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Bibliotherapy: Doctors Are Now Prescribing Books to Treat Depression

Books are arguably the greatest gift that Mankind has even given to….well… Mankind. Long and short, fiction and non-fiction, e-book and paperback. Without a doubt, books have given us access into some the greatest minds ever – dead and alive, human and divine. Enter bibliotherapy

“Living your life is a long and dodgy business…and stories and books help. Some help you with the living itself. Some help you just take a break. The best do both at the same time.” – Anne Fine, author of “Goggle Eyes.”

It’s not so surprising, then, that doctors are prescribing reading to our fellow human beings. These patients suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental and emotional problems.

BibliotherapyBibliotherapy Treats Depression

Of course, we think of “treatment” for mental illness as someone on a therapist’s couch. Or, we envision some expensive, over-the-top advertisement for the latest prescription drug. Then again, you may see a picturesque treatment center surrounded by a lush garden and flowing water…

However, Bibliotherapy has been around longer than any of the aforementioned treatments.

But, you might wonder, what is the definition? We define bibliotherapy as the use of designated reading materials designed to facilitate the recovery of patients suffering from mental illness or emotional disturbance. Indeed, it’s a smart idea! However, it’s not a new one.

In fact, the ancient Greeks used to post a sign above their library halls with the words “healing place for the soul.

Heck… what would Socrates and Aristotle know, anyways? Oh… yeah…the whole “laying the foundations of Western thought” thing…

But it’s not just some of the greatest minds of the ancient world. Fast forward to 2014. Indeed, you’ll find some of the world’s best academic institutions and mental health professionals singing Bibliotherapy praises.

In the United States, “reading therapy” began in many hospitals as a supplement to other types of treatments. Medical professionals determined that books with heavy emotional and intellectual emphasis had the ability to uplift and strengthen a patient – both mentally and physically. The stronger tie of the book to the patient’s circumstances, the more it seemed to help.

How Bibliotherapy is thought to work

Have you ever gotten “lost” in a good book? The same kind of feelings and interactivity between the reader and the book are what bibliotherapy is all about.

There are two elements of therapy at play in bibliotherapy – expressive and psychological. The expressive element of the therapy focuses on the healing nature of a book. On the other hand, the psychological element focuses on exactly the mental, emotional and internal relationship between the reader and the book.

In theory, bibliotherapy is more dependent upon the emotional interaction of the “book-reader” relationship than the actual intellectual understanding of the literature. A literary work’s worth is determined entirely by its ability to provoke a therapeutic reaction from the person.

In other words, the book needs to create some relief of certain emotional or mental pressures.bibliotherapy

One of the main concepts of bibliotherapy is called universalization. And that is the realization that you are not alone in your thoughts or struggles. While going through any problem, a common feeling is that of isolation and hopelessness. In bibliotherapy, it’s crucial for an individual to realize two things: that they are not alone and that others have experienced the same problems and overcame them.

Who Bibliotherapy can help

The therapy is used to help people of all ages and with a wide range of emotional, mental, physical and social issues. Some of the problematic experiences that people have countered with Bibliotherapy include:

-Learning disabilities

-Addictions

-Bereavement

-Depression and anxiety

-General Stress

-Sexual, physical and emotional abuse

-Loneliness and isolation

-Financial problems

-Job loss

-Relationship problems

bibliotherapy-healingTypes of Bibliotherapy

For advocates and therapists, there is one core belief: bibliotherapy requires some form of reading. Now, let’s set this common thread aside.

Of course, there are different beliefs and schools of thought on the type of book, amount of therapy required, and therapist involvement.

On one side, self-help books require almost no therapist involvement – the book itself is the catalyst of treatment. On the other end of the continuum, bibliotherapy serves as a therapeutic aid. And, the involvement of a therapist is crucial.

Usually, the type of therapy used depends upon the theoretical leanings of the therapist. In fact, there are two primary “schools” of thought for bibliotherapy: “cognitive” and “affective.”

Cognitive (thinking)

Therapists involve either no therapist or minimal therapist involvement. As the learning functions of a person are believed to be the main factor in treatment, therapy involves non-fiction works. And, all media works well–including apps with actionable learning outcomes. The main concern is the improvement of the reader’s problem-solving ability and mental functioning.

Affective (behavioral)

Therapists believe in the power of fiction to help people. Therapy places significant emphasis on the evocation of emotional responses through character interaction. Affective therapists believe that as a character works out a problem, the reader becomes emotionally involved; thus identifies with the struggles of the character and the resolution of the problem.

Where reading therapy has shown a tremendous amount of promise is with children. When experiencing difficulty and hurt, children are the most vulnerable. Tragically, these kids often have nowhere to turn and no one to help see them through.

