Science, Spiritualism & Medicine: week 3

Monday, 14th May 2012

Spiritualism, Science & Medicine: week 3

Having had to endure a fortnights break following our second class I was more than ready for this session, which again proved extremely informative, insightful and liberating. I say that as the subject matter was easily related to everyday life. Past personal experiences helped me contribute to the discussions, which tonight involved two new students both of whom easily integrated into the relaxed environment.

So, to this weeks subject area: Random Acts of Kindness

Before discussing the notes I'll detail my own ongoing personal experiment, to perform a few acts per week, throughout the duration of the 10 week course. One thing that sprang to mind is just how difficult it can be to move to this mindset. Being comfortable with my work and family environments I tend to take a great deal for granted. So much so, that I hastily plow throw my days, only concerning myself with issues and addressing negative situations. This lifestyle leaves little room for unplanned, spontaneous giving ...or so it seems. Anyway, I guess I'll have to keep my eyes open every day in order to spot opportunities - that in itself is a challenge I'm happy to rise to. So, last week's Random Acts of Kindness? Well, I managed just 5 over the past fortnight, which seems very poor indeed. I'll endeavour to increase my actions from here on in and strive to initiate a more caring mindset, but it's not easy! To note:

1. 8th May - I noticed that one of my female colleagues wasn't as perky as usual and looked a little under the weather, last week. In an effort to improve her mood I asked if everything was OK and she shared with me that she felt a little stressed at work as well as feeling a little run down. When I saw her today I made a point of going on to her and remarking how much more lively she seemed; a return to her good self. She was happy to hear this and seemed to outwardly perk up further. This brief encounter made me feel happy that I had shown concern, empathy to her stress and helped raise her spirits.
2. 8th May - One of my fellow Sociology students, Jamil from Africa is living in Swansea whilst studying before returning to his home town to teach. In order to make him feel welcome I made a point of approaching him after our first lesson and then again today. In fact, as I waited in the sunshine he called over to me on his way to class. I made sure I shook his hand and we talked, as new friends, discussing his plans and experiences of the UK to-date. I was keen to hear his views on the Western world and share his experiences, good and bad. I was happy and intrigued to learn of his country and culture. He was happy to share this and to learn of my background. I believe we both felt good at having bonded, for mutual support in class and outside of the university, should circumstances arise. I'd be happy to show him the local sights and invite him to my home. I hope he feels he has a new friend and that he has a friendly ear when needed. I'm positively attempting to integrate at a multicultural level. I find it rewarding and it's providing me with a warm feeling each time we meet.
3. 14th May - an intuitive act: A young friend, a student on my wife's course lost her father to Cancer last summer. She obviously took it badly but focused on her degree work as it was his final wish for her to continue to study and to 'graduate for him'. She's had a few down days but keeps herself in high spirits, has a large group of friends and still enjoys her student life. For some reason I dreamt of her last night and thought she needed a hug - that was the extent of my recollection. I arranged to finish work early to allow me to call into their college for a 20 minute catch-up in the cafe, before I went on to my university study. Although I thought it may be awkward to explain to my wife - that I wanted to hug her friend in a supportive way, I text her to arrange the meeting and told her of my intuition. We all met and I hugged her friend closely, so that she felt supported and told her of my dream. We all 3 of us had a lovely conversation and enjoyed our brief 'free time'. Both myself and her friend left feeling happy and my wife thought no more of it. In retrospect I could easily have dismissed my concern and avoided the issue, but having followed through on it I have a great feeling of achievement at having given a little support to our friend in her final weeks study.
4. 10th May - We have a young lad in our Scout troop that has ADHD and is on strong medication to combat his condition. I help run the troop and was helping run a game of 'chase'. When it was this lads turn to chase one of the others through a maze constructed by their fellow Scouts it was obvious that he was enjoying the experience despite not standing a chance of catching the runner. I leaned in and whispered to the runner to slow down a little, as a favour for me and to allow the lad to tag him; to 'give him a chance'. This was done and they all changed places. The young lad was over the moon that he'd successfully participated in the game and I felt good that he'd not felt in any way disadvantaged and was 'just as good as the others'. A happy, warm personal experience. He was very happy and I imagine he went home and told his parents, who in turn would have felt happier.
5. 8th May - It was 10pm when my eldest son called me to ask for a lift home from his girlfriends house, even though I'd reminded him earlier to ensure he was on the 9pm bus. My wife was busy with her college study and I was on my last legs, having been up since 6am, having had a very busy day at work and having attended a study class earlier that evening. I was angry that he'd called me as I just wanted to crawl into bed. Having considered the options I decided to put my frustration aside and give him the lift as I didn't want him to catch the late bus home. I picked him up and explained I was grouchy due to my tiredness and he apologised, explaining he was unaware of the situation and that he'd avoid it in future, being more considerate with his time/plans. I was happy he was home safely and proceeded to bed, all anger gone. Importantly, I felt the conversation was honest and that we'd built on our relationship in a positive manner, with lessons being learnt on both sides.

I'm trying ...and when I get the opportunity to perform a random, unplanned act of kindness I always feel good afterwards, having seen the person whom I've interacted with feel benefit too. More to come.

From Science to God, by Peter Russell - a book review!

His latest book tells the story of his "...lifelong exploration into the nature of consciousness. Blending physics, psychology, and philosophy, he leads us to a new worldview in which consciousness is a fundamental quality of creation. He shows how all the ingredients for this worldview are in place; nothing new needs to be discovered. We have only to put the pieces together and explore the new picture of reality that emerges."

From Science to God: A Physicist's Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness, by Peter Russell, New World Library, Novato, CA, USA, 2003.

