The Illusion of the Body
Introducing the Body Alive Principle
David Almeida
Copyright 2012 David Almeida
Smashwords Edition
Library of Congress Control Number: 2012901860
Fourth Edition
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Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those who helped make this book possible:
To the Divine Source for making this journey possible
To my wife, a life coach, for her amazing courage
To her wonderful family for always being there
To my mother and father for their giving all they’ve got
To my brother and sisters for giving me pleasant memories
To all of my friends for their encouragement
To all those who has contributed to my happiness over the years
Special thanks to Sarah for her significant contribution
I’d also like to extend my thanks to my editors and publisher
DISCLAIMER
This book details the author's personal experiences with and opinions about alternative medicine. The author is not a health care provider.
The author and publisher are providing this book and its contents on an “as is” basis and make no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to this book or its contents. The author and publisher disclaim all such representations and warranties, including, for example, warranties of merchantability and health care for a particular purpose. In addition, the author and publisher do not represent or warrant that the information accessible via this book is accurate, complete or current.
The statements made about products and services have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or healthcare professional regarding the suggestions and recommendations made in this book.
Except as specifically stated in this book, neither the author or publisher, nor any authors, contributors, or other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this book. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory; direct, indirect or consequential damages; loss of data, income or profit; loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties.
You understand that this book is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed health care practitioner, such as your physician. Before you begin any health care program, or change your lifestyle in any way, you will consult your physician or other licensed healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are in good health and that the examples contained in this book will not harm you.
This book provides content related to topics on physical and/or mental health issues. As such, use of this book implies your acceptance of this disclaimer.
Table of Contents
The Body Alive Principle: What You Need to Know
PART III - What the Body Needs
PART IV - Personal Qualities Necessary for a Healthy Body
Appendix - Warning: Not for Human Consumption
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Mae West
I almost cannot recall where the inspiration for this book came from, although it undoubtedly originated with the Divine Source. Although, I can say I have had a longtime fascination with consciousness. What is it? Where does it reside? How did it come to be? At some point, I came to realize that I not only exist in my body as a sentient being but that my whole world is alive. This means the physical world as I define it. I came to learn that matter, in its many forms, has its own intelligence and awareness. This is a philosophy known as panpsychism. From this philosophy, I extracted panpsychic healing. Panpsychic healing is at the heart of what I call the Body Alive Principle. This is the idea that the body is a legion of conscious entities, from the organs right down to the cells and their atoms. I refer to these entities as the “little minds.” That is the first concept behind the Body Alive Principle. The second part of this theory asserts that the mind can heal the body by instructing the body’s internal structures and cells to do just that. Positive self-talk or affirmative language can achieve this end.
I make use of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid to discuss human needs and the needs of the body. Because our mind and bodies are intimately connected, a mutually dependent relationship exists between the two. The needs of the human mind or “super mind” have a strong effect on the needs of the little minds, and vice versa. This relationship is comparable to the need for food and shelter, and the need for self-actualization. This subject is one of the most pertinent ideas put forward in this text. Understanding human needs will bestow a comprehension that may seem like a shortcut to traditional learning. This knowledge will help you to implement the tools of the Body Alive Principle.
I, like most people, have family and friends with serious illnesses. The idea for the Body Alive Principal came to me as a desire to provide permanent relief to those living with debilitating illnesses. Many people believe that the mind can heal the body, and there is plenty of evidence to back up that notion. Most people do not realize that their body pays attention to what they think. Not only is that statement true, but it’s also true that the body will act on these unconscious messages. This is true of both the positive and negative messages that we send it. For example, if you say, “I feel good!” (Thank you, James Brown), your body will respond by producing feel-good chemicals such as endorphins. If you say, “I feel terrible!” Your body will then create illness. Yes, this is a deliberate act of your body responding to your subconscious commands. This idea is vital to the Body Alive Principle.
The body will also send messages to you when something is not right. This commonly comes in the form of pain, fatigue, nausea, headaches, dizziness, etc. You can see that there is a constant mental dialogue going on between you and your body. While this is not a startling revelation in itself, it takes on a new dimension when you consider that your body is alive. The good news is that you can consciously communicate with the zillions of cellular entities that make your earthly journey possible. Communication with your body is initiated in several ways. Of these techniques, the most effective are creative visualization and positive affirmations. These are powerful tools for providing direction to your body. They are fundamental to the Body Alive Principle.
Creative visualization, using our powerful imagination, is one process that is drawn on to make positive changes in the body. Guided imagery is the act of assisting another person in using his or her imagination, as hypnotists do. Visualization is a powerful tool in the arsenal of the Body Alive Principle. The application of affirmative language in conjunction with visualization ensures that the little minds will receive your messages. A number of other popular complementary therapies make use of both techniques. The Body Alive Principle makes use of them in a unique way. Throughout this book, I will encourage you to continue your studies by reading other books on the various topics I present. This book is by no means the authority on visualization or affirmations. This is also true of the following techniques that I mention.
