Though society continues to use various methods to curb the pandemic, such as physical quarantine, lockdowns, vaccinations, and medications, the Omicron variants have swept the globe quickly. However, such practices have failed to curb the transmission of the virus and the confirmed number of cases of the sixth wave was far beyond the previous five waves.
Many people seek solutions for ending the pandemic using methods based on the theories of modern science, ideas that exist in the physical, material world. But perhaps there’s a crucial element that’s overlooked, which lies beyond the material world: the intangible. The ancients emphasized spirituality and understood that the metaphysical and invisible impact the physical, including our health; this belief has largely been lost in modern society.
But maybe the intangible is the missing key to influencing the pandemic.
What’s invisible can influence immunity
Though our naked eyes cannot see energy; it constitutes the essence of the universe and manifests directly in the physical world. Albert Einstein understood this concept quite well; his equation for mass-energy precisely tells us that all substances composed of a large mass have energy within our galaxy. As a result, energy impacts our physical world to such an extent that it can even affect our health.
Studies have shown that spirituality and positive thinking boost the immune system. For example, an honest and forgiving person has higher immunity, showing that what manifests physically embodies a spiritual, intangible element. Conversely, a deceitful, angry, resentful person has been shown to have a weaker immune system and poorer health.
Dr. Julienne E. Bower, a psychoneuroimmunology expert at UCLA, published interesting research on this topic in the medical journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine in 2003. In the study, she divided 43 women into two groups, with one group appreciating the meaning and value of life while the other did not. The study revealed that the cells of the former group members had a more robust antiviral capability than that of the latter group.
Accordingly, changing one’s spiritual status and thoughts can upgrade one’s immunity. However, while spirituality closely correlates with energy and improved immunity, depression and anxiety are known to reduce immunity.
Renowned American psychiatrist and author Dr. David R. Hawkins spent nearly a dozen years researching the role a person’s emotional, mental, and spiritual states have on disease. He interviewed people from around the world from all walks of life and scientifically measured their energy levels under various emotional and psychological conditions.
Hawkins found that negative thoughts and emotions, such as despair, pessimism, and anxiety, lower energy levels, while positive thinking, like trusting others, bravery, peacefulness, and thoughtfulness, lead to higher energy levels and better cellular immune function.
With the pandemic outbreak, people across the globe were subject to lengthy lockdowns and prolonged isolation. Being unable to meet and interact with family and friends led many people to suffer mentally and emotionally.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau survey, during the pandemic’s peak, from April to May 2020, approximately one-third of American adults suffered from an anxiety disorder or depression. In addition, compared to 2019, the morbidity rate increased two-fold.
Thinking good thoughts leads to good health
Susan David, a Harvard psychologist, conducted an intriguing study on immunity. She showed the movie Mother Teresa of Calcutta to ill and dying poor people in Kolkata, India. After just one hour, the audience’s immunity strengthened and reached a higher level. This even happened with those who disliked Mother Teresa, implying their subconsciousness resonated with her good deeds and loving power.
Similar experiences have been shared by people who’ve seen the New York-based performance called Shen Yun. The show tells stories of the wisdom of ancient China, stories filled with uplifting messages and beautiful scenery, and accompanied by a symphony that carries you to the heavens.
Helen Schmidt lives in Nevada, and she’s just one of the many audience members who’ve experienced improved health after seeing Shen Yun over the years. She attended Shen Yun on February 28, 2021, walked into the theater with an oxygen cylinder, and walked out to talk and breathe naturally without using her oxygen.
These cases give scientists and society an important and timely message: Spiritual phenomena are invisible, yet powerful. Therefore, we cannot just limit our pandemic prevention measures to the visible, physical dimension. People’s thoughts and spiritual states are equally important. The spiritual offers us a way through the pandemic and a chance to emerge unscathed on the other side.
