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Healing, News

5 Ways That Meditation Boosts The Immune System And Improves Your Health

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As the final and most potent response to threats from external sources, such as bacteria and viruses, the immune system is comprised of a complex network of interrelated body processes. For example, it is well known that abstaining from smoking and intoxicants, a healthy and well-balanced diet, and exercise all can assist in keeping the immune system functioning well.

Now, we can add one more tool to the list of immune strengtheners. As more research is done on the benefits of meditation, it has been discovered that the practice can actually aid us in fighting off harmful bombardments from environmental toxins. We’d like to cover five powerful ways that meditation assists the immune response.

1. Antibody Boost

A recent study published by the National Institute of Health measured 48 participants, 25 of which were provided an 8-week course in mindfulness meditation, and 16 that were not. After the 8-week period, all participants were vaccinated against the influenza virus. It was found that the group of meditators had higher levels of antibodies both before and after vaccination. The institute underscored the need of additional research on the benefits that can be had by regular meditation.

2. Meditation Reduces Inflammation

Research published in Science Direct linked loneliness in elderly adults to a higher amount of expression in pro-inflammatory genes, leading to higher mortality compared to their counterparts with more fulfilling relationships. Participants from the lonely group were, again, enrolled in an 8-week mindfulness meditation program, after which it was found that they had both reduced feelings of loneliness and a corresponding reduction in pro-inflammatory gene expression compared to a control group.

3. Meditation Increases Immune System Cell Counts

A study conducted by UCLA researchers found that AIDS patients who were enrolled in an 8-week mindfulness meditation course maintained their levels of CD-4 cells, which are one type of immune cell typically reduced by the disease. Remarkably, the more courses a patient attended, the higher their cell count after the 8-week period. In contrast, the control group saw a marked reduction in CD-4 cells, as is expected to happen when the disease runs its course.

4. Meditation Promotes A Mental Environment In Which The Immune System Thrives

For as-yet-unknown reasons, the immune system is sensitive to positive and negative thoughts. Therefore, meditation actually helps form the perfect environment for the immune system to thrive by increasing electrical activity in the prefrontal cortex, right anterior insula, and hippocampus, which are all responsible for positive thought.

5. Meditation Reduces Stress

Meditation is commonly utilized as a tool to either disperse or prevent the stress accumulated throughout the day. Not only does stress depress our emotions, it depresses our immune system. Therefore, a reduction in stress means a healthier, more functional immune response, for which meditation is an easy solution.

News, Science

Scientist: Talking To Our Cells Causes The Body To Heal Itself

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Fascinating discoveries about the brain are abounding lately, to the point where science and holism are unifying. One particularly interesting area of research involves the connection of our thoughts and our physical bodies, to the extent that some now point to evidence suggesting that we can ‘talk’ to our body and have it cooperate.

In his book Biology of Belief, Dr. Bruce Lipton seeks to show evidence that the common idea of DNA controlling body processes is flawed, instead proving that there must be another prime mover behind the DNA: signals received outside the cell, including our thoughts.

How can we do this? Meditation has been shown to be the key ingredient in one’s daily habits to achieve a state of mind-body connection. A regular practice in meditation will allow one to enter the deeply relaxing alpha and powerful, trace-like theta brain wave states. In these meditative states, we can open the channels of communication between thoughts and cells.

With regular meditation, we can experience an intimacy with our own bodies as never before, such as the realization that we are comprised of trillions of cells, each their own universe with their own experiences. We can then build a bridge of communication between thought and body to heal minute issues that lead to disease. The emotions arising from this process assist by stimulating the release of hormones by the endocrine system.

This mind-body connection is similar to the Eastern philosophy of oneness. The ancients understood that all life is derived of energy, and therefore our consciousness has energy. With clear intentions, we can achieve physical healing, using the emotions which arise to physically respond to the thoughts in our consciousness.

For further depth, check out what Dr. Lipton has to say on this subject in his own words:

Healing, Inspirational, News

12 Spiritual Barriers And How To Break Them Down

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Spring is just around the corner, and with it will come ruminations on clearing winter’s accumulations out of the house. But spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to our physical house. Often, when we search ourselves, we find that our spiritual ‘house’ needs cleaned as well.

Here are 12 ways that we prevent ourselves from growing spiritually. Thankfully, we can typically let all of these go once we realize that they are there. It’s a new year, no time like the present!

