The Rio Chama Blog

In Richard Rohr’s 2014 book, Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi, the specifics of spirituality are examined through the life of St. Francis.

Our psychological and spiritual roots go back to cultures steeped in shamanic tradition. Shamanism embraces and draws on the universal spiritual wisdom inherent in all indigenous tribes. The practice of shamanic “journeying” involves entering an altered state of consciousness to tap inner resources and apply healing energy. It is a method by which we, as human beings, are able to strengthen this natural connection to wisdom and bestow healing on ourselves and our communities. The goal is to generate internal and external harmony with all of creation. Carl Jung dipped into shamanic territory when he described how nature provides countless mothering archetypes that nourish and soothe us—including animals, real or imagined.

Even though we may eat right, exercise, follow doctor’s orders, take medications/supplements, meditate, and maintain a positive attitude, there may be times when we succumb to an illness or injury. At this point we can turn to a natural healing process within each of us—exemplified by a method originating in ancient Hawaiian teachings termed Ho’oponopono. This technique involves letting go of toxic energies (emotions and thoughts) and welcoming and allowing the impact of divine thoughts, words, deeds, and actions.

How we view sex depends a great deal on our upbringing: some parents view the act as harmful, unsavory, or unsafe. Other parents rejoice in its existence and pleasure. While the idea of sacred sex is currently gaining attention, few of our parents’ generation gave any thought to the role of one’s spirituality in the expression of sexuality. 

In my last blog, I used two specific people--the Dalai Lama and Congressman Tim Ryan--to demonstrate the positive power of  meditation. Today I describe two major studies that show how we can benefit from the use of meditative approaches. Researchers at Harvard Medical School report that long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation had many more disease-fighting genes than individuals who did not practice any form of relaxation. These genes protect us from pain, infertility, high blood pressure, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the meditative state of relaxation is linked to higher levels of feel-good chemicals such as serotonin. According to the publication, Psychology Today, research also shows that when meditators shift their brain activity from the stress-prone right frontal portion of the brain to the calmer, left frontal portion of the brain, a decrease in the negative effects of stress, depression, and anxiety occur. Additionally, there is less activity in the amygdala, where the brain processes fear.