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Researchers Reveal Why You Should Drink Two Cups of Coffee Every Day

June 4, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Increased consumption of caffeinated coffee and, to a lesser extent, decaffeinated coffee, are associated with reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including in pre-existing liver disease. These findings are important given the increasing incidence of HCC globally and its poor prognosis. – Kennedy, J.T., et. al, 2017, “Coffee, including caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.”

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the world’s sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. HCC comprises about 90 percent of all liver disease cases.

The disproportionate “disease to death” ratio of HCC highlights the disease’s poor prognosis history. Tragically, HCC patients are often prescribed the wrong treatment regimens or are deemed “ineligible” for certain treatment options.

In this article, we discuss a bit about HCC: symptoms, treatment – and, yes – how coffee may help!

Why is this information important? (Please read)

The information provided in this article may be mistaken as melancholic; please understand this is not the intent. The primary motivation for this article is to educate and inform people of conditions that may threaten human health.

In short, knowing this information could save your life – or that of someone you love. As with any health-related article, we discuss what may be perceived as “negative.” Of course, this is not our intent. Please do not misinterpret factual, research-based health articles for pessimism.

We care about the health of our readers. Indeed, all of you have given us incredible amounts of attention, love, respect, and trust since the founding of this site. Thank you.

What is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)?

HCC, as mentioned, is one of the most common types of liver cancer, often co-occurring in patients with an underlying liver disorder such as cirrhosis or liver disease.

About a half-million people die from HCC each year, with the largest proportion of deaths in regions of Africa and Asia – two geographical areas with higher-than-average rates hepatitis B and hepatitis C; both conditions are known precursors to liver disease and HCC.

But what about in the United States? Well, a different type of cirrhosis, which “develops in the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or steatohepatitis (NASH)” is of particular concern to public health experts. The risk of developing NASH increases in cohort with conditions such as dyslipidemia (i.e., high cholesterol), hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes – the most common type of diabetes in the developed world.

During the advanced stages of HCC, many patients are deemed ineligible for invasive procedures that may or may not spread the disease. Age, advanced stages of illness, and degree of liver deterioration are all reasons why patients are denied certain treatments.

Given the uncertainty of the disease, and the potentially severe consequences thereof, any potential treatment – preventative or otherwise – is worthy of consideration.

Why You Should Drink Two Cups of Coffee Every Day

Regarding HCC, just one cup of java per day may decrease the risk of the disease by 20 percent; two cups by 35 percent, and four or more cups by 50 percent. Many doctors recommend no more than 400 milligrams of coffee daily. That equals four cups.

The abovementioned research is particularly significant, as scientists believe that annual cases of HCC may rise by approximately 50 percent, or 1.2 million people. So, how can coffee possibly mitigate this risk?

Dr. Oliver Kennedy of the University of Southampton explains:

“Coffee is widely believed to possess a range of health benefits and (the) latest finds suggest it could have a significant effect on liver cancer risk.”

Kennedy continues, “We’re not suggesting everyone should start drinking five cups of coffee a day though. Nevertheless, our findings are an important development given the increasing evidence of HCC globally and its poor prognosis.”

Dr. Kennedy reiterates the context of what was stated previously. That is, some doctors have a poor record of detecting and recommending appropriate treatments for HCC. The same for other forms of liver cancer.

Per medical studies, coffee may possess “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic properties (which) may explain the lower rates of chronic liver disease and liver cancer experienced by coffee drinkers.” Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements are crucial to preventing and alleviating certain cancers and their symptoms.

Dr. Peter Hayes, a medical professor at the University of Edinburgh, concurs.

“We have shown coffee reduces cirrhosis and also liver cancer. Coffee has also been reported to reduce the risk of death from many other causes. (In moderation), coffee can be a wonderful, natural medicine.”

Symptoms of HCC and liver cancer

Dr. Yi-Ben Chen, a physician within the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, cites five main symptoms of both HCC and liver cancer:

– ‘Abdominal pain or tenderness, especially in the upper-right (region)’

– ‘Easy bruising or bleeding.’

– ‘Enlarged abdomen.’

– ‘Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)’

– ‘Unexplainable weight loss.’

