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Beyond the Chemical Imbalance: The True Battle of the Mental Health Models

By Dr. Nick Campos On October 12, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Although the study and practice of mind-body medicine have made great strides over the last few decades, the predominant method for dealing with “mental illness” is still traditional medical care. In other words, the mechanistic model, the basis for most modern medical interventions, has been the primary tool used to assess and treat mental health in clinical practice. To understand this further, it is important to investigate two schools of thought regarding mental illness: the biological and psychological models.

The biological model of mental illness views the mind from the same mechanistic perspective that modern medicine uses to view the physical body; that is, physical and biochemical laws can fully explain all mental processes. According to this line of thinking, mental dysfunction is a consequence of chemical changes in the brain. These changes—due to either an overproduction or underproduction of hormones or neurotransmitters, or perhaps even to a flaw in the metabolic pathways of certain brain chemicals—can cause an afflicted person to behave differently than what society generally considers “normal.” At least this is the historical rationale behind the biological model of mental illness. Proponents believe that the best way to treat these biochemical abnormalities is with drugs, surgeries, or other physical modalities like electroshock therapy.

The psychological model, on the other hand, believes that most mental disorders stem from the mind, that abstract component of human consciousness manifested in our thoughts, perceptions, emotions, will, memories, and imagination. Proponents of this model believe that many mental disorders are due to psychological or social stressors, early life trauma, or learned cognitive patterns, rather than strictly chemical changes. They point out that, as of yet, no modern instrument or technological device has been discovered to effectively measure a simple, causal biochemical imbalance (like a serotonin deficit) for major depressive disorder. Considering these facts, proponents emphasize that no convincing evidence exists that definitive, convincing evidence is still lacking to implicate genetics or simplistic biochemical imbalances as the singular cause of most mental illness.

I should note that there are distinct differences between the practices of psychiatry and psychology, both professionally and philosophically. Psychiatrists are medical doctors; hence, they receive all the training necessary to become medical professionals. Not surprisingly, most psychiatrists have historically subscribed to the mechanistic paradigm that is so predominant in the medical sciences—that is, the human body operates as a complex machine, and the brain, as its most complex organ, is no exception. The brain is comprised of an elaborate network of neurons and glial cells (support cells), and it carries out regular electrical, chemical, and hormonal actions. A psychiatrist, then, can be thought of as a specialist, one who focuses on an intricate neuroelectrobiochemical structure. Due to this historic philosophy, psychiatrists have traditionally believed that mental disorders are brain disorders that can be treated effectively by electrical, chemical, and hormonal means, and their treatment methods generally reflect this point of view. The psychiatric profession is thus one of the strongest and most vocal advocates of the biological model of mental illness.

Psychologists, in contrast, are not medical doctors (MDs), but Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyDs). Their education is not bound by mechanistic ideology, but instead by the study of the mind. This discipline is best known for the work carried out by its forefathers: Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and William James. These pioneers focused on mental processes and human behavior, and the profession continues to use these principles as the foundation of its practice today. Most psychologists would not deny the physical and chemical nature of the brain; nevertheless, they believe that psychological conditions should be approached primarily through cognition, behavior, and interpersonal dynamics. And they believe that neurological conditions should be treated neurologically, not biochemically. It is important to note that neurological disorders (like Alzheimer’s disease) do, indeed, exist. However, psychologists do not use the existence of these diseases as a rationale for attaching biochemical explanations to all mental disorders. Instead, they subscribe to the psychological model of mental illness.

Many people are unaware of the distinction between psychiatrists and psychologists. Most people tend to think these two professions are the same, not realizing that when they hire a therapist, they are generally hiring someone from the field of psychology. Psychologists are not qualified to prescribe medications; therefore, psychotropic drugs are administered by psychiatrists or, more commonly, by primary care physicians (PCPs – your general family doctor). On the other hand, psychotherapists practice talk therapy, which, up until very recently, was the primary form of treatment for mental disorders.

But times have drastically changed. Although the prevailing academic framework is the biopsychosocial model—recognizing that biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors all interact—modern healthcare pushes the biological approach. In practice, due to limited time, high cost, and long waiting lists for therapy, medication has become the primary treatment model for most patients with depression and anxiety, even when clinical guidelines recommend psychotherapy as the initial treatment, especially for mild-to-moderate conditions. This tension between holistic theory and mechanistic practice (immediate prescribing) continues to define the landscape of mental health care today.

Health and Evolution: Why We Should Stop Fighting Microbes and Start Thriving

By Dr. Nick Campos On August 29, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

All things change in order to develop and expand. In biology, the theory of evolution explains that

Groups of organisms change with the passage of time, mainly as a result of natural selection, so that descendants differ morphologically and physiologically from their ancestors.

In layman’s terms, morphologically means “in appearance” and physiologically means “with regard to function.” Natural selection is the concept that

only the organisms best adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characters in increasing numbers to succeeding generations, while those less adapted tend to be eliminated.

