Science

Science: 

so I was a bit interested in science this morning, curious on how forgiveness might actually change the brain. Contemplative practices have been studied quite extensively over the last several decades. We know the benefits of meditation, yoga, chanting, and numerous other inner traditions. But has science touched upon forgiveness? Well, right at first glance I decided not to get too deep in the weeds with this - the science is there, extensive and outlined, and I was quickly reminded that I'm not a science guy. What I am is someone who has seen the incredible shift of focus that has occured in my mind through the practice of forgiveness. And science backs up this mind training.

lesson 122 of A Course in Miracles is my example:

What could you want forgiveness cannot give? ²Do you want peace? ³Forgiveness offers it. ⁴Do you want happiness, a quiet mind, a certainty of purpose, and a sense of worth and beauty that transcends the world? ⁵Do you want care and safety, and the warmth of sure protection always? ⁶Do you want a quietness that cannot be disturbed, a gentleness that never can be hurt, a deep abiding comfort, and a rest so perfect it can never be upset? (ACIM, W-122.1:1-6)

All this forgiveness offers you, and more. (ACIM, W-122.2:1)

this lesson has always been my return point, delivering me from actively seeking a lofty goal of enlightenment to a quiet place of gentel practice. Forgiveness truly offers me everything I want, and incredibly, offers it continuous through my everyday affairs. Each moment of forgiveness causes a neurochemical response, reducing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Structurally we are deactivating the amygdala, increasing prefrontal cortex activity, quelling the anterior insula, and quieting the default mode network by a significant degree. All of this results in a biochemical release of our own "feel good" hormones of oxytocin and dopamine. And we get to repeat this as often as we please, literally shifting from a dangerous mode of thinking towards an experience of the divine. I'll be honest, I don't understand any of the science at all, none of it. But I'm happy it's been documented and shared. It's important to know why our practice is valuable on the level of our everyday affairs. Here's the truth though - science doesn't really matter. Not ultimately at least. My own practice of forgiveness is the gateway from hell to paradise. My body and mind are in a quiet rage with every grievance, each resentment that I harbor traps me in self absorbed addiction, and my judgements against both myself and others isolates me from any truly meaningful relationships. An unforgiving mind keeps me alone, seemingly separated from the very source of happiness.

forgiveness takes me home.

instantly.

repeatedly.

and I'm happy that science supports this with hard evidence.

my own research does as well

every moment.

~

I love you, Eric

To read more from Headless Now, please visit: Otherwise 

Also, please visit to buy: Forgiveness: The Greatest Healer of All

Thank you. 

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