See a doctor if you should experience a combination of two or more of the abovementioned symptoms. Seek the opinion of a doctor specializing in internal medicine. Internists possess advanced knowledge of the human anatomy that many practicing physicians do not.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

5 False Ideas People Have About True Love

June 4, 2017 by Power of Positivity

It is human nature to entertain and explore thoughts of expectations, especially when it comes to love. We naturally possess certain expectations of both ourselves and others. For example, it’s reasonable to expect others to act civilly and humanely – to respect the generally-accepted “social contract.”

Then there’s the person whose expectations of others are both unrealistic and often inappropriate; these expectations are often present in intimate relationships, as well.

Tarra Bates-Duford, Ph.D. and a Marriage/Family Therapist explains:

“Invariably, unrealistic expectations are positively correlated to issues of power, manipulation, and control. (A lot) of romantic relations begin between partners who are unaware of each other’s weaknesses or insecurities.”

Part of having a responsible mindset is forgoing the notion that someone else can make you happy. “Instead of looking to others to meet our needs, we must take responsibility for our own life and make necessary changes that are in our best interest,” explains Bates-Duford.

Having realistic expectations in an intimate relationship requires that we first acknowledge and accept one another’s strengths and weaknesses. In other words, choosing to accept and love your partner for who they are who they are not; effectively dismissing the naive view that your partner should “fill the voids” of something you may lack.

Relatedly, this article focuses on five things we should never expect in a relationship. We also include some tips on dealing with these thoughts and feelings.

First, the five things that we shouldn’t expect in a relationship:

“We believe (as we often did in childhood), that if we try harder, and perform for approval, others will take notice, be impressed with both our attempts and behaviors, and will fill the void in our relationship. However, when unrealistic expectations exist, the void remains and the expectation illusion continues.” – Tarra Bates-Duford, Ph.D., MFT

1. That our partner understands our feelings

Feelings are both highly complex and open to interpretation. As such, it is unrealistic (and irrational) to expect our partner to completely understand what’s going on under the surface at all times.

If your partner has a “hunch” to what you may be experiencing, he or she will often – but not always – question you about it (e.g., “Is everything okay?”). Absent our partner’s inquisition; it is necessary to reach out and inform him or her of what’s going on.

2. That a love relationship should be void of conflict

Every relationship type is subject to conflict from time-to-time. Why expect an intimate relationship to be any different?

(Of course, any form of abuse, verbal or otherwise, is not and should not be interpreted as an acceptable form of conflict.)

Conflict with our partner can be natural and even be healthy. Reasonable conflict should be viewed as merely another form of interaction; when both individuals can come to grips with and reconcile any differences. Healthy conflict helps build admiration, rapport, and trust in a partnership.

3. For things to work, we must spend most of our time together

Preserving one’s sense of identity requires some alone time now and then. Maintaining a healthy relationship requires spending time together. How are both individual and relationship needs adequately met? Answering this question is not always easy.

Theresa DiDonato, Ph.D., is a social psychologist who specializes in different aspects of romantic relationships. She recommends five ways of addressing the “time issue”:

– Don’t expect your partner to mirror your needs. Acknowledge they may require more or less time apart.

– Ask your partner if you’re devoting enough time to the relationship. Reach a compromise.

– Integrate your partner into your social circle, which provides a new context for the relationship to develop and grow.

– Keep a date night or weekend on the calendar.

– Understand the “ebb and flow” of a relationship, e.g., a new job, added stress, etc. Continue to persevere while nourishing the relationship.

4. That relationship “bliss” of true love won’t fade

Similar to the inevitable “ebb and flow” of a relationship, our feelings of “bliss” for each other aren’t always present. Instead, the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship is just that – a phase. It’s sophomoric to expect our partner to continually bring us joy as if they can release endorphins at-will.

Infatuation becomes love, and love is not something that’s easily definable. The truth is that love gives us comfort – and our partner is no exception.

Trust in your love for your partner, and trust that they love you. That’s where the real joy resides.

5. That a good relationship doesn’t require effort

As two people become more familiar and comfortable with each other, we sometimes subconsciously think that the “work is done” so to speak. This is a very common and unrealistic expectation and one that can inflict harm if we so allow.

“Every relationship needs proper time, effort, love, affection, patience and dedication to grow and remain strong,” explains Bates-Duford, “If your relationship is going through hard times, it doesn’t mean that your love for each other is gone. It simply means that your relationship requires more effort, patience, love and commitment to deal with problems and conflicts.”

Final Thoughts on the Expectations of True Love

Unrealistic expectations may be the leading cause of deteriorating relationships. Anger, frustration, and impatience are emotional byproducts of unreasonable expectations – all are emotions that, once they peak, can contribute to a relationship’s end.