Another valuable technique covered in this book is empathetic listening. This skill requires the listener to remain closely engaged with the other party, and to do so without interrupting or forming opinions that will impede the process. Empathetic listening teaches us to pay attention, which is extremely important when it comes to the body. Our bodies are constantly sending us operational signals. Some of these messages are obvious, and others are rather subtle. Recognizing these signals can save us from future pain. You will learn how to put empathetic listening to use in developing a better relationship with other people and your body.
Mindfulness meditation is another tool this book will explore. Mindfulness also teaches us to pay attention. Like many meditation practices, there is a desire to quiet the mind. Inevitably, we learn to slow down our racing thoughts. This helps us to receive those intuitive messages from the little minds. While any meditation practice is helpful in achieving this state, mindfulness is especially useful in expanding our awareness of our body, including breathing, sound, physical sensations, and thoughts. Mindfulness is a key component of the Body Alive Principle since the little minds need our attention to do their jobs. You will have a better understanding of mindfulness meditation, including how it relates to the Body Alive Principle, after reading through that portion of the book.
There are also separate sections for dealing with both guilt and trauma. Guilt’s relationship to the Body Alive Principle is in need of its own attention. Poor health leads directly to the door of guilt. It even has a welcome mat. I have created my own five-step process for conquering this difficult emotion. Trauma is of immense concern to all healers. Many of the worst health problems experienced in the modern era have their origin in traumas.
One fundamental aspect of the Body Alive Principle is living with integrity in order to bring your body into balance. The positive attributes, discussed in this book, are honesty, trust, kindness, empathy, gentleness, self-control, and integrity. These desirable qualities are the key to our continued well-being. If you do your best to maintain these qualities, you will increase the likelihood of a long and healthy life. Our bodies require us to operate with these precious qualities in order to maintain homeostasis. This book reminds us that, although we will never reach a definite point of perfection in our character, we must always strive to improve ourselves by doing our best to conduct our personal affairs with these qualities in mind.
I have learned that there are resources beyond our understanding ready to assist us in reaching our goals. This includes the cosmic consciousness, which some call God. The Body Alive Principle may be exactly what you need, where nothing else has worked. The truth is that we all need to be in touch with our bodies for obvious reasons. The primary reason is that we cannot manage life’s journey without it. As many have said, we have one body in this lifetime. If we do not take care of it, it will not take care of us. To have a better experience in the physical world, we need to ensure that we treat the body with respect and understanding, as with all things we love.
My motivation in writing this book is to pass on what the higher forces have revealed to me for the benefit of others, particularly those who are stuck in a rut, sick, anxious, depressed, lonely, angry, resentful, or bitter. My intention is to alleviate and ultimately end suffering. I realize people experience pain for many reasons, and some will not respond to any medical treatment. Sometimes people do not want their conditions healed because they harbor guilt. Other people choose their afflictions before coming into this world. However for those of you who truly desire healing, the Body Alive Principle makes it possible. By developing the skills presented in this book, and with a little patience, you will have an excellent opportunity to heal yourself or someone else.
I want to add that this book is not a scholarly or academic work. It is a metaphysical work, that I feel cannot be properly judged by those claiming superior academic intelligence. The Body Alive Principle deals with ideas that are foreign to us. Therefore, current methods of scientific examination will not be able to determine its mechanism. This is also the case with alternative therapies such as reiki and acupuncture. However, I will endeavor to present reasonable data to support my claims. I have attempted to access suitable websites with quality information. It’s likely that some of these web pages will be gone years from now. That’s not a problem. You will find that the integrity of this publication has a solid foundation. My main concern is that my readers learn something valuable from this book. I implore you to keep an open mind and use this book in faith. Science only accounts for a small fraction of what takes place in our universe. Our knowledge of reality is truly incomplete.
The Body Alive Principle: What You Need to Know
"Everything you can imagine is real."
Pablo Picasso
What is Panpsychism?
My definition of panpsychism is that it is an ancient philosophy that all things, both animate and inanimate, have consciousness and awareness. This includes all animal, vegetable, and mineral entities. There are opposing views among practicing panpsychists in regards to what qualifies as consciousness, as well as which inanimate objects are eligible for the panpsychic designation. I believe that all material things have consciousness. I also believe that many levels of consciousness exist to which we are intricately connected. Some of the major systems include:
* The body with its individual cells, organs, and systems
* Our higher or greater self
* The mass mind, which is the Collective Consciousness of all living humans
* The Earth itself, which is a living organism with its own unique systems and mechanisms
* The Infinite Intelligence, or God, to which all things are connected
Consciousness is not limited to living and inanimate entities. It also includes thoughts and emotions. All mental structures have their own awareness and personalities. Thoughts compete with one another to manifest into reality. They race to the surface, much like sperm race to infuse with the egg (I hope you don’t mind the analogy). Emotions do much the same, fighting to be the dominant mental state. They are energetic beings and are alive like anything else.
I should point out that panpsychism is unrelated to fortune telling or any other crystal ball gazing phenomena, although I’m not condemning any practitioners of this craft. My goal is to help others live better lives.
What is the Body Alive Principle and how does it work?
This is a unique healing system, which does not require invasive drugs, surgeries, or expensive treatments. The Body Alive Principle is the art of communicating with the sentient beings comprising our bodies, to bring relief from disease.
