Metaphysics - A Philosophy That Makes Sense

In a world where people drive in the fast lanes, eat fast food, and complain that the computers and machines we use are not fast enough, it is no wonder we manifest disease, emotional and mental illness, and experience an emptiness that comes from a void of connection with one another and the Divine. Medical science has traditionally separated the physical body from the internal spirit, and society as a whole has focused primarily on the external aspects of life. It is encouraging to see the emergence of a new thought or new age (which having it roots in many ancient cultures is really not new at all) that suggests the best cure for disease is to understand and eliminate its root causes while treating its symptoms, and practicing prevention.

Metaphysics has a rich history in Native American and many ancient Eastern cultures, and is becoming an increasingly popular academic discipline in the United States. The immigration of diverse ethnic groups has changed the cultural face of America over the past few decades and has formed a more globally minded society in the U.S. This report will give information on metaphysics, examine current views regarding metaphysics and its show its effects upon our society.

Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of all reality, both visible and invisible. It is basic and simple, yet includes all that exists; therefore, it applies to everything divine, human, or other. Metaphysics is a science that seeks to unite man's physical, mental, and spiritual nature into the whole of its parts.

Metaphysics derives its name and meaning from two Greek words:

Meta - behind, beyond, transcending, or encompassing; moving toward change or transformation; higher, more developed. Physics - study of physical forces and qualities: the scientific study of matter, energy, force, and motion, and the way they relate to each other. Physics traditionally incorporates mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and thermodynamics and now includes modern disciplines such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and nuclear physics.

In his works on natural science, the Greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle, (384-322 BC) presented thoughts on astronomy, meteorology, plants, and animals. His writing about the nature of existence, First Philosophy, was later titled Metaphysics. This work deals with what he calls the knowledge of first causes, or Divine knowledge (for God is thought to be among the causes of all things and to be a first principle), which he believed one had to acquire before a scientific answer could be reached. However, the Chinese, Native American Indians, Hindus, Buddhists, and many other cultures have long known about and practiced a method of Metaphysics in their spiritual and healing practices.

Knowledge for Metaphysics is gathered by rational (scientific) thought or mystical (intuitive) understanding and therefore gathers a wide range of people into its study. To call one a metaphysician in this traditional, philosophical sense indicates nothing more than a person s interest in attempting to discover what underlies everything. A psychology that merges science and spirituality has developed through metaphysics. Teachers, philosophers, doctors, and ministers utilize metaphysics in dealing with emotional and physical problems, especially with the sick and dying. Many times doctors and counselors who work in the field of Metaphysics are called spiritual healers, mystics, or alternative medical practitioners. Although most utilize such skills as telepathy (the ability to read the mind of another person), clairvoyance (the ability to see spiritually), or clairaudience (the ability to hear spiritually), there are numerous Metaphysical methods of treatment commonly used in our society (see figures 1 & 2) to balance energy and allow the body to heal itself naturally.

In one case, there was a woman who had experienced severe depression all her life and who had manifested suicidal thoughts during times of crisis. She sought help from traditional counselors and medical doctors who prescribed an antidepressant medication. However, the medication only masked the problem by covering its symptoms. Even with medication, a low level of anxiety and brain fog (confusion and inability to remain focused) continued. Additionally, while on the antidepressants, her weight had increased by 20 percent. The weight gain lowered her self-esteem, but each time she attempted to discontinue or reduce her medication the suicidal thoughts would return and her mood disorder would worsen. After learning about metaphysical methods of treatment, she visited an energy therapist. The therapist found that the right and left hemispheres of her brain were disconnected from one another, that her mind was not connected to her brain (they are not the same thing), and that her throat chakra was spinning in the wrong direction. This was causing her fifth chakra to deflect any energy that was attempting to come to her pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands, thus resulting in poor metabolism, hormone imbalance, and symptoms of depression. In addition to this, the therapist intuitively detected hidden fears coming from past events that were registering as trauma in the second and third chakras.

After clearing the detrimental energy from these areas, and turning and balancing the chakras, the patient began to return to her normal weight, her self-esteem improved, her fears lessened, and the symptoms of depression diminished. As energy treatment continued, the woman was able to safely discontinue all anti-depressant medication without experiencing the return of the mood disorder or suicidal thoughts.