The solution, then, is to communicate effectively, honestly, and with consistency. Bringing up certain aspects of a relationship (e.g. sex, finances, personal needs) are often uncomfortable, but are nonetheless necessary for a healthy, thriving partnership.

A partnership, after all, involves two individuals – each with their own needs and desires. For the sake of your relationship, communicate these needs and desires to your partner.

If what you’re thinking and feeling is meaningful to you, remember that they’re likely just as meaningful to the person who loves you.

10 Behaviors People Display When They’re Truly In Love

June 4, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.” – Billy Graham

Did you know that neuroscientists have observed three phases of love within the human brain? The three phases– lust, attraction, and attachment – in that order, involves the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurochemical responses are entrenched within nearly every human brain.

What does this activity look like? Let’s compare the initial phase (“lust”) with the last phase, (“attachment”).

Brain activity throughout the “lust” phase is significantly different than the other two. Upon meeting someone you liked, did you experience feelings of intense desire? Probably. Did your palms get sweaty or did your heart beat a bit fast? This feeling is very common, as well.

Why?

Well, what we experience as “lust” is created by the brain chemical dopamine. The sweaty palms/beating heart are caused by the chemicals adrenaline and norepinephrine. All three brain chemicals course through the body, creating these sensations.

Contrast the “lust” phase with the “attachment” phase, when two people have been in love for some time. Attachment is a wonderful, beautiful thing – in many ways better than the lust phase. Instead of the brain releasing a flood of “pleasure hormones,” attachment releases oxytocin and vasopressin – the “love and well-being” hormones – the brain chemicals responsible for an enduring, fulfilling relationship.

Why does this brain stuff matter? Depending on your perspective, it may not matter much – but it maybe should.

This brain system provides science-based clues to what you and your partner are feeling. Love and relationships, as we all know by now, can be a mysterious thing.

This latest research makes it possible to understand– at least from a biological standpoint – when we’re in love and when this love is mutual. What we do with this knowledge is up to us – it can be used as a tool or discarded. There is no “right” or “wrong” way of interpreting love; it’s merely a guide.

Here are ten signs that someone truly loves their partner:

1. They create feelings of euphoria

During the early stages of romantic love, we constantly think about the object of our affection. It’s common at this juncture to obsess about the future and plan your free time around your love.

These feelings result from activity within the “primitive neural systems” of the brain; the systems responsible for feelings of euphoria, drive and reward recognition. This system “helps us form pair-bonds” in the survival area of our gray matter.

“We were built to experience the magic of love and to be driven toward another,” says neuroscientist Lucy Brown.

2. Their uniqueness captivates you

Everything about the person is perceived as novel and interesting, and their subtle peculiarities are taken in via our senses and cherished. There’s often a rush of energy, which mirrors the “lust phase,” and we experience a profound emotional craving for the person.

Most of the pleasurable symptoms experienced at this phase result from the influx of dopamine on the multiple areas of the brain.

3. Bond and commitment grows

Feelings of love or affection are necessary for the brain to bring forth any underlying desire for human connection. We humans, as mentioned countless times, are very social creatures – and the innate desire for an intimate relationship illustrates this fact.

True love has a strong social correlation. The love we feel for our partner advances the relationship from casual to intimate and suppresses the desire to act out of self-interest or selfishness.

4. They show an “urge to care”

Human beings possess a remarkable amount of empathy for people we love. These intense feelings of affection, devotion, and fondness for our loved ones are evident in the urge to care. These feelings are the result of survival, protectionist mechanisms of the brain.

While we may all have varying levels of awareness and empathy, humans – almost without exception – instinctively demonstrate their love and care for their partner in some way.

5. Adversity strengthens the relationship

For individuals primed to establish and maintain a romantic relationship, stressful situations have been shown to intensify romantic attraction. When two people remain at each other’s side regardless of circumstance, it indicates the strength of the couple’s bond and commitment to one another.

Scientists attribute this behavior to dopamine activity in the midbrain, as delaying a “reward” has been shown to produce higher levels of the chemical following the event.

6. Their priorities shift for the better

It’s common for people in love to rearrange their priorities. While we mostly associate a change in priorities as a positive thing, it can also be something less admirable. It is important to observe how a person rearranges their lifestyle. Are they making changes out of genuine desire, or as a way to mask their true identity?

