I’m fascinated by the science surrounding the mind-body connection.
It’s a good bet that this fascination might be fueled, at least in part, by being raised in a family where emotional experience wasn’t given much conscious attention or value. So for me this science is very self-validating.
The science is great but it’s not the whole story … or even the most meaningful part of the story. If you know me or this blog you’re aware of my interest in the Institute of HeartMath’s research.
Briefly, their research shows that our hearts actually have a brain and it exerts a significant neurological influence on the brain in our head. Through awareness practices involving the heart we can surprisingly and significantly support profound physical healing through this heart-brain connection … and other benefits too numerous to mention here.
Then … there’s the 13th century Sufi poet Rumi, who said,
“There is a candle in your heart ready to be kindled
… there is a void in your soul ready to be filled
… you feel it, don’t you?”
I do feel it. More now than I used to.
It’s interesting to me that the science has made me more comfortable in making the time … to slow down … to come back to my senses … and the experience of that felt, but immeasurable, deeper and more quiet place.
That’s an experience that nurtures my biology, as well as my soul.
It’s really something when the mystical poets and scientists are on the same page.
This is a reminder and encouragement to make the time, to slow down, and to nurture that deep, quiet place in yourself … that just happens to inhibit the stress response.
While a daily, sustained meditation period or even the occasional retreat is ideal … any conscious, non-judgmental attention to your senses, however brief … how something feels … how something smells … plus a slow breath or two … enlivens that part of you that is more Being than doing.
P.S.
While we’re on the subject of 13th century poets … my wife Eileen Templin is giving a talk on Rumi this coming Sunday afternoon in Lakeland. Here’s a link to more about that talk: https://www.facebook.com/events/525001730928882/
Steven Templin, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and nationally certified acupuncturist, specializing in Self-Regulation Training (to resolve stress-induced programming), Energy Medicine, Mind-Body Medicine, and Diet and Nutrition to repair the Gut-Immune-Brain Axis.
In his Self-Regulation training program he shares the science and most importantly the effective practices for transforming physical health and emotional well-being. These practices will greatly enhance the effectiveness of any other therapeutic interventions.
He teaches and consults online, and sees patients at the Natural Medicine Center in Lakeland, Florida. You can learn more about Dr. Templin and his healing program by visiting www.newmedicalmodel.com.
Steve is a retired Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and HeartMath Trauma-Sensitive Certified Practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience in Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, and Biofeedback.