Your body does all of the healing, together with the aid of your exceptional leadership. I am of the opinion that the mind is separate from the body. I believe our bodies are organic containers meant to sustain our spiritual selves – an organism comprised of millions of separate entities that make physical life possible. This goes against the popular, scientific belief that the mind is a function of the brain.
The Body Alive Principle promotes the idea that our internal structures are alive with their own consciousness just like ours. In other words, they have their own unique personalities and have their own experiences taking place. In years past, people attributed human qualities to organs. For instance, many countries have designated the heart as the center of love.
As I said, this idea moves right down to the very cells of the body. Each entity must answer to the super mind for direction. So the cells must report to the organs, and the whole body must report to us. Thus, we are the super mind and the ultimate authority. The body needs direction, or it will take matters into its own hands. No pun intended. If something is going wrong with our bodies, it is because they are receiving these messages from us. This mix up can be from trauma existing in the subconscious. There are many other reasons for disease. Communicating with our bodies in an effective way can often alleviate these medical problems. The Body Alive Principle uses creative visualization, an optimistic attitude, and positive language/commands to communicate with the little minds. In many cases, this practice can provide lasting relief for even the worst medical conditions.
The other part is learning how to respond to your bodily needs. Your body has needs just like all living things. If you neglect those needs, you risk acquiring any number of human diseases. Your body will make you aware of their needs. An example of this is fatigue. It’s the body’s signal for us to slow down. It’s a remarkably strong signal. Many of the things your body needs may not seem obvious, but they are usually the same things you require to feel well.
Is the Body Alive Principle a New Age Concept?
I do not believe that the Body Alive Principle is comparable to other healing practices in use at this time. I feel it stands on its own as both a healing therapy and a way of life. Panpsychism is a distinct theory of mind. This philosophy has earned the respect of spiritually aware people, belonging to some the world’s greatest civilizations, for thousands of years. The finer points of panpsychism can be located in any good philosophical text. I want to point out, that other healing practices, such as hypnosis, also employ the techniques advanced by the Body Alive Principle. I am not claiming to offer any new ideas in that regard. I am just bringing a forgotten healing art back into the light. I originally created the Body Alive Principle as a hypnosis script, which I intended to use as a method for treating my wife’s autoimmune disorders.
Since I had already accepted the panpsychic theory, I thought I might apply it to the human body. This process also prompted me to obtain my certification as a hypnotist. We had success with this technique, where only Prednisone (a nasty drug as far as side effects go) was helping to manage her illness. My wife’s change in awareness also changed her relationship with her body. She began treating her body as the multi-conscious complex organism it is. She learned to meditate and communicate effectively with her body. The Body Alive Principle was instrumental in improving her condition. She leads a full and active life despite these medical intrusions. Please understand that results will vary from person to person. The good news is that this is something we can all do.
Why isn’t there a systematic process for the Body Alive Principle?
I realize everyone wants a paint-by-numbers approach to any alternative healing technique. I do not believe a systematic process is necessary to implement the Body Alive Principle. Your success with this practice has more to do with awareness and attitude than working an actual system; at least as we tend to think of it. The instructions given in this book, such as problem solving and living with integrity are transformational. They are at the very heart of the Body Alive Principle. This practice eventually becomes a way of life.
The Body Alive Principle uses time-honored healing methods to achieve communication with the inner structures of our bodies. There is nothing new about the modalities used in this book. I’m talking about meditation, creative visualization, empathetic listening, and other practices used to activate the Body Alive Principle. Anyone with an average imagination can master these modalities. The information contained in this book is straightforward, and anyone with enough motivation can make it work. This book clearly outlines the action steps needed to be successful with the practical applications. If there is a request for it, I would be willing to design a training curriculum to encourage its acceptance.
How do I know if it is working for me?
If you see any relief from your symptoms, it may be a sign that exercising a panpsychic mind is positively affecting your life. Only you know how you feel and whether your condition is improving. Even waking up in a better mood may be an indication that the Body Alive Principle is benefitting you. You should carefully conduct a thorough self-examination of your current physical and mental state, and compare it to what your condition was prior to employing the techniques in this book. You will "know" inside whether or not this is working for you.
These are some questions you might ask yourself to determine your current physical condition:
* Am I experiencing frequent headaches?
* Do I have back pain?
* Is there any other persistent pain in my body?
* Do I feel dizzy at times?
* Have I had diarrhea or vomiting for more than a few days?
* Do I have shortness of breath?
* Do I experience an upset stomach?
* Have I been fighting a lingering cold?
* Do I have a cough that won’t go away?
* Do I have a sore throat that will not go away?
* Am I feeling any weakness in my limbs?
* Is my temperature running high or low?
* Has my weight gone up or down dramatically in a short time?
* Do I feel overly anxious?
* Have I been depressed for a long time?
There are many other symptom-related questions you could ask yourself in order to get an accurate picture of your current physical condition. The symptoms listed here may be common to your diagnosis, and you will certainly know which ones are applicable. Some of these symptoms have specific criteria. For instance, when you have been feeling sad, or hopelessness, for a period of two weeks or more, doctors may diagnose depression. At least, I’m told this is one of the criteria doctors use. As I said, you will know whether certain symptoms are common to your illness. I don’t think there is any need for me to venture into the details of medical science. I’m sure the medical professionals would prefer I didn’t.