I ordered my copy following my last class where it was recommended by Dr. Sartori, and read it over the interim two weeks. Here's a link to his web site and profile. Click on the picture above to visit the Amazon web site to take a 'look inside'. My review:

Peter Russell specialised in science from an early age, becoming a firm atheist. Likewise, I've been involved in Computing since the age of 13 and coming from a fairly non-religious family - we're Church of England Christians who visit church only for formal family occasions e.g. funerals, weddings and christenings - I too, never really saw any room or need for God in my life preferring in the past to focus on my work and family commitments. Even my hobbies were technical ...until I starting surfing a few years ago. Now well into my forties I realise that the natural world and the universe around us is not something that can be taken for granted. Why are we all unique individuals, why has man evolved the way he has over time and why do coincidences seem to happen every so often? Like Peter Russell, I knew there was something more.

Having studied and as a physicist at Cambridge then consequently having travelled to Indian, he questioned how science explains how (or fails to have an understanding of) spirituality and how our consciousness works in the way that it does. How do we construct reality? He describes how historically physicists have come to realise again and again over time that there is an intrinsic link between science and spirituality and luckily for me, he doesn't get too technical. There are plenty of references to eminent scholars such as Einstein and mystics such as St. Augustine and Teilhard de Chardin and many more. I found all the quotes to be profound and insightful and was delighted by them.

At a little over 120 pages the book is an easy read, although I found myself re-reading many paragraphs as the gravity of his statements began to sink in. Indeed, I was enlightened (if you'll excuse the phrase) by his thoughts on how the mind constructs reality, of the power of light and of the very nature of atoms and our relationship with the solid items that surround us!

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who struggles to find the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle in their lives. I'm still searching, but I now know that I'm one step closer and also, more importantly that my eyes have been opened to a new reality that will help me on my journey.

...and now to this weeks notes:

14th May 2012: Week 3 - Random Acts of Kindness

Classroom Notes

Global study (all cultures): What would you prefer in a mate?
Kindness far exceeded good looks or financial prospects in both men and women.

What are the after effects of performing a random act of kindness on our health?

Weekly exercise

Try to perform three random acts of kindness over the next week and at each instance note:

• What was your mood like before performing an act?
• How did the recipient respond to your act?
• How you felt as a result?

In conclusion

These entries can be used as a reflective part of my final course diary. At the end of the two month period consider:

• Has your overall mood improved?
• Do you feel like you have more energy?
• After performing at least 3 acts per week for the past 8 weeks have you noticed any difference in your overall health?

Studies of Random Acts of Kindness have shown:

• Helps improve mood.
• Helps people you don't even have contact with. The effect ripples out from the person you helped.
• Boosts energy
• Changes your energy field, attracting different experiences to you; positive and negative.
• Boosts feelings of immunity.
• Provides overall benefits to your health and those that you have helped.

Kindness is attractive.

2008 UK Govt Survey: One of 5 ways to mental wellbeing is to give; "Do something nice for a friend or stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself and your happiness as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with people around you."

When undertaking a random act of kindness you are being of service to others.

Benefits of volunteering

The Australian National University (2008) found that those volunteering 2-4 hours per week had significant health benefits, but there was little difference in those volunteering more than 4 hours and those volunteering 16-20 hours saw a decline in those benefits. If volunteering becomes an obligation instead of something pleasurable then it can have the same affect as feeling like a routine job and the stress that goes with it - help when you can but don't wear yourself out.

Allan Luks (1990) study showed:

95% of helpers/givers felt good, with 90% of those reporting improved health.

57% reported feelings of greater self worth.

54% had immediate warm feelings.

53% felt happier in themselves and felt more optimistic.

50% reported feeling a high.

43% felt stronger and more energetic.

29% felt energised.

Physiological Responses to performing Random Acts of Kindness

1. The 'helpers high'.
2. A release of serotonin and dopamine chemicals, giving increased optimism, positive thoughts and an elevated mode - These occupy the same neural circuits as addictive drugs.
3. Oxytocin is a hormone produced for bonding; the 'love hormone.' It's produced when we perform and act, when we hug, when we are in love, when we feel a strong connection with someone, or with a deity. Also, when we are kind and compassionate towards others, and when we socialise.

Ways in which to increase oxytocin:

• Be inspired.
• Express your emotions.
• Get a massage.
• Support a loved one.
• Give a hug.
• Stoke a pet!

How can kindness relieve pain?

Endorphins are released when we help others. These bind to the same neural circuits of the brain that transmit pain. The binding reduces the feelings of pain by interrupting the flow of those chemicals transmitting the pain.

Kindness is contagious.

Compassion benefits health as it boost the immune system.

Post & Niemark (2007) study showed the Top 10 ways we like to give to others:

1. Celebration - gratitude for what we have.

2. Generativity - nurture others, developing lives in unexpected ways/paths.

3. Forgiveness - brings inner freedom, serenity, peace & sets us free.

4. Courage - confrontation with evil has changed history (Gandhi).

5. Humour - can instantly change pain to joy.

6. Respect - acceptance of others choices.

7. Compassion - the emotional core of reality.

8. Loyalty - love through time.

9. Listening - the gift of caring.

10. Creativity - the joyful expression of life itself.

This Week's To Do List:

1. Note down my personal thoughts and update my blog.
2. Read around the subject, at Dr. Sartori's blog.
3. Next week: Shamanism - find a good documentary beforehand, on Youtube, as prep.
4. Copy and file notes.
5. Continue to commit random acts of kindness.

My Thoughts - a summary

Simply put, helping others and being nice to people by performing random acts of kindness has significant benefits for your health, happiness and mental wellbeing, as well as to those whom you've offered your services. This creates a ripple effect of good tidings that goes far beyond our local vision. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise how improved our world can be, through simple, kind interaction. If each one of us did one kind thing a day for someone else then wow, imagine how much better the world would be?