Body/Mind/Spirit: A Holistic Model

A model of the mind, such as the Hebbian model proposed in an earlier post and in The Psychology of Positive Thinking- that is concerned mainly with the two cerebral hemispheres- does not tell the whole story. Yes, the cerebral hemispheres do have about a hundred Billion neuron cells, which can produce an infinite number of neuron configurations, or circuits. Further, these neuron circuits may further combine and become thoughts, or programs, and account for an even higher order of infinity, and even for how we think. When we consider the entire body however, we are now talking about a hundred Billion Billion (a hundred Trillion) cells, all interconnected with each other in an even higher order of infinity ways. Yes, they are connected physically, in the traditional (Western) scientific sense. And they are all connected energetically, in a more basic (Eastern) sense. All matter is composed of energy: matter is only a manifestation of the energy that constitutes it. Welcome to the world of quantum energy physics! The old physical Newtonian laws (that we were all taught in school) break down as we approach the infinitely small, (subatomic) or infinitely large (the infinity of connections among a hundred trillion cells.) We are part of this quantum world where our concepts of time and space no longer apply. Our notion of physical reality is now being challenged by the idea that no physical thing is real, until it is observed or measured. Perhaps this is related to how we form our own personal “Bubble of Reality” we each find ourselves in. Another feature of this world is Entanglement: when some particles (very small) divide, they remain related to each other, or entangled, even when separated across very large distances- they act as if there is no space or time separating them. As we move from body to mind to spirit, we may be entering this same quantum world, where far more than we ever imagined becomes possible. With these thoughts in mind we will look further into energy psychology.

The “new” Energy Psychology: The body, mind and spirit connection.

The “new” Energy Psychology: The body, mind and spirit connection. There is a “new” player in the western world when it comes to Psychological and Physiological healing practices. More than five thousand years ago ancient peoples in the Eastern world (and elsewhere) were practicing healing techniques that had nothing in common (except maybe the placebo effect) with modern day western medical practices. They believed that the mind and body are interconnected by a series of energy pathways and energy centers. There is an energy force, Qi (chi) that flows through the body and mind that regulates and keeps us healthy. The practices of acupuncture and acupressure were healing techniques used to regulate and balance this energy flow; and meditation, yoga, healing oils, herbs, mantras, and other practices were also used. These healing techniques are still common in the Eastern world today, plus are beginning to be recognized in the West. Proponents claim these are very effective in curing many ailments, including some that the western medical establishment is unable to cure. These techniques have now been “proved” effective in clinical trials and properly controlled studies. Doctors are using these in conjunction with regular medical treatments and as stand-alone procedures. Energy healing techniques have some significant advantages: 1-- They heal the mind, body and spirit: as one, connected, integrated whole. 2-- Side effects are more likely to be beneficial, rather that harmful. 3-- The techniques are non-invasive, and they do no harm. 4-- They are comparatively low cost, even free. 5-- Most procedures can be performed by the individual himself, on himself. In the following posts we will examine the bona fides, and the pros and cons of some of these techniques.