Even in the most basic definition of the term, evolution implies that some type of change must occur. With regard to the scientific theory, it explains this change in purely genetic terms. Indeed, for simpler organisms (such as bacteria, fruit flies, or algae), this is the only change necessary for evolution to occur. However, in more complex systems (human beings, societies, nations, or the planet), changes can be genetic, behavioral, or, conceivably, can even relate to human consciousness.

It is valuable to investigate the evolutionary process as it relates to health. Based on this analysis, we can attempt to evaluate how our future might be affected. However, it would be beneficial for us to discuss a few key facts. Throughout history, man has had to contend with famine, war, natural disasters, and, of course, disease. Each one has served to act as a natural form of population control and, therefore, as a catalyst to the evolutionary process itself. For each new and successive challenge, man has been forced to use his ingenuity to overcome any obstacles before him. If unable to manipulate his external environment, he would have to adapt physiologically. In this way, man has been able to withstand the pressures of living on this planet and, as a result, to continue his existence. This is how the incredible process of natural selection works in its most apparent and practical application.

Just as man has had to adapt to his environment to ensure his survival, so have the multitude of other organisms inhabiting the planet alongside him. Animals, plants, and insects have all undergone their own unique evolutionary processes, as have microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Even these organisms, which are typically associated with human disease and death, must change and adapt to survive.

But we must ask ourselves: are the organisms that cause human illness actually a threat to our existence, or are they simply different life-forms with which we must learn to coexist? Obviously, we can be as much of a nuisance to bacterial and viral microorganisms as they can be to us. Since they typically lack the machinery to exist and multiply independently, microorganisms require a host organism (such as a human, animal, insect, or plant) in which to dwell. When the host actually ends up attacking the microorganisms, these life forms must also adapt to their environment or risk being killed off. Both bacteria and viruses adapt by mutating, which enables them to evade detection more effectively. This is vital, as their surroundings may suddenly become saturated with a poisonous antibiotic or perhaps even get invaded by dangerous (to them) white blood cells. Very often, these organisms are placed under the most extreme and stressful conditions. At these times, they will respond by multiplying rapidly in a final attempt to survive, often killing off their host in the process.

On an evolutionary level, viral and bacterial organisms have played a crucial role in human existence. Without them, the human immune system would have had very little stimulus to develop, perhaps even weakening the human species as a whole. We cannot disregard these microorganismic life forms when contemplating our own evolution. They have been vital in helping us develop into the living beings we are today (as well as being our oldest ancestors, but that is another story).

Interestingly, humans have been playing a game of cat and mouse with microorganisms for decades, all in a futile attempt to eradicate them from the planet. Our efforts, however, have not only failed to remove them from our lives completely but have also led to the creation of superspecies that have successfully adapted to our weaponry. Even as we have succeeded in ridding ourselves of diseases like polio and smallpox, new forms of microorganisms have surfaced to take their place. The SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the avian influenza (bird flu) viruses are two current examples; they are among the newest microorganisms to threaten human health. Human Influenza Virus is yet another—this virus is itself a rapidly mutating pathogen, and as such, we have been unable to control it effectively. As a result, a new flu vaccine must be developed and administered annually to combat emerging strains.

The importance of these examples lies in illustrating a fundamental principle of human health. The virulence (strength) of an organism is not the only factor involved in our response to infection—that is, whether we’ll get sick or what our chance of survival is if we do. In fact, virulence may not even be the primary factor involved in illness at all. It is becoming increasingly evident that the environment in which an organism lives plays a crucial role in determining its outcome. Healthy individuals (those with strong and well-functioning immune systems) have the greatest ability to ward off illness and, in the process, become stronger with each successive exposure, as coming into contact with virulent microorganisms serves to strengthen their immunity.

We can see examples of this with every infection known to man. Take HIV, for instance; when homosexual men first started showing signs of disease in the latter part of the 1970s, the initial prognosis was of a sure and swift death. We now know, however, that it is possible to live for many years, and even thrive, despite being infected with HIV. Yes, it’s true that people still die from AIDS; nonetheless, we can all glean a glimmer of hope from people like Ervin “Magic” Johnson, who conducts his life healthily and productively even in the face of being HIV positive. Magic Johnson and others like him not only serve as inspirations to anyone diagnosed with HIV, but also remind us that our current views on health may no longer be adequate: we may need a new model.

Essentially, the message I would like to get across here is that as long as human beings inhabit the earth, there will be organisms that we must contend with; organisms that may compromise our health and even cause death in epidemic proportions. It would probably be wiser to strengthen our immune system or the environment in which these microorganisms must dwell, rather than solely relying on outside interventions to combat what are otherwise worthy life forms. By adopting optimal health practices, you will do more to ensure your survival and, subsequently, pass forth your genes than you will by doing nothing at all and leaving your health to chance.

