Category Archives: mental health

by | October 14, 2024 · 5:08 pm

Disinformation: The Threat to Democracy

I had to read the headline twice to fully grasp what was happening: meteorologists in the U.S. have been inundated with abuse, including death threats, from conspiracy theorists accusing them and the government of manufacturing and controlling hurricanes.

This disturbing trend mirrors the threats scientists faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fake news spread claims that the virus was a hoax. Recently, I made the mistake of commenting on an article about the U.S. presidential elections, only to be bombarded with vile remarks and personal insults.

Violent threats are becoming alarmingly common, especially on platforms like Twitter, where safeguards against disinformation have largely collapsed since Elon Musk’s acquisition. Now, anyone with an internet connection can propagate wild conspiracies, with little to no oversight.

A key tactic of right-wing extremists is to vilify both independent and mainstream media, constructing a dystopian reality where truth is distorted into lies and falsehoods are presented as truth. By manipulating reality and eroding public trust in factual information, they create fertile ground for the rise of totalitarianism.

Hannah Arendt, the German-American political theorist and philosopher, best known for her works on totalitarianism, warned as long ago as six years after World War II:

“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie standards of thought) no longer exist.”

Arendt’s concern with the fragility of truth in the public realm echoes today’s concerns about the impact of fake news on public trust in media, government, and institutions. When people no longer trust facts, they withdraw from democratic engagement and become vulnerable to authoritarian manipulation.

The reason why MAGA Trumpists and their acolytes such as Musk are targeting “mainstream media” is that Independent media is often at the forefront of exposing corruption, abuses of power, and misinformation, which might otherwise go unchecked.

Investigative journalism plays a pivotal role by digging into stories that powerful entities want to keep hidden. Independent media, free of government control, regularly fact-check falsehoods. Some examples include the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), The Guardian, and ProPublica.

PolitiFact is one of the most well-known fact-checking organizations in the United States. It is widely recognized for its Truth-O-Meter, which rates the accuracy of statements made by politicians, public figures, and media outlets. The ratings range from “True” to “Pants on Fire” for particularly egregious falsehoods.

Basic democratic freedom and liberty are being threatened in multiple countries. Authoritarian messaging is based on negativity and falsehoods to spread fear, anxiety, and division. The existing reality is exaggerated to much worse than it is. It promises the struggling working class a Utopian future. This future will, of course, never materialize.

Here are just a few examples of what you face if you allow authoritarianism to take control of your life:

  • Power is mostly concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small ruling elite. Checks and balances are eroded allowing leaders to act without accountability or transparency.
  • Authoritarian leaders use their positions to enrich themselves and their acolytes. Public resources are diverted for personal gain, leading to a lack of investment in essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  • Political competition is eliminated or severely restricted by changes in laws benefiting the ruling party. Opposition leaders may be imprisoned, exiled, or assassinated as we are currently seeing in Putin’s Russia.
  • Authoritarian regimes stoke hatred of “the other,” including ethnic and religious minorities, leading to social fragmentation violence and unrest.
  • Authoritarianism prioritizes control over economic liberalization, creativity and innovation. In the long term economies stagnate, and entrepreneurship is stifled.

Happiness is created by mindset and perspective. Foundational is a society with basic freedoms of democracy and expression. Authoritarianism ultimately has a devastating effect on every citizen. You end up being poorer, more desperate and living a life of quiet misery.

As Winston Churchill once summized: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | October 7, 2024 · 2:52 am

Rediscover Calm: The Benefits of Trees

I often wonder why a walk in the forest quickly awakens my senses. It sharpens the sounds and smells around me. It also leaves me feeling peaceful and calm. This serenity has sparked much of the imagination behind my latest book. Science now supports what many of us have intuitively known: trees have a profound ability to put us in a positive state of mind.

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” introduced in 1982 by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, was designed specifically to counter rising stress and mental health issues by encouraging people to spend time in forests.

The concept is simple: take a slow, mindful walk among the trees, engage your senses, and breathe deeply.

Recent research confirms that trees emit aromatic compounds called phytoncides, which have measurable health benefits. Dr. Qing Li, a leading figure in forest medicine and associate professor at Nippon Medical School, conducted a groundbreaking study published in 2007.

The findings revealed that time spent in forests significantly boosts natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays a crucial role in the immune system’s ability to fight cancer and infections.

