Violence ages children’s DNA

We know toxins in food are bad for you. We also know that high levels of stress are bad for you as well. A new study released recently in the Molecular Psychiatry publication and written by author Idan Shalev, makes a startling revelation: Violence ages children’s DNA. I can recall that my childhood was less than perfect and trust me, that is an understatement. It makes me wonder how an abusive childhood could be affecting my life span.

Scientists are able to measure cellular aging by studying the cells of children’s chromosomes called Telomeres. Telomeres are special DNA sequences that act like the plastic tips on shoelaces, which prevent the DNA chromosomes from unraveling and degenerating. These DNA chromosomes get shorter each time cells divide and each time a cell divides the sequence gets shorter until it cannot divide anymore – thus cellular death.

Several factors have been documented to shorten Telomeres including smoking, radiation and psychological stresses like early childhood abuse. Research shows Telomeres shorten faster in kids exposed to two or more types of violence or abuse. This is further evidence that shows we live in a Responsive Universe and the ability to wield the hand of God exists in all of us. In this case, maybe it is the hand of the Devil (if you believe in that stuff).

Point is, humans, children especially, are responsive creatures that need love and energy. The opposite is true as well. We all wield the power to take energy and life from others. There is hope though; in rare cases Telomeres can lengthen through better nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. I guess it is a good thing I juice and exercise.

I think the long and the short is this – hug and love your children; live with compassion and know that every action you create does create a positive or negative reaction based on its source. Be mindful and create positive energy in every facet of your life.

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com
New Responsive Universe Promo Video

Bio-Energy Therapy Continued (Reiki)

Modern science advocates that the subconscious brain is capable of processing some 20,000,000 environmental stimuli per second, compared to the conscious brain, which may struggle with as few as 40 processes per second. One could believe it is this incredible processing power of the subconscious mind that explains why people experience good results from techniques such as “positive thinking”, meditation and bio-energy therapy. Analysis of Bell’s Theorem indicates that once sub atomic particles in the form of energy connect at some level, they always remain connected. Supported by experimental evidence, this theory explains that connections can be made within the same room or across a galaxy. Some scientists have noted that such events may not be just limited to quantum mechanics as they relate to the Universe but to everyday events including prayer and bio-energy healing therapies like Reiki. Could this be the next step in human evolution?
It is no surprise then that prayer or positive thinking is a common denominator in most religions. In a Responsive Universe, the power of prayer and positive thinking comes from connecting to our True Nature, the intrinsic, immortal potential for reaching enlightenment that exists within the mind of every sentient being. With an open mind we as humans have the ability to take pure, unadulterated thoughts and channel them through the millions of neurons within our brains. This quantum energy is then radiated out into the world in which we live through an electromagnetic energy field, connecting and linking all matter. All matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration and every facet of the Cosmos is a part of this system of energy, including humans. Conversely, these same energies can be channeled inward and outward creating wellness from the inside out. Reiki and meditation are good examples of wellness therapies.

In an earlier blog about Reiki, I challenged the system of ritual and symbols, stating they are useful but unnecessary. Further, knowledge of chakras is also useful but also unnecessary. We have the ability to heal others and ourselves using bio-energy without knowledge of such trappings. Still, I believe it is necessary to teach helpful healing hand positions and our place in the Universe – having space, awareness and sensiviity are imporant in bio-energy. Also important is confidence and intent:

Confidence
Confidence is born from our connection to the Universe. Through meditation we come to find boundless space as it relates to the Universe, our True Nature and our own mind facilities. From this space arises clarity and awareness. From clarity and awareness we achieve an evolutionary level of self-actualization or responsiveness. We do live in a Responsive Universe and knowing this means we are connected to its energy and power. We are cogs of the Cosmos and each of us has the power to heal through channeling, cleansing and or manipulating the energy that surrounds us and others. The key is having the confidence that this metaphysical energy does exist based on science and that you are in possession of its healing qualities. Find your confidence that you can make a difference and you will succeed. Bio-Energy Healing is a reflection of you, your life and being and will reflect this oneness with energy and the Universe. The more the ego controls your life the less confidence you will have so it is important to find unadulterated confidence in your True Nature – from there true confidence will arise from within.