After determining your current state of health, you will be able, with accuracy, to assess your initial progress with the Body Alive Principle. Credit for any improvement in your condition, may be given, at least in part, to the Body Alive Principle. Of course, you should also consider any other lifestyle changes you have made during this time. Even if you do not know what to attribute your improvement to, I would suggest you continue using the Body Alive Principle for good measure.
How long do I have to work the Body Alive Principle before I see results?
There is no real time frame for obtaining results with this practice. Your enthusiasm will get you there quicker. However, this process may take a bit longer depending upon the outside factors involved. I advise that you practice daily and give this lost treatment a fair chance to prove itself. It will be worth it.
Should I stop my current medical treatment to pursue this system?
I cannot advise you as to whether or not you should continue to work with your medical providers. I do not recommend that you suddenly stop any treatment, regardless of the results you are getting from the Body Alive Principle. I do not want anyone to come to harm by going against his or her physician's advice. Please use discretion in making such decisions. In most cases, the Body Alive Principle can enhance your current medical treatment plan. I believe that it can be just as effective on its own. In any case, it’s recommended that you gradually introduce the Body Alive Principle into your treatment plan. You may wish to continue this way if you see improvement.
Is the Body Alive Principle for me?
Only you can answer that question. I believe that everyone should have a close relationship with his or her body. Everyone should want to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Our bodies are working hard for us, so we should take an interest in what is going on with them. The body we were given is the only one we will have in this lifetime. Sometimes it’s necessary to look at things differently in order to make positive changes. The Body Alive Principle works for anyone with any known illness. There are different levels of success with this technique, which range from mild to outstanding. It's different for everyone. The only way you will know if this practice is for you is to try it out.
Philosophy of Panpsychism
My definition of panpsychism is that all things have independent minds and are part of the Universal Mind. Panpsychism is a form of idealism. Without getting into a complicated discourse on idealism, let’s say that it is the view that reality is mentally based. Idealism is the belief that we live in a “mentalverse”. It states that all things exist mentally.
Idealism opposes the idea of materialism or physicalism, which is the belief that the universe consists solely of matter. This theory states that the universe is physical. It makes for a compelling argument, since we are able to perceive the material world through our five senses, whereas the mentalverse is hard to locate and define. Related to physicalism is realism, which advocates the belief that things exist independently of the mind. This philosophy specifies that the outside world has absolute existence.
Idealism and materialism both ascribe to a philosophy called monism. Monism supposes that the universe is made of a single substance. Here, you might say one atom is the same as another. Everything is made of the same basic material. Monism enthusiasts believe that the universe and everything in it exists as a single unit. This is the “we are one” factor. We are all part of the machine. Nothing is independent of the whole. It is also the idea that the physical and nonphysical are but one substance. There is no division between the two. Monism is the opposite of dualism, which says that the universe is made of two substances. This statement includes mind and matter. Dualism creates a distinct line between the physical and nonphysical.
There are several theories related to panpsychism:
Panexperientialism holds that all entities possess consciousness, but without any level of intelligence as we know it.
Panprotoexperientialism says that entities do possess consciousness, but have neither intelligence nor awareness of their own existence.
Animism is a philosophical or spiritual belief that certain nonphysical objects and forces possess souls or spirits. This includes (but is not limited to) animals, plants, minerals, and weather phenomenon, as well as land and water features.
Hylozoism is a philosophy that proposes that some things possess life, and regards life and matter to have an inherent connection.
Pantheism is a philosophy that promotes the idea that there is no distinction between God and creation. Pantheists believe “God” and the universe to be one complete unit. You could say God is in the mix.
There are too many forms of idealism to mention here. Philosophy goes off in many directions and has many flavors. If you are interested in this subject, I encourage you to explore it for yourself. It is great for personal growth. Just don’t lose yourself in the process.
Big minds and the little minds
Rest your hand in your lap or on some other surface and then lift it up to scratch your head. How did your hand know to do that? This is a clear example of how your mind produced a signal, processed by your brain, to command your hand to do that. It’s a remarkable feat, and something we never stop to consider. It establishes the fact that the mind commands the body.
The mind controls bodily functions that are extremely sensitive, like breathing and tissue repair. Many of these processes are automatic. We’re not even aware of their magnificent works. It’s fascinating to those in the know that we are not burdened with the details of running our own bodies. As the super minds (I don’t mean that in an egotistical way), we’re allowed to dwell on matters that we feel are of far greater importance, such as what we’ll be eating for dinner or what we’re going to wear to work the next day.
It’s like being the president. Although we run the whole show, we honestly don’t know what everyone below us is doing. We have to put our faith in the system. We trust that we have hired the right people to do the job. As far as the body goes, the job always gets done in the best possible way.
Sometimes we’re born with certain conditions like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, mental illness, or other compromising medical illnesses. This presents a challenge to the system. Our employees, which we know as the little minds, now have to work harder. That’s fine – they can deal with it. They’re willing to work overtime to make the organization successful. You will find it advantageous to have these guys on your team. If you were able to see what’s going on in your body, you would probably appreciate them a little more. Our employees make the company what it is. They are its assets.