On the positive side children are also very open to love, support, and guidance. Perhaps, just as important, children are also creative and open minded. Characters in literature often pop off the page for them, and they are very receptive to the message. This can help them tremendously in identifying with the character and the resolution of the problem.

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Conclusion on Bibliotherapy

Books can touch our soul, strengthen our mind, and broaden our perspective. We identify with the words, the characters, and the human experience within the pages.

And so, anyone that has read a truly great book can speak to the fact that they can change your life.

Because reading a good book might bring some answers to difficult questions, our fellow humans in need benefit. Also, it may be useful in changing their hearts and healing their minds.

So, are you now interested in learning more? If so, check out the American Art Therapy Associates and the National Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy.

10 Simple Ways To Show Yourself Love

If you want to give love to others, you must first show yourself some love. The foundation of your reality begins from within – and when you consistently send yourself divine inner love, you cannot go without it.

As simple of a concept as that may sound, many still ask, “what’s the next step?” The next step involves “The 4 R’s” – read, relate, release, and re-love! Here are ten simple ways to do it, starting now!

Why We Don’t Show Ourselves Love

Too often forget to take care of–and show love to–ourselves. And, here is the worst part. We make up excuses–one after another–to sidestep the issue.

So, why do we ignore our own needs? Here are the excuses we use to rationalize for skipping out on self-adoration

We are too busy.

Kids. Career. Aging parents. Pets. We put all others before ourselves. And the sad truth is that it deems us ineffective. How can we look after our loved ones without caring for our own needs? Perhaps you have never looked at it in that way.

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We feel undeserving.

At times, we are our own worst critics. Although we know we set impossible goals, we are hard on ourselves when we fail to reach them. For example, we might set sights on losing five pounds by Friday. When that day rolls around, we beat ourselves up. And that leads to a feeling of being undeserving.

No extra money.

Ok. So maybe you are tight on funds. But that’s not a valid excuse either! The best treat you can give yourself might even be free! Think of taking 30 minutes to relax, a hot bubble bath in your favorite essential oils, write an affirmations list, or enjoy a long walk with the dog.

You deserve it!

Ten Simple Ways to Love Yourself

Try these self-care behaviors.

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1.     Accept Compliments, Especially From Yourself

How often do you show yourself some love by remembering your many positive qualities? Too often, we’re highly critical of ourselves and forget what makes us unique, amazing beings. This negative attitude can affect everything, from relationships to career opportunities. So, make sure you lift yourself as often as possible!

You can practice positive affirmations to get in the habit of giving yourself compliments. Scientific research proves that psyching yourself up may promote beneficial brain changes! Studies have shown that self-affirmations cause neural pathways in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex to increase. This part of the brain governs self-related information processing and positive valuation.

Another study discovered positive affirmations could make the brain more resilient to threatening information. The mind begins to see the value in new experiences and feels more comfortable with the unfamiliar. This likely happens because positivity can enhance your confidence and self-esteem, helping you thrive again!

Affirmations you can practice include:

  • “I love myself unconditionally.”
  • “I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”
  • “I’m beautiful, confident, and strong.”
  • “I have everything I need within.”
  • “I am at peace with myself.”

Remember to accept compliments from strangers, as they simply affirm what you already know within!

2.     Do Something You Truly Love and Enjoy

Doing activities you genuinely enjoy can ease the monotony of daily life and add some excitement to your schedule. Plus, it’s medicine for the soul to do things you feel passionate about. Even if you have a busy work week, you can use the weekends to explore your interests.

Whether you feel drawn to hiking, pottery, karaoke, or yoga, pencil in your favorite activity at least once a week. It will give you something to look forward to and revitalize your spirit for the week ahead.

3.     Say “No” To Others and “Yes” To Yourself

You can’t always turn people down, primarily if you depend on them for a paycheck. However, you can exert boundaries so that others know how to treat you and what you expect in the relationship. For instance, perhaps your boss asked you to take on another project even though you work 50+ hours a week. In this case, explain that you feel burnt out and ask if he can delegate to someone else.

Saying “no” to others and “yes” to yourself doesn’t make you selfish, regardless of society’s thoughts. You have to put yourself first sometimes because no one else will. Our community moves far too quickly nowadays, causing us to feel disconnected and mentally unwell. So give yourself permission to take your power back and move to the rhythm of your soul!

4.     Celebrate Your Strengths!

We’ve become a society of critics nowadays, and usually, we’re the cruelest towards ourselves. Perhaps self-love isn’t taught enough in schools or at home, but it forms the foundation for our lives. How can we become valuable members of society if we don’t value the person in the mirror?