Intent
Intent is born out of your compassionate desire to heal others and heal yourself. It is really that simple. Because we all already have access to this unlimited energy – this connection to the Universe, we do not need symbols or rituals to govern our abilities to heal – just plain, unadulterated intent. Symbols are great for remembering the quality of confidence and intent but they are not totally necessary for healing purposes. Intent requires simply a great effort or willingness to heal with no goal in mind rooted to ego. Intent to heal is a practice; pure and living in the moment; without judging, comparing or attaching anything in the present. Our intent needs to be free, unfettered with no preconception of the outcome – just confidence that you are doing the right thing. Once you have the confidence that you can make a difference, all you need then is the genuine intent to heal; a willingness to help cleanse and heal the human aura.

I am currently writing a Bio-Energy Healing workbook which will accent my upcoming release, The Responsive Universe. In my follow up effort, I will spend ample time discusing bio-energy therapy. If you are interested in bio-energy, then I suggest you begin to educate yourself on the hand positions and have fun exploring the world of bio-energy.

Here is a great Reiki website that will give you all you need to know about bio-energy healing.

Have a great weekend!

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

Bio-Energy Therapy (Reiki) – Searching for the Burden of Proof

Are Chakras Proven by Science?

Scientific method explains that everything that isn’t proven scientifically doesn’t mean that it isn’t true. Scientific method provides for experiences that are anecdotes where judgments are made upon experiences. And then there is Religion…. Millions of people preach, pray; even kill in the name of God – a dogmatic concept that is fueled by blind faith and can’t be scientifically proven. Yet, there it is, existing and even interwoven within our social/political world. This example alone should allow for the plausibility of bio-energy therapy to exist. If blind faith allows for mainstream moral guidelines and a model of spirituality to exist based on for example, a book of fables and lore; then why not believe in an emerging practice that is already being reinforced by popular treatments like acupuncture and even independent studies?

Scientifically speaking, humans are made from a foundation of cells. All physical matter including cells can be reduced to charges that are electrical, magnetic, or inert. Within our cells are smaller particles of energy known as atoms. Atoms are made of extremely tiny particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are in the center of the atom, making up the nucleus. Electrons surround the nucleus much like planets rotate around the sun. Yes, that is correct, electrons rotate around the nucleus of an atom – this is important! Further, electrons hold negative charges. Having too many negative charges collected in one spot can distort the normal flow of electrical energy in the body and over time effect the programming of intracellular DNA. Each electron holds information that helps maintain the body’s structure. When something happens to cause the electrons to build up an imbalance of negative charges – the energy system that relates information to your body does not function properly. Negative energy can build up in our minds, muscles and theoretically in our auras and chakras.

The concept of a Chakra originates from ancient Hindu texts dating back 2500 years. Chakras are believed to be a number of wheel-like vortices which, according to traditional Indian medicine, exist in the surface or aura of the subtle body of living beings. Chakras are said to be “force centers” or whorls of energy permeating, from a point on the physical body. Rotating vortices of subtle matter, they are considered focal points for the reception and transmission of energies. It is not hard to find a connection between our internal and esoteric energy levels as it relates to quantum energy – and even how electrons and particles of energy within interrelate with our wellness. When we understand that we live in a Responsive Universe, then this gap in science is more of a step than a jump. Further, much like there is really no right or wrong way to meditate; how people interpret the chakra system is really arbitrary too. I personally am aware of the system of chakras but I do not look at it as a ruling edict or law in regard to bio-energy. I can only say from experience, bio-energy therapy works without knowledge of Reiki symbols or the Chakra system. It is that simple.

It is worth noting that the chakra system has no proven relationship with the anatomy or physiology of the human body. Nothing resembling the energy of the chakras has ever been detected, despite the exquisite sensitivity of modern instruments. So where does that leave us? Blind faith? Again, proof is in the experience and the proof transcends any placebo effect as well.