We would be better served to appreciate all life-forms inhabiting our earth as not only worthy of their existence, but also as vital contributors to the evolution of this planet and, indeed, of life itself. The energetic configurations that form microorganisms serve many vital functions. They act as decomposers of other energy forms (for example, organic materials found in nature, as well as food in our digestive tracts), producers of vital gases and other biologically active substances, transporters of genes among different species, and, yes, even as a form of population control. Why, then, should we attempt to eliminate organisms that have such a high degree of functionality?

It does not make sense for us to attempt to eradicate any other life form, as we cannot be confident with our limited knowledge of what their functions might be. It seems logical, then, to accept all living forms as our cohabitants on this earth. Of course, we must always remain vigilant, as it would be foolish to allow an overgrowth of microorganisms to compromise our resources or health. However, despite a certain amount of individual risk, our species can certainly coexist symbiotically with all other life forms. In fact, it appears that we even need them to continue our own physical evolution. It would seem more practical to focus our attention on health-enhancing behaviors, those that enhance and revitalize our own energy, rather than on eradicating microorganisms.

The stark reality is that we must learn to coexist with many different species, some of which have yet to be discovered and perhaps even some that have not yet evolved. Some new species will likely be created by our own elaborate endeavors, particularly through genetic engineering (as with SARS-CoV-2) and the rampant misuse of antibiotics (superbugs). Please understand, however, that I do not deny the necessity of monitoring the dynamics of human-microbe interactions—it is essential. However, by practicing healthy habits, we stand the best chance of living symbiotically with all other life-forms, which is crucial, as we should not allow them the opportunity to eradicate us either.

Along with ever-evolving microorganisms, we will also have to contend with our fair share of natural disasters in the future, such as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in the autumn of 2005. What stood out the most for me from this tragedy was the overwhelmingly large number of sick and infirm people who were incapable of withdrawing from the city. Even though this scenario is a harsh reality of any emergency evacuation, I cannot help but feel that, as a population, we can consciously change the number of people needing ambulatory assistance. Here is a relevant statistic:

Approximately 50 percent of all deaths in this country are due to faulty lifestyle choices (lack of movement, poor diet, drugs, etc.).

If we could reduce this number by even 10 percent, disasters like Katrina might claim fewer lives.

Not only that, but in today’s volatile political environment, where the threat of terrorism and war looms constantly overhead, we will likely see the earth’s natural resources—particularly freshwater—become even scarcer.

We cannot be sure of where the human evolutionary path might lead us, so doesn’t it seem wise to prepare ourselves physically for any scenario that might eventually surface?

The best preparation would be to adopt healthy, life-enhancing habits: healthy diet, movement, rest, bodywork, mental balance, and toxin avoidance are the essential components to strengthen and boost your body completely. With optimal health, you will not only have a greater chance of surviving a major catastrophe, but more importantly, you will find that excellent health gives you a large degree of personal fulfillment and enhances your life significantly.

One final point I would like to make is that if we wish to keep our views on health in perspective, as well as how health serves us, then we must acknowledge a simple fact: we are mortal beings. Although everyone is aware of the inevitability of death, many of us tend to see death as “bad” or undesirable. Death, however, is as important to life as life itself. Without it, we would not be able to support new life, whether human or otherwise, as our vital resources would become exhausted from uncontrolled population growth. The truth is that to defy death, we would have to defy the tendencies of the universe—particularly those that relate to the movement of energy, polarity, and rhythm, and, in fact, evolution itself.

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be neither created nor destroyed; it can only change forms. Further, as a result of the universe’s tendency toward polarity, very few things exist without their exact opposites. Birth and death, then, represent the two poles of one type of energetic formation: our physical bodies. We cannot escape this fundamental progression. As energetic life-forms, we must naturally submit to these universal forces. Birth, life, and death occur together as one single process; they are, shall we say, inseparable. As this process unfolds, it does so in a very distinct rhythmic pattern—seventy to ninety years in the human perception of time—yet nothing more than a brief moment, a spark, in the grander scale of the infinite universe.

We must accept death as a natural process. Although the physical body seems to appear and then disappear rapidly in a short wisp of time, we can rest assured that our energy remains in the universe forever. Major religions call this immortality. We are mortal beings, dependent on the physical laws of our physical world; however, we are immortal too—in spirit.

So embrace it; don’t fear death. Living your life in fear is not living at all. Not only will fearing death prevent you from experiencing all the richness life has to offer, but it will also lead you to make poor decisions regarding your health and well-being.

Good Choices: What Will You Do When Chips Are Down

By Dr. Nick Campos On August 25, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Would you make the right ethical, moral, and legal decision even if it meant struggle and pain for you, or would you take the easier, more lucrative path even if it had the potential to land you in jail? You might be faced with making that decision one day, and what you decide will determine your trajectory in life. But how does one make the right decision? What makes it right? Let us investigate. But first, a story:

In chiropractic college, I was active in government, clubs, academic achievement, and adjustive technique. I was the student athletic director for my first several years in college, president of a philosophical club, and one of four chosen to adjust homeless drug addicts recovering at the Los Angeles Mission in Skid Row in downtown L.A. I also applied for a research scholarship offered to one student and teacher team that would investigate and publish their findings on chiropractic health care. The scholarship had a sizeable stipend attached to carry out the study.