Let’s end this trend toward self-hatred by remembering and honoring our strengths instead of perceived failures. Avoid ruminating about how you did something or what you said in a past conversation. Instead, focus on everything you’ve achieved in life and your numerous talents. We all have a unique purpose here, so never compare yourself to others; it only steals your joy!

5.     Ask For Or Accept Help More Often

Many people view asking for help as a form of weakness in our individualized, atomized society. They do everything themselves, not realizing that we have depended on each other since the dawn of humanity. Those who ventured off alone likely met an unfortunate fate since it made them more vulnerable.

So, please don’t hesitate to ask people for assistance when needed. And, always keep your hands and heart open to offer help to others because kindness keeps the world moving. Studies show that showing love and compassion to others is contagious, so never underestimate how your actions can impact people. As they say, it only takes a ripple to create a wave.

6.     Release Worry, Guilt, and Fear. All Is Well.

This segues back to the topic of self-criticism and limiting beliefs. Stress and worry about something lowers your vibration and blocks any love from entering your life. However, if you affirm that everything is working in divine order, nothing can stop your blessings! So, release guilt or fear because you deserve abundance and happiness like anyone else.

7.     Stop Putting Yourself Down – Lift Yourself Instead!

Love isn’t just for people who have their lives perfectly manicured and put together. We can all experience love and bliss, which only requires you to believe. So, please avoid thinking negatively about yourself because there’s no need to feel flawed. If you focus more on your strengths, life will flow much easier and more enjoyable. Regardless of your circumstances, you deserve self-love, so give yourself this gift occasionally.

8.     Allow Yourself More Time to Relax and Unwind

We can’t keep up with society’s demands without taking time to recharge our batteries. Even a few hours of self-love and care can greatly affect our mood and functioning. When you get home from work, leave all your worries behind and relax your mind.

Run a warm bath with your favorite essential oils, play your favorite music, and turn your home into a sanctuary. Relax into the present moment and watch all your troubles dissipate.

9.     Smile More!

Smiling invites love and positive vibes into your life because it shows others you’re friendly and non-threatening. Like compassion, smiles have a habit of spreading throughout the room, so don’t hesitate to share a grin with a stranger. You never know how that small positive action may also benefit their lives.

10. Tell Yourself “I Love You!”

If all else fails, look at yourself in the mirror and say “I love you!” every so often. It only takes a few seconds but can lift your spirits throughout the day. Having a positive, healthy relationship with yourself ensures your other relationships will flourish. It all begins with how you treat yourself, so don’t hold back self-love; you’re worth it!

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Final Thoughts On Showing Yourself Love

Imagine how different the world would look if we showed ourselves more love instead of doubt and hatred. How we treat ourselves manifests outwardly, explaining today’s increasingly divisive, fearful society. Hopefully, these tips above will help you become more loving toward yourself and others. We certainly need all the love we can get, and luckily, we need only look within to receive it.

11 Things to Remember When You Think You’re Not Good Enough

Some days turn out better or worse than others – that’s a fact. But ultimately, the way we feel about our life and ourselves has the biggest impact on the outcome of each day.  Happiness and confidence can create outcomes that exceed our expectations, like a continual ray of sunshine even on a cloudy day.

But, when we are down on ourselves, especially when we think we are not good enough, life can easily and quickly take a turn for the worse.  We can unexpectedly find ourselves entrenched in a deep, dark hole. When we repeatedly allow ourselves feel this way for days, weeks or even months at a time, it can have detrimental effects on our happiness, health, relationships, and careers.

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That’s why it’s best to prevent a self-esteem slide. Sometimes the smallest bit of inspiration can help us turn things around when we feel we are not good enough.

Here is a quick list of 11 things to remember when you think you’re not good enough. Save this for yourself, you never know when you may need it and share it with others. Let’s put an end to the false reality of the negative belief, “you’re not good enough”!

11 Things to Remember When You Think You’re Not Good Enough

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1. Life is about progress, not perfection. Strive for excellence!

Life is perfectly imperfect. Striving for perfection is not necessarily a bad thing – it makes you reach higher and work harder. However, it’s a goal that can be rather unattainable and you will always be working on being “perfect”. This may leave you feeling like you are “not good enough”, especially in a world where the race toward “perfectionism” usually involves losing who you truly are to emulate what others think you should be.

Instead, strive for excellence. Excellence is far superior and you can create the level of personal excellence that works for you and where you are.  Most of us are juggling so many tasks in so many areas that we cannot possibly perfect in every area and still be happy, but we attain excellence and it’s far more rewarding!