I want to point out that not only are we able to command the cells and organs of our bodies, we are able to manage the multitudes of bacteria that exist within us, as well. They will listen to our mental instructions. We are capable of turning the most notorious germs into harmless or even beneficial roommates. Do I think this is an easy task? I would say no, but that is why you should practice the exercises in this book. Part of the process is developing the right attitude, as you will see.
Our bodies will do what it takes. We have a tendency to take our bodies for granted. It’s not until we suddenly lose our precious health, that we pull up a chair and take notice. We might say, “How did this happen to me! This is terrible!” It shows how little we understand our own bodies. That’s not a sarcastic remark. As a rule, our bodies run so well that we don’t even give it a thought. Because of this, complacency has become quite common about personal health and wellness.
Nothing more than feelings
Emotion affects all things and goes beyond our current understanding. Emotion is universal. Emotions excite cells and atoms. Without feelings, we would certainly be lifeless. I have a theory that the main reason we decide to come into this life is to experience emotion. Emotion puts the world in motion. It’s clear to me that all living and “non-living” entities have emotion. I can hear you saying, “Oh man is this guy one slice short of a loaf!” I realize this is a difficult concept to take in. Has anyone ever seriously entertained the idea of a rock having emotion? The name given to the practice of attributing human qualities to inanimate objects is pathetic or anthropomorphic fallacy. This ancient practice became an imaginative writer’s tool in literature called “personification”. This is an age-old belief that goes back (as far we can trace) to ancient Greece. I can recall cartoons from my childhood that featured inanimate objects dancing and singing. Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying your dinnerware and silverware are going to get up and do the conga. I’m not the first to propose the panpsychic theory. However, I believe I’m the first to do so publicly; at least in recent times.
I do not know to what extent “things” feel. When your car breaks down on the highway, and you kick it and call it stupid, can you hurt its feelings? I’m not talking about Herbie the Love Bug. Even if I could say so, how would I go about proving it using current scientific methods? That’s not an easy task in this day and age. The answer to the equation comes down to an inner knowing that anyone can possess. You may not have psychic powers, or meditate on a mountaintop all day, but you can still feel the truth. Just a walk in the woods or by the ocean will allow you to hear the voices and feel the love. You will enjoy unrestricted access to this secret world if both your heart and mind are open.
Even lacking evidence that things have feelings, I do believe we should handle our possessions with care. They may not tolerate abuse. What happens to your car when you don’t do the routine maintenance? It breaks down. Is it a stretch to say that it broke down because you didn’t care about it? Not necessarily. It does take an adjustment in our thinking to see it this way. You have to look at the nature of things differently. Let’s just say this makes for a better quality of life.
Some have said that physical objects form an uncanny attachment to their owners. Have you ever heard stories of people who have lost valuable and sentimental objects such as jewelry, only to find them far away? Or perhaps a stranger returns them to the owner. Maybe this has happened to you. It can seem supernatural. It’s an intriguing thought from my perspective. It’s like the cat that came back the very next day. Our possessions have an emotional bond with us. This usually happens because we have a special attachment to our objects. Love is pervasive. It is the sole quality of the Universal Mind that is present everywhere, all the time. Every atom, cell, and structure understands this premise.
If we took care of our belongings, as our wise parents should have taught us, we would have a much better relationship with the things in our environment. I agree with those who say that we’re a throwaway society. When we have lost all interest in an object, we quickly throw it away without a second thought. Some of us have flagrant disregard for the things in our lives that truly matter. When we begin to change our attitude toward material objects, our interpersonal relationships with one another are likely to change, as well.
A suggestion would be that you reuse or recycle your belongings. Would you like to make some extra cash? Of course, you would. Why not sell your unwanted items rather than throw them away? You could even donate your stuff. Articles that you can donate include furniture, clothing, books, and just about anything else. By doing this, you will put yourself in the right frame of mind to understand what I am talking about.
We should consider the feelings of all things whether we can sense their life or not. Yes, I am an extreme panpsychist. I believe our five senses are not sophisticated enough to comprehend what is happening all around us. When we are young, adults teach us the mantra, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Well, I’m sorry, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. That would rule out the existence of x-rays, ultraviolet, infrared, and gamma rays. What can we say about those extremely high and low sounds that escape our ears, the ones that are inaudible? What would our world look like if we could fully experience it? That’s a question best left to the professional metaphysicists.
"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."
Aldous Huxley (Complete Essays 2, 1926-29)
The philosophy behind panpsychism and the Body Alive Principle may seem implausible. That is to be expected. Our understanding of reality is incomplete. As I discussed earlier, our five senses are crude and give us a limited, or even skewed, view of reality. For the most part, the only humans who can provide an accurate account of reality are those people who have transitioned to the other side.
An analytical mind such as that of an investigator, engineer, or medical professional will have the most trouble accepting panpsychic healing. I am sure the Body Alive Principle qualifies as metaphysics. Many people immediately disregard anything having to do with metaphysics because it does not conform to the conventional rules of science. It lies beyond what is known or empirically provable. Using traditional methods of inquiry, we come up short.