I lost out on the scholarship to a team headed up by one of my classmates, an interesting situation, as we were the only two applicants. I was sure I would be given the nod, since my colleague had a questionable academic and attendance record. Not that the scholarship committee or even the school itself would know, but I, as a former partier, knew that my colleague also came to school red-eyed and stoned every single day, if he came at all. There was no way I wouldn’t be chosen.

An interesting thing, though, about chiropractic college is that there are state requirements for attendance in California. While some teachers were stringent, others could not have cared less if we showed up or not. Every student at my school knew which teachers took roll and which ones didn’t. There were some semesters when I barely saw my colleague at all.

You might wonder how he passed his classes, but I will let you in on an old adage that was heard regularly throughout the halls of our institution: “C is for chiropractic!” All you had to do was pass. And cheating, which I hate to admit, was rampant at our school. Many people passed their classes by cheating, even if they couldn’t fake their way through the board exams. I knew several students who took up to a decade after graduation to finally receive their licenses, probably for this precise reason.

Nonetheless, this is merely the background to the story I wish to share. I know nothing of my colleague’s academic history, other than that he was squint-eyed and spaced out throughout the bulk of our four-year educational experience, and he was rarely there. Hey, maybe he was a secret genius; what do I know? All I do know is that he won the scholarship, and one week after the award, he rolled up to school driving a brand-new Jeep.

Fast forward to over ten years later, while I was an instructor for a state-accredited continuing-education company, one of our classmates who was taking my class asked if I remembered our colleague. Of course I did…why? He told me that said colleague had only just received his chiropractic license. I wasn’t surprised.

“How’d that happen?” I asked.

Apparently, our colleague had lied on his college application… “You don’t say.” Yup, and he had to petition several times before the California Chiropractic Board would approve his application. Well, good for him for sticking it out, I thought. That’s tenacity.

Imagine my shock when, many years later, I heard my college mate was convicted of insurance fraud back in 2019. Apparently, he defrauded a multi-employer welfare arrangement (union health benefits) of $500,000, and, along with being put on probation, he was ordered to repay the money. Despite the conviction and order issued over five years ago, he recently reopened a clinic in a relative’s name and committed the same fraudulent act again, this time involving an unsuspecting chiropractor he had hired, under whose license he conducted the billing. Once again, he’s been caught.

So, as I reflected on this happening, I asked myself, what leads someone to make these decisions, not once but twice! It brings up my own history and path as a chiropractic doctor, having children, then a divorce, ten years of legal battles over custody, and a myriad of financial challenges that saw my once-increasing retirement account dwindle to nothing. I recall one year, right around the time of my colleague’s conviction, that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pay my rent. I picked up a side gig rustling up and charging those electric scooters that have become ubiquitous in every big city. I did all this to keep my head above water, keep my practice operating, and maintain the ability to see my children in the face of constant threats to our being together. But I never considered doing something illegal to enrich myself and relieve my pressure. Why?

Why does one person give in to pressure and do what they shouldn’t, while another will let it all crumble without giving one thought to easy street? Well, I’d be lying if I said I understand every person’s motivation in every scenario. I can only tell you my perception, my rationale, and my beliefs.

I have said it before: Far too many people underestimate the power of being able to sleep peacefully at night. In my perception, I would rather be broke and willing to get up early and collect scooters with complete humility than place my life and future in jeopardy. I have a deeply embedded conviction that everything will work out for the best if I stay focused and driven. I recall running into one of my clients as I was scooter collecting one afternoon. Embarrassed, I simply said hello and kept moving. Awkward! Oh well, I’d get over it. Another time, I had ten scooters piled high into the trunk of my BMW sedan; I couldn’t keep the trunk down. Following a right turn I took at no more than one mile an hour (for fear of losing the entire load), the contents spilled out onto a busy commercial street, literally three blocks down the road from my office. It was 8 am, during the rush hour commute. I had to exit my car and collect the fallen scooters. I can only imagine how many people who knew me saw me that day. Yep, humiliating. But I stoically carried out what I needed to do.

There are lots of ways people can rationalize stealing. We hear it all the time: “They’ve got insurance. That’s what it’s for.” That was the mantra of the rioters who looted and burned down businesses in my neighborhood in 2020. “They’ve got lots of money. Why shouldn’t I get mine?” Well, simple, because it’s stealing, and if you get caught, you will be prosecuted. I don’t believe in those types of rationalizations. I believe that if you cannot accomplish the task with the cards you have been dealt, then you must accept the consequences. Them’s the breaks.

