Consciousness and energy

Consciousness and energy from the viewpoint of quantum physics 

Although scientists have identified various modes of energy in the Universe, many quantum physicists believe that there is only one source, that of consciousness itself. 

It is a well-known scientific fact that energy is never lost, and is merely transformed. If one accepts the argument that consciousness is merely a highly active mode of (conscious) energy, it is not unreasonable to believe that a superior universal consciousness would also be able to produce lower forms of energy able to flow through its structures, even to the point of providing the underlying energy-templates for that which we experience as ‘matter’.

When engaging with the universal consciousness, any experience would have to be adapted to ‘fit’ the human biological, neurological and mental structures, which are actually very slow in comparison to the movement of unimpeded energy (the speed of light). This ‘adaptation’ would account for the loss of consciousness experienced during physical embodiment and this would be even more the case with less-evolved biological systems such as animals, plants and minerals.

Exploring higher dimensions of the mind demands extremely high levels of mental energy. In fact, the deeper one connects with the universal consciousness, the more energy is required during meditation and spontaneous imagery (advanced visualisation) for one's symbolic processes to construct a workable sense of reality and to structure archetypal energy patterns into recognizable forms.

This energy-depletion will be experienced as a wandering focus, an inability to maintain concentration and physical fatigue. When engaging in these complex mental processes it is therefore important to monitor one’s state of mind and level of energy, and when these symptoms become apparent, begin a slow, controlled, safe return to normal consciousness, as terminating the process too suddenly could result in disorientation and confusion.

However, mystics maintain that these energies can be replenished by means of certain meditations, prayers or petitions. For instance, those who are able to connect with their higher selves (which they sometimes refer to as their ‘souls’), report a sudden unexpected deep breath and rush of energy which causes them to gasp.   

Even from a psychological point of view, a thought alone can unlock huge amounts of physical energy and activity, such as the excitement produced in a person learning that he or she has won a large amount of money. In this same way, during meditation, the energy of the mind can be increased dramatically by any positive thought which generates a powerful emotion such as joy or excitement which is then transformed into energy and can be harnessed for inner work.   

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive scientist, metaphysician and published author of books and e-books with a psycho-spiritual emphasis. His books are available on Amazon.com or via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com.  

The power of ritual

 

            The power of ritual

               By Jimmy Henderson FRC

The pathway to divine revelation by way of the mind was hidden in ritual by the old masters until candidates were ready to understand and appreciate their true meaning. In other words, it could be said that ritual is a symbolic representation of the great truths regarding man, soul, God and reality.

Normally, divine revelation only takes place during meditation, an altered state of consciousness in which our brainwave patterns are slowed down by means of physical and mental relaxation. In this state the subconscious mind opens, and we experience a 'mindfulness' in which the God-mind can be more easily accessed.

The effect of the solemnity, focus, actions and gestures of a ritual, which is full of symbolism, is such that it can also produce a similar introspective state of mind, one which also allows for access to the subconscious mind and the transfer of inspired thoughts and hidden truths.

The aim of ritual is therefore to prime our minds for the inflow of sacred knowledge and divine revelation. However, this normally requires a certain preparedness and state of readiness in which the mind is gradually unfolded through guided study and discipline, as would be provided within the framework and teachings of fraternal organisations based on the ancient mystery schools.   

This readiness can be explained firstly as being fully open to new knowledge and experiences. A closed mind and a critical, judgmental attitude will certainly not be conducive to spiritual revelation. Second, the mind should be clear and not cluttered with emotional or psychological baggage from the past. Strong negative emotions such hatred, intense anger and festering resentments will block any subtle impressions from the deeper levels of the mind.

In other words, in order to experience the true power of ritual, an initiate should have a reasonable level of emotional wellness and be able to maintain a relaxed, peaceful state of mind which will allow him/her to hear the whispers of divine revelation as they pass through his/her subconscious mind.

