While spirituality & science are seemingly opposite, there is a strong correlation between the two that is undeniable. In a society where evidentiary support is often needed, studies proving the positive results from the spiritual practices of yoga & meditation are providing just that and more. A personal experience is inevitable when you engage in any of these practices, and personal experience is said to be the highest form of knowledge. I have seen this correlation through my studies, as well as experienced through my personal practice. We have developed the psychology of the mind, now we are taking that one step farther into the psychology of the soul with the help of ancient spiritual wisdom. 

Our survival mindset has progressed us to a thriving species here on Earth, but we must now continue to evolve past the survival mindset and transition to that of a socially engaged mindset as a whole. Many are living in survival due to unprocessed past emotions/traumas that are triggering the amygdala/threat center, consciously and unconsciously. When a "threat" fires the amygdala, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activates, causing the body to go into fight/flight/freeze, releasing the stress chemistry needed to do so. If the body is balanced, then the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activates after the threat is gone, releasing the chemistry needed to rest/digest/restore from the stressful state. 

The problem is most are not in balance and are suffering from overactive SNS. Living with chronic high stress, unable to complete the cycle into the PNS, bringing "dis-ease" to the body and mind from minor ailments to severe illnesses. When we are in constant states of stress, the body becomes inflamed leading to further physical problems, inability to make clear decisions, cannot socially engage, and overall not living a life that is well serving. 

A vital component in regulating stress is the vagus nerve, which runs along the spine connecting the brainstem to major internal organs and acts as a "communication superhighway" between the organs and brain, body & mind. The vagus nerve is the mediator of the PNS response and responsible for releasing anti-inflammatory chemicals. When we have high vagal nerve tone, it has been shown we have lower anxiety and stress. A few ways to tone the vagus nerve is through conscious breathing, vibrations -- chanting/singing/humming, and spinal flexion/extension - all key parts of a yoga and meditation practice. There is a new revolutionary theory called The PolyVagal Theory created by Dr. Stephen Porges (www.stephenporges.com) explaining the depths of this concept even deeper. 

From a neuroscience standpoint, meditation is proven to increase GABA neurotransmitters, which play an important role in the body’s response to stress, modulating the stress response system. There are studies proving meditation increases the gray matter in the prefrontal cortex (higher thinking, socially engaged part of the brain), shrinks the amygdala (threat center), and improves integration of the right & left hemispheres of the brain allowing for optimal communication and efficient functioning. Meditation has proven to reduce brain wave frequency to delta (relaxed, daydream, creative) and even theta (deep sleep) bringing restoration from constant high brain wave frequencies. Additionally, the practice is shown to increase heart rate variability reflecting a balanced nervous system and the ability of body + mind to adapt well to physical + psychological stressors. Certain poses and breathing techqniues can provide boosts of wellbeing chemistry, such as spinal extensions with serotonin and breath holding with dopamine. Spiritual practices help us to integrate and build equanimity. And when we have strong equanimity, we can move through all of life's ups + downs with steadiness and ease.

Many are deeply suffering from disconnection today - disconnection from self, disconnection from others, disconnection from Earth and disconnection from Divinity. We have forgotten our true innate self is that of an eternal soul, blissful consciousness. Remembering this connection and having a knowing identification with the true self provides a sense of relief on our mind as does believing in something greater. When we strongly identify with our physical body, we are living in a constant state of underlying fear, fear of the inevitable death to come. Fear is debilitating and does not allow for any meaningful growth in life. Upon finding and connecting with the true immortal self, that fear is released and allows for an abundance of new life energy to flow through. Spirituality emphasizes the existence of the true inner self and provides guided paths to finding that self within. This true self resides in the Oneness Source that connects us all. Psychology has studied human need for safety, a sense of belonging, and loving relationships, citing these needs as vital components for wellbeing. When we are connected to the omnipresent consciousness of all, we feel a strong sense of safety, love, unity, belonging. And when we feel connected with ourselves, we can connect with others in a place of love.

The patterns that align between spirituality and science are uncanny. We often float through life without being truly there. What these spiritual practices do first and foremost, is they bring attention to awareness itself and look to expand awareness, both inward & outward. Emphasizing the vitality of present moment awareness. From this increased awareness, we can start to understand how our internal processes work. Using different practices of mindful movement, conscious breathing, and meditation, we are able to work with our physiological and psychological bodies to find an internal balanced state. From that balanced safe place, we are able to dive deeper into consciousness exploring the subtler layers within. Traveling inward to the magic & wisdom that lies beyond this dual world, that of the soul. 

With the scientific knowledge of how the body, nervous system, and brain operate, we engage in spiritual practices to consciously create a state of calm physically and energetically. Cultivating wellbeing and internal peace as one connects with their true inner self. 

Remembering connection with self, others, Earth, Divinity, God, All That Is.