We Shouldn’t Limit Ourselves

There are no limits to this life. When we come up against something that we feel is beyond us, that wall is typically erected by us. Take it down!

We Are Not Our Jobs

Nothing makes us lose touch with our true nature like our association of ourselves with our moneymaking endeavors.

Don’t Be Self-Critical

There is often no one more critical of you than YOU. While usually well-intended, there are better paths to self-improvement.

Let Go Of Anxiety

We often suffer from fear-based anxiety. That which is unfamiliar or unknown should produce exhilaration rather than fear.

Don’t Take Things Personally

The hurt we feel from someone else’s words or actions is self-inflicted. Instead, we would serve ourselves better to stay balanced, focused, and find humor in ourselves!

Why Feel Guilty?

This is a typical feeling that serves no function whatsoever. If you did something in need of forgiveness, then seek it. But if you’re living in your truth, let it go!

Procrastination

If there is a task to do that’s important, give yourself time to do it thoroughly. When we delay it, we risk cutting corners to complete it.

Beware Of The Company You Keep

It is too easy to be influenced by the negativity of others. It’s ok to leave someone behind who brings you down.

Don’t Seek Approval

Instead of seeking the approval of others, seek your own self-esteem. If you do that, approval will come, only this way it will be healthy rather than attention-seeking.

Let Go Of The Past

Instead, live in the present! Remembering negative things in our past only limits us today.

Don’t Be Attached

The roots of suffering lie in attachment to things in this world, according to Buddhism. Unhealthy attachment to things, ideas, people, and illusions holds us back. See if you can let some of it go!

Let Go Of Distracting Habits

In this world, it’s so easily to get distracted, and most of the things that distract us are completely unnecessary to functional existence. It’s one thing to indulge, but it’s another to indulge too much.

 

 

 

Energy, News, Spirituality, Thoughts

5 Ways to Use The Law of Attraction To Manifest Abundance in Your Life

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The Law of Attraction has something to say about karma: that is, we get what we give. When we are negative or ego-driven, our life will be a reflection of that: unhappy, unfulfilled, and unwell. On the other hand, positivity will breed joy, satisfaction, and physical and mental well-being.

Sometimes in life, we complain that things are not going our way, but at the same time we are sending out intentions that are negative. Instead of doing what we can to get what we want out of life, we are unintentionally sabotaging ourselves. Instead of positively promoting and asking for what would make our lives perfect, we tell the universe that we want negativity through our negativity. It’s an endless cycle, and today we’d like to explore some ways to end it.

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Often, our worry about personal finances comes from a place of fear.

When we are stingy with our resources, we are promoting scarcity rather than abundance.

Instead, come from a place of having plenty, because you have plenty! The universe will then reward you with the abundance of which you are deserving.

Open Yourself To Love

Sometimes, when good things happen to us, we are humble to the extent of almost feeling like we don’t deserve the good things. It’s not that humility is necessarily a bad thing, but when it turns into a feeling that you are undeserving of the awesome things that life has in store for you, the universe will respond by withholding them. Nowhere is this more important than having love in your life. All are deserving of love, and when it happens, dive in head first!

Fear Not, Doubt Not

first-love-cameron-gray-Fear of failure can be the biggest driver of inaction.

Doubt is usually close behind. Instead, to have purpose and intention in life, we need to do.

We can’t fear the result, because that will promote a never ending cycle of having anxiety, then feeding that anxiety, and back again.

Act, and know that you will succeed.

You Have Time

By stating that there’s not enough time to accomplish what you want to accomplish, you’ve already set yourself up for failure. Instead of what we feel like we don’t have, focus on what we do have. Live in the moment. If time is limited and you’re feeling a deadline, then build yourself up with an ‘I Can,’ instead of using excuses.

Accept What Isself-love-woman

Most of all, don’t be disappointed in results.

No one likes to lose, and you shouldn’t think of yourself as a loser when results fail to live up to expectations.

Never seek the approval of others, but rather, seek the approval of yourself.

Grant yourself the status of a ‘winner,’ rather than the alternative.

Inspirational, News, Spirituality, Thoughts

How To Begin Remembering Your Past Lives

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The search for meaning in our lives is a powerful one that we all share, and can take on a new meaning altogether when we are able to incorporate information from previous incarnations. After all, the journey of our lives is just a small subset of the timeless journey of our souls. The more information you can derive about that, the easier it will be for you to see the path ahead of you in this life.