Ideally, the images, symbols and gestures of the ritual will impress themselves upon the fully receptive mind, pass through and resonate with their hidden meanings existing in the subconscious, and lead to powerful emotional or spiritual experiences and revelations of truth. 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive scientist, metaphysician and well-known author. His books are available on Amazon.com and through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com 

Spiritual Truth -a metaphor of the sea

Spiritual Truth 
-a metaphor of the sea
By Jimmy Henderson 
Hons BA (Phil), MA Psychology, FRC

I would describe spiritual truth in terms of a metaphor of the sea, in which the extent of spiritual experience, knowledge and understanding we gain would depend on the depth to which we are prepared to go. 

Accessing spiritual truth through emotions would be limited to that which is on the surface, with the turbulence of the waves being likened to the raised hands of the joyous and exuberant spiritual charismatic experience. However, during a calm the waves quickly subside and we find that we may need to dive below the waves (move beyond pure emotion) into the depths of spiritual contemplation in order to gain insight into the underlying truths and laws of spirit.  

Moving down even further into the depths during meditation, the experience of revelation becomes greater as we penetrate the darkness of the mysteries of life and reality, until in reaching the bottom, we discover the treasures of gold, silver and pearls of wisdom that lie hidden in ancient cities covered  by the seas after many thousands of years, the knowledge that was once known to man, but is now lost except to those who are prepared to seek deeper. 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive researcher and metaphysician who has published a number of books and e-books on Amazon.com. Also see his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com 

Interview with Australian Counselling network: crisis counselling, trauma and suicide

Here is the link to my recent interview which contains useful information on counselling and trauma https://www.australiacounselling.com.au/podcasts/overview-crisis-counselling/

Faith Healing

     Faith healing

            By Jimmy Henderson (MA Psychology, FRC) 

I was listening to a Christian radio station this morning and they were discussing healing through prayer and the role of faith. In cases where healing did not take place, the general consensus appeared to be either that the person's faith was insufficient, or else the healer admitted to being an imperfect instrument of God. What was overlooked were the deeper metaphysical and growth factors that play a role in faith healing, which, as a cognitive scientist and metaphysician, I would like to discuss here.

Faith healing takes place within a framework of laws and principles and requires a deep insight into each person's case. In this regard, a true gifted healer will have access to higher guidance or have at least a highly developed spiritual insight. This is necessary, as there are often underlying causes and issues associated with a person’s illness that require attention. 

He or she should examine each case holistically and this should ideally include a consultation with the person involved, or at least a close family member, beforehand. 

In my opinion, any healer who offers unconditional healing to all and sundry without insight into their backgrounds or circumstances, can at best offer only temporary relief or partial healing on an emotional level. The reason for this statement will become clear once we examine the five instances that I have identified, in which faith or spiritual healing may not always take place.

   

• First, from a purely religious viewpoint, it may be God’s will that a particular soul should return after having completed the tasks which were assigned to him or her to perform. In other words, it could be his or her “time to go”. Alternatively, on a more general level, this person could have made a very deep soul-choice (of which he or she is usually not objectively aware), that his or her mission is completed and wishes to return to the spiritual source. As this decision or act is in accordance with God’s will or universal law, depending on your viewpoint, any effort to save such a dying person will be ultimately unsuccessful.                                                                                                                                           
• Second, sickness can sometimes also be linked to issues of the individual’s growth or development on a spiritual level or as a form of “soul-lesson’. In other words, an individual may actually 'draw' an illness to himself or herself (be 'given' this malady by God), in order to develop God-attributes such as love, empathy, patience and tolerance or to learn a necessary lesson in human experience. Removing this affliction prematurely could be likened to forcing open the chrysalis of a butterfly before it is ready to fly. In other words, a healer who prematurely removes the “thorn from his or her side” in fact performs a disservice. 

