendees. A basic scientific study, by H.W. Koenig at Duke University credited this lower mortality rate to a decrease in the immune regulator Interleukin 6 and to better immune function.
2-J.W. Yates in Medical Pediatric Oncology Journal (1981) showed that patients who practiced spirituality had a more positive outlook and were better able to cope with pain, and their illness, even those in advanced stages of cancer.
3. - indicate that spiritual commitment tends to enhance recovery from illness and surgery. For example, a study of heart transplant patients showed that those who were regular attendees fared better than those who were not. Other studies indicate that people with strong spiritual beliefs heal faster from surgery, are less anxious and depressed, have lower blood pressure. These studies show that the faithful tend to have higher levels of hope and optimism.
Many Americans are looking forward to the use of spirituality in health care. This may be due to dissatisfaction with the impersonal nature of our current medical system, and the realization that medical science does not have all answers to questions about health. In the past decade or so, the number of American medical schools offering courses on spiritual issues has risen to more than 40. Several medical associations have integrated spirituality into their policies, and some physicians are becoming involved in compassionate care which includes:
Having a compassionate presence-giving full attention and support to physical emotional and spiritual needs. Listening to fears, hopes and dreams. Getting a spiritual diagnosis by involving a chaplain Spiritual counseling by a chaplain
It is also important to note that spirituality does not guarantee health and the danger exists that prayer may be substituted for medical care, or that spiritual practice could delay the receipt of necessary medical treatment.
To learn more about the author's business and the two men who taught her business skills visit http://www.theprosperitymall.com/?t=articlesbase .
Audrey Robinson is a research scientist in Cell and Molecular Biology. She is dedicated to the field of cancer research and has striven to support this research through her internet business marketing products for financial education and wealth management. She is also a coach for internet marketers. Visit her website http://www.meetaudreyrobinson.com/?t=articlesbase that offers help for those seeking financial freedom and independence, wealth management education, and information on important health and social issues.
More Spiritual Articles
Author: Neal Ryder
It may not be readily apparent what all three of these subjects have to do with each other, but for me, one common denominator they share is consciousness. While this is a simple interpretation, do not allow past views of "what" these subjects represent to interfere with what I am about to suggest. The use of the terms found within this offering, such as alchemy, geometry, and the Tree of Life, are used by me, in the same sense as I would use the term, blue jeans. There is an image, but there are many model's. I am offering a different, less complex, interpretation of these terms and images, in the context of consciousness; from a healer's perspective, my own.
The Mind/Body connection suggests that the cells of our body have a consciousness. Consider that these cells must also be part of the mind-body-spirit triad and the implications expand. When sacred geometry is considered, we have the concept of shapes influencing or inspiring us, our consciousness, with Divine relationships. If we consider alchemy from the perspective of the transformation of consciousness, from limiting truths or consciousness (lead) into expanded truths or consciousness (gold), the relationships between these three subjects suggest practical transformational opportunities and applications.
The Map
Start with the image of a body, I use Michelangelo's drawing of a man, arms outstretched. Overlay atop the body the Cabalistic Tree of Life. The bottom sephiroth, is placed between the feet and the first paired sephiroth align with the hips. The second paired sephiroth align with the shoulders, and the third pair of sephiroth align with the lobes of the brain.
Place the chakras over the image you now have, only use the image of the caduceus. You can begin to see the suggestion of geometries of energy, within the body and Human Energy Field, begin to take shape. I call them sacred because these geometries within us can inspire us to experience the Divine within.
Application
For simplicities sake, I offer the following suggestions for seeing the Tree of Life. There are three pillars. The right pillar symbolizes compassion; the left pillar, innocence; with the middle pillar signifying balance. I deviate from "traditional" interpretations, but as I mentioned earlier, I am not suggesting a traditional approach.
The relevance of the caduceus is that it suggests, to me, there are two serpents associated with kundalini. As these serpents rise, as the kundalini rises, they move around each chakra, or Celestial Gate, and vibrate that chakra, that Celestial Gate into clarity. The essence of that clarity is an expression of our Divine identity and will be unique with each individual.
Simplicity is the key. It is not my intention to confound a truth that is readily experiential for any willing to invest some time to experience that truth within themselves. The experience of that truth speaks for itself.
The first step in applying what I have offered would be to contemplate the body with the Tree of Life overlaid atop it. Draw it, think about it, get a sense of it. The next step is one I consider important, FEEL the Tree of Life in your body. This takes some time, so simply be patient.
One would then do the same when working with the chakras, working their way to feeling them within the body.
Simultaneously, once can use this simplistic map of consciousness, and "connect the dots".