Neuroscientists believe that “brain-chemical” opposites are more likely to make changes for the better. For example, an “Alpha” personality has more incentive to improve themselves if they love a person with a laid-back, nourishing type of character.

7. They push their partner to become better

Nobody likes to see a person they love not live up to their potential. Of course, this includes two people in love with one another. The odds are that if your partner is gently pushing you to become your best self, they themselves are self-motivated.

When your partner attempts to motivate you, this means the all-important reward pathways of the brain are still at work. Ironically, when your partner’s frustration about your lack of progress goes away, it’s a good idea to inquire how they’re feeling.

8. They’re comfortable in their partner’s presence

During the initial stages of a partnership, it’s common for a couple to “get out and about.” As a relationship progresses, however, staying home and enjoying each other’s company becomes much more appealing.

The brain desires novelty, but it’s also content with routine. If you enjoy each other, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing, it’s a good sign.

9. “Shortcomings” are not viewed as such

In the movie Good Will Hunting, the late, great Robin Williams plays a therapist who’s haunted by the passing of his wife. In one moving scene, Williams gives love advice to Matt Damon’s character:

“My wife used to fart when she was nervous. She had all sorts of wonderful little idiosyncrasies. She used to fart in her sleep. One night it was so loud it woke the dog up…I didn’t have the heart to tell her…(She’s) been dead for two years, and that the **** I remember. Wonderful stuff you know? The little idiosyncrasies that only I know about: that’s what made her my wife…Ah, that’s the good stuff.”

10. They give you their devotion

There is no “sciencey” stuff in this last item. The word devotion cannot be rationalized through words, but feelings. It’s fair to make a similar argument for love.

Relatedly, the brain, while it may give us clues to what love is from a biological standpoint, may not be the only component. Love is mutual sharing of the soul – something that may never be answerable by science because there is no “answer.”

Devotion is full love and something that can only be felt – not explained.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

References:
Ghose, T. (2013, October 08). Attracted to Your Opposite? Brain Chemicals May Tell. Retrieved June 2, 2017, from http://www.livescience.com/40254-brain-chemicals-guide-attraction.html
Lewis, T. (2014, February 14). 5 Ways Love Affects the Brain. Retrieved June 2, 2017, from http://www.livescience.com/43395-ways-love-affects-the-brain.html
Live Science Staff. (2017, January 20). 13 Scientifically Proven Signs You’re in Love. Retrieved June 2, 2017, from http://www.livescience.com/33720-13-scientifically-proven-signs-love.html
Pappas, S. (2011, February 14). How Do I Love Thee? Experts Count 8 Ways. Retrieved June 2, 2017, from http://www.livescience.com/12854-love-thee-experts-count-ways.html

5 Proven Ways to Get Your Partner to Listen

June 2, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Listen–lend me your ears!

If you want your partner to start listening to you and what you have to say, listen up because this is just the tonic (without the *INSERT FAVORITE MIND-BLOWING SPIRIT HERE*!).

In communication, listening is an integral part of how you perceive others, as well as how others perceive you. In order to understand a particular situation fully, we must listen to what the other person is saying. Of course, we must assume that complete honesty is being imparted by the speaker. However, we discuss honesty in other articles.

Assuming that both parties are telling the whole truth, here are five proven ways to get your partner to really listen:

1. Know how to agree to disagree with respect.

As you and your partner are two individuals, you will not always agree on certain things in certain scenarios. You might have very similar tastes in music, furniture for the house, sexual positions, poetic devices, culinary choices, et al. However, when an instance comes to pass when there is a disagreement, it can feel uncomfortable. Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. of Psychology Today goes one step further, “If in that moment of disagreement you actually feel abandoned by your partner, it can be a very big deal.” Seltzer points out that our emotional part is and always will be controlled by our inner child, whereas the logical part is governed by our adult self. Remember that the thoughts of both of you are equally valid.

2. Listening well yourself.

When in dialogue with your partner, is your modus operandi domination of the conversation by way of non-stop talking on your part and constant interruptions when you are supposed to be silent and listening? If this sounds like you, how do you expect someone else to listen to you when you do not give the very thing you are asking for in the first place? When you really listen and not just hear your other half ready to pounce, you will find that they will respond accordingly and acknowledge your particular input in a much more receptive way. S/He who listens always glistens!