Consciousness is indefinable. The essence of consciousness cannot be isolated in a test tube. Still, we are able to detect certain pieces of our true nature at times. It’s like looking at a massive machine that produces reality and only being able to see small parts of it at one time. As the saying goes, “God only gives us what we can handle.” I believe consciousness can only handle one thought or action at a time – at least in physical reality. If we could view the master plan, our heads would explode. In the paragraphs that follow, I present the works of several historical personalities that I believe will add weight to the body alive principle as well as the idea of a collective consciousness.
Cellular Memory
Cellular memory is the idea that the cells of the human body each contain a complete record of our experiential history from the time we are born. Proponents of the cellular memory theory (including myself) state that this information includes memories, interests, habits, tastes, and more. The cellular memory theory rests on the stories of organ transplant recipients who received publicity for acquiring the memories and personal traits of their donors.
In the 1970s, a woman named Claire Sylvia received a heart- lung transplant from an 18-year old donor who had been in a motorcycle accident. Sylvia began exhibiting unusual tastes and habits post-operatively. She began having cravings for beer and foods she had never eaten prior to the transplant. Sylvia wrote an account of her extraordinary experience in a book called A Change of Heart. In 2002, her story became a television movie entitled “Heart of a Stranger,” starring Jane Seymour. This movie seems to be hard to find, but you could check out your local video store. There are other cases not mentioned here that are probably worth investigating. Most of them are not celebrity cases, however. The Discovery Health Channel delved into the remarkable world of cellular memory in a program titled "Transplanting Memories." The show presents actual cases of this phenomenon. I refer you to this website for additional information: http://perdurabo10.tripod.com/id470.html.
We know that the DNA molecules, which make up the genes in our chromosomes, carry the blueprints for genetic inheritance. When cell division takes place, an exact copy of the dividing cell is formed containing the exact components needed to build another cell; this includes proteins and RNA molecules. Through DNA and gene cloning, we are able to reproduce a complete copy of the original organism. In the same way that human cells carry genetic information when they divide, the cells also contain the personal qualities, habits, mannerisms, and other traits that make up the organism. Cells also transfer memories of every kind, including sensations such as those coming through our five senses. Although there is no rational explanation for why this occurs, my metaphysical theory is that all cells in a single body have access to the same information. They are all one. Although they are independent, they are part of the whole. I believe that you can see this in ants and bees. I guess you could say it’s a group mentality. Yes, that’s very true. Everything you’ve ever experienced is contained in each one of your cells and even their atoms. I don’t know what the mechanism is behind this process. Scientists have not given cellular awareness the attention it deserves. So, for now its secret will remain a mystery.
George De La Warr and Radionics
In the 1950s, a British inventor named George De La Warr developed an area of psychic research known as radionics, a field of study that came into existence in the early 1900s through the research of Albert Abrams. Radionics bases its efficacy on the idea that each person has unique frequencies. Some frequencies indicate health and others disease. In his experiments to find practical applications for his radionic equipment, De La Warr concluded that each cell is capable of transmitting a unique electrical charge to another part of itself. Therefore, a cell can also transmit many invisible qualities unique to that cell, including its distinct energy patterns. De La Warr invented devices, a camera in particular, which he claimed would register these energy patterns. He declared that this special camera could do nothing less than detect and cure diseases from a distance. De la Warr claimed that these devices registered a radiation pattern that could display the appearance and composition of the tissue under examination. With a suitable tissue sample, the camera would amazingly reveal the organism’s pathology. I’ll also note that a civil claim was filed against De La Warr in 1960. The litigant was a woman named Catherine Phillips. Philips claimed De La Warr’s diagnostic device led to her ill health. I’m not too concerned about these civil suits since people can sue for any reason, even if there is no merit to their complaint.
De La Warr founded De La Warr Laboratories in order to build his devices. From what I can tell, the company operated in relative obscurity until 1987, In fact, De La Warr’s original radionic devices and related paraphernalia have since vanished without a trace.
De La Warr’s research with human frequencies shows that we each carry unique vibrations. These vibrations emanate from one source. It’s like being part of a group with a common vision, while retaining our own personal ambitions. One atom is the same as another atom, but each is one of a kind. It’s something of a contradiction, but I’m sure that you get my point.1, 2
Dr. Harold Saxon Burr and L-fields
It was a Massachusetts native, Dr. Harold Saxton Burr (1889-1973), a Professor of Anatomy at the Yale University School of Medicine, who coined the term L-fields or life fields to describe the electrodynamic fields that he hypothesized to be the blueprints of every living creature. “Note that the word “living” was a highly subjective one to Dr. Burr. Dr. Burr measured and mapped these invisible fields of vitality through his unconventional use of a voltmeter. Dr. Burr employed this instrument to study the bioelectric qualities of menstruation, ovulation, and cancer, among other things. Most notable, among his experiments are the ones performed on the salamander and frog eggs. Starting with the salamander specimen, he proceeded to mark the peak voltage on the egg. As the embryos developed, the peak voltage never changed. However, it turned out to be located at the creature’s head. Dr. Burr theorized that the greatest voltage point was the blueprint for the arrangement of the salamander’s fully-grown nervous system. Dr. Burr then repeated this experiment on frog eggs and came to the same conclusion. Dr. Burr held that L-fields also directed mental and emotional states. He maintained that their activity was evident using his instruments. These experiments seemed to show that the L-fields are the organizing force behind the creation of life. Dr. Burr disregarded the idea of a vital or universal life force. He was content to study and develop the idea of a controlling human energetic force. In spite of this, Burr’s L-fields lend credence to the presence of divine consciousness orchestrating the design of life.3, 4
Jagdish Chandra Bose
Dr. Bose was born in 1858 in Mymensingh, Bengal. In 1884, he received a B.Sc from the University of London. On his return in 1885, Bose became a professor of physics at Presidency College in Calcutta. Bose faced serious challenges from his English colleagues. It seems they did not approve of an Indian joining their ranks. Bose was offered a salary half that of his colleagues. True to his character, Bose took things in stride and stayed in the game. Bose has many supporters who consider him as the true “Father of Wireless Telegraphy”. In 1894, Bose unveiled this extraordinary technology to the public. He was able to demonstrate to a large audience how radio waves could travel through a wall 75 feet away and ring a bell. Shortly thereafter, the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi was able to construct a device that generated radio waves, for which he obtained a patent, and became known as the official father of wireless technology.