• Third, a person may also not yet have reached the point where he or she is ready to be healed. In counselling it is quite a well-known fact that a person must have reached a certain point of despair where he or she is willing to ask for help, before therapy will be really effective. This is the reason why it is of utmost importance that the individual request, or at least be willing to receive healing and not be forced into the situation. In other words, he or she may not yet have reached the point where they are ready to ask for help. If healing has been requested by a third person, but the patient is not willing or ready to unconditionally accept such healing, due to lack of faith, no belief in a superior power, or as the result of plain stubbornness, this attempt at healing initiated by a third person, may also not be successful. This would be the 'lack of faith' reason given by most healers.                                                                                                                                                      
• Fourth, an illness can also be the result of certain maladaptive patterns in thinking, emotions or behaviour (lifestyle), or due to extreme or unfavourable circumstances. Research has proven that psychological stress as well as intense pent-up emotions such as rage, resentment or a state of chronic depression can lead to psychosomatic illnesses. The illness may therefore only be a symptom of an inharmonious psychological or emotional state and the issue of healing will have to be addressed holistically and not merely by pronouncing the person healed. In terms of our present understanding of cause and effect, it will therefore be essential for the healer to redirect the patient back to attend to these underlying issues before he or she can be permanently healed.                                 
• Finally, in rare cases, illness may also be caused by other factors such as the belief in black magic (believing oneself to be cursed), or the attentions of unpleasant entities or energies, which may have intentionally or unintentionally been invited by the victim. Treatment in this case will need to be more than the laying on of hands, as the real cause of the illness will need to be addressed first.

Some healers can mask or even remove symptoms temporarily, by moving the patient’s focus from negative thinking, emotional trauma or self-destructive behaviour, to more positive thoughts and actions. If the person, by virtue of his or her healing experience, is able to let go, immediately change these patterns or come to terms with these issues, then more permanent healing could occur. However, if there are deeper causes and they are not resolved during the process, the patient could very well return later to the earlier patterns of thinking, emotion or behaviour and the illnesses could re-surface.

It is therefore advisable for any healer to make himself or herself aware of the possible underlying causes of the illness during a brief diagnosis and attempt to facilitate their release before attempting to bring about healing. If the patient is not ready or willing to release any negative and destructive patterns, permanent healing will not be possible and the healer would be wasting his or her time.                                          

To conclude therefore, it may now be understood why a healer who has the necessary insight and spiritual guidance, may sometimes actually refrain from attending to a patient at a certain time, and why some healings are not permanent. Effective spiritual healing calls for spiritual insight, a comprehensive knowledge of the situation, or at least a proper diagnosis. The process should include the identification of underlying root causes and should not be seen as a quick fix. Merely masking the illness with an emotional “high” will at best, only provide temporary relief. We really need to look holistically at the problem.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of books and e-books available through his website or Amazon.com. He is based in Durban, South Africa.

www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Thoughts on life after death

Thoughts on Life after death 

‘We are destined to wander this world, performing our work of harvesting light from the shadows and finding what fleeting moments of pleasure we may, but driven ever forward by this sense of emptiness, seeking the final spiritual experience which is our ultimate destiny.’

Jimmy Henderson 

Scientific evidence reveals that the physical universe operates under laws governing creation, disintegration and renewal. However, it has also been demonstrated that energy is never lost and new systems form from the dust of long-dead stars. If the argument of quantum physics is accepted that the expanding physical universe is merely a mirror for a universal consciousness, it stands to reason that this consciousness is also evolving (expanding) to re-emerge in new forms as well.   

However, the question still remains as to what we will actually experience after death when our physical bodies reach their end and disintegrate. Research has shown that our normal mental processes are dependent on the brain and nervous system, which will obviously fall away with our passing. However, what is often overlooked is the principle of self-awareness, a level of consciousness in which the mind is able to reflect upon itself and become self-sustaining. From a purely evolutionary point of view, it seems unlikely that such a hard-won faculty which has taken millions of years to evolve would simply disappear into nothingness at the passing of the body. After over 30 years of studying the mind I am personally of the opinion that self-awareness, once attained, like energy, can never be lost and will continue in another form even after the passing of the physical body, bringing with it additional experiences, all directed towards the further expression of the universal collective. 