Moreover, the study showed a marked reduction in the stress hormone cortisol following forest immersion, leading to a drop in stress and anxiety. Participants reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of calm and relaxation after time spent in the woods. These lower stress levels improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and, in the long run, support longevity.

The human brain is wired to negative bias

In today’s world, where our minds are constantly bombarded with negative messages that fuel anxiety and fear, this connection to nature becomes even more crucial. The human brain is wired with a negativity bias, a survival mechanism that our ancestors developed to remain alert to potential threats in their environment. If two hunters crossed paths, the first instinct would be to ask about dangers ahead.

This bias is embedded in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing. It reacts more strongly to negative stimuli, triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response.

Stress shuts down vital body organs

In moments of perceived danger, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood the body. They shut down non-essential functions like digestion. They also concentrate all resources on immediate action. This intense focus on survival overshadows positive experiences, making negative emotions like fear, anger, or sadness more memorable and impactful than joy or calm.

This is why negative narratives—particularly in politics and media—are so powerful. They tap into our primal wiring, skewing our perception of reality to appear far more dangerous and threatening than it often is. It’s essential, now more than ever, to guard the mind against this bombardment and create space for healing and rejuvenation.

You can actively counter the negativity bias by practicing gratitude, and mindfulness. When was the last time you went for a walk in the park or in a forest?

A walk amid trees in nature will help retrain the brain to focus on positive experiences, strengthening emotional resilience and fostering a greater sense of happiness.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | October 1, 2024 · 4:00 am

Finding inner peace: Why politics isn’t the answer

Owen’s story is a deeply tragic one, echoing the struggles of millions around the world. As a child, he endured emotional neglect, bullying, and physical abuse. As an adult, he tried to bury his painful past through hard work and discipline, building what appeared to be a successful life and career.

Owen found love, married, and started a family. Yet, beneath this outward success, unresolved anger and emotional wounds began to surface, triggered by seemingly minor incidents. These flare-ups led to growing conflicts both at work and in his marriage.

His wife and colleagues were concerned and encouraged him to seek professional help. Viewing therapy as a weakness, he refused to confront his inner turmoil. Over time, his life unraveled. Owen’s marriage broke down. When his company faced financial hardship, he was among the first to lose his job.

Although he eventually found another position, it paid far less and left him feeling bitter and resentful. Instead of looking inward, Owen began to externalize his unhappiness, spending hours online, where he became engrossed in extremist ideologies. Political demagogues fed his grievances, reinforcing his belief that his problems were caused by others.

Rather than facing his internal struggles and taking responsibility for his choices, Owen clung to the promises of a political leader who painted an idyllic future. Sadly, this path only deepened his frustration, because here’s the truth: No government, leader, or external force can be held responsible for your personal mindset or choices.

Owen’s story may sound familiar—it could mirror your own, or reflect the experiences of someone you know. But there’s a way out of this cycle. Here are some steps to find peace and happiness in your life:

  • Forgive, love, and accept yourself: Life is full of challenges, failures, and setbacks. Take responsibility for your reactions to them. Blame won’t change your circumstances, but your mindset and approach to life’s ups and downs are within your control.
  • Discover your purpose: You’re here for a reason. Identify your strengths and ask yourself how you can contribute to the greater good. Meaning often comes from serving others and connecting to something larger than yourself.
  • Find a spiritual anchor: Whether through meditation, time in nature, or connecting with a supportive community, grounding yourself in a spiritual practice can provide comfort, clarity, and joy.
  • Practice gratitude: Even in the smallest things, there are always blessings to be found. If you can walk, see the sunrise, or enjoy a simple meal, there’s reason to be thankful. Creating a daily gratitude practice can elevate your energy and invite more positivism into your life.

Ultimately, happiness and fulfillment come from within. By learning to love yourself, you can shift your life to a higher vibrational frequency.

What are you emanating and attracting in your life? Are you the type of person whose company people enjoy? Do you light up a room with kindness, situational awareness and joy?

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.

Related topics:

Why are so many people angry and unhappy?

Healing the wounded inner child

Victimhood and embracing responsibility

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by | September 25, 2024 · 3:22 pm

Understanding Authoritarian Tactics: Lessons from History

Authoritarianism is gaining momentum on a global level. It is undermining core democratic principles during a period of heightened insecurity, fueled by rapid social and economic upheaval. History teaches us that populist demagogues consistently use similar deceitful tactics designed to manipulate, subjugate, and control.