What is particularly relevant to this book is the research that Bose conducted in biology. Bose was perhaps the first reputable scientist of his day, to declare that plants and metals are alive in the truest sense. Bose publicly announced that plants feel pain and express affection. He believed that plants have a central nervous system that responds to shock in the same way an animal does. Bose also concluded that plants thrive when exposed to soothing music, as opposed to harsh noise. Over the years, researchers have arrived at similar results to those of Bose.
In 1906, Bose published the all-important monograph, “Response in The Living and Nonliving.” This research paper revealed that plant and animal tissue share a comparable electric impulse response to all manner of stimuli. He was even able to show that certain rocks and metals have these same responses to stimulation. Bose also discovered that the life force in metals could be impaired or eliminated altogether when subjected to electrical stimulation and pressure. In Bose’s experiments with scissors and small machinery, he found that they eventually experience fatigue. The objects were able to regain lost energy through rest. One could easily construe the results of Bose’s experiments to mean that metals have consciousness, and perhaps even memories.
The idea that plants and metals are alive was a revolutionary one to promote at that time and place. However, Bose managed to gain the respect of the Royal Society for his commendable efforts. In 1920, the Royal Society elected Bose to the esteemed position of fellow. Prior to his death in 1937, the Bose Institute at Calcutta was established. I’d like to encourage you to do a little research on this underappreciated historical figure. He was truly fascinating.5, 6, 7
The Backster Effect
Cleve Backster is a professional polygraphist and the owner of the Backster School of Lie Detection, founded in New York City. The school is now located in San Diego, California. Most associate Backster’s name with his famous plant experiments in the 1960s. Backster first stumbled onto the idea of “primary perception” (as he coined it) in plants when, out of curiosity, he hooked a galvanometer up to a corn plant to see how long it would take for water poured on the plant roots, to reach its leaves. To his surprise, the graph paper showed a downward trend. Backster took this to mean that the corn plant was giving feedback indicating pleasurable stimulation. Backster then proceeded to take this in the other direction and tried dunking a leaf in hot coffee. There was no reaction. Then Backster contemplated burning the leaf. Before Backster could move to take action on the flaming image in his mind, the machine recorded a long upward progression. Many admirers of Backster’s work take this event to mean the corn plant could read his thoughts.
Backster has conducted hundreds of experiments in an effort to support this unique theory. One of these experiments showed that a plant attuned to its caretaker, could read that person’s thought from a considerable distance. This means a common house plant can connect to a caretaker’s emotional signals, such as when he is in danger.
Backster discovered additional evidence at the cellular level. One of Backster’s plants reacted to his eating a cup of yogurt. Backster realized the jam he was adding to the yogurt contained a chemical that was killing the yogurt’s bacteria. This unexplained event happened again when Backster cut his finger and applied iodine. Backster finally identified the cause of the polygraph’s striking pattern when he observed the plants were reacting to hot water poured down a sink, which was killing the bacteria in it. Apparently, the plant was reacting to the death of the microbes. Associates of Backster thought that some form of “cellular consciousness” was at work.
Backster devised an automated test that involved dropping brine shrimp into a pot of boiling water. The response from the three Heart Leaf Philodendrons attached to galvanometers demonstrated their sensitivity to the death of the shrimp. This experiment showed results similar to those of the previously mentioned incidents. It supports the cellular consciousness theory. Backster’s experiments raised the attention of the media. This fascination changed the way that people see plant life.
The Secret Life of Plants, by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, quoted Backster as saying, “Sentience does not seem to stop at the cellular level. It may go down all the way to the molecular, the atomic, and even the subatomic level. All sorts of objects which have traditionally been considered to be inanimate may have to be re- evaluated.”
During these trials, Backster coined the term “primary perception”, which theorizes the existence of a field that connects all living things and is outside the realm of our five senses. However, it exists independent of extra-sensory perception.
Backster happens to be one of my favorite researchers. Not only do I appreciate Backster for his substantial contribution to metaphysics, I also admire him for his unorthodox and controversial methods. I love it when science is unable to comprehend something that exists and operates outside of conventional thinking.