2. What you do right NOW can create a better outcome.

Nothing is written in stone unless it’s in the past. Even then we can change the way we perceive it. We can’t truly predict the future, because it’s ever-changing based on what we do right now.

not-good-enoughThe best way to move forward is to be present and put our full focus on the now in a positive manner. When we feel good about the things that are going well and display gratitude for what we have we allow for more of those good things to come to us.

The same is true when we focus on negative, however, positive thinking is much more powerful and reigns supreme. In fact, some say it is 1000x stronger. So, no matter what happened, be grateful you are still here to correct it and move forward. Take this time, even if it’s an eensy-weensy minute, and take a deep breath, focus on the good and allow yourself the ability to help create a better outcome.

3. Positive thinking is your birthright.

No matter what situation you are in, positive thinking can and will always come to your rescue if you allow it. The power of positivity is a gift to us from divine energy. Divine energy is nothing BUT positive energy.

If you want things to turn around for your highest good you must keep your faith, release fear, and keep your focus on solutions. Positive thinking is your birthright. It can always improve any situation, no matter how dire it may appear.

4. There is more RIGHT with you than wrong with you.

Even during your struggles, don’t forget to focus on your strengths. Too often our culture looks at each other’s “weaknesses” and wants to put a focus on improving them. While having a balanced mind, body and soul is important some of our weaknesses exist to balance some of our greatest strengths.

When we switch our focus to what is right about ourselves, we could probably write down a long list. In fact, if you need to do that exercise, do it! Focus on your strengths and what you do well. In the areas that you could improve, be reasonable with yourself and if it’s an area you truly believe you need to improve create action steps to do so. Either way, there IS more right with you than wrong with you.

5. Everyone makes mistakes!

The positive perspective and the real truth about mistakes are that they are an opportunity to teach us something and allow us to grow.  At times they can also point out our weaknesses so that we can grow stronger in that area. We are students here and mistakes are evidence we are trying and doing the best we can.

When we continually learn and grow from our mistakes we begin to see bigger success in our life, more fulfillment and true and lasting happiness. Success takes work and mistakes are part of that.

6. Remember you are exactly where you need to be right now.

It may not seem like it, but the entire Universe has orchestrated itself to create your life where it is right now.  It may not be where you want to be right now, but sometimes you have to go through a bit of bramble to get to the clover field.

So when you feel like you’ve failed or that you’ll never reach your goals, remind yourself that the Universe didn’t say no, it just said not yet. Continually remind yourself that you are in the perfect place right now, and continue moving forward in faith.

7. Be kind and gentle with yourself. You’re doing the best you can.

You don’t have to beat yourself up over not “getting there” fast enough, or as fast as the people you wish to be like. As long as you can come away at the end of the day knowing you gave it your all, that’s all anyone can truly do.  Your light is shining, no matter how small the flame.  Even if your flame is the smallest in the world, it will still cut through the darkest night.

You could even think of a flower garden.  Each flower blooms at its own pace and shows it’s unique beauty as it does so.  Continue reaching for the light, allowing yourself to be nurtured.  Much like the flower, your life will come into bloom as well.

8. You deserve your own unconditional love and forgiveness.

“Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.”- Max Ehrmann

Begrudging yourself or holding on to negative thoughts about yourself will not bring you justice – the grief and pain will only end up affecting you.

Let go of the bitterness and resentment towards yourself or your situation. Let go of the negative feelings and remove the focus and attention to the unwanted. Forgiving yourself for making a mistake and allowing yourself to “love YOU no matter what” is wonderful. It will lead you to even more positive feelings of understanding, compassion, and empathy, allowing you to grow into a better experience.

9. There’s always a solution, keep looking!

Sometimes you might feel like you’ve reached the end of the road. Lucky for you, there’s always a small dirt path called faith that you can continue to follow when times get tough.

Follow a path of positive faith and just watch new solutions appear. It may be a simple solution, and it may only be a part of the solution that you need to put together. The puzzle pieces are always there – it’s up to you to put the picture in place.

10. The only comparing and competing you should be doing is with yourself.

As mentioned multiple times throughout this article, there’s no need to try to compete or catch up with those who are in your field.  Be the best version of YOU.  Be the change you want to see in YOURSELF.  Allow the future vision of YOU to be your hero.

11. You can’t always change things, but you can ALWAYS change the way you look at things.

The present moment was created as a collective manifestation of your past thoughts, words, and actions.  Sometimes, this can be so tough that you may feel like you’re not good enough to get through it, and if you’re reflecting on the reality that you’ve created, it may even make you feel like you’re not good enough to handle your co-creative ability.

