Toward the tail end of my six-month journey in the Middle East, I was overtaken by a severe fever which lasted about 10 days, leaving me weak, without appetite and drained of energy. I felt as though I was on an involuntary and most effective weight loss program. My gracious host, Hajji Yah Yah, and his son Omar made sure I was supplied with natural juices and all the support needed for me to recover from this debilitating ailment.
Slowly but surely, my health was restored.
I’m now back in the United States and fully recovered; one powerful and practical tool that aids in recovery did slip my mind during my recent health bout in the Saharah desert. Our thoughts, like diet, rest and medicine, are part of our remarkable gifts that can have measurable impacts on our health journeys. With the advent of technology, we can monitor the effects of thought and how they affect things in our lives, including health. Wavelengths and algorithms of thought may have more connection to one’s health than we think.
One example is the placebo effect, which demonstrates the mind’s ability to shape our experiences and improve our state. Individuals experience improved health outcomes simply because they believe they receive treatment or medication. This phenomenon highlights the interplay between our thoughts and bodily experiences.
Another example is the “Piano Effect” study by Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone, which showed that mental rehearsal can shape brain function and motor skills. Volunteers who imagined playing a piano exercise for five days showed similar brain activity and finger strength improvements as those who physically practiced. This demonstrates the power of thought and mental visualization, highlighting the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to cognitive training.
When we think, a network of neurons in our brain communicates through electrical and chemical signals. These signals create pathways in our brain, strengthening connections between neurons. The more we think a thought, the stronger the pathway becomes, influencing our behavior, emotions, and physical responses. Our thoughts shape our brain’s architecture, affecting our well-being.
However, negative thinking can also impact our health as well. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to a weakened immune system, increased blood pressure and decreased cognitive function. This highlights the importance of cultivating a positive mindset and stress-reducing practices like meditation and prayer.
When we think negatively, our brain’s stress response is activated, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This triggers a cascade of events in the brain, impairing logical thinking, suppressing memory formation, and perpetuating rumination.
My first encounter with these ideas came from one of the first secular books that my father gifted me, “Think And Grow Rich.” It was one of the first times I read about the impact of one’s thoughts outside of any religious context. Hopefully, this served as a reminder for you as it has for me.
We don’t have to wait to be ill to utilize this tool of thought.
With the average adult having between 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts per day, remember to steer these bolts of energy in the direction that is advantageous to your life and well-being.