So exactly what are we likely to experience? Psychological research suggests that our minds are able to construct our present sense of reality as well as structure the images in our dreams. In this regard, the phenomena of lucid dreams reveal that we are able to maintain a certain level of self-awareness during our dreams and can even be partially conscious when dreaming, under certain conditions, especially with a practiced mind. It is therefore likely that in passing through the veil of death, we will initially enter a dreamlike state until our consciousness is able to re-assert itself and recreate some semblance of reality. 

This suggests a period of adjustment. However, it is also possible that the preexisting memories, images and patterns of thought that have been imprinted in our consciousness when alive, may re-assert themselves at this time, allowing us some degree of order. In other words, we may find ourselves in somewhat familiar surroundings, which will reduce any possible trauma during the adjustment period. Determining factors will be the quality of our consciousnesses and the contents of our minds at the time of passing. In other words, our beliefs, thoughts, memories and subconscious scripts gathered whilst we were alive, would probably determine what is initially experienced after our passing.

In the light of the evolutionary process, it also seems likely that any new awareness will have to be purged of anything that is destructive or presents an obstacle to our further progress (unresolved issues). However, this content may not always be pleasant, especially in the case of a mind filled with hate and violence. We can therefore understand how religious concepts of heaven and hell may have been formed, with each of us having to pass though and confront our memories and mental images of our past actions, which could be quite distressing. 

To facilitate this adjustment, focussing on a spiritual personality, or an inspiring and uplifting belief or idea (such as heaven) could therefore provide the positive intent to assist one to pass through the metaphorical ‘valley of darkness’ without becoming lost in the experience, thereby allowing one to pass freely into the higher realms of the collective mind.

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist, philosopher and metaphysician and the author of a number of books on mind-development. See his page 'Jimmy Henderson' on  Amazon.com

Is life simply a dream?

Is life simply a dream?

By Jimmy Henderson FRC

‘Reality is merely an illusion, although a very persistent one.’

Albert Einstein

Metaphors are also very useful in explaining what is meant by some writers when they refer to the world as an illusion, a delusion or a dream. As conscious beings we can all dream, so there is no logical reason why a cosmic singularity such as a universal Mind should not also be able to create complex dreamlike scenarios as well in which we, as self-conscious archetypal images, would be merely actors. In other words, every event taking place in this world may merely be a dramatisation in a collective dream. Although our sensations, emotions and experiences would seem very real in terms of our limited faculties, within the dream, our experiences may only be due to changes in our consciousness and perception.

“Indeed, the whole world is imagination, while He is the Real in Reality. Whoever understands this knows all the secrets of the Spiritual Path.”

Ibn Al-'Arabi

The fact that we all essentially have the same experience of life and reality would suggest that this one dream is shared by all, and this once again supports the idea of a collective (cosmic) mind.

This dream-metaphor can also explain a number of scientific, psychological, philosophic and religious theories and paradoxes presented in the world today. For example, it answers the question of why in science, we are as yet, unable to discover the ultimate source of reality. When reality is viewed as a shared dream within a collective Mind, and we and our thoughts are seen as an integral part of this dream, it makes sense that we will be unable to stand back and view it from the outside.  

In psychology, the dream-metaphor has some support from research into the structure and functioning of our perceptual processes, which suggests that we may have constructed a self-imposed veil of delusion to hide a reality which is, as yet, not able to be mentally processed.  Research also shows that our own dreams are the result of issues and tensions seeking resolution, and philosophically, using the dream metaphor, human history could similarly be seen as a process of adjustment, correction (resolution) and expansion taking place within a collective Mind or consciousness.