3. Say what is needed to be said and stop.

Droning on and on and on and on and on and on and Ariston gets annoying after a while. Why? This is because the speaker places a higher value on what they are saying than actually having an adult discussion about the topic in question. How would you feel being stuck in a monologue with someone who bores the life out of you? That is how your partner perceives you if you do not curtail the verbal bombardment. Keep things to a bare minimum, then wait – by giving time to your partner to digest what you said and to respond in kind.

4. Use words that do not antagonise.

Utilising calm words help immensely, e.g. “please” instead of “now”. Once you start with the hostile approach in your vocabulary, listening goes out the window and is replaced by, at the very least, a heated discussion regarding the current subject. Name-calling is strictly off-limits. The same goes for commands, as neither one of you is a Colonel in the relationship. Finger-wagging is a goner. Repeated questions, otherwise known as badgering, is another way to antagonise, so refrain from doing it unless it is an absolute necessity.

5. Do not blame.

It is rather curious that the words “blame” and “shame” rhyme. You are in fact trying to shame them into submission if you blame them, and no situation is more delicate than a romantic relationship. This typically backfires and you are met with fiery resistence, as what you are practicing is one-upmanship. Points-scoring in relationships, if left unresolved, leads to resentment towards the “aggressor”. Say how you really feel but you do not have to resort to blaming and shaming to make your point heard.

Thank you for lending us your ears. Now put these ideas into practice and watch your partner lend you theirs more readily and willingly.

References:
Mohebel-Wachtel R., “10 Ways To Get Your Partner To Listen (That Don’y Involve Yelling)”
MindBodyGreen https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20809/10-ways-to-get-your-partner-to-listen-that-dont-involve-yelling.html
Seltzer L F Ph.D., “Can You and Your Partner Agree to Disagree?” Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/201009/can-you-and-your-partner-agree-disagree

10 Fascinating Facts About Sleeping You Didn’t Know

June 2, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Sleep is a pretty amazing thing. No, we aren’t talking about the heavenly feeling of finally being able to doze after a long day (though it could be considered!)

Instead, we’re talking about the physical and mental benefits of rest; along with the extraordinary “repair and refuel” work that takes place during our prized shuteye time.

Did you know that our heart and blood vessels repair themselves as you rest? That the brain “takes out the trash,” removing the massive amounts of irrelevant information we don’t need?

Did you know that ongoing insomnia increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and stroke?

Indeed, sleep can work for or against us – something we’ll discuss a bit later on.

In the meantime, here are ten fascinating facts about sleeping you may not know:

“It is common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.” – John Steinbeck

1. Your body temperature plummets

Doctors advise their pations about keeping a cool room for a reason. Yes, for most people, a cool bedroom is much more comfortable, but a chillier environment also mimics your body temps.

The largest drops in body temperature occur during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when your body may drop a full degree or two.

Neurologists who specialize in sleep medicine put the ideal temperature range between 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 degrees Celsius.)

2. Blood pressure drops, too

Nocturnal dipping is the scientific term used to define when blood pressure plummets at night. Blood pressure, like many other body functions, follows our circadian rhythm (day/wake cycle). Generally, our BP will drop ten to fifteen percent during the nighttime.

A normal, healthy adult’s BP will drop five to seven points during sleep.

3. Heart rate and breathing s-l-o-w-s

You’re probably starting to pick up on the pattern: everything (almost!) slows down when we’re sleeping.

Sigrid C. Veasy, MD, a neuroscientist and professor of medicine and the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology provides his insights: “The intestines quiet down in the nighttime, and the liver goes from trying to detoxify during wakefulness to trying to build and synthesize when you’re sleeping.”

4. Your brain is being tuned up

Ever leave your vehicle overnight with the mechanic? Well, night-night time is your brain’s mechanic. Here’s all that happens as you rest:

Your brain clears toxic byproducts
Your brain is converting short-term into long-term memories
The brain”defragments” or rids itself of the bits of info you don’t need
Your brain is restoring the necessary bits of info that wasn’t ingrained during the daytime.

5. We “deep sleep” only 20% of the time

As we discuss in the next section, we sleep in four cycles. “Deep sleep,” or the period of sleep prior to REM sleep, occurs only 20% of the time spent sleeping. “It’s also called our deepest sleep,” adds Philip Gehrman, Ph.D., and assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania,

“It’s also caused our slow-wave sleep because our brain waves are these slow, high-amplitude waves.”

