Blog posts on biology - your body as the temple of your soul

Modern science is increasingly recognizing that body, mind and soul are interconnected. Biological processes influence our state of consciousness - and vice versa.

• Neuroplasticity: The brain changes through meditation, prayer or mindfulness.
• Hormonal balance: Hormones such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine influence emotional and spiritual states.

The autonomic nervous system - especially the vagus nerve - plays a key role:

• Parasympathetic activation (e.g. through meditation, breathing): leads to relaxation, inner peace and heightened awareness.
• Coherence between heart and brain: studies show that heart rate variability and emotional balance promote spiritual openness.

Epigenetics shows that our thoughts, feelings and spiritual practices can influence our genes.

• Spiritual practice can activate genes for anti-inflammation, healing and longevity.
• Deep inner experience (e.g. through prayer, meditation or ecstatic states) can change cell communication.

Higher states of consciousness are often accompanied by measurable biological changes:

• Brain wave patterns such as alpha, theta, gamma during meditation and trance.
• Release of endorphins or DMT in deep meditative or mystical states.
• Pineal gland as a possible “gateway to the transcendent” - some traditions see the “third eye” here.

Neuroplasticity

Your brain adapts to your thinking throughout your life