The bottom line is that times can get tough – but there’s nothing wrong with believing you’re tougher.  Because when you believe you ARE good enough to create the life you desire, and you believe that YOU ARE good enough to make it through any situation.  When this happens, the way you look at things suddenly change, and before you know it, your reality positively changes with it.

Now, who was it that said you’re not good enough?

5 Life Changing Lessons to Learn From Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi. There is perhaps no name in history that embodies the teachings of non-violent, civil resistance better than Mahatma Gandhi. Though Gandhi was meek and fragile in stature, his presence was anything but. Through enormous respect and love for Mankind, this humble and peace-loving man led an entire nation to independence.

“Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment. — Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was also known for his love of teaching and educating people on peace, harmony, love and respect.
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5 Life Changing Lessons to Learn From Mahatma Gandhi

#1: Change Yourself First

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

The concept of changing yourself to reflect what you want to see around you is simple in theory, but requires hard work, patience and determination to attain. Gandhi taught this important principle in his words, but epitomized them in his actions. Even when facing imprisonment, hunger and possible death, Gandhi remained steadfast, loving, and peaceful.

Can we summon the strength of character to live the change we wish to see?

One person CAN make a difference. It always starts with one person.

#2: Strength Through Peace

“There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no cause that I am prepared to kill for.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was a revolutionary, a hero, and the leader of a nation. He led his people to independence and self-rule through his extraordinary strength.

And… he did it without hurting anyone.

Such a concept today seems unfathomable and unattainable. Gandhi’s achievements show otherwise. He showed that self-sacrifice and courage – not death and destruction – can produce change.

We have the capability to change the world through peaceful activism, demonstrating love, and living unselfishly. Let us do so.

#3: Violence is Unnecessary

“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” — Mahatma Gandhi

The only thing that Gandhi hated in his life was violence. There are more quotes and teachings about violence from Mahatma Gandhi than any other topic.

Somewhere in the world, there is a conflict going on. Innocent lives are being lost, along with the lives of those fighting. Gandhi taught that our cultural, religious and political differences are no excuse to hurt, much less kill, anyone.

There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no cause that I am prepared to kill for.” — Mahatma Gandhi

#4: Pursue the truth

“Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Needless to say, Gandhi was a big proponent of truthfulness. He warned people against blindly accepting information without careful examination.

Propaganda doesn’t make something true. Repeating of information doesn’t make something true. The attainment of truth happens through careful examination, a critical eye, and an open mind.

Examine things for yourself. Our world will be a much better place when this becomes more common.

#5: Watch your thoughts

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was a man of incredible self-discipline and strength of will. The only way he was able to achieve what he did, despite sometimes horrendous treatment, was through conscious, productive, positive thinking.

Read the above quote over again.

Indeed, we are a product of our thoughts. Imagine a world of positive thinking and self-restraint.

Gandhi did and so do we. Gaining control of your thoughts and primarily thinking positive can transform your whole life. The more people who do, the better the world we live in will be. 🙂

“We must become the change we want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Evidence That the Human Body is a Projection of Consciousness

consciousness-creationIn this article, we will explore how your body is a holographic projection of your consciousness, and how you directly influence that hologram and thus have complete control over the physical health of your body. We will also explore the exact mechanism behind this principle. But, don’t worry, I will provide scientific evidence to put your rational mind at ease. But first … how is this even possible?

Human Thought Determines Reality

One of the key principles of quantum physics is that our thoughts determine reality. Early in the 1900’s, they proved this beyond a shadow of a doubt with an experiment called the double slit experiment. They determined that the behavior of energy (‘particles’) at the quantum level is the observer’s awareness.

For example, electrons under the same conditions would sometimes act like particles. And, at other times they would switch to acting like waves (formless energy). This arose because it was completely dependent on what the observer expected was going to happen. Whatever the observed believed would occur is what the quantum field did.

The quantum world is waiting for us to make a decision so that it knows how to behave. That is why quantum physicists have such difficulties in dealing with, explaining, and defining the quantum world. We are truly, in every sense of the word, masters of creation because we decide what manifests out of the field of all-possibility and into form.

The thing is, the quantum level of reality isn’t a local and insignificant aspect of creation. It is all around us, and it is the most fundamental level of creation aside from the unified field itself. The human energy field is interacting and influencing the quantum field all around us at all times and the energy of our beliefs and intentions are infused into our energy field because they are defined by the energy of our thoughts and emotions.

Human Energy

Thus the fusion of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and intentions, which I will call the human energy field for simplicity’s sake, is perpetually informing the quantum reality within us and around us at each moment of our existence.

