In a world full of social media, smartphones, and hyper-links, trying to stay connected to our source energy can seem daunting to say the least. So what exactly do I mean by “source energy”? Well, it is the energy that flows through all living things. It exists everywhere, even throughout the galaxies, the connection of every living particle. It also has many names too: The divine, creator, universal life force ( just to name a few), source energy is the energy that runs through our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. It regulates and supports life (Rachel Wood, 2014 Nature’s Pathway). Living a better-feeling life really comes down to one thing only: coming into alignment with our source energy. When our connection to our source energy REALLY opens up we start feeling like we’re on top of the world. This is the energy that renews the body. It is the energy that heals the body and the emotions. It is a source of inspiration and motivation. This energy is your POWER. It is what drives you to dream bigger and to achieve your goals. To ultimately have the most incredible life. As soon as you connect with your energy source you will start experiencing the following benefits: Less Negative thoughts and emotions, a sense of peace, improvement of health (Katherine Hurst, How Meditating Can Increase Your Source Energy).
According to Microsoft research, our attention span has markedly decreased in 15 years. In 2000, it was 12 seconds and today it has shrunk significantly to 8.25 sceonds. In fact, scientists reckon we now have shorter attention spans than goldfish who are able to focus on a task or object for 9 seconds. Some other interesting facts to ponder, the average cell phone user picks up their phone more than 1,500 times in a week taking up an average of 3 hours and 16 minutes of screen time each day. Office workers on average will check their email inbox up to 11 times every hour (McKinsey, 2019). As the world seems to become more reliant on using electronic devices, supposedly connecting us in a more efficient way why are statistics skyrocketing with the development of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression and loneliness. Forbes magazine describes this phenomenon as the “attention economy,” in which dangerously addictive digital stimuli vie for our limited attention, leaving us frazzled, burned-out and less creative than ever.
So how can we reconnect with that divine power that fills us and renews our sense of self? It may surprise you that reconnecting with our ancestors’ ancient healing practices still apply today. While we may not be able to take a 5-day retreat in the woods or spend thousands on health spas and travel the world ( although it would be nice though wouldn’t it?), here are 3 Ancient Healing Practices we can apply in modern times that can connect back to Source Energy.
1. Earthing
You can practice earthing ( also known as grounding) by walking barefoot in your natural surroundings, be it on rocks, sand, dirt or grass. Our ancestors slept on the ground, walked barefoot and cultivated the earth with their hands connecting their bodies to the earths surface. When your bare feet or skin comes in contact with the earth, your body absorbs free electrons according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health. These electrons act as antioxidants that may help neutralize damaging excess free radicals that lead to inflammation and disease in the body, such as cancer. It also can help to reduce chronic pain and improved sleep. If you want to know more about earthing, watch the documentary called: The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding. https://youtu.be/44ddtR0XDVU
2. Forest Bathing
Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku meaning to be among the trees), was developed in Japan simply involves walking through the forest or sitting in the forest’s atmosphere. Studies have found that “forest baths” lower our heart rate, blood pressure and reduce stress hormones (Forbes, 2018). Not only is it about the forests fresh air (known for its calming and restorative benefits), but the trees themselves emit oils as a form of protection against germs and insects. These oils are called phytoncides which help our immune system. When we forest bathe, these oils enhance our natural killer cells (a cancer fighting protein found within our bodies). (Effect of Forest Bathing Trips on Immune Human Function, 2009). Below are two Youtube links with further information on Forest Bathing.
3. Meditation
The earliest records of meditation are found in the ancient Hindu texts known as the Vedas. Meditation is a practice where an invididual uses a technique such as mindfulness, focusing on a particular object, thought or activity- to train attention and awareness to a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state (Wikapedia 2021).
The benefits of meditation are:
- More Creativity
- Less Stress
- More Gray Matter
- Better Focus
- Less Anxiety
Using MRI scans, scientists have noted with meditation that the overall difference is our brains stop processing information as actively as they normally would. This may sound bad but it actually is a good thing. By weakening our connections to the prefrontal cortex (planning, decision-making, problem-solving, self-control affected by emotional responses), we simultaneously strengthen the other parts of our brain for practical reasoning. For example, perhaps something makes one anxious and upset that causes a reaction. By inhibiting the response to the anxious and upsetting emotion, other parts of the brain can interpret these emotions in a more relaxed rational manner.
Other research show that those who practice mediation regularly, show more empathy and compassion as well. Perhaps one of the more interesting research outcomes is mediation has been linked to larger amounts of gray matter in the hippocampus and frontal areas of the brain. (Belle Beth Cooper, 2013). More gray matter can lead to more positive emotions, longer lasting emtional stability and heightened focus during daily life.
A great way to start is to try meditating is try for 10 minutes for 10 days and see what unfolds. There are four main types of mediation so try each of them and see which works best for you. You may want to integrate all of them throughout the 10 days trail to see which gives you the most benefits. The four main types of mediation are:
- Guided Meditation
- Moving Meditation
- Sensory Meditation
- Mindfulness Mediation
Guided mediation is where a session is conducted with verbal instruction from a teacher. You can find many guided meditations on Youtube, Spotify and also Phone apps. Moving meditation is the act of quieting the mind and directing your complete attention to what you are doing in the moment. Such activities can include knitting, walking and gardening. Sensory mediation is focused on sights, sounds, tastes, scents and other physical stimuli. Listening to the sound of singing bowls or savouring the taste of chocolate are some examples of Sensory Meditation. Mindfulness Mediation is where we realize that we are not our thoughts, emotions or actions. The focus is the mind itself. One should focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. Mindfulness meditatation can also be found on Sptify, Youtube and phone apps.
Contacting source energy while practicing these 3 Ancient Healing Practices can bring about great insights and an intense feeling of wellness, and spark creativity. It allows you to remember your mission, your vision, and your reason for being.(Helen Leathers, 2017). I also believe that part of your reason for being is not only to experience being a real live human being, but also to remember that you are part of that source energy, you are the cosmos, the infinite and the divine. As I learned living in Tofino the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth, “hishuk’ish tsawalk,” which means “everything is one; we are all connected.”