Suggestions
In my healing practice I view the Heart as the Sacred Gate. Before using any of the more intricate energetic, geometric patterns within the body, concentrate on the heart. The heart should first be opened. One way this is accomplished is by being in the present moment; accepting life and emotions as they are; forgiving yourself or others, as need; and offering compassion to yourself so that the heart, through forgiveness, love and compassion may deepen. This is best understood as an experiential process.
The heart then attracts, drawing from our "heart's desire" that which we seek to experience. It may be physical, emotional, or spiritual healing; or it may be, simultaneously, creating, from our heart, the life or work we desire and have always imagined was possible for us to experience.
This process may be empowered through the use of the sacred geometries suggested to each individual by the "map" that has been offered.
What occurs is akin to the body becoming "hollow" and the geometric shapes turning within the body and consciousness of each person. The geometries of consciousness move according to the emotions and thoughts each person experiences throughout the day. What occurs is similar to alchemy, in that limiting truths or consciousness (lead), are transformed into expanded truths or consciousness (gold).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/metaphysics-articles/spiritual-alchemy-sacred-geometry-and-the-creative-self-2139596.html ---- About the Author: Neal is a gifted intuitive healer and author who has dedicated his life and training to bringing forth the Divine Radiance of his clients - not as a concept but as a state of being - which infuses his clients with healing, wholeness and celebration. He offers a blog, free newsletter, articles, workshops, intensives, a wide variety of programs and internet radio shows all drawn from the information contained in his book, Living a Radiant Life. More details are available at his website.
With Wilhelm Reich's Orgone Energy, blood, vampirism, fear, pleasure and mystery...what more could one want in a five minute film? Transformation? Perhaps....watch.
Find More Orgone Articles
Spirituality is a Weapon
is a weapon; a human heart that has realized its own nature and cultivated his or her heart has a weapon that is at hand wherever he or she goes. What ever life throws at them they are safe; they know how to utilize the force of spiritually cultivated heart. Regardless of the spiritual path one has chosen in this journey, spiritual feelings in a human heart is a weapon it is universal, it is loving, it is compassionate it is kind and all the good morals, that a human being can possess.
Spiritual hearts are like a garden where by you can grow all the beautiful desired morals, spirituality is like water, which is offered to a lost thirsty person who is wondering in endless hot desert. It is like a pot of endless wealth which rids all poverty. It is like a mother who protects all her offspring’s. It is like a magical lamp where you get your souls, most inner desires fulfilled. Spiritual hearts are like a rose which puts out its eternally beautiful scented fragrance. Spirituality is like a lighthouse to bring in lost ships back to the shores of love and compassion.
Spirituality is like a wish fulfilling star. Spirituality is like weapon in your heart to conquer the enemy called doubts. Spirituality is like protecting armor to shield a human from suffering. It is a weapon to slice all kind s of attacks of wrong thoughts. It is like a gardeners hand which pulls out the weeds of arrogance. It is like a life buoy to grab when lost in stormy oceans. Spirituality is a temple of love which by everyone is welcomed and invited. Spirituality doesn’t give much importance of persons outside shell rather the inside where your spirit resides. Spirit which is within you is like a giant that wants to be awakened to swim to the shores of eternal love. Spirituality is like food for our souls, it nourishes all the good qualities we might obtain. Awakened heart is like a fruit on the tree of life. Spirituality is like a musical instrument which plays the tunes of heavenly melodies right here on earth. Spirituality is an axe which cuts the tree called doubt.
Spirituality is a weapon of choice for spiritual hearts all over the world. Spiritually minded hearts know the importance of spirituality. It unites everyone; it binds all living beings in unbreakable chain called love and respect. No doubt we are fortunate to have been given the gift of life, where we get to feel love, where we get to share our souls with others by caring for the welfare of others.
Every human being has the ability also option, to follow the path of spirituality. When we look at our history we come to realize all the spiritual masters of our history reminded us to place importance of spirituality. Time and time again all over the world throughout history there were those who brought forth teachings of highest order. There is no point to judge the path of fellow human friends. Because it doesn’t matter which road we take to climb the mountain of life, on top the view will be the same. And which ever teachings it may be that is brought before mankind, never in any ancient scriptures does it mention to wrong fellow human friends of other faiths or spiritual beliefs, (study carefully and you will realize this fact)
Spiritually cultivated hearts know the oneness of us humans, and they have a weapon at will, to call upon when ever life overwhelms them. Being spiritual is a need for many human beings to give meaning to the universe we find ourselves wondering about. In the kingdom called thinking where reason and logic interact, if they interact enough then this interaction gives birth to wisdom, and the wisdom will know to love and respect eternity.
Tolga Savas World known psychic clairvoyant offering all your metaphysical needs online and offers, spiritual guidance, love and relationship advice from a soul point of view, genuine accurate psychic readings, live online psychic chat in real time, reiki energy channeling, dream analysis, kumalak readings. Kumalak the Mirror of Destiny, See the Future that is Now
