We normally think that all forms of spiritual awakening occur in the mind, emotions or in the “spirit”. Most religious belief systems start with specific theological doctrines, which are reflected upon and believed in, through faith.
Furthermore, there is an emotional transformation that is attempted though devotional attitudes and practices, such as prayer and worship. However, we do not realize the importance of the body’s contribution to transpersonal (spiritual) development.
Various forms of well-being, which can be perceived as contributing to higher consciousness are actually generated first in the body. Spirituality is often experienced bodily. We now know that these conditions begin through the production of neuro-chemicals which originate in the hypothalumus and sent over to the pituitary gland, which transfers it to various nerves and cells in the body.
How do we produce these different state of bodily-being? Through a complete training that involves all the necessary structures of experience: instinct, volition, emotion and thought, among others. It is not that we need to do specific exercises: we just need to take care of our mind, feelings and body in an intelligent manner.
With regard to our instincts, it is imperative that we watch what we eat. This involves the four-fold process of regulated choice, amount, frequency and purity (the amount of foods that are uncooked or raw). Besides this, our breathing rate and lack of stress also are prominent.
In a very direct way, our thoughts and feelings have a profound effect on the state of the body, for the body is the recipient of many neurons from the brain, itself. The body actually experiences the many thoughts, feelings and memories that we generate throughout the day. So, it stands to reason that we need to watch how we think, feel and what we remember.
When there is the right functioning of Self-observation as a path of Wisdom, we will come to realize how we daily injure our bodies, through the foods we choose, and the actions that we take. We also injure them through the kinds of worries, thoughts and feelings that are habitual and conditioned.
These damage the deeper homeostatic regulatory mechanism that can prompt the individual to actually, bodily, feel more connected to one’s Source, or what we refer to as spiritual. It is a deeper form of Consciousness that can also be traced to what one is doing to one’s body.
When the mind observes itself, it can learn to let go of the many thoughts and feelings that are not needed and ultimately narcissistic. With closer observation, we see how the body feels after these “thought, memory and emotional” attacks in comparison to when they are not present.
Through this process, we learn a type of physiological “alchemy”, which produces a more tighter homeostatic set point, which allows the aspirant to center one’s ongoing transpersonal development, in the body. The body is the repository of one’s mind, feelings, memory and actions.
Of course, Consciousness is important in the inner work since it is our true inner nature and we can say that this transcends the body; however, the body is still important as the “assistant” of Consciousness.
Through right thinking, feeling and behavior, we can produce the necessary chemicals to generate a new physiological state of Well-being that can be felt as spiritual. This is the true regulator of experience, alongside of Consciousness, which also determines and provides the necessary intelligence to understand what we are doing with our bodies (through our thoughts, motivations and feelings).
Consciousness and the body work hand in hand. The more conscious we feel, the more we tune into our body in a fuller and deeper manner. The less conscious we are, the more our psychological and emotional patterns hold us into patterns, the more we lose our bodily integrity and alchemy.
Two of the means to generate energy in our bodies is to work with two tried and true instinctual processes: breath and diet. Although there are various breathing exercises, particularly in yoga books, we will focus on a regulatory method that extends from meditation. When sitting still, just let the breath go in and out of its own accord and observe it.
This not only relaxes the body but there is scientific evidence which shows that it reduces the firing of the amydala, an area in the emotional brain that generates strong negative reactions. One becomes calm, and settled in the body, producing a heightened awareness of the energy that moves in and through the organism.
Secondly, the regulation of the food intake is profound method for producing a strong energy and has a powerful effect in the body, thus transferring to a clarity of mind. This is accomplished by working with four aspects of food intake: choice, amount, purity and frequency.
We start out with choice by only allowing whole and natural foods, particularly concentrated with fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Secondly, we watch the amount we eat to ensure we do not over or undereat, thus enervating the system or making it too weak.
Then we include a good percentage of our intake with raw foods. This purifies the system and causes a clear, spacious mind. One can start with 40 to 50 percent of the diet and move up to higher percentages, if it is comfortable. Finally, we can work with the frequency. If one is constantly eating, or snacking six or seven times a day (even though this may be good for dieting), it does not give the digestive system a change to rest. The more energy is gained when the digestive system works less. If one eats three, or with practice two meals a day, one can easily generate a powerful energy that can promote awakening of the body and mind.
William Edwards
Author, Trainer
The Skill of Wisdom
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