Sunday, March 23, 2014

Eight Ancient Beliefs Now Backed By Modern Science

The following article was posted in the Huffington Post on 21 March, 2014, by Alena Hall.

I found this one particularly interesting. I have been in and out of the items in this list at various times during my life, with the exception of number two, and I have found there is more truth in them than you might imagine. That is also why I have come back around to them as being a mantra to work toward and to aspire. Maybe it is getting older and more introspective that helps. I don't know, but what I do know is that when you put the things on this list in combination, it reduces stress, makes you more level headed and thoughtful, and helps you see the value of continuing to further pursue the qualities of each.

I guess I'll have to try number two one of these days. Maybe I'll find that this to gives me more of what we all seek in some way... the joy of inner peace. 

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The Earth may not be flat nor is it the center of the universe, but that doesn't mean old-world intellectuals got everything wrong. In fact, in recent years, modern science has validated a number of teachings and beliefs rooted in ancient wisdom that, up until now, had been trusted but unproven empirically.
Helping others can make you healthier.
In their never-ending search for the best way to live, Greek philosophers argued over the relative benefits of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. Hedonic well-being sees happiness as a factor of increased pleasure and decreased pain, while eudaimonic ("human flourishing") happiness has more to do with having a larger purpose or meaning in life.
Acupuncture can restore balance to your body.
The traditional Chinese medicine technique is believed to address imbalances in a person’s qi (pronounced chi), the circulating energy within every living thing.
We need the support of a community in order to thrive.
Traditional Buddhist teachings suggest that community is a key component in any happy, fulfilled life.
Tai chi can help alleviate a variety of health conditions.
This ancient Chinese martial art is based on the belief that achieving balance with one’s mind and body creates an overall sense of peace and harmony, naturally inspiring a long life.
Meditation can help you reduce stress and discover inner peace.
Stemming from ancient Eastern origins, the practice of meditation is believed to help still the mind and reach a heightened level of awareness, improving health and well-being as a byproduct. Science is now proving the health benefits of meditation.
Compassion is the key to a meaningful life.
Tibetan Buddhist tradition includes a practice called metta, or loving-kindness. A 2012 study from Emory University found that compassion meditation based on this Tibetan model can effectively boost one’s ability to empathize with others by way of reading their facial expressions.
Accepting what you can’t change is key to reducing suffering.
According to Buddhist teachings, one must accept the things they cannot change in order to reduce suffering. Now, scientists have found that this belief rings true, especially for older adults who are working through difficult life changes.
All you need is love.
If there is one thing that a variety of ancient wisdom traditions can agree on, it’s the value of love in maintaining a happy, meaningful life. And a group of Harvard researchers, on a mission to uncover the true roots of life fulfillment, conducted a 75-year study that reached the same conclusion.
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To read the full article, go to Eight Ancient Beliefs. I hope this article gives you pause. It did me.


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