The key to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life certainly lies not only in diet, sleep and exercise, but also within ourselves. New scientific findings confirm what ancient wisdom has long taught us: Spirituality – in the form of meditation, mindfulness or conscious rituals – not only strengthens our mental balance, but also has a measurable impact on health and longevity. But how can this potential be harnessed without drifting into esotericism?
Spirituality and longevity – how do they go together?
The link between spirituality and longevity is a topic that is receiving increasing attention in both the scientific and spiritual worlds. The idea that a deeper understanding and practice of spirituality can prolong life is not new, but only recently has it been backed up by scientific studies.
For example, the term “Ikigai” stands for a spiritual dimension in the longevity movement. Ikigai stands for a Japanese concept that can be translated as “the reason for living” or “that which is worth living for”. It describes the interface between passion, vocation, mission and profession that gives a person meaning and fulfillment in life.
Ikigai sees spirituality as an essential beacon for a long, fulfilling life. It shifts the focus from purely biological factors to the deeper question of the “why” of life and thus makes it clear that it takes more than supplements, nutrition, sleep and exercise. After all, people need a reason to want to live longer in the first place. They find this in spirituality. But what does spirituality actually mean?
Spirituality: The search for that which is greater than ourselves
Spirituality is a concept that is difficult to grasp and this is precisely where its power lies. It is as individual as the people who live it and yet universal enough to transcend cultures, times and belief systems. But what exactly can spirituality mean?
In any case, it is far more than religion, far more than meditation and far more than an inner search. Rather, it resembles a complex web of experiences, convictions and the connection to life itself.
The connection to the inner self
Spirituality does not necessarily mean joining a religion. Rather, it is about finding a deeper connection to yourself, to the world and to something greater: a higher meaning behind things. Practices such as meditation, gratitude or prayer help you to master your everyday life with more serenity. Just a few minutes of mindfulness and staying in the moment are often enough to calm the mind, reduce stress levels and promote health
For many, spirituality means returning to oneself, confronting the question: Who am I? It is the process of shedding the layers of social expectations, roles and masks in order to discover the core of one’s own being. In this introspective form, spirituality becomes a journey into the unknown – into ourselves.
The connection to the higher
Spirituality can also be the search for something greater than ourselves. Some call it God, the universe, source, energy or simply the big picture. It is the experience of being part of something that goes beyond our own lives – a comfort in moments of loneliness and an inspiration when we feel small. This higher dimension does not have to have a religious dimension; it can also be found in the wonder of nature or in the beauty of a sunset.
The connection to the other
In a deeply social dimension, spirituality can mean connecting with others through empathy, compassion and love. It manifests itself in the ability to see beyond differences and recognize in others the same spark of life that fills us. This form of spirituality promotes community, understanding and peace. And here we are back in the middle of the science of longevity. Lonely people have a higher risk of dying. Social interaction, on the other hand, can prolong life, according to current research.
Data from the “Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey“, a comprehensive and nationally representative long-term study, provides exciting insights: The study has been following older people in China who live independently since 1998. A total of 28,563 people with an average age of 89 took part. The results show a clear correlation: frequent social contact increases the likelihood of living a longer life.
Spirituality as a philosophy of life
Spirituality can also be an attitude towards life, a way of looking at the world. It manifests itself in gratitude for small things, in the pursuit of meaning and in the attempt to find harmony in the midst of chaos. In this perspective, spirituality is not bound to rituals or dogmas, but an everyday practice that is anchored in doing and being.
Spirituality and science
Many people wave off the term spirituality. It’s too far-fetched, too esoteric, too intangible. This is certainly one reason why spirituality seems to be located more in religious institutions than in doctors’ surgeries. Perhaps we should rethink this. Spirituality does not have to contradict science; it can complement it. Quantum physics, mindfulness research or the understanding of neuroplasticity show that what used to be dismissed as ‘spiritual’ now has measurable effects on life. In this synthesis, spirituality becomes a bridge between inner experience and outer reality.
Quantum physics and spirituality
Quantum physics reveals a world to us that is fundamentally different from our everyday experiences. Here, particles exist in multiple states simultaneously and the consciousness of the observer influences reality. These groundbreaking scientific findings build a fascinating bridge to spiritual teachings, which for centuries have spoken of an invisible energy that permeates all life.
Spirituality thus leaves the esoteric realm and is given a new scientific framework. By making the invisible visible, quantum physics invites us to view spirituality from a new, scientific perspective – as a phenomenon that touches not only the mind, but also the nature of reality itself.