The dream metaphor introduces another possibility, that within the shared dream, we each have a higher self or soul that is a dreamer in its own right. In terms of this analogy, the human soul could be compared to the eye of a storm, a centre of pure self-awareness surrounded by levels of perceptual (sensory), emotional and psychological activity which flow and feed from this core. In other words, one’s experience of human life is ultimately limited to a series of or enactments involving a multitude of characters and scenarios which could be compared to a theatrical dramatisation or even a personal dream. 

This would suggest that each person’s personal circumstances and experiences are the result of his or her own co-created dream and explains the religious dilemma that error and imperfection exists and yet the soul remains pure and is not subject to corruption. They remain like dust on the cloak of spirituality and can be shaken off through a process of acknowledgement, confession and forgiveness. In other words, inner resolution is more a process of ‘letting go’ to unveil the authentic self rather than trying to construct a more perfect sense of self. At the end of the day, perceived imperfections merely represent a lack of understanding of the role and purpose of the collective dream, and these will eventually dissolve into nothingness, leaving behind the only reality, which is consciousness itself.

 ‘The branches of a tree are shaken by the wind; the trunk remains unmoved’.

Helena Blavatsky

Finally, the metaphor of the dream can also help to explain a number of controversial religious ideas such as rebirth and reincarnation. In everyday life we fall asleep and dream, awaken to new experiences, only to later fall asleep and dream again. Yet we remain the same person. This process could also apply to souls as well, having to pass through different dreams (spheres of experience) until they awaken fully.

The goal of life in the case of this metaphor would be to fully understand the nature of the dream and then to awaken to the reality which precedes the dream. In order to do this one would have to learn to step outside of the dream and view it objectively, as if it were a motion-picture or theatrical play.

  

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher and mystic with an integrated view of life. He is an academic completing his PHD in psychology and also the published author of a number of books and e-books available on Amazon.com (Key in 'Jimmy Henderson' on Amazon.com)  

Also visit his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Subjective states of mind

                        Subjective states of mind

   By Jimmy Henderson 

(Hons Philosophy) (MA psychology)

‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.’

Albert Einstein

The existence of highly subjective and suggestive states of mind has been proven by neurological research, especially into hypnosis and other forms of self-hypnosis. Science has also revealed that human beings can present an entire continuum of brainwave patterns extending from deep sleep to a highly active pattern characteristic of complex reasoning. However, increased brainwave activity is not always directly linked to a higher awareness. For instance, a low Alpha brainwave frequency of 8-12 cycles per second represents a highly subjective or contemplative state of mind in which the rational thinking processes are subdued and one is easily able to access the unconscious mind.

   This state is ideal for the level of mindfulness required for introspection, expanded thought and even intuition, and provides the foundation for any deeper exploration of the self by creating a ‘mental space’ for receiving and interpreting cues, impressions, images and promptings from the unconscious. This mental space or inner visual field is created simply by closing one’s eyes, quieting the mind and imagining a blank screen at the height of the forehead and about 60 cm in front. These quieting exercises were fully explained in my earlier publication Multi-Dimensional Thinking (2007).

   The well-known psychiatrist Milton Erickson maintained that subjective or trancelike states were actually quite a common, everyday occurrence, but we are simply not normally aware of them. For instance, when driving long distances, being half-asleep or relaxing, reading, listening to music or even when consuming alcohol, it is quite possible to lose oneself in the activity and enter a semi-trance state which opens the unconscious mind to suggestion. In fact, this phenomenon forms the basis of many techniques of conscious mind-development.

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysican and cognitive specialist who integrates science, psychology, philopsophy, metaphysics and spirituality into a co-ordinated whole. His books and e-books can be found on Amazon.com and through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The important role of the mind

The important role of the mind

Jimmy Henderson 

Hons (phil) MA (psychology ) FRC

‘Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind’.
Ramana Maharshi (Indian philosopher)

The power of our mind is such that it is believed that our thoughts can even attract favourable or unfavourable life-experiences and circumstances into our lives. This idea is often been given a mystical or magical tone in many spiritual publications. However, it is also well-known and explained in psychological terms as the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’, a phenomenon which suggests that one’s central beliefs (especially about oneself), can result in attitudes and behaviour which affect decision-making and outcomes, even drawing one to those things one desperately seeks to avoid.