Therefore each time we oscillate into formlessness, we have complete and total control and responsibility over what we choose with our attention to manifest out of the field in the next moment, and our power and ability to do so relies entirely what we believe, and on how we are feeling.

consciousness-creationA Classic Example

A dramatic example of this is the case of Vittorio Michelli. In 1962 he was admitted to the Military Hospital of Verona, Italy with a large tumor on his left hip. The doctors knew that they could not help him, so his case was deemed hopeless and he was sent home without treatment, and after about 10 months his left hip bone had completely disintegrated. As a last resort, he traveled to Lourdes, France and bathed himself in the spring there (which is a Christian holy site famous for producing miracles).

Immediately he started feeling better, he regained his appetite and bathed himself in the spring a few more times before he left. After a few months of being home he felt such a powerful sense of well-being that he urged the doctors to x-ray him again, and they were astonished to find that his tumor had shrunk. Over the next several months they kept a close watch on him, and his X-rays showed that his tumor kept on shrinking, until it was gone. And once his tumor disappeared, his hipbone started regenerating.

After two months he was walking again, and several years later his hip bone had completely regenerated. The Vatican’s Medical Commission, in their official report, said:

“A remarkable reconstruction of the iliac bone and cavity has taken place. The X-rays made in 1964, 1965, 1968, and 1969 confirm categorically and without doubt that an unforeseen and even overwhelming bone reconstruction has taken place of a type unknown in the annals of world medicine.” (The Holographic Universe, p.107)

An extraordinary outcome

Ordinarily, this would be deemed miraculous, and indeed it truly is. But I find this miraculous in the sense of the true power of human intention and belief that it displays. Moreover, this is powerful evidence that suggests that there is an energetic structure which our ‘material bodies’ align with. Because that is one of the only logical explanations for how Vittorio Michelli’s hip bone knew exactly which shape to grow back into. Unless, of course, there was some sort of energetic blueprint which was instructing its growth, which as the Vatican’s Medical Commission clearly stated, was “unknown in the annals of world medicine.

In medicine, maybe this was unknown, but the same cannot be said for physics. At the atomic level atoms bond with one another to form molecules which have specific geometric structures as if there is an energetic blueprint which they are adhering to which dictates the shapes they maintain together.

But how?

If our bodies are a projection of consciousness, then our consciousness would create an energetic blueprint which our atoms and molecules align with to create our bodies. There is highly suggestive evidence of the existence of this energetic blueprint (or human energy field) in the new research on DNA which proves that it transmits, receives, and thus reads energy directly from the field.consciousness-spiritual-creation

Michelli’s case is a perfect example of our human ability to re-organize that vacuum structure with our energy and intentions, and thus manifest what we desire directly out of the field for truly miraculous results. The healing stemmed from the fact that he felt better and believed in that healing. I suggest this as the key to his healing.

Some may want to stick with the belief that God healed this man, and I would agree to you. But you and I would probably disagree on the nature of this God. For I contend that you are god, as are we all. Because the force we call God is the energy and infinite consciousness behind creation, and thus when we tap into ourselves as pure consciousness, i.e. without thought through meditation, then we open ourselves to the infinitude of our own awareness because we inseparably are that infinite creative consciousness. We are it and it is us.

And when we open up to that energy, we allow ourselves to be flooded with a “powerful sense of well-being” and knowing which has astounding power to create reality, and directly affects our biology.

The Body as a Projection of Consciousness

I want you to really internalize the understanding that reality is flashing in and out of form. This is absolutely crucial in understanding our ability to heal, because if half of the time we are formless, then (1) Who are we really, because obviously our bodies and the material world is illusory to a degree; and (2) What is the blueprint which is guiding the rearrangement of our bodies each time we quite literally re-materialize?

The answer to both questions would be consciousness. Our bodies are a holographic projection of our consciousness, and they are the sum total of our beliefs about ourselves. If we can change our beliefs about ourselves, and thus if we can change the energy that defines our human energy field, then we can change the energetic blueprint which our body aligns with as it re-materializes back into form 1044 times per second.

(The exact structure and dynamics of our consciousness which make us both a fractal and holographic expression of this infinite God-consciousness can be found in Nassim Haramein’s Holofractographic Universe theory, and in his work Crossing the Event Horizon.)