Dr. Joe Dispenza, neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author, for example, combines insights from neuroscience, quantum physics and psychology with spirituality practices to explain transformative changes in body and mind. His approach is based on the idea that thoughts, emotions and beliefs not only influence individual well-being, but also the biochemical and energetic processes in the body.
The context in detail:
1. thoughts and feelings as the body’s control system
Dr. Joe Dispenza emphasizes that thoughts and feelings trigger biochemical reactions that directly affect the body. Negative thoughts and emotional patterns, such as anxiety or stress, activate the stress axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and lead to chronically elevated cortisol levels. This weakens the immune system, promotes inflammation and accelerates the ageing process.
Spirituality: Practices such as meditation, prayer or gratitude exercises can help to break this cycle by calming the mind, promoting positive emotions and harmonizing the biochemical processes in the body.
2. neuronal plasticity and change through meditation
One of Dispenza’s central points is neuronal plasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself through repeated thoughts, experiences and practices. He explains that meditation not only calms the mind, but also changes the neuronal structure.
Spirituality: Regular meditative practices allow you to overwrite old negative thought patterns and create new neural connections associated with joy, health and vitality. This effectively “reprograms” the brain – an important part of many spiritual traditions.
3. heart-brain coherence
Dispenza often speaks of so-called heart-brain coherence – a state in which the heart and brain work in harmony. This state can be achieved through targeted breathing techniques and meditation. Scientifically speaking, this leads to a more coherent heart rhythm, which reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and activates self-healing powers.
Spirituality: Heart-brain coherence is similar to the “attunement” experience described in spiritual practices, where people feel connected to a higher power, energy or the universe.
4. quantum physics and consciousness
Dispenza refers to quantum physics to explain how thoughts and consciousness can influence reality. He describes that energy – in the form of thoughts and emotions – has a measurable effect on the physical world. This is consistent with many spiritual concepts that state that mind shapes matter.
Spirituality: According to Dispenza, by focusing your consciousness through spiritual practices, you can not only change your inner world, but also your outer reality.
5. healing through the energetic field
Dispenza describes the body as a network of electromagnetic energy that is influenced by thoughts, emotions and intentions. He explains that many illnesses are based on energetic blockages that can be released through meditation, visualization and emotional work.
Spirituality: This idea reflects spiritual concepts such as chi, prana or life energy, which are to be harmonized through practices such as yoga, breath work or Reiki.
6. connection to higher states of consciousness
In his meditation techniques, Dispenza describes the achievement of a transcendental state in which people rise above their usual thought patterns and find access to a higher level of consciousness. These states are often accompanied by feelings of deep joy, unity and love.
Spirituality: Such experiences are central to spiritual teachings that aim to connect people to a higher power or universal energy.
Dr. Joe Dispenza thus provides a scientific basis for many spiritual concepts and shows how the combination of neuroscience, quantum physics and meditation can change lives. His work suggests that spirituality is not only a personal experience, but also a measurable tool for healing, transformation and longevity.
According to Dispenza, by managing your thoughts and feelings more consciously and integrating spiritual practices into your everyday life, you can both strengthen your inner balance and improve your physical health.
Influence of spirituality on health
The influence of spirituality on health is diverse and profound. Research indicates that spiritual practices can have positive effects on mental and physical health. Spiritual practices such as meditation, breathing exercises and mindfulness rituals are associated with better mental health as they reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being. There is a body of evidence that higher levels of religious involvement or spirituality are associated with lower blood pressure and a lower likelihood of hypertension. Stress in particular is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Spiritual practices such as mindfulness and meditation help to reduce stress and promote emotional balance.
Healthy lifestyle choices through spirituality
Spiritual practices can also lead to healthier life choices. People who focus on their spiritual development tend to live more consciously, be it through a balanced diet, regular exercise or abstaining from harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
| Practice | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Meditation | Reduces stress, improves focus and concentration |
| Prayer | Provides comfort, strengthens the sense of community |
| Yoga | Improves flexibility, promotes physical and mental well-being |
Sources
- PMC10859326, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, LINK
- Harvard Researchers Have Linked Spirituality to Healthier Lives and Longer Lifespans, scitechdaily.com, LINK
- The Link Between Spirituality and Longevity, presbyterianseniorliving.org, LINK
Book tip:
Become Supernatural: How Ordinary People Achieve the Extraordinary – November 20, 2017 by Joe Dispenza (Author)
Images: istockphoto.com Credits @ neme, skynesher, peterschreiber.media
Disclaimer
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