There seems to be a proclivity among people who are awakening and embracing Metaphysics. Emotional walls and religious barriers are coming down as people who formerly held fast to one doctrine or dogma, are beginning to accept and affirm ancient belief systems. This hodgepodge faith is causing a change in lifestyle for many people. Those who never considered themselves a religious church goer are now finding comfort and healing through contact and communication with angels, spirit guides, ascended masters, and the Divine Mother/Father Creator. This is effecting how humans treat themselves, one another, animals, and the environment.

Fast food restaurants are slow in catching on to the desires of those who wish to eat more healthful, but there is hope that super-sized, fat-laden meals at the drive-thru window will be replaced with low-fat, high fiber meals of smaller proportions at the same price and convenience. This transition will be necessary and profitable for food vendors when more people catch on to the benefits of Metaphysics. People all over the globe are finding that we have a common thread -- the need for energy whether in the form of love, healing, connection, personal power, or acceptance. Energy is the source of all life. Prana or Chi (pronounced chee ) is the word used to describe the natural energy or life-force of the Universe. We know that the sun contains energy to warm the earth, and energy is contained in chemicals such as hydrogen -- imagine the power of an atom when split. Electrical energy is used to supply comfort to our homes. Food, when digested, is converted to energy for the human body. All humans produce and expend energy. In fact, humans consist of chemical energy. Common statement such as, I m exhausted, I m drained, I have no energy, are more than simple expressions of physical fatigue or pain. Pain and fatigue are messages from our subconscious that tell us something is amiss in the way our body is receiving or utilizing energy.

Metaphysic studies show that every human, animal, and plant has an energy field (aura) around them from which one pulls in energy from the Earth and Universe. The chakras, or energy centers, pull in energy from and release energy into the aura somewhat like electricity uses AC/DC current. The chakras emit colors (literally vibration or wave length/frequencies) that are in direct correlation to the amount of energy being integrated throughout the body Chakra is a Sanskrit word which means wheel. The chakras are seen as spinning vortex along the front and rear of the body. There are seven major chakras or energy centers in the human body where energy is intercepted and transferred to every cell of the body, including the mind and spirit. The chakras can become damaged, blocked, misaligned, imbalanced, or dirty through ignorance, unhealthy lifestyles, or chemical and substance abuse. When we awaken to Metaphysical knowledge and begin to access our internal energy, we can begin to heal our physical and emotional diseases.

Many who acknowledge dualism (the idea that man is first spirit and second physical matter) are opposed by those who dismiss Metaphysical practices as being of the devil or perhaps mere foolishness. Opposition to non-conventional thinking and other such heresies has always been present to some degree in every society. Hostility toward those who deviate from societal norms was manifested in the horrible activities of the Inquisition, the Crusades, and the Holocaust. The degree to which we punish those with whom we do not agree may vary, but even today differing opinions regarding beliefs prevent peace efforts in many war-torn countries. While in the U.S. it is not an acceptable practice to kill someone for their faith, rejection and ridicule are typical responses toward those who embrace a controversial Metaphysical view of life. What a sad commentary it would be to say that we have landed on the moon, yet have not reached our own spirit.

More and more people are looking to non-conventional methods of healing that combine a natural or spiritual approach. This type of healing offers more resources by providing the patient more choices-choices that integrate the spiritual (internal) parts with the wisdom of modern day medicine (externals) to unify the mind, body, and spirit of the individual. It appears that we are attempting to get back to our tribal roots. The current world trends regarding Metaphysics would surely please Aristotle and other great philosophers, ancient shamans, and mystical masters. Then again, who is to say that those great minds have not continued to influence our progress from beyond the grave!

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She and her team of ghostwriters are ready to assist you with writing and editing for books, eBooks, Web text, business documents, resumes, bios, articles, and media releases. For more information about writing, networking, publishing, and book promotion, or to sign up for free email delivery of WITS newsletter, please visit http://www.writersinthesky.com New subscribers receive a free eBook Tips for Freelance Writing.