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HAUNTING
The manifestations of strange and inexplicable phenomena said to be caused
by ghosts and spirits. The phenomena include apparitions, unusual changes
in temperature, and the movement of objects, noise, smells and so on.
Interestingly only a small number
of hauntings involve seeing ghosts. Most hauntings involve noises such
as mysterious sighs and whispers, smells such as perfume or burning wood,
or sensations such as the pricking of skin, cold breezes or being touched.
Some hauntings involve poltergeist activity, such as objects moving, or
glasses being smashed. Those who experience hauntings typically report
receiving negative emotions such as fear, anger and hatred, but some occasions
there are positive feelings.
Not every person who visits a haunted site will experience paranormal
phenomena. It is suggested that only those who are psychically or emotionally
receptive at the time of visiting can pick up paranormal sensations.
Psychical researcher Frederick Myers defined haunting as a 'manifestation
of persistent personal energy' , in other words, proof that some kind
of energy was being transmitted after death, which was somehow connected
to the dead person. Myers believed that ghosts had no intelligence or
consciousness and were merely fragments of energy left behind by the dead
person. Another element to be considered is how energy of the living can
also be present in a place even though they have since moved away from
such a place.
HEALING FAITH
AND PSYCHIC Treatment of illness, that involves the channelling of
healing, psychic or spiritual power through the healer into another person,
often involving touch or the laying on of hand and/or prayer. Some healing
is instant but other patients require numerous treatment. Religious belief
is not an essential part in healing although many healers do have a strong
religious or spiritual belief. True healers believe that they themselves
do not heal but simply transform, restore and balance the universal life
force, thought to permeate and sustain all living things. An imbalance
or depletion in this life force can be caused by poor diet, lifestyle
habits or negative thinking and this can lead to illness and unhappiness.
Many healers are said to be born with special healing powers but it is
also thought that anyone can tap into this power to some extent. Healing
powers are also said to come with high spiritual attainment, through visionary
experiences or through the tutelage of another healer.
In faith healing the healing is thought to come from God. The healer usually
lays hands on the patient and becomes a kind of conduit for divine energy
to transfer to the patient. Belief in faith healing has been central to
all kinds of societies throughout history. It is fundamental to Christianity
and despite opposition from the medical establishment remains universal
among Christian prayer groups and healing circles today.
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that spiritual or psychic
healing works, but how it does is unknown. It's very likely that consciousness
plays a part. Quantum physics has demonstrated that matter is not static
but energy, and the invisibility of this matter forms the basis of Taoist,
Buddhist and Hindu healing practices. Traditional Western science holds
that the universe is inert but healers reflect the non-Western view that
the universe is a living entity and all things are interconnected by energy.
This will of the healer may also play a part; laboratory experiments have
shown that healers can speed up or slow down the growth of cancerous cells
in mice through prayer or intense thought projection.
Several factors have been identified as influential - but by no means
a guarantee of success - when it comes to healing. First, the presence
of large amounts of universal life force, certain places, such as Lourdes
in France, are thoughts to be bursting with healing energy. Next, an open
and trusting attitude on the part of the patient is considered important
as fear, distrust and guilt can act as barriers to the healing. A positive
attitude on the part of the patient is also believed to make it easier
for the healer to transmit energy. Thirdly, relaxation on the part of
the healer and patient is thought to be helpful as again this helps the
healer tune in and transmit energy. Forthly, the healer must be filled
with loving, positive and compassionate thoughts, and finally the healer
must ask for help from a higher source and give recognition to and thanks
for it.
HIGHER SELF
A concept that is common in esoteric thought, particularly in connection
with intuition and psychic development. In religion it is often thought
of as the conscience or the spark of divinity within. The concept of a
higher self is frequently linked with the theory of reincarnation and
the belief that there is a part of us that has been alive before: personalities
that are incarnated are facets of but one individual.
The term ' higher self' or 'higher consciousness' refers to the concept
that each of us has a part of ourselves that is thought to act as a bride
between the spiritual and the mental an d physical dimensions of our awareness.
Simply put, there is a part of us that is a reservoir of higher wisdom
that can help guide us through our lives. This part of us is better able
to see the bigger picture of the daily dramas we get tangled up in and
can help bring us perspective. Acting with the guidance of our higher
self can lead us is in the direction of our greatest fulfillment.
Psychics believe that the higher self communicates by sending messages
through the psychic senses. Developing your psychic potential will help
strengthen your connection with your higher self and allow you to communicate
with it more efficiently.
There is growing evidence from psychology for the existence of a higher
self. When patients with multiple personality disorder are researched
its often the case that one personality is more mature, intelligent and
developed that others, and some psychologists believe there are elements
of multiple personality in all of us. Dr Eric Berne's transactional analysis,
for example, arranges the personality into three different types of self.
Occultist Colin Wilson developed the theory of a hierarchy of selves presided
over by a mature, and developed self that can take charge with 'an act
of will'.
HOLISM
For the Greek word holos meaning 'whole, the holistic approach refers
to a philosophy or therapy that aims to treat the whole person - mind,
body and spirit - rather than just the symptoms or problems they are manifesting.
To holistic therapist the underlying cause of the illness many not be
physical but emotional, mental or spiritual, so it is pointless just treating
the physical symptoms.
A holistic practitioner will encourage patients to take an active part
in their recovery with lifestyle and diet changes, and/or a change in
thinking patterns or patterns of belief. When it comes to non-critical
illnesses holistic therapies can have a higher rate of success in some
instances than orthodox remedies.
ONLINE
DISCUSSION GROUPS
The General
Discussion Group
was created for people who have read, attended courses
or worked with Steven and his colleagues. It is ALSO open to people who
have not attended courses or read written resources and will encourage
them in their personal as well as professional life. To explore and, if
it appeals for you, join the general discussion group
The
Professional Discussion Group
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Some of Steven and his colleagues have created an online resource to support
them in their work given that due to the nature of their international contacts
the Internet offers an excellent way of easily keeping in contact and up
to date. If you would like to explore and if it relates and will support
your professional work
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