The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird is an excellent information source on Backster, and the other unconventional researchers in this section. This publication’s well- written account, of the accomplishments of these little-known researchers, prompted me to conduct further research into their fascinating lives. I suggest that the book I just mentioned, along with the websites I list in the footnotes, would be an excellent place to start. You may also want to check out, Primary Perception: Biocommunication with Plants, Living Food, and Human Cells, by Cleve Backster himself.8, 9, 10
PART III - What the Body Needs
"Do your own thing on your own terms and get what you came here for."
Oliver James
The Hustle and Bustle
In America, we are extremely out of touch with our inner being. We’re so busy being busy that we don’t take the time to tend to our personal needs. The average person goes from one task to the next without taking a breath. As humans living in modern society, we have obligations. These obligations include our family, job, and various other people and groups. We have to take care of these responsibilities. We can avoid these things, but we leave ourselves open to being labeled as irresponsible. Is this unfair? I don’t know. It depends on the nature of the obligation. Making sure our children eat meals everyday is easy to judge. On the other hand, holding an extravagant party for your child’s baseball team may be unnecessary, especially if it strains you.
You have to set your priorities. In the grand scheme of things, building a birdhouse for your grandmother does not usually qualify as a critical project, although it is a kind act of love. We all have the same amount of time to work with. It’s up to us to decide how to use it. Sometimes, as kindhearted people, we feel we’re being selfish for not fulfilling everyone’s requests. It’s as if we’re disappointing those we love for not coming through on every request or favor asked of us. This isn’t fair to us. We overextend ourselves trying to meet every demand that comes our way.
I’m not trying to discount anyone’s needs. We all know people in our lives that depend on the services of others for their existence, including children and sometimes the elderly. We are responsible for their needs. However, their needs cannot come before our own vital needs. I like the example of the mother with her little child next to her on a plane that has just encountered some difficulty. The captain tells the passengers to put on their oxygen masks. The mother’s immediate reaction is to place the child’s mask on first. This is the wrong thing to do. Why? If the mother passes out, she will not be able to help her child or herself. It is important for the mother to put her own mask on first and then tend to her child. I certainly understand the mother’s instinct.
You have to take care of your needs first. It isn’t because you are being mean or negligent. It’s natural to care about the needs of your family and friends. However, it’s necessary to take care of first things first. You and your body are number one. People may fault you for this and send criticisms your way, but they will understand later. Either way, we needn’t internalize their insults. Dwelling on negativity is not beneficial to our health. What happens when you’re in the hospital with a serious illness or injury? That’s right. Someone else takes over your role. Our friends and relatives will not suffer for lack of attention. They are not being selfish either. They are just trying to secure their interests. Who can blame them? This is what being human is about. It’s the nature of every creature to get its needs met.
What is the connection between “needs” and the functioning of our bodies? First, you should know that our bodies have definite needs of their own. Since our internal structures are alive, they have special needs too. This includes both physical and emotional needs. I proposed that the intelligent members of our bodies have feelings. Those uncountable personalities we know as the little minds are susceptible to the full range of emotions we generate including fear, love, anger, joy, and peace.
The truth is, your body needs you to “pay attention.” What is attention? My definition of attention is an act of consideration or courtesy, which demonstrates affection or love. It also means thoughtful consideration to the wants and needs of another to the exclusion of all else. Any sentient being is deserving of kindhearted attention.
We should give priority to our bodies for this special treatment. What could be more valuable to us than the very thing that sustains our essence? Some of us decide to give preferential treatment to our vehicles over our bodies (not that cars aren’t important).
We have an intimate relationship with our bodies and a mutual co-existence. We should realize that our bodies are companions to us. Every single cell possesses in our bodies knowledge of our most private thoughts. Our relationship with our bodies is markedly different from the human relationships we keep. For one, our bodies will not judge or criticize us. They will not develop any real hatred or resentment towards us. Though they may express certain basic emotions, such as anger (you may have heard of irritable bowel syndrome), they are not necessarily directed towards us. They may simply be expressing discontent or dissatisfaction.
Our bodies operate best from the experience of love, much as pets do. The little minds are motivated to please us. The trick is that they need to have that love returned. Our bodies like acknowledgement for their superior effort. They just ask for a little credit. They need the same kind of appreciation we give to other objects, plants, animals and people having special meaning to us. We tend to notice the importance of our insides only when we are sick.
In addition, our bodies expect first class treatment. They do not take kindly to being treated second best. Remember, they serve a vital role for us. I say this again because our good health is more valuable than all the gold in Fort Knox. It’s surprising how some people will take enormous risks with their bodies. Eating 68 hot dogs in ten minutes in a contest does not sound healthy. Imbibing alcohol and illegal drugs is yet another activity your body will not tolerate. What would your body think about exposure to toxic chemicals without using the proper protection? I know someone who, out of youthful indiscretion, had the idea of putting LSD (acid) in his eyes to get a better trip. What he got was legally blind. These pursuits are unnecessary. Why would we do this to ourselves? I don’t think anyone does these things with the intention of harming themselves. No one wants that. We just want to see how far we can push our bodies. It’s okay to test your limits, but just be careful how you go about doing it. Now let’s look at needs a little more closely.