Are the concepts of chakras and healing energy as imperfect as contemporary religion – a belief that rests on the blind faith of its parishioners? Not necessarily. We may not be able to scientifically detect Chakras or fully understand the intricate workings of energy as it relates to the Universe; but the burden of proof does not rest on whether or not bio-energy exists or heals but how we can better understand it. Much like the existence of Near Death Experiences, the power of prayer, meditation and acupuncture, as stated, the proof is in the experience. I actually find it interesting that bio-energy practitioners are really not bothered by the lack of scientific evidence supporting Chakras and bio-energy. Why? Because it works; and those that have experienced its healing energy find there is no need to prove its existence. People can argue all day about the science of Reiki and Bio-Energy therapy. There will always be certain people that refuse to accept or even try new emerging therapies; therapies that have been exercised for thousands of years in the Far East. Much like meditation, juicing or taking vitamins, such steps forward in wellness may not show immediate results, but the positive results that will emerge later are immeasurable. Still, from personal experience, bio-energy therapy does show immediate results and is especially useful during meditation. All one needs is a little confidence and the intent to heal.

In my next blog I will discuss confidence and intent and how it relates to bio-energy healing.


John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

A word about Reiki

If you have followed my blog on a regular basis, then you know that I am not a loyal proponent of organized religion. I consider my focus on God and the Universe as spiritual and not religious. I believe ritualistic and or dogmatic rites like “holy sacrament” and other religious trappings are unnecessary weight on the road to enlightenment and wellness. From the Universe our energy is born. We do not need to be held prisoner of our evolution by wasting time with the crude and unnecessary.

Now it is time to weigh in on the rituals of Reiki. Reiki is a great healing technique and I have personally trained under a Reiki Master learning several levels of skill. Unfortunately, there is one drawback to Reiki and that is its reliance on sacred symbols, specific techniques and the teachings of one man. Dr. Usui. Usui-Sensei was born on August 15^th, 1865 in Japan. As a young child he excelled in school and early on showed much scholarly ability. After growing up, he went over to Europe and America, and also studied in China. During the early 1920s, Usui did a 21-day practice on Mount Kurama called Kushu Shinren, (which is a form of shugyo, also known as discipline or training). Common belief dictates that it was during these 21 days that Usui developed Reiki. The symbols that are used today supposedly arose in Dr. Usui’s mind during meditation as did the Reiki Precepts (among other rituals and rites).

I want to be extra careful in my explanation because I truly believe Reiki is a great therapy and it is a wonderful gift for healers and those in need of healing. Still, there are many schools of energy healing available to the holistic minded including, Bio-field Energy Healing, Spiritual Healing,Contact Healing, Karuna, Seichim, Therapeutic Touch and Qigong. My point is this; you do not need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars learning sacred symbols or rituals born out of the mind of one man. You have the ability and choice to learn bio-energy healing without prescribing to one specific method. As with religion, there are many paths to God. There is no right or wrong way to find God. The same can be said for energy healing. This energy already exists within and all that is required are two major factors in determining the success of healing. These are confidence and intent. Do not let strict symbols and techniques be stumbling blocks. Attachment to these symbols or tools as a concept or belief system is just as separate and limiting as any religious belief system. When you connect to the sublime quantum energy that surrounds us, there is no need for symbols or systems of dogma – everything you need is already within. It just requires a little confidence and the intent to heal.

In the coming days/weeks, I am going to focus more on Reiki and Energy Healing. As you all know by now, I am publishing a new book, The Responsive Universe; set to release later this summer. I am already writing its follow-up which will be more of a work-book than a novel. The Illumination of the Nine Mandalas (scheduled release for New Years, 2013) will focus almost exclusively on meditation, energy and energy healing.

Happy Friday Blogger Nation!


John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com
New Responsive Universe Promo Video

Create Mindful “GAPS” in that Stressful Day

So, maybe it is another stressful day in the office. So many of us take breaks from the stress and monotony of work to check personal email; maybe surf the internet or perhaps head to the break room for a snack? But is that really a break? Maybe some of you work so hard you forget to take breaks – the day travels by fast and furious and before you know it, it’s time to go home and the in box is still full!