In my opinion, your struggles are a part of your path. Being downtrodden can be a great motivator. It really pushes you to get creative. Although it was difficult, I reminded myself of this truth every day when I was struggling. I saw it as an excellent opportunity to focus on the things I love and pursue them wholeheartedly, and I stopped caring about rejection. That’s another massive benefit to being on rock bottom. It no longer matters what others think of you. I cared more about my children and having a place for them to stay, and for them to feel safe in my presence, than I did about people’s momentary impression of me. And my kids did feel safe and taken care of.

So how can you use this information to guide your own decisions? Well, to begin with, it comes down to beliefs. If you, like me, believe that things will work out if you keep pushing where and when you need to, then you will do whatever it takes to make those things happen. You will also need hope – that uniquely human characteristic of believing that something better is right around the corner. That will keep you going even when everything else seems to be crumbling around you. But if you think that success and safety are finite, that some people are lucky and others are not, and that you are one of the unlucky ones; if you believe you cannot make things happen on your own, and if you MUST live in a particular way, either to put on airs or for your personal comfort, then you will have a harder time resisting the temptations that come to everyone’s doorstep at one time or another.

If you are easily humiliated and cannot fathom being looked down upon, then you will also likely cheat and steal. But if you can handle your own self-immolation, your own poor self-esteem, and your own unkind words to yourself, then, eventually, you will rise above it all. You must pursue what you love in life as if there is no other option.

Cheating and stealing are like drugs. When a person first starts, they often feel nervous, maybe scared, and may approach them cautiously. If they get away unscathed, they’ll likely get a high, a dopamine rush, as they obtain their prey. Psychologically and neurologically, they have survived another day. However, their getting away with it leads to cheating and stealing being available strategies, and they will continue on their path more brazenly than before. Eventually, it becomes their “go-to”, what they choose more often than not, as I believe happened with my college mate. And what starts as a little “get-by” ends up becoming bigger and bigger. $500,000 bigger, and the inability to sleep at night, looking over their shoulders, as we say.

It is my humble opinion that if you have a purpose, one you pursue with fervor and dignity, nothing can stop you from achieving it. It may not happen overnight; hell, it may take twenty years to accomplish, but so what? You will eventually build what you are working toward. You might even hit rock bottom. It is so very valuable to keep these moments in perspective. Humbling? Yes. Humiliating? Probably. But you will transcend it. And it is character building. I tend to trust the person who has struggled and succeeded more than I do the one who has achieved overnight success. Almost everyone can relate to cheering for the underdog.

So, no matter what your lot is in life, make the right choices; make the good decisions. What are they? Well, if they break the law, they ain’t it. If they hurt people unnecessarily, they ain’t it. If they help and enrich only YOU, they also ain’t it. And if you cannot do it with love, and sleep quietly and peacefully at night, then it definitely ain’t it. It’s really that simple.

I trust you will make good choices.

Neti-Neti (Not This, Not This) – As a Means of Knowing the Self

By Dr. Nick Campos On July 21, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

The goal of every meditation aspirant is to come to know the Self. Most people who are drawn to meditation believe there is something worthwhile in knowing the Self. Whether an infinite awareness, profound and eternal peace, or a life filled with blessings, meditation, for the seeker, has value, warranting hours (weeks, months, years) of practice. And in this quest for self-discovery, the seeker often overlooks what lies right beneath his consciousness. The paradox inherent in finding the Self is that you can never fully comprehend what you are with the human mind. You can only come to know yourself by acknowledging and understanding what you are not. This, the yogis call neti-neti.

Neti-neti means “not this, not this” in Sanskrit, the ancient language of the yogis. It is the process of negating what one is not, like the body or the mind, the thought or emotions, or anything else that is not permanent and eternal. This practice enables aspirants to gain a deeper understanding of the true nature of their consciousness. This practice is most aligned with Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge in Advaita Vedanta.

When first attempting internal quietude, the mind will invariably bring attention to physical sensations, internal feelings (emotions), and thoughts. It is the goal of the aspirant to recognize that these elements of material existence are not the Self but products of the Self in a progression from Self to consciousness to mind to brain to sensation to the physical world. In so doing, they will bring themselves closer to attuning to their true nature, which Advaita Vedanta terms as parabrahman or the Absolute.

The parabrahman refers to the ultimate, supreme, and transcendent reality, beyond all descriptions and conceptualizations. It is considered the source and ground of all existence, both immanent and transcendent, and is often described as formless and without attributes. It is for this reason that the yogis explain that one can never completely, in totality, know one’s absolute Self, not with the human mind or its conceptualizations. One can come to know the Self experientially, as the Self will provide its own expression for self-realization to the earnest seeker, when the seeker’s mind has ripened in preparation to receive it. Thus, the seeker needs only to seek and return oneself to the interface of Self and its product, which is the expression of self. Let me explain.

