The divine nature of man

Spirituality and healing

Author

Dr Obinna Eleweanya
October 25, 2024

Through the lens of neuroscience, we can observe the functions of the neocortex, mapping out its role in decision-making, intuition, and abstract thought. But science alone cannot explain why we feel a sense of divine purpose, why moral dilemmas strike at our soul, or why we feel spiritually connected to others or to the universe.

"Within each of us lies a spark of the divine—a quiet power, guiding us with intuition, conscience, and love. To know this presence is to embrace the sacred truth: we are not mere witnesses to life’s mysteries; we are active participants in its unfolding, reflections of the divine itself."

Unknown Author

Table of Contents

An aspect of the universe remains unexplored. Humans have consistently sought to understand our rightful place in the grand cosmic scheme. However, God's universal creative mind did not intend for us to grasp all its dimensions.
Ancient scriptures repeatedly emphasize that we reflect the spirit of this creative mind, which I firmly believe herein serves as the intangible currency of our cerebral cortex.

The cerebral cortex distinguishes humans from every other living thing in the universe through analytical thinking, more profound judgment, language, and emotions—attributes unique to our species.

So, we are indeed the reflection of this creative mind, just as every ancient text and scripture states that we were created in God's image. Our creation's purity is intended for us to embody qualities similar to the Creator's.

However, the same scriptures allude that something disrupted this intended purity and exposed us to negative aspects of that creative force.
The resulting duality generated a disruptive influence threatening our existence. Religious and spiritual perspectives of life label these opposing forces as evil or demonic entities like Satan or Lucifer.
It is vital to note that this negative reflection of the original power also endowed humanity with conscience and the bifurcation of our thought process —a guiding force behind the choice between good and evil.

Understanding this core concept is crucial for grasping the essence of humanity, divinity, spirituality, and our relationships in the greater cosmic scheme.
Scientifically, as we've transitioned from Newtonian physics to quantum theory—a shift highlighted by Max Planck and popularized by Albert Einstein, we understand the nature of our physical state as quantum matter with frequency and vibration.
It is worth noting that the 2023 Nobel Prize awarded for quantum entanglement reinforces the acknowledged fact that we all originate from the same source and are interconnected within the universe.

This understanding reveals a fundamental truth: humans possess limitless potential because we reflect the creative mind's attributes—including omniscience.
It also raises questions about why we continue to perceive ourselves as limited when we are inherently omnipotent.
Recognizing this can unlock our mental power—the essence of creativity—enabling us to overcome challenges, manifest desires, subdue obstacles, and make effective life choices.

Spirituality's impact on health

  • Mind-Body Connection: Spiritual practices like meditation and prayer can lower stress, which positively impacts immune function and overall health.

  • Purpose and Resilience: A sense of purpose, often rooted in spiritual beliefs, enhances mental resilience, which supports physical well-being and recovery.

  • Healing by Compassion: Acts of kindness and empathy, core to many spiritual teachings, release feel-good hormones, improving heart health and mental outlook.

  • Intuitive Guidance: Spirituality encourages tapping into intuition, helping individuals make healthier lifestyle choices aligned with their deeper values.

  • Community and Support: Spiritual communities provide social support, which research shows is crucial for mental health and longevity.

  • A study from Harvard also found that mindfulness meditation improves health by promoting physical relaxation and reducing stress-related illnesses.

  • A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that a higher sense of life purpose was associated with lower mortality rates among adults and the elderly.

  • Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, found that acts of compassion and kindness release oxytocin, which reduces blood pressure and inflammation and promotes heart health.

  • Research in embodied cognition shows that intuition plays a role in healthy decision-making, and those who trust their "gut feelings" make quicker, beneficial lifestyle choices.

  • Blue Zones research studies the world’s longest-lived populations and finds that strong community bonds—often rooted in spirituality—contribute to greater health and longevity.