If this sounds familiar I have a great “daily life practice” for you. Try and incorporate “mindful gaps” in your day, even at work. Mindful gaps? We need gaps in our daily life to break up the controlled chaos that surrounds us and the incessant thoughts that stream through our heads. We need to create gaps in our thoughts that allow us to find some awareness of the present which is sandwiched between thoughts of the past and future – our ego faculties that are rooted many times in fear and fantasy. We need to create gaps between mental intent and physical action so that we do not react blindly in times of conflict and panic; especially in the career world.

And, we need to create gaps in our work day. For example, I just stepped outside of the office a minute ago and this is what I experienced:

A cool spring afternoon outside work; the wind was calm, the sun was out and there were a handful of solitary clouds drifting by. I noticed the leaves returning to life on the spring branches of trees and the sound of birds frolicking around and about. In the far off distance, the sound of a lawn mower. I felt the cool sensation of a calm breeze against my face as the maturing sun warms me from the west. The smell of spring was in the air – crisp and fresh. I breathed in deeply – inhaling positivity and exhaled the stress and negativity of the work day. For a moment, I felt present, centered and content. I experienced all of this in less than a minute. My mindfulness created a gap in what was a busy day. I am now refreshed, aware, cognitive and creative enough to publish this blog after a long day of work.

Gaps are important. Even a split second of ill-fated intention can create negative actions and karma. Further, spending a minute finding your center several times a day at work is crucial to wellness and happiness. A couple of minutes out of your day is well worth the trouble. Try and incorporate this type of mental exercise or meditation several times a day and things will look lighter and brighter during the work day.

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com
New Responsive Universe Promo Video

A Spiritual Journey or an Awakening? You be the Judge…

There is a famous quote that I hear from time to time from Teilhard de Chardin’s The Phenomenon of Man, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Russell Bishop, an Author, Consultant and Executive Coach, chimes in on the interpretation in a recent article titled, Soul-Talk: The Myth of the Spiritual Path. He brings up an interesting point. Are people on a spiritual journey or are we just sometimes asleep, yet to be awakened again. He prefers awakened again which implies we have all this energy and wisdom within already. I totally agree. When we hear people talk about a spiritual journey, we tend to think of a beginning, a middle area or gap and then an ending. Is birth the beginning? Is the gap or journey life itself? And is death the ending – afterlife and enlightenment? I liken the journey in life as the constant push and pull of ego verse True Nature – this epic battle between good and evil which supports contemporary religion or as I like to compare it; finding awareness and space and thus a gap between our false-self and true-self; free from fear and fantasy – mindful of the present.

Whether it is a journey to self-actualization or an awakening, the process is the same. We need to find space within our lives which opens us up to awareness and clarity. It is then when a new appreciation is born – a responsiveness or sensitivity to our surroundings and also our energy within. Whether we awaken to this state of consciousness over time or work diligently to facilitate a spiritual awakening now, the journey is still the same. Much like world religion claims many paths to God, there are many paths to enlightenment and equally many ways to explain the journey. Still, the same common denominator exists – we need to connect to our True Nature and be aware of the false self our ego creates – only then will one awaken or reach the end on that spiritual journey to enlightenment.

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com

Random Musings on Death

Could it be that death will release us from all the lies, persecution and ego; the conditioning and misinterpretations of spirituality and social existence? My inner voice tells me death will show us the truths we really already knew deep inside: Dynamism of energy and universal love; a renewed gift of space and responsiveness. Death is the one frontier yet to be discovered and it could quite possibly be the common denominator of peace and tranquility. Many before us have walked past the veil of mortality, never to look back; a rite of passage that need not be feared. Look at death as inevitable but also energy changing form in the most eloquent manner. Are we to understand the working nature of the Universe? We know we are an integral part of this vast Cosmos – this intricate design that connects energy to consciousness and love. Why should we fear beauty? Why should we fear birth and death; connected like a Mandala? Deep down words cannot describe feelings that well up from the heart. Words cannot put meaning to something as transcendent and sublime as death. Its essence is sealed on a kiss of secrecy; a riddle that will not be solved until we walk past the threshold of mortal existence.

John C. Bader
www.responsiveuniverse.com