6. You sleep in 4 stages

Scientists divide sleep into four stages, with each full sleep cycle taking about 1.5 hours to complete. On average, we’ll go through roughly five rotations in 8 hours of shuteye. Here’s a snapshot of what each stage looks like:

1: Easily awakened, muscles may relax and twitch, eye movement slows.
2: Eye movements further slow, body temperature drops, lose sense of environment, brain waves slow, eye movement stops.
2-3: Blood pressure drops, muscles relax, tissue growth and repair, energy is restored, hormones are released, very slow brain waves.

REM: Brain is active and dreaming, eyes dart, muscles are paralyzed, irregular breathing and heart rate.

7. You’re paralyzed

During REM cycles, the only active muscles are the ones moving your eyes and controlling your breathing. Though the muscle paralysis phase is only 20 to 30 minutes, it keeps you from acting out your dreams – and giving your innocent bed partner a swift kick or punch (that’s not nice.)

8. You’re churning out growth hormones

During non-REM (NREM) sleep, our bodies will produce the hormones we need throughout life. Growth hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenocorticotropic hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones, and other types are released during sleep.

9. We’ll spend 122 “days” of the year sleeping

Well, if you consider the average person, who (statistics show) gets somewhere around eight hours of shut-eye per night, they’ll snooze the equivalent of 122 days out of the year.

If you think we humans nap a lot, consider cats. Our feline friends spend about two-thirds of their lives conked out!

10. Sleep can boost your IQ

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany found that “a good night’s sleep can do wonders for women’s intelligence.” In a study of 160 adults – 72 women and 88 men – scientists concluded the following:

“Sleep spindles, which are associated with higher IQ scores, were boosted when women entered dreamless sleep.”

That activity was similar for men, but only during naps that did not exceed a hundred minutes.

What does this mean? Well, for a woman, you should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night; for a man, you may want to consider a power nap during lunchtime.

Buddha Was Right: Scientists Acknowledge That The Quality Of Your Life Is Not In External Development Or Material Progress, But The Inner Development Of Peace And Happiness

June 2, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“While you may not remember life as a toddler, you most likely believe that your selfhood then – your essential being – was intrinsically the same as it is today. …Buddhists, though, suggest that this is just an illusion – a philosophy that’s increasingly supported by scientific research.” – Olivia Goldhill

In the movie The Notebook, Ryan Gosling’s Character (Noah) and Rachel McAdam’s (Allie) have a love relationship that’s in flux for most of the film. When the dust settles, Noah and Allie realize they’re meant for each other and fall deeply in love.

At the movie’s end, Allie suffers from dementia and Noah has a cardiac episode. When the doctor warns Noah about Allie’s deteriorating condition, Noah says “Well, doc, you know what they say. ‘Science only goes so far, then comes God.”

The point of the above example isn’t to argue the compatibility or incompatibility of God and science but to acknowledge that a rift between science and religion exists.

Enter Buddhism.

Buddhism, of course, is a set of principles based upon the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama – a flesh-and-blood human being who was ultimately deemed the “enlightened one” by his followers. The name Buddha, in fact, means “enlightened one.”

Buddha’s main teachings were not religious in context. These set of teachings, collectively referred to as Dharma (“protection”), taught that “the quality of life depends not upon external development or material progress, but upon the inner development of peace and happiness.”

In fairness, according to the record, Buddha mentioned certain metaphysical aspects in his teachings. However, he did not emphasize the inclusion of his experiences to his followers. Buddha reportedly said, “Three things cannot be hidden: The Sun; The Moon; The Truth.”

What did Buddha say of “Truth”? “Make an island of yourself; make yourself your refuge; there is no other refuge. Make truth your island and your refuge; there is no other refuge.”

Mankind attempted to take Buddha’s teachings and convert them into religion– a development that can be seen in the various secular and non-secular entities that bear Buddha’s name.

Buddhism and Science

“As an evolutionary biologist, I have personally encountered (scientific illiteracy), notably when lecturing in the Bible Belt. At the same time, I’ve been struck by how scientifically knowledgeable the audiences are when I lecture in Asian countries, particularly those strongly influenced by Buddhism.”

– David P. Barash, Ph.D.

Ouch. Our apologies to those in the “Bible Belt” of the United States. (Don’t shoot the messenger, please!)

We’ll focus on Dr. Barash’s second sentence.