Of course, it is easy to say this, but can be difficult to derive meaning from past lives without the assistance of a psychic who specializes in past life regressions. Not only that, it is a job in itself to find a qualified and trustworthy psychic with whom you will undertake this sensitive task. For this reason, we wanted to share some ways that you might get started on your own, so that when you find a good psychic, you already are well underway.

Meditate

The soul has endured many bodily incarnations before the one it’s in now, so why not leave the body out of the equation as much as possible? The mind is a part of the body, and when the mind is quieted, the soul can speak without interruption. As you meditate, pay attention to what comes up. Are there memories of places, people or happenings? It is a lot of fun to write these things down after the practice is over, and see if you can derive some information when you compare your notes to history!

Consult Your Present Incarnation

What have you been through in life? Chances are, you have had many powerful experiences that have helped to create the person you are now. These experiences happened for a reason: they are part of the journey that your soul felt would help to shape its overall being. The truth is that karma carries over from previous lives, and present difficulties could be a sign of past transgressions. What could have happened in your soul’s past that might have caused it to need the lessons you’ve learned in your life?

Consider The Strangely Familiar

Everyone experiences the feeling of already knowing someone they’ve just met, or feeling oddly at home in a new or strange place at one time or another. These could be the direct result of knowledge from a past life. In fact, the soul is naturally drawn to that which it is familiar, so you’ll often find yourself treading paths that a previous incarnation also tread. It is therefore important to note that which is oddly familiar or causes a feeling of déjà vu. Write them down so you can remember.

Note Your Feelings About Past Memories

At some point, you may come across ‘memories’ that you didn’t actually experience. That is, you didn’t experience them in your present incarnation. If you randomly imagine something that brings up a powerful, soul felt emotion, pay attention! That could be a real memory from your spirit being coming across in this life.

Energy, News, Spirituality

5 Simple Ways To Raise Your Vibration

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What do we mean when we say ‘vibration’? We’re not talking about the rapid movement of matter in a physical sense, but rather the state of our own spiritual energy. Contributors to that are such things as: what we are thinking, the state of our bodily health, what we are feeling and what we believe. The confluence of these traits make up our ‘vibes,’ if you will.

Now, when we speak of ‘raising your vibration,’ we are talking about self-improvement. Oftentimes, self-improvement is a long journey, and sometimes we want immediate results when we are feeling down. Here are some suggestions for those times of immediate need.

Breathe

When we say ‘breathe,’ we’re not talking about normal functional breaths, but rather ‘yogic’ breaths. In yogic breathing, emphasis is put on a meditative focus on each inhale and exhale. Make sure the breath is intentional to derive effect. On the inhale, fill the belly and then fill the chest. On the exhale, contract the diaphragm, expelling everything. Scientifically, yogic long deep breathing can hack the brain during times of stress and make us calm again.

Laugh

While it might be difficult to laugh in times of low energy, it’s easy to go online or consult Netflix for something that is sure to produce laughter. If your problem is an argument with another, attempt to diffuse tension with humor.

Meditate

Meditation is the trendiest way to impart a state of superior mental and physical health for a really good reason: it works. However, it can be difficult to stop everything for a practice in meditation, and this is especially true when you really could benefit the most from it. However, you can try to frame it differently if you have trouble meditating. Think of it as a break. As a former smoker, I find it easy to meditate when I consider the fact that I used to take hourly cigarette breaks. If I was always able to find 5 minutes to smoke when I was stressed, then I certainly can find five minutes to meditate. How can you re-frame meditation? Can you find one to five minutes to engage in what is likely to be the most important practice of your life?

Be Grateful

Whatever you are going through right now, the chances are that, if you are able to read this, then you are better off than the majority of people on this planet as far as making sure your basic needs are met. Sometimes, we need a little perspective to help put us in a better mood, and what better way than to be completely thankful that you are healthy, and have food, water and shelter?

Remember That Life Is Short

Remembering our own impermanence is sometimes what we need to change our outlook when we are down. From moment to moment, everything in this life is slowly and steadily passing away. You will never get those moments back, and when you are old and looking back, you will want to remember them as times that you made the absolute best of what you had, and that you were happy and at peace.