What is “Ahimsa” and How Can We Use It To Change the World?

There is a lot to be said for having a positive mental attitude (PMA), and of finding greater joy in even the smallest of things. But PMA also opens the door for you to take it a step further, and willingly attract the things that bring you joy. 

Quantum healing is a catch-all term for a range of holistic therapies that view the relationship between the body and mind through the lens of quantum mechanics. A relatively recent branch of alternative medicine, quantum healing has been gaining momentum since Dr. Deepak Chopra released a book on the subject in 1989. Holistic practitioners that use the term ‘quantum’ in their modalities explore the relationship between energy, consciousness, and biology, through varying practices. But what does this all actually mean?

If you’ve seen the television series Behind Her Eyes ー based on the psychological thriller novel of the same name by English author Sarah Pinborough ー you may have come across the concept of Astral Projection (don’t worry, that’s not a spoiler!). It’s the idea that we can leave our body and travel to different places with just the mind一a concept that is also known as an intentional out-of-body experience, and closely linked with lucid dreaming. 

Have you ever wanted to put on the most emotive songs that you can cry to when you’re feeling sad? Felt the rush of energy from a thumping workout track that raises your heart rate and motivation in one fell swoop? Or perhaps you’ve felt the instant calm from walking into a spa, the scented air complemented by a soothing, meditative audio track playing gently in the background. If so, then you’ve tapped into the healing power of music. 

Kundalini Yoga is a popular form of yoga that’s taught in studios all over the world. It’s a little different to the asana practice you might be used to in, say, a vinyasa class, with some challenging posture holds and breathwork, as well as meditation, chanting, and singing. Instead, in this form of yoga, the focus is on the movement and manipulation of energy – specifically Kundalini energy. Teachers and practitioners of Kundalini Yoga find it a powerful practice that can bring about transcendental experiences – both within the practice and as the lasting effects of awakening the Kundalini within. Some of the meditations floating around the internet even come with a warning about unleashing this potent force. So what exactly is “Kundalini” energy?

Many of us feel like there’s some form of higher power in the universe. A sense of something beyond the surface level of the material world. And we’re comforted by the notion that there’s greater wisdom to the experience of being human than we’ll ever know. Some come to this belief through organized religious frameworks or scholarship in spiritual philosophy, while for others it is more personal and intuitive. To be spiritual is to acknowledge this higher power, surrender a certain amount of control to it, and seek deeper connection. It’s a personal dedication to understanding and honoring this unseen force. For some, it is subtle and energetic, simply known as “Spirit”. For others, it is personified into an array of gods and demons. And for some, it is found in the mysteries and miracles of nature. But because spirituality is about our own individual connection to this cosmic presence, there are as many ways to be spiritual as there are people in the world.

If you’ve heard of the Law of Attraction, you might be familiar with the concept of an abundance mindset, or a growth mindset. It’s the idea that a total surrender to and trust in the abundance of the universe to provide what we need… will bring us exactly that. It is often talked about in terms of money and wealth, but it can relate to all areas of life, such as love or work. The Law of Attraction states that the energy we put into the world is what we will receive back: that positive thoughts bring positive experiences. So with that in mind, if we are consumed by fear and a belief that there is “not enough” – in what is known as the converse idea of a “scarcity mindset” – we will continue to experience a lack of what we want or think we need. So in theory, to have all of life’s riches rain down on us, all we would have to do is start believing that there is more than enough to go around, and trust that we will get an abundant slice whenever we need it. Sounds easy, right?