A tenet of Advaita Vedanta is that only the Absolute is real and eternal. Nothing transient can ever be real. Therefore, to assess the reality of a thing, one must only ask if it is eternal; if not, then it is not a part of the ultimate reality. As such, the physical realm with its material nature, which includes the human body, is both transient and unreal. Nothing in the physical world lasts forever. There is even a law known as the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which says: All things must deteriorate. If the physical world is not real, then your body cannot be real either. For this reason, the yogis say that the physical world is an illusion, one created by your mind.

Now, this philosophy is not unique to Advaita Vedanta. Idealism as a Western philosophical tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks and was championed by such luminaries as Plato, Berkeley, Kant, and Hegel. Idealism emphasizes that reality is in some way dependent on the mind, whether individual or universal. Idealists often believe that ideas, concepts, or mental representations are more fundamental than material things. So, idealists and yogis foundationally agree that the physical world is not the ultimate reality.

However, Advaita Vedanta and Idealism may diverge in their notions of mind being the ultimate reality. Advaita Vedanta teaches that the body, representing the physical world, is a product of the mind. The mind, however, is not the ultimate reality either. It, too, is transient and impermanent. When a person develops amnesia, do they cease to be the same person? Hasn’t dementia shown many of us that even our closest loved ones can change cognitively as they age? That is because the mind is impermanent; it is not a part of the ultimate reality.

Some people believe that how we feel is what we really are. Feelings of love, community, kindness, respect, and honor are the essence of our true selves. But, alas, like the mental realm, emotions are transient and impermanent. How many of us have felt vehemently about one thing or another, only to see things differently later, and change how we feel? Nothing is easier to change than our perspective. So, transient emotions or feelings cannot be who we are. The mind and its emotions are a product of what we call consciousness.

Consciousness has many definitions. From the perspective of Advaita Vedanta, consciousness is the sense of “I am”. It is the primordial sense – the thought and feeling that we exist. It is what Descartes meant when he said, “I think, therefore I am.” The feeling that underlies all feelings is of existence. When we awaken in the morning, our very first thought is about the “I am”. It may be in reference to location or time, such as in “where am I?” or “in what time am I?” But the primary thought of each individual is about the “I am”. Consciousness is responsible for the mind – its thoughts, beliefs, memories, perceptions, and interpretations – and thus, the mind’s creation, the physical world. Consciousness is the witness, the entity that experiences the world. This might lead one to surmise that the true nature of the Self is the consciousness, and that would be closer to actuality. However, Advaita Vedanta states that individual consciousness is not the true Self either, as it, too, comes and goes with the physical mind and body. But for the purpose of mediation and seeking the Self, the consciousness, the “I am”, is as close as you need to get.

This is because the true Self, the transcendent, eternal, indescribable, unnamed, unformed, and unborn essence of the ultimate reality lies just beneath the consciousness. And as the physical world is a product of the mind, and the mind a product of consciousness, the consciousness itself is a product of the Absolute, or what the yogis call parabrahman. Only parabrahman can be the Self.

The parabrahman can never be known by the consciousness, because perception comes from consciousness itself. A thing cannot be both subject and object at the same time. Another way to envision this is to consider your eyes. Without a mirror or other reflection, can your eyes see themselves? How can consciousness be both the perceiver and the perceived? Consciousness witnesses the mind, the body, and the internal and external worlds. It can even observe itself. But who is witnessing the witness? It’s the parabrahman.

The yogis teach that it is neither necessary nor possible to try to know parabrahman. All one must do is focus on the consciousness itself, the “I am”. In meditation, the goal is to come as close as possible to attuning to the Self. To do so, one must negate the perceptions of what they are not. That means negating the physical body and its sensations as yourself: the physical world is transient; cell turnover occurs within days, such that in a decade, you are essentially a completely different physical body. It also requires negating the mind as oneself: your thoughts are produced like gas in your colon; that is the function of the brain as an organ. They are not you. That includes negating your memories, your feelings, your beliefs, and your cultural nuances as yourself. These are all products of your consciousness.

Return to the “I am” repeatedly. Do it in meditation and do it when not. Bring your mind back to the primordial awareness – that which precedes all thought, feeling, sensation, and interpretation. By doing so, you ripen the mind for Self-realization. All you need to do is attune to the consciousness, the essence of your existence. The parabrahman will do the rest. Like a fish, you swim and continue to swim, regularly, daily, and eventually, parabrahman, just like a fisherman’s rod and hook will snag you and reel you in.

Neti-neti is a technique to bring you closer to knowing your true Self. You do it by negating what you are not. You need not struggle to understand yourself; just focus on the primordial awareness, the consciousness, the sense of “I am”. Do it regularly and insatiably, as if parched and desperate for a drink. All you need to do is focus on the “I am” and not get carried away by the distractions of what you are not. You needn’t stop your incoming thoughts; simply detach from them, and parabrahman will do the rest. Parabrahman wants you to know your Self. It has provided you with a reflection to see all elements of yourself, for the sole purpose of bringing you to the Source. Once there, consistently and quietly, it will reel you in. When a fish returns to fertile water, it is prime for the catching.