Deepak Chopra’s Experience

Deepak Chopra told a story that illustrates this perfectly in his book, How to Know God. A friend of his injured his foot while working out in a gym because he was unaccustomed to the machines. The pain in his foot increased over the next few days. And, he found it increasingly difficult to walk, so he sought care. According to Chopra’s friend, “medical examination it was found that he had a common ailment known as plantar fasciitis, in which the connecting tissue between the heel and the front of the foot had been stretched or torn.” (How to Know God, p.221)

His friend decided not to have surgery and instead to tough it out. But, in time he found it so painful and difficult to walk that he sought out a Chinese Healer. This Chinese man was ordinary by appearance, and gave “no evidence of being mystical or spiritual, or in any way gifted in healing.” The injured friend of Deepak Chopra continues:

“After gently feeling my foot, he stood up and made a few signs in the air behind my spine. He never actually touched me, and when I asked what he was doing, he simply said he was turning some switches in my energy field. He did this for a minute or so and then asked me to stand up. I did, and there was no sensation of pain, not the slightest. You have to remember that I had limped in, barely able to walk.”

He continues:

“In complete amazement, I asked him what he had done. He told me that the body was an image projected by the mind, and in a state of health the mind keeps this image intact and balanced. However, injury and pain can cause us to withdraw our attention from the affected spot. In that case, the body image starts to deteriorate; its energy patterns become impaired, unhealthy. So the healer restores the correct pattern – this is done instantly, on the spot – after which the patient’s own mind takes responsibility for maintaining it that way.” (How to Know God, p.222)

human-consciousness

The Power of the Mind

This story has fascinated and inspired me ever since I heard it. As we have seen, reality is flashing in and out of existence innumerable times every second, oscillating between form and formlessness, and quantum physics knows that our thoughts and beliefs influence the quantum reality which is the source of the material world. Therefore it is only natural to assume an energetic and formless source for all of creation, including our physicality.

It is clear that we must start to consider ourselves as more than a physical body. In truth, it is much more coherent to think of ourselves as a luminous energy field organizing ourselves in a body, or as pure consciousness manifesting and temporarily experiencing this level of reality through our bodies. New evidence is clearly illustrating that our mind is non-local and is independent of the brain, which means it doesn’t need the brain, or the body for that matter, to exist.[1]

We are so much more than we think we are, and infinitely more than we have been lead to believe. The next step that we have to take, moreover, the next step in our human evolution now involves us learning how to use and hone this power we have to influence reality and literally manifest anything we want directly out of the field, from a new hip, to perhaps better eyesight, or a fit and healthy body, all the way to a new life.

But how is this done?

Healing Your Field, Healing Your Body

To heal, all that we need to do is purify our energy so that the energetic projection of our body is unobstructed. Then our atoms and molecules can align perfectly to this structure because there is no energetic interference to disrupt the image of our body as projected by our consciousness.

DNA and StarsWe do this by getting in the gap between our thoughts, where our beliefs no longer affect our reality, for, when we are not thinking, we are also free of beliefs and expectations. And by doing this we are aligning ourselves with universal principles. Plus we match our energy with the energies coming directly from the field of all-possibility. Those high-frequency energies of love, kindness, inspiration, passion, and joy.

The first step is to consider the possibility that we are not only energy but that there is infinite energy all around us which we can consciously tap into to promote healing in our body and mind, to become a more happy, healthy, vibrant and creative being. As soon as you start to connect to the infinite energy of creation and your own true nature as formless energy, then you start to become aware of these energies in your body which returns the projection of your body to its natural state.

Your body

A disturbance in your energy field –your consciousness–disrupts the projection of your body. The disruption arises from unbalanced thoughts and emotions, and limiting beliefs. Our luminous energy field is naturally vibrant. And our energy naturally flows unhindered as a powerful stream of consciousness. However, we are indoctrinated to obey the lower levels of consciousness. Therefore, we disrupt this flow which, if left unhindered, would express itself everywhere.

Another key concept to understand is that your body is always regenerating. In a talk of Deepak Chopra’s that I listened to, he pointed out that atoms do not age. They do not die, and the same atoms that existed at the big bang around 14 billion years ago exist to this day, some of which are even within you.

Every year 98% of the atoms in your body are exchanged for ‘new’ atoms. You are constantly dying, and being reborn, and literally transforming at the atomic and molecular levels. Every three days you have a new stomach lining, every month you have new skin, every three months you have a new skeleton. And every year you have almost an entirely new body (Deepak Chopra from Living Beyond Miracles with Wayne Dyer).

Deepak Chopra described it beautifully by saying that our atoms “are like migrating birds”. They are not permanent, they are completely independent, and are drifting through space and time and merely being organized into structures such as our bodies by none other than our energy field which organizes them as a magnetic field organizes metal filings, only slightly more complex.

What more proof do we need in order to start looking at our bodies differently, and in general looking at the mechanism of health itself in a new light?

Aging

None of the raw materials that form your physical body age, moreover, they are constantly changing. Therefore I ask this of you. Is it really you that is changing? And what is the force that organizes these atoms and molecules back where they are supposed to be? How do they perfectly and harmoniously continue to do their jobs even while your cells and atoms are migrating by the billions?

Your body is not the real you. Your body is merely a projection of what you believe yourself to be. Accept that you are pure consciousness. Furtthermore, know that who you really are is an infinite creative awareness that is manifesting reality and co-creating reality with other aspects of yourself (because every being is an expression of the infinite universal consciousness we have labeled as God), then you can start to take complete control over your body, your health, and your life.

Chronic pain, disease, illness, or old injuries of your body are not in your body. They are in your mind. More specifically, they are a function of your perception. Your atoms are always changing, and your molecules are too. But new atoms come and new molecules form, and you flash in and out of existence. Then, your energetic field is telling them where to go, what to do, and how to align.

Therefore, you are holding disease, illness, pain, and injuries within your consciousness. Thus, they are imprinted in your energetic field, and only then do they proceed to manifest in your physiology.

Regaining control over disease

If this is the case, then not only is our health completely under our willful control, but yoga-sunsetthe rate at which we age may even be under our control as well. Now I am not suggesting that we can be immortal, because we already are as infinite beings of consciousness. I suggest that in a time long forgotten, human beings had the ability to live from this field. They lived consciously from their nature as luminous beings of pure energy. And, the day will come soon when we harness this power again.

At that time human beings will realize that the body is a manifestation of our highest self. Furthermore, we can not only consciously manifest anything in life but also anything in our bodies. And one day we will reach a point where we can continually regenerate our bodies at will. We arrive there because we live from the field of infinite energy. Thus, our bodies simply operate at a higher frequency. This fact enables us to live in them until our work is completed and we choose to move on.

Our innate abilities

Fantastic? Yes. But these changes are noticeable within the human body and mind even after a little bit of practice and training. Therefore, decide to feel and experience it for yourself. And learn how to meditate. This is what evidence is clearly suggesting and my own experience also indicates to be true. You have just one hindrance to tapping into this nature of the universe. And, that is your own conscious awareness, your level of attention, and your beliefs.

Our ability to heal is directly related to our level of attention and our level of belief. For example, we can heal ourselves of any affliction, illness, disease, or injury that. Anything’s possible so long as we have absolute certainty, a knowing, that we will heal. This is directly achieved by accessing the most fundamental level of reality through deep meditation.

This is because anything is possible at the fundamental level of reality. Furthermore, the restructuring of reality depends entirely on our beliefs and expectations. We are pure energy, and there is infinite potential in that energy. It is entirely up to us what we manifest out of the field in our lives and in our bodies.

You have no limitations, and nothing is impossible. It is only your beliefs which dictate what you can and cannot do.

“Miracles happen, not in opposition to nature, but in opposition to what we know of nature.” – St. Augustine

The Author:

Brandon West is the creator of Project Global Awakening, a website dedicated to the research of a variety of scientific and spiritual disciplines, and applying that knowledge to help you live an inspired life and change the world. Follow Project Global Awakening on Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Sources:
 – [1] Exploring the Nature of Mind and our Holographic Brain, from

Credits: Waking Times

11 Life Changing Lessons to Learn From Socrates

Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known as one of Western philosophy’s founders. He was a well-known writer who mentored Plato. Socrates has become renowned for his contribution to logic and ethics.  He was strongly fascinated with the human mind and its power over the physical body.

Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society. He strongly believed that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness. He believed this could be achieved by truly knowing ourselves, and the greater we know ourselves, the greater the ability to make choices that will bring us the everlasting happiness we desire.

11 Life-Changing Lessons to Learn From Socrates

Because of his profound impact and truly great mind, we decide to put together this collection of life lessons from Socrates.  These lessons are short but full of wisdom.

Read them slowly and think about how YOU can apply each one to your daily life to live with more happiness, success, and fulfillment. If you find value in this list please like, comment and share to help others along their journey. We’re all in this together! Enjoy!

1. Wisdom begins in wonder.
– Socrates

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2. Know Thyself.

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3. Let him who would move the world, first move himself.
– Socrates

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4. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.
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5. We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
– Socrates

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6. To move the world we must first move ourselves.
– Socrates

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7.   The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.

socrates

8. It’s not living that matters, but living rightly.
– Socrates

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9. He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

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10. To find yourself, think for yourself.
– Socrates

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11. The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

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12.  False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.

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13. Beware the barrenness of a busy life.

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14. Be as you wish to seem.

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15. I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.

socrates

 

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed these Socrates Picture Quotes. If any of them moved you, we appreciate your like, share or pin. 🙂

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