Is the world we know in danger? Could we be sliding into the type of dictatorships we saw in Europe during the early part of the last century? It is a real possibility if we study the rise of Nazism in Germany during the late 1920s.

Germany was beginning to recover from the after-effects of World War I during the early 1920s. This was an era of new optimism and cultural renewal. Berlin was a vibrant cultural epicenter. It was undergoing a period of artistic and intellectual flourishing often referred to as the “Golden Twenties.”

Artists like George Grosz and Otto Dix created striking works in the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) movement. The Bauhaus School, led by Walter Gropius, was revolutionary in design and architecture, blending modernism with functionality, and influencing aesthetics globally. Berlin’s nightlife reflected the city’s atmosphere of liberation and experimentation, attracting writers and artists from many countries.

During this time, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party was a small fringe group. Nevertheless, they had already started laying the groundwork for their future dominance. After the failure of their Beer Hall putsch in Munich, Hitler began infiltrating the political system from within. By the late 1920s, their ideology of anti-Semitism had become mainstream. Their support base of alienated groups also became mainstream. This paved their way to power after the Great Depression.

We need to examine more closely the authoritarian agendas of Trumpism in the United States, We also need to look at Orbanism in Hungary and Putinism in Russia to help us understand their real threat to democracy.

Viktor Orban in Hungary is idolized as a hero by authoritarian movements in democratic countries. Donald Trump described him as a “smart” and “tough person” in the television debate with presidential opponent Kamala Harris. However, Hungary today is only nominally a democratic country. Orban has incrementally reshaped his country’s constitution, judiciary, media and academic system after obtaining a supermajority in parliament in 2010. The playbook of authoritarianism follows set patterns:

  • Fear-mongering by demonizing minorities
  • Undermining the judiciary and mainstream media
  • Electoral manipulation
  • Attacks on academics and cultural institutions
  • Erosion of civil society

Authoritarianism needs an external enemy. Their rhetoric is designed to vilify minority groups, including Jews, Muslims, immigrants, and refugees. Their speeches are saturated with hate, anger, and calls for retribution. Political opponents and those with differing views are systematically dehumanized and belittled, reducing discourse to contempt and division.

Orbán has used state media and propaganda campaigns to paint migrants, particularly Muslims, as threats to Hungarian sovereignty and culture. Germany’s extremist AfD party plans to deport all non-Germans back to their home countries. Trump has called for mass deportation camps wrongfully accusing migrants of a rising crime rate.

Orban has reshaped Hungary’s judiciary, essentially replacing judges with those aligned with his ruling party. He created a National Judicial Office, giving it control over court appointments and transfers, bypassing traditional judicial self-governance. Much as in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, Orban has turned state-owned media into a propaganda arm of the government. Private media outlets were either bought by pro-government oligarchs or forced out of business through financial pressure or regulatory changes.

Sound familiar when extremists pronounce you only have to vote for them once? Orbán’s government has redrawn electoral boundaries in ways that benefit his ruling Fidesz party. Districts were gerrymandered to ensure that even with a minority of votes, the party could win a majority of seats in parliament.

Civil society organizations, particularly those focused on human rights and government accountability, have been targeted by the Orbán government. Laws were passed requiring NGOs that receive foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” echoing tactics used by Russia to discredit and marginalize NGOs.

Orbán’s government has also targeted Academia. and the country’s educational system. Critical thinking, independence, and certain academic freedoms have been curtailed, especially in humanities and social sciences.

Democracy can only endure when it is grounded in a robust system of checks and balances, supported by a vigilant and critical civil society. The authoritarian regimes of the last century unleashed unimaginable catastrophes, including two world wars and a genocide unparalleled in human history.

At its core, democracy champions freedom of expression, individual liberty, and tolerance. It allows you to fully express and live your potential without fearing repression and control by a state. Yet, these very values are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by extremists. Before we fully recognize the threat, power can fall into the hands of individuals whose sole aim is personal advantage, subjugation and control.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.

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by | September 16, 2024 · 3:38 pm

Pilgrimage, Mystery, and Healing

In London’s Westminster Cathedral stands a strikingly beautiful statue of Our Lady of Walsingham, emanating timeless grace, peace, and compassion.

The Marian shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, located in Norfolk, England, traces its origins back to the early 11th century. Known as “England’s Nazareth,” it became one of the most significant and ancient pilgrimage sites in the country.

Known as the „Walsingham Way,” countless pilgrims visited the Holy House with a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary as a focal point of contemplation. It was a time when monasteries and shrines connected medieval pathways in a powerful matrix throughout Europe.

But in 1538 Henry VIII ordered the Walsingham statue to be taken to London and destroyed. As part of his break from Catholicism, monasteries were dissolved, pillaged and pilgrimages prohibited.

Only in recent times, the Walsingham pilgrimage path has been revived now officially forming part of the network of pilgrimage paths to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The shrine in Walsingham has regained its medieval significance, often referred to as the “English Lourdes” because of its central place in Catholic and Anglican devotion in England.

Pilgrims to Walsingham seek healing, spiritual guidance, and a deepened relationship with the Virgin Mary. It remains a place of great spiritual renewal for many, with visitors walking the Holy Mile, a traditional part of the pilgrimage route.

The beautiful statue of the Walsingham Lady in Westminster Cathedral was commissioned by Cardinal Griffin in 1954 and sculpted by Pius Dapre. For many years it remained hidden and almost unknown in the Cathedral Crypt until it was recovered.

Mystery still surrounds the original wooden shrine which may have never been burned and destroyed as ordered by Henry VIII.

An article recently published in The Catholic Herald quoted art historians as saying that The Langham Madonna, a battered 13th-century English statue in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, is in fact the original statue of Our Lady of Walsingham.

There were no eyewitness accounts that the statue was actually destroyed in London, according to the historians but hidden by Catholic loyalists until it reappeared centuries later in the museum.

Throughout history, countless myths, legends, and mysteries have surrounded the figure of the Goddess—whether Mary, Brigid, Kali, Isis or others—appearing and reappearing in various forms. At times, she has been revealed as a beautiful statue, carved from wood, stone, or marble, inspiring the creation of shrines, monasteries, or cathedrals at the place of her discovery.

Mary, in particular, has been known to appear in sacred apparitions at sites like Walsingham, Lourdes, and Fatima—places where the veil between worlds seems thin. Regardless of whether one is a believer, agnostic, or of another faith, her presence has been tied to stories of miracles that defy logic. Yet, time and again, she has brought comfort, solace, and peace to those facing pain and confusion.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.

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by | September 9, 2024 · 2:30 pm

Healing the Wounded Inner Child: A Key to Finding Soul Purpose

Unlocking your true potential and discovering your soul-driven purpose often begins with healing your inner child—the part of you that struggles with procrastination or reacts intensely to seemingly minor triggers.

Many adults carry emotional wounds from childhood, like shame, guilt, or neglect, which can lead to feeling stuck in a victim mentality, reliving the past. Instead of facing and nurturing this wounded inner self, some turn to addiction or other forms of escape, missing the opportunity for true healing and growth.

Even more troubling, the wounded inner child—having endured severe physical and emotional abuse—may adopt aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism. Many of history’s most ruthless dictators, including Adolf Hitler, Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin, and Vladimir Putin, experienced deeply traumatic childhoods.

A malignant narcissist, rather than addressing the root of their pain, develops an insatiable need to be admired, validated, and revered. Beneath this façade lies a profound lack of self-esteem that drives them to constantly seek attention and control. Often found at the helm of political or religious cults, they surround themselves with sycophants, viewing even constructive criticism as betrayal. They believe they are always right, making it unlikely they would ever seek help or therapy.

I’ve often wondered why an increasing number of adults seem to lose the plot, have no situational awareness, and lack the most basic courtesy. The foundational stones of adult life are in many ways determined in early childhood, setting you up for success or failure in later life. But no matter what baggage from the past you are carrying on your shoulders you still have the power of choice.

Emotional support, attention, and affection are crucial for a child’s healthy development. The wounded child may have been an unwanted child, having received little physical or verbal expressions of love and affection.

One or both of the caregivers have been preoccupied, unavailable, and emotionally distant for much of the child’s life. They turn into adults who have difficulty regulating their emotions and struggle with their interpersonal relationships or suffer from anxiety and depression.

Self-care and healing the inner child

Healing the wounded inner child is key to unleashing your creative powers, self-esteem, and soul-driven purpose. It is never a one-off process but can be a lifetime journey of self-reflection and self-compassion.

The worst you can do is fall into the blame game, making your past responsible for all the mishaps in your life. The healing process starts by taking a different perspective and accepting the feelings and emotions from your childhood.