Why Choosing Health is Most Powerful

By Dr. Nick Campos On June 23, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Having so much to attend to in our daily lives, why should health consume such a significant portion of our time and energy? The truth is that for many people, it just doesn’t. Many of us, especially those who are relatively young and healthy, often take our health for granted. In this post, I will discuss why striving for optimal health is such a worthwhile endeavor. I will show you how to maximize your results by integrating each of the six keys to optimal health one by one, and how, by doing so, every aspect of your life will also improve.

So why should we focus on health, anyway? What difference will it make in the long run? The truth is that without our health, we have very little. Think about it for a moment: how can we enjoy any of our material possessions, our professional accomplishments, or our creative endeavors without one of our greatest assets, our health and well-being? Ask anyone who suffers from illness or injury what he desires most, and with very few exceptions, he will respond that he wishes a return to good health. Baseball legend Mickey Mantle expressed this sentiment exactly while lying on his deathbed. Racked by cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C following years of chronic alcohol abuse, he was asked whether he wished he had done things differently in his life. Expressing regret for some of his lifestyle choices, he said he would indeed do things differently if he could do it all over again. Why? Because a life of neglected health is essentially a life of unrealized potential.

The reasons to strive for health seem fairly obvious, as it provides us with many of the personal advantages that we have discussed throughout this blog; yet there are many other, albeit less apparent, reasons for doing so. To begin with, our health affects not only ourselves, but everyone and everything around us. We are not isolated beings. All things in the universe are energy. When we operate at our highest potential, our vibrational patterns change, and this affects the way we interact with all the other energetic forms around us.

This fact is most evident in our daily experiences as well as in our personal relationships. When we are not feeling well, it is much harder to handle stressful situations, express tolerance, or even show love toward other people. And when one is ill for an extended period, it often takes all of one’s energy just to make it through the day. Physiologically speaking, this is because our bodies have to work overtime to maintain balance. Balance in the body is known as homeostasis, and as a living organism, the body does everything it can to maintain this balance. The property of homeostasis is the greatest mechanism a complex living system has to ensure its survival. When we are ill and all our faculties are working overtime to regain balance, we have significantly less energy to carry out our daily functions, let alone be conscious of our actions or express tolerance toward others. We have all experienced illness at one time or another, and we can therefore appreciate how hard it is to maintain awareness of our responsibilities or to have peaceful, courteous interactions with the world around us when we are not feeling well.

Most people feel that there are conditions in the world that need changing. Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we all have a sense that everything in the universe must evolve. People, however, often desire change in the world without realizing that changes must occur within themselves first, the only area over which they truly have power. Only by focusing on those areas over which we have power can we ever hope to create change in a world where so many things fall outside of our immediate control. Within our personal life, then, are numerous areas where we can exert our control—in our financial practices, in our social life, in our spirituality, in our acquisition of knowledge (learning), in our professional and creative pursuits, and in our family life. However, none is more fundamental or comprehensive than our physical health. True, each one of these areas has profound and direct effects on all the others, but none more so than our health and well-being. Failing to care for one’s physical body will lead to its inevitable breakdown and ultimately hinder all other endeavors. Worse yet, when debilitation results, it usually requires a majority of one’s time and energy just to function in any capacity whatsoever. In my opinion, it is too high a price to pay for neglect, especially when this consequence can be entirely avoided by practicing the six keys to optimal health.

When we focus on our physical health, the changes we create as a result have the potential to improve our lives so significantly that they will inevitably extend well beyond our immediate circle. President John F. Kennedy understood and reflected this sentiment when he said, “Physical fitness is the basis for all other forms of excellence.” We cannot hope to be productive, conscientious, or even ecologically aware if we cannot take care of ourselves first. This is a fundamental principle, yet so many people have lost touch with it. Don’t get me wrong, it is important and, indeed, highly admirable to work toward creating change in the world, whether it be of a political, ecological, or humanitarian nature. However, how can we affect change in the outside world if we can’t even change ourselves?

We can control our immediate environment—our bodies, our homes, our families, and our communities—and there is no more powerful way to do so than through healthy living. In fact, we cannot hope to have a positive impact on our surroundings if we do not first prioritize our own health. If, through our pursuits, we act as a living example for our loved ones, then they too will benefit directly and be encouraged to emulate us. The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, in his famous letter to his colleagues during the Vietnam War, eloquently expressed the concept of living to positively impact our immediate surroundings.

We talk about social service, service to the people, service to humanity, service for others who are far away, helping to bring peace to the world—but often we forget that it is the very people around us that we must live for first of all. If you cannot serve your wife or your husband or child or parent—how are you going to serve society?