As an example, let us consider the example of a young man with a childhood history of humiliation, someone who has entered adulthood with major social insecurities. As a result, this young man, in all likelihood, entertains ideas such as ‘I am not popular’ and ‘I never get invited to parties’. The problem is that these beliefs eventually filter into his unconscious and become like written ‘scripts’ for his future social behavior. In other words, as a result of these thoughts, he presents or projects a total lack of self-confidence and an unwillingness to participate in social activities. This is reflected in his non-verbal communications (body-language), his actions and his social behavior, which are, in turn, noticed by his peers (especially women), and they simply disassociate from him, and he is no longer invited to social events. This only further reinforces his deeply-held belief that he is unpopular and causes him to withdraw further. The negative content of his beliefs about himself has now become a self-fulfilling-prophecy.

Fortunately, these same processes also form the basis of ‘positive thinking’ and the laws of manifestation, and it is therefore often said that the individual merely has to ‘reprogram’ himself (or herself) (change those underlying self-beliefs ), in order to achieve success. However, it is probably a little more complicated than that, and the role of one’s consciousness, intent and actions, as well as energy-based influences, on desired outcomes cannot be discounted, and this is discussed later.

‘When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate.’

Carl Jung

To further show the importance of the mind and thinking in everyday life, psychological research has even linked powerful negative mental states to a class of (psychosomatic) illnesses in the body (usually relating to hypertension, anxiety and stress). Some alternative diagnostic methods even suggest that specific illnesses can be linked to certain states of mind. For instance, holistic practitioners believe that someone with a staid disposition who shoulders high levels of responsibility (metaphorically ‘carrying the weight of the world on his or her shoulders’), could display spinal issues.  Likewise, someone who, as the result of unpleasant past experiences, is simply (metaphorically) ‘unable to digest life’, could present stomach ailments. However, this is not, as yet, medically proven.

What is, however, clear, is that dealing with troubling issues from the past and being able to maintain a clear and focused mind, is important for conscious and healthy living. And, if deemed necessary, one should not hesitate to seek additional help in the form of counseling.  

Jimmy Henderson is a philosopher, metaphysican and cognitive specialist who integrates science, psychology, philopsophy, metaphysics and spirituality into a co-ordinated whole. His books and e-books can be found on Amazon.com and through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Working with energy

Working with energy

By Jimmy Henderson (MA psychology) FRC

Although scientists have identified various modes of energy in the Universe, some quantum physicists believe that there is only one source, that of consciousness itself. 

It is a well-known scientific fact that energy is never lost, and is merely transformed. If one accepts the argument that consciousness is merely a highly active mode of (conscious) energy, it is not unreasonable to believe that a superior universal consciousness would also produce lower forms of energy able to flow through its structures, even to the point of providing the underlying energy-templates for that which we experience as ‘matter’.

When engaging with the this universal consciousness, any experience would have to be adapted to ‘fit’ the human biological, neurological and mental structures, which are actually very slow in comparison to the movement of unimpeded energy (the speed of light). This ‘adaptation’ would account for the loss of consciousness experienced during physical embodiment and this would be even more the case with less-evolved biological systems such as animals, plants and minerals.

Exploring deeper higher levels of the mind demands extremely high levels of mental energy. In fact, the deeper one connects with this universal consciousness, the more energy is required for one's symbolic processes to construct a workable sense of reality and to structure archetypal patterns into recognizable forms.

It can also be seen how the focus, attention and concentration required during advanced imagery such as the creation and sustaining of mental ‘membranes’ or ‘portals’ for passage into the deeper levels of mind, places huge demands on one’s energy resources.

This energy-depletion will be experienced as a wandering focus, an inability to maintain concentration and physical fatigue. When engaging in complex mental processes such as those already indicated, it is important to monitor one’s state of mind and level of energy, and when these symptoms become apparent, begin a slow, controlled, safe return to normal consciousness, as terminating the process too suddenly could result in disorientation and confusion.

However, practitioners maintain that these energies can be replenished by means of certain meditations, prayers or petitions. For instance, those who have connected with their higher selves (which they sometimes refer to as their ‘souls’) report a sudden unexpected deep breath and rush of energy which makes them to gasp.   

Even from a psychological point of view, a thought alone can unlock huge amounts of physical energy and activity, such as the excitement produced in a person learning that he or she has won a large amount of money. In this same way, during meditation, the energy of the mind can be increased dramatically by any positive thought which generates a powerful emotion such as joy or excitement which is then transformed into energy and harnessed for inner work.   

Massive accumulations of energy are to be found throughout the Universe in celestial bodies such as stars (suns), galaxies and nebulae. Other modes of this energy are also found in the Earth as well as concentrated in clusters in the human body itself. Metaphysical practitioners report that during the subjective or altered states of mind discussed previously, it is possible to tap into these energies with the correct use of intention and attunement. 

Jimmy Henderson is a published author and cognitive specialist who integrates philosophy and metaphysics with psychology. His books and e-books are to be found on Amazon.com. 

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_15?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jimmy%20henderson&sprefix=jimmy+henderson%2Caps%2C424

Videos of talks

Videos of some of my past talks are available on my other blog www.jimmyhendersonbooks.blogspot.com

Initiation journeys into the mind

Mental and spiritual initiations 

By Jimmy Henderson 

(Hons philosophy, MA psychology, FRC) 

The mind has the potential for the mental creation of elaborate ritualistic settings and rituals which can have a very real effect on one's unconscious. It is therefore possible to conduct self-initiations directed at inner mental development. 

This is normally performed during slightly altered states of consciousness (meditation, contemplation or visualisation), during which time one constructs (in the mind) complex images of sacred sites and locations such as sanctums, temples or natural wonders such as mountains and caves complete with initiatory rituals involving priests, monks or even one's chosen exalted spiritual personalities or masters.      

The next step is to try to superimpose these images on one’s normal view of reality. This can be performed by opening and closing the eyes slowly during the meditation and imagery until the sacred location appears to be suspended in the room and very real.  

As mentioned in other articles, the human unconscious mind responds well to such imaginary dramatisations and this creates the opportunity for directly accessing and altering the subliminal programs (schemas) which regulate our consciousness and perception. These self-initiated inner experiences actually can actually result in these schemas becoming more fluid and subsequently, our minds more open to higher perceptual experiences. These self-created rituals or scenarios also provide a visual field in which other archetypal figures within the collective unconscious can reveal themselves and even assist in the initiations.  

These initiatory mental enactments can be very complex, and can include moving along hidden pathways, entering through portals or even pushing through re-created ‘dimensional’ membranes into higher dimensions of consciousness. With practice, these mental creations can become so powerful and real that one can actually imagine touching and feeling this membrane. When in such a subjective state, the mind is fully open to suggestion and the unconscious will accept these experiences and enactments as real, or at least sufficiently real so as to produce powerful corresponding changes in mental states and consciousness.

Although, when mastered, these experiences may seem like one is travelling into different dimensions or even visiting other historical time-slots, what is actually taking place are shifts in perception, which results in the recovery of impressions and images relating to these sites.

One can also consciously petition or request the privilege of a real initiation from Spirit. 

However, unless the appropriate level of consciousness and emotional and psychological readiness has been attained, it is unlikely that this will take place, or have the desired effect. 

However, it can happen that Initiatory dramatisations can also be spontaneously presented under the direction of powerful archetypal personalities during lucid dreams or meditations, and would also involve complex rituals during which one’s readiness, intention, commitment and courage would be tested. These Initiations differ in form and content, but share common characteristics or requirements. For instance, they all involve a situation where a choice, choices or a decision has to be consciously made (this distinguishes it from a normal dream or vision). As previously stated, they could also involve a practical challenge in which one has to face and overcome certain obstacles and could even include a dramatised ‘battle’ with one or more antagonists. Finally, they all require a new commitment and a purposeful dedication to the service of mankind.

In conclusion, initiations are designed to ensure that one is not moving or evolving at a pace which will damage the fragile human mind and consciousness, and ideally, ‘permission’ should be given before one proceeds. In other words, during advanced meditations and initiations, one should be intuitively ‘invited’ to proceed further, especially when working with high levels of consciousness and energy.

 Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist who attempts to integrate science and psychology with philosophy and spirituality. He has published a number of books and e-books on aspects of human psychology and spirituality which are available on Amazon.com as well as his  website   www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com 

Archetypes

‘Archetypes do not have a determinate content... but since the moment they become conscious, that is filled with the material of our conscious experience...’‘

Carl Jung

When exploring our minds during meditation or other altered states of consciousness, we may find that we are able to interact with universal archetypal personalities that exist on a very deep level within a 'collective unconscious' as described by Carl Jung. Depending on our backgrounds, religious beliefs and cultures, these archetypes could take on the form of a celestial being (an angel), a deity, or even assume the appearance of an ancient 'god' or some other universal symbolic figure. Dragons and other mythological creatures could also fall into this category. 

We must bear in mind that what we are seeing is merely a representation or picture assembled in our minds from the shifting energies of pure consciousness that exist at such deep levels. However, the figures and archetypes that do emerge from the background of this universal consciousness (Spirit) could well be said to have an actual existence, being able to interact with us, and are sometimes far superior in terms of wisdom and understanding. 

‘Angels are thoughts of God’

Marianne Williamson

As stated, when in these deep 'connected' states, it is possible to communicate and even receive guidance and instruction from such archetypal beings, most of which embody the essential benevolence of Spirit and reflect its attributes to various degrees. 

However, there is still much controversy surrounding the possibility of the existence of ancient gods and deities. Ancient texts suggest that some have appeared in humanlike form at certain times in history. In this regard, many sacred religious scriptures, as well as early myths and legends, refer to giants and heroes who living many millennia ago. However, as a cognitive scientist, I need to consider these experiences as the possible effects of altered (subjective) states of mind in which one is able to access archetypes which exist within the depths of mind. 

In the light of current research into the functioning of the human mind, there are therefore two possibilities; As mentioned, either these 'appearances' were the result of altered states of consciousness induced during rituals conducted in temples, at which time the priests and devotees were able to engage with the deeper levels of the collective unconscious and superimpose the resulting visions on their normal perception of reality; Or else the human perceptual processes may not have been as strictly regulated as they are today, and being more open to intuition, some persons may have experienced these figures as patently real. 

In other words, during early times there may well have been a closer interaction between humans and archetypal personalities within Spirit. 

This question is still open to debate. However, Carl Jung did believe that it was possible, under certain conditions, for aspects of the collective unconscious to impinge on everyday reality. 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist who attempts to integrate science and psychology with philosophy and spirituality. He has published a number of books and e-books on aspects of human psychology and spirituality which are available on Amazon.com as well as his  website   www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com 

The power of petitioning or prayer

The power of petitioning or prayer 

With regard to petitioning or prayer, there is a spiritual etiquette involved, in that it is always required of one to request assistance, as this indicates a state of willingness, a readiness to receive and that one has reached the point at which our own resources are exhausted and help is truly required. 

In such cases, no attempt to communicate with a higher power would ever go unnoticed or unacknowledged. In response to any petition or prayer, acknowledgement and assistance will always be available, although in practice, it does appear to originate from that level which is closest and most suitable for our immediate needs. 

In other words, this help could actually come from other persons who have been moved through the intimate connection that we all have with Spirit. 

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and published author who has been able to reconcile psychological, philosophical and spiritual ideas. Visit his page on Amazon.com to see his many books and e-books that are available. 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=jimmy%20henderson