You can connect with your inner child by meditating on a picture of yourself at an age that was particularly hurtful or traumatic. Talk to that younger version of yourself offering parental comfort, support, and understanding that it didn’t have at the time. It is extremely helpful to start the process with the help of an experienced mentor or therapist.

Engage in activities that nurture the joy of the inner child

Even if most of your childhood was a long dark chapter, there were also moments where you experienced joy. Find out what gave you joy in the early stages of your life and whether you can expand on that in your adult life. Maybe it was playing with a favorite pet, reading a particular book, or watching a particular fairytale movie.

Setting boundaries

The hurt inner child has never learned to set healthy boundaries. Setting boundaries goes hand-in-hand with self-care. The more you start loving and practicing self-care with your inner child, the more you will become aware of what expands your energy and what sucks away at your energy level. Practice saying no to persons when you feel overwhelmed, when something doesn’t align with your values, or when you simply need your own space.

Healing the wounded inner child is a deeply personal journey, and different techniques or approaches may resonate with different individuals. Trust your instincts and the voice of your inner child.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.

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by | September 2, 2024 · 8:06 pm

Victimhood and Embracing Responsibility

In a relentless storm of external distractions, it’s easy to lose yourself in a maze of illusions, false hopes, and misleading perceptions that steer you away from your true destiny and purpose.

The messaging from the world out there is primarily that happiness is created by „having“ rather than „being“.

Abundance and prosperity, if used mindfully, are useful tools to make an impact, but if they are the primary motive of all your efforts you will never have enough, falling into the trap of postponing the good life to some distant future.

Here is the hard truth: That moment will never come if you fail to live fully in the present moment, and practice gratitude for all the blessings that you already have.

Accepting Responsibility

Victimhood is one of the biggest obstacles to growth and personal fulfillment. By blaming your partner, your parents, your boss and the government for all that has gone wrong in your life you stay at a low vibrational energy where you will miss all the opportunities offered by the universe.

When the language you speak to yourself and others is mainly one of anger, retribution and hate you will attract much of the same dark energy around you. What you emanate to the world you will receive. You will remain trapped in an endless cycle of unhappiness.

We are all victims to some degree. The storms of life can unsettle in countless unpredictable ways. External events, accidents, personal loss and natural catastrophes are not under your control. But how you deal with these unexpected events make all the difference.

Photo by Julia Avamotive on Pexels.com

Accepting Impermanence

Like the seasons in nature nothing is permanent. The natural cycle dictates a time of spring and summer for birth, growth, and harvesting before we enter again a season of autumn and winter. The dark cold seasons of life are a time for introspection, recalibration and renewal. It means letting go of people that keep you at a low frequency, changing a job, a location or even a country. Fear of the unknown often leads to procrastination in the comfort zone but moving ahead also presents the greatest opportunity for growth and personal fulfillment.

Follow your aspirations and dreams

Never give up on your values, purpose and your why. You will intuitively sense that you are on the right path if everything falls into place. You meet the right people at the right time at the place at the right time. You feel a surge of energy and passion when you are doing the things that are in sync with your values and dreams.

Societal norms and expectations

There will always be other people who are seemingly happier, healthier and wealthier than you are. What you see on social media is not the reality. Sometimes those people who seemingly have everything in terms of fame and fortune are deeply unhappy because happiness is a state of mind.

Taking time for solitude

In a noisy and hurried world it has become more essential than ever to take time out for solitude and contemplation. When you take time for a quiet walk in nature the noise of the world recedes into the background. You will sense an innate harmony beyond the seemingly chaotic. In the natural world everything is interconnected and has its place and purpose within the totality of wholeness.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.

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by | August 26, 2024 · 7:12 am

Divine Whispers and the Pursuit of Happiness

In a world plagued by anger and fear, the pursuit of happiness is primarily directed toward external gratification and distractions, causing much pain. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to seek quiet moments of solitude to rediscover true meaning, purpose, and a life of bliss.

The ancient Mystics often interpret the voice of the divine as coming in a whisper, a still voice within the soul, giving guidance and instructions on the spiritual journey, especially when reconnecting with the beauty and harmony found in nature.

Evil draws to what is other

As opposed to the wholeness and beauty of divine creation, the 13th-century Mystic Meister Eckart describes evil as essentially “accidental in its nature: it stands outside, draws and directs things outwards, distracts from inner things, draws to what is other, smacks of otherness of division, withdrawal or falling away. Evil, therefore is nothing but a defect or shortcoming.”

In experiential spirituality the divine is perceived through silent contemplation or in a state of presence and being that transcends concept and language. The Mystics understood divine truth as direct experience rather than surrender to the fixed belief and dogma of religion.

After walking the Camino de Santiago for the first time in 2006 I sensed this “something” of a mystery beyond concept and religion. I have meanwhile walked more than a dozen Caminos, which has for me become an annual retreat of inner reflection. I’ve spoken to hundreds of pilgrims on the Camino who have had a profound transformation in reconnecting with their inner voice whilst walking on this magical path.

But there are also many other ways including the creation of a “quiet space” amid the turmoil of a busy and noisy life.

Between time and eternity

Meister Eckhart describes the soul as created in a place between time and eternity:

“With its highest powers it touches Eternity, with its lower Time. To the extent that the soul is able to withdraw from Time and its concerns, the more God is revealed in it and the more God is speaking in it and by it.”

The whispers from the universe or God can be heard most clearly when the soul transcends the temporal and focuses on the eternal, turning contemplatively inward.

A life of bliss, according to Eckart, is closely aligned to living a “virtuous life” in seeking connection with the divine. Every person has a divine spark within them—a part of God that resides in the soul. A virtuous life involves living in awareness of this divine presence within and allowing it to guide one’s actions.

Eckhart emphasizes the importance of inner purity and detachment from worldly desires and attachments. For him, a virtuous life involves freeing oneself from ego, selfishness, and the distractions of the material world. This detachment allows the soul to be more receptive to God’s presence and to act from a place of divine inspiration rather than personal will.

The famous Sufi poet Rumi describes in one of his lines:

“The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.”

The subtle, quiet communication from the divine comes in moments of stillness when all the senses are sharpened to full presence.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

Check out also the latest episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice

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by | August 20, 2024 · 8:42 am

The words we use matter

Words have a powerful impact on both mental and physical health, and leaders bear a significant responsibility in choosing words that resonate within a nation’s collective consciousness, either undermining or strengthening social cohesion.

When political or thought leaders normalize belittling, insulting, or threatening language, it sets a precedent for their followers to do the same. It has now become almost impossible to discuss an emotional or controversial topic on social media without it devolving into personal attacks.

Positive words can uplift mood, foster a sense of connection, and enhance self-esteem, while negative words can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Repetition of negative words impacts your health

Repeated repetition of words that trigger anger and fear reinforces harmful beliefs and thought patterns, cementing a pessimistic or fearful worldview. They turn on the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to increased heart rate, elevated cortisol levels, and muscle tension.

A well-known study published in 2015 in the journal Psychological Science analyzed Twitter language from different counties across the United States. The researchers found that the frequency of negative words related to anger, stress, and fatigue was a strong predictor of heart disease mortality in those areas. This predictive power was even stronger than traditional factors like smoking and obesity rates.

Negative social media interactions can turn on stress pathways in the body, leading to chronic inflammation, higher blood pressure, and other risk factors.

Positive affirmations promote mental well-being

In contrast, repeated positive affirmations or mindfulness practices involving positive language can lead to lasting changes in brain pathways, promoting greater mental well-being.

Kind, supportive, and empathetic language strengthens relationships and builds social bonds, which are crucial for mental health. Positive words turn on reward centers in the brain, while negative words trigger fear and pain.

Words can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, reduce stress levels, and promote relaxation. Here are just some examples of many: love, peace, stillness, breath, kind, smile, cheer, kind, value, and gratitude.

The Power of Mantras and Prayer

Various studies have revealed that recitation of certain prayers and mantras has a particularly positive effect on heart rate variability and cardiovascular health.

The song “Ave Maria,” particularly in its various classical renditions like those by Franz Schubert or Charles Gounod, is known to have a profound calming, and soothing effect on the body and mind. The spiritual connection can evoke feelings of comfort, protection, and spiritual upliftment, quietening the mind and reducing mental chatter.

One of the most widely used and revered mantras in Tibetan Buddhism is “Om Mani Padme Hung”. The mantra is particularly helpful in purifying negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and attachment. Practitioners can cultivate a more compassionate and loving mindset, leading to greater emotional balance and resilience. Chanting the mantra typically involves deep, rhythmic breathing, which can improve oxygenation of the body, enhance lung capacity, and promote a sense of physical calm.

In summary, the words we hear and use in our vocabulary shape who we are, impacting our relationships and our physiological and psychological health.

In moments when the external world pulses with negativity, it’s crucial to establish healthy boundaries and elevate your own vibrational energy. Cultivating a space of stillness, positivity, joy, and self-care becomes essential.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | August 12, 2024 · 3:55 pm

The Power of Forgiveness: Healing and Empowering

A few months after Nelson Mandela was released from 27 years of imprisonment by South Africa’s apartheid regime, I had the extraordinary privilege of meeting him at his home with a small group of journalists.

As I stood in his presence, I couldn’t help but wonder how a man who had endured such immense suffering could radiate such profound kindness and show no desire for retribution toward those who had wronged him.

The answer became clear when he shared a powerful insight: “Forgiveness liberates the soul, it removes fear. That’s why it’s such a powerful weapon.”

A powerful message of leadership

Mandela’s wisdom and unwavering commitment to forgiveness set him apart as a leader of unparalleled stature, guiding his nation from the brink of civil war to the dawn of a modern democracy. His example is a powerful reminder of the qualities of leadership that are so desperately needed in our world today.

Seeking retribution for wrongs committed by others is at the heart of the Middle East conflict and peace will not be found unless Israelis and Palestinians learn to forgive each other. It is difficult enough on a personal level to forgive but wise leaders of a country can make all the difference.

Are you struggling to forgive yourself and others? The biblical story of Joseph is one of the most powerful teachings of how the ways of the universe or God can be very different from the plans we often make in life.

Joseph was slandered, beaten, and sold into slavery by his own brothers because of jealousy. Joseph could have easily succumbed to his fate but he never lost faith that everything in life had purpose and meaning.

The trap of the blame game

Only from such a perspective could he forgive his brothers and move out of the trap of the blame game. He made the best out of his situation to such an extent that Potiphar, the man who bought him on the slave market in Egypt, soon promoted him to a higher position. Later he was put in charge of managing Potiphar’s huge estate.

Potiphar had taken a liking to Joseph and must have been impressed by his kindness, wisdom, and humility. For all intents and purposes, Joseph had made it. But Potiphar’s bored wife had taken just as much a liking to the handsome young Joseph.

Realizing that he would betray his master who had done so much for him, Joseph avoided the advances of Potiphar’s wife who became so upset that she accused him of rape. Joseph was thrown into prison losing everything. He could again have succumbed to despondency.

But it so happens that he meets in prison two of the Pharaoh’s ministers who had lost favor with the ruler. One of them was eventually released from prison and restored to his old position. Only when the Pharaoh had a strange dream did the minister remember the time in prison with Joseph who had impressed him as an interpreter of dreams.

Long story short: Joseph gets released from prison to interpret the Pharaoh’s dream. The essence of the dream was that the ruler had to prepare the country for seven years of drought. Amazingly Joseph’s fortune changed in an instant when the Pharaoh recognized the wisdom of the man he was dealing with.  Joseph is promoted to viceroy of all of Egypt as the righthand man of the most powerful ruler of the world at the time.

Life comes in strange twists and turns

True to the dream interpretation the drought did come and only by wise management of the food and grain resources could countless lives be saved including those of Joseph’s brother and aging father Jacob.

Life comes often in strange twists and turns. Fortunes can be earned and lost overnight. High positions of political power and influence may be gone tomorrow. The amazing story of Joseph is that he never lost trust and faith. By forgiving his brothers and Potiphar’s wife for falsely accusing him, he made peace with himself and could go into trust and humility. From that energy grew his wisdom and incredible foresight to prevent a catastrophe.

Forgiving does not mean approval of wrongdoing

Forgiving does not mean that you are approving of wrongdoing, of abuse, and all the terrible things that humans do to each other. It is making peace with the past in the knowledge that you are the person today because of all of that which you have experienced.

The famous Austrian psychiatrist Victor Frankl only survived the Nazi death camps by telling himself that “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s one way.”

Forgiveness is self-care at the highest level

Forgiveness requires a conscious decision to release feelings of resentment and vengeance toward someone who has harmed you. It is self-care at the highest level.

Forgiveness allows you to release negative emotions and to move on in life. Remaining locked in hate and retribution keeps you at a low vibrational energy that prevents you from spotting the new opportunities the universe is presenting to you.

By choosing to forgive, you are paving the way to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. You are creating room for positive feelings to flourish.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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