Because our experiences reflect our perceptions, when we improve our internal environment, we cannot help but have an improved outlook on the world. We have discussed that a healthy mind is essential to a healthy body, but it works the other way as well—healthy body, healthy mind! When the frequency of our vibration changes as a result of our attention to wellness, then through the principle of resonance, our experiences will change too. This is such a powerful phenomenon that we must remember to embrace it. When we view the world through the lens of optimal health, we develop a deeper appreciation for everything around us. All things exist interdependently: the planet provides us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water that nourishes every cell of our body. Equally important is that every human being plays a vital role in maintaining life on this planet. Farmers, lawyers, doctors, and civil servants all have a vital function in society as well as in the continuation of life itself. This includes you! Your contribution to the world is absolutely essential. Regardless of what you do for a living, you provide an important service to humanity. For this reason, it is crucial that we all care for ourselves to the best of our abilities. When we do, our contributions to the world will be that much greater than if we simply allow ourselves to deteriorate physically.

The most significant legacy we can leave to the world is to adopt values that enhance optimal health and well-being and pass them on to future generations. What we teach our children today will have such wide-reaching consequences tomorrow that we must not minimize the importance of these vital concepts. Our generation can leave its greatest mark on the future by instilling in our children the desire to achieve optimal health, as well as providing them with the necessary tools to do so. Do not take this responsibility lightly. It is up to us, today’s free-thinking society, to pass on the principles of health to future generations. In this way, we can truly make our mark on posterity.

For more tips on healthy living, pick up a copy of The Six Keys to Optimal Health by Dr. Nick Campos here.

Yoga is Not What You Think it is, But the Asanas Are

By Dr. Nick Campos On May 17, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

I have been presenting portions of Patanjali’s Ashtanga (eight-limbed) Yoga to introduce you to concepts important to meditation from a Yogic perspective. I have discussed a couple of the yamas, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya, which are a part of the yogic code of conduct. In this article, I want to share with you Patanjali’s third limb: Asana. Before we discuss this well-known element of yoga, I want to point out that the eight-limbed yoga is a step-by-step instructional on achieving a merger with the Absolute (the Yogic term for the one true reality); the yoking of yoga. In this regard, the asanas prepare the practitioner for meditation and, ultimately, for yoking. Thus, I will also discuss how the asanas relate to meditation posture; in other words, the best positions for you to practice meditation.

Asana

Silence and union are the hallmarks of a complete yoga practice, but asana, or poses (typically referred to as yoga here in the West), is an essential limb. A weakened, tight, restricted, and painful body is not conducive to yoking, so if one cannot sit comfortably in silence (meditation), samadhi is unlikely.

Asana means a manner of sitting or literally sitting posture. Long-term sitting is required to cultivate the endurance and energy needed to reach the higher realms of meditation. Although the lotus posture is the most conjured image when one thinks of meditation, it is not imperative. Any comfortable sitting position is adequate if one can sit up straight (which is required in the beginning). Patanjali defines asana as being “seated in a position that is firm but relaxed.”

Asana, as poses, is the means of acquiring the ability to sit comfortably and meditate, making asana practice essential to yoga. Along with strength and flexibility, a steady practice of postures brings balance (both physical and mental) and focus to the mind—two necessary precursors to silence.

As you will see, regular silencing has a massive effect on the body (backed by extraordinary research), mind (more studies), and character (yup, studies even here). So, like dominoes falling uphill—postures, sitting, silence, physical changes, mental changes, character changes, more postures, more sitting, and more silence—in a perpetual rising cycle, the interrelation between movement and silence is the fuel to power this ascending spiral.

Posture

Sitting is essential to meditation. The term asana—the third limb of Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga—means sitting posture, so the poses we perform in yoga class are specifically designed to condition us to sit comfortably in meditation. But why sit? Isn’t it more comfortable to lie down? No, lying down is the quickest path to falling asleep, especially for beginners. It is far better to be upright and alert, with the spine straight, pointed in a direct line upward toward the divine.

Some say it is vital to always keep in contact with the earth. While I am not a stickler on this practice, I do believe it has some advantages. The first is a sense of grounding. One intention we may take on during meditation is to open each of the seven chakras. The first or root chakra, positioned at the base of the seat, is for grounding us to the material plane, the physical dimension. Nothing represents the physical dimension more than the Earth, so being rooted to it like a tree, burrowing its limbs deep into the ground, gives us the greatest stability.

For this reason, many suggest having one’s feet (or seat) planted firmly on the ground at all times (which is known as “earthing”). Some even go as far as recommending that one buy a special mat equipped with electrodes that provide an electric current to simulate what we ostensibly receive from the Earth. Again, I am not a stickler for this practice, but I certainly cannot see any harm in connecting to the ground during meditation. To do this, one can sit directly on the floor on a mat, as a mat will not be enough of a barrier to prevent electrical conduction. Alternatively, one can sit upright in a chair with feet planted firmly on the floor. Kneeling on the floor should also be fine. The only question may arise with a kneeling chair, where the feet rarely touch the ground (one can sit regularly on these chairs with feet planted on the ground). I do not believe kneeling in one of these chairs, or more importantly, not having one’s feet on the floor, is any real hampering to effