Lower realms of the mind

Lower realms of the mind 

By Jimmy Henderson FRC

 ‘Evil can be likened to a low level of energy and consciousness that brings out the worst that already exists in us’ 

J. Henderson  

The expansion of the mind can be likened to a flower which is in the process of blooming and exposing itself to the Sun. 

However, even as the petals begin to open, the center of the flower is still largely bathed in shadows. 

The idea of a ‘shadow realm‘of the mind symbolically represents those areas of the Jungian Collective Unconscious which have not yet fully unfolded and still embody elements of the principle of original primal chaos. 

This less-evolved area of the collective unconscious, to which we all have access, is sometimes called the abyss, the arcane shadow, or the astral realm, and would be home to the more primal energies involved in human development, including basic instincts and drives.

According to those who have experienced this level of mind, it appears as populated by a host of elemental beings and archetypal personalities which I have chosen to call ‘shadow-entities’, and whom are certainly not hospitable. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, including chaotic states of mind or drug usage, the human consciousness can sometimes regress to these levels, which can be quite frightening.

As human beings, our present consciousness has now evolved to occupy its present position on the threshold of this realm. However, some more robust individuals are suited for work there, being able to move around within in the shadows and effect real change in those places where consciousness is trapped or not yet fully unfolded. Here I am referring to those who work tirelessly to reduce crime, violence and mental disorders.  

As mentioned, this area of the mind is usually populated with oppressively negative mental patterns, thoughts and emotions which can take on grotesque archetypal forms during dreams or visualisations, due to our symbolic processes of interpretation, and can include some of our more primitive archetypes, as well as other (mental) forms which embody the principle of chaos and thus remain on this level. This reminds one of the idea of the ‘underworld’ in mythology, as well as the notions of Hell or Purgatory as described in religious scriptures.

Here one may also encounter scattered disembodied images and personality-patterns of deceased persons still trapped in these deep recesses of the collective unconscious, and when it comes to meditation and deep mental processing, this area is best left alone (unless one is called to work on this level). 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive scientist who uses psychological principles to explain metaphysical phenomena. His books can be found on Amazon.com. 

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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.

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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