Do Buddha’s teachings align with those of science? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Impartial investigation of the Universe and Environment

Scientists are required to separate observations, facts, and evidence from any potential influence. To accomplish this, scientists use the scientific method – using observation, measurement, and experimentation; formulating, testing, and – if necessary – modifying the original hypotheses.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14^th Dalai Lama: “Suppose that something is definitely proven through scientific investigation, that a certain hypothesis or a certain fact emerges as a result of (investigation) … Furthermore, that (this) fact is incompatible with (Buddhism). There is no doubt we must accept the result of the scientific research.”

To demonstrate Buddhism’s emphasis on respecting scientific inquiry, here’s an interesting statistic: 81% of Buddhists believe that “evolution is the best explanation for the origin of human life.” The highest of all “religious” groups. (About 98% of scientists agree with the statement.)

2. Neuroscience

“Buddhists argue that nothing is constant, everything changes through time, you have a constantly changing stream of consciousness … from a neuroscience perspective, the brain and body is constantly in flux … (nothing corresponds) to the sense that there’s an unchanging self,” says Dr. Evan Thompson.

A paper, published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, conjoins the Buddhist belief that our “in flux ‘self’” results in physical changes within the brain. Indeed, neuroscientists have uncovered evidence that correlates with this belief.

Perhaps the most obvious relationship between neuroscience and Buddha’s teachings is that of meditation and mindfulness, and their collective impact on the brain.

3. Meditation/Mindfulness

In the Dhammapada, Buddha says, “All experiences are preceded by the mind, having mind as their master, created by the mind.”

Whereas most religious dogma talks of “surrendering” or relying on a divine being, Buddhism teaches mindfulness and meditation as the potential answer to one’s questions. Additionally, for thousands of years, Buddhism has taught mindfulness to relieve both physical and mental ailments.

The University of Massachusetts (UM) Center for Mindfulness created the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program teaches individuals “how to use their innate resources and abilities to respond more effectively to stress, pain, and illness.” On UM’s website, researchers state:

“One reason MBSR proved viable in mainstream clinical settings is that the Dharma is in essence universal. Mindfulness, often being spoken of as “the heart of Buddhist meditation,” and being primary about the systematic training and refinement of attention and awareness, compassion and wisdom, is a manifestation of its universal applicability.”

Summing it all up

Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most respected Buddhist practitioners in the world, says:

“The practice of mindfulness and concentration always brings insight. It can help both Buddhists and scientists. Insights transmitted by realized practitioners like the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can be a source of inspiration and support for both Buddhist practitioners and scientists, and scientific tests can help Buddhist practitioners understand better and have more confidence in the insight they receive from their ancestral teachers.

It is our belief that in this 21st Century, Buddhism and science can go hand in hand to promote more insight for us all and bring more liberation, reducing discrimination, separation, fear, anger, and despair in the world.”

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First, the five things that we shouldn’t expect in a relationship:

1. That our partner understands our feelings

2. That a love relationship should be void of conflict

3. For things to work, we must spend most of our time together

4. That relationship “bliss” of true love won’t fade

5. That a good relationship doesn’t require effort

Final Thoughts on the Expectations of True Love

Why?

Here are ten signs that someone truly loves their partner:

1. They create feelings of euphoria

2. Their uniqueness captivates you

3. Bond and commitment grows

4. They show an “urge to care”

5. Adversity strengthens the relationship

6. Their priorities shift for the better

7. They push their partner to become better

8. They’re comfortable in their partner’s presence

9. “Shortcomings” are not viewed as such

10. They give you their devotion

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Assuming that both parties are telling the whole truth, here are five proven ways to get your partner to really listen:

1. Know how to agree to disagree with respect.

2. Listening well yourself.

3. Say what is needed to be said and stop.

4. Use words that do not antagonise.

5. Do not blame.

In the meantime, here are ten fascinating facts about sleeping you may not know:

1. Your body temperature plummets

2. Blood pressure drops, too

3. Heart rate and breathing s-l-o-w-s

4. Your brain is being tuned up

5. We “deep sleep” only 20% of the time

6. You sleep in 4 stages

7. You’re paralyzed

8. You’re churning out growth hormones

9. We’ll spend 122 “days” of the year sleeping

10. Sleep can boost your IQ

Enter Buddhism.

Buddhism and Science

Do Buddha’s teachings align with those of science? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Impartial investigation of the Universe and Environment

2. Neuroscience

3. Meditation/Mindfulness

Summing it all up

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Us

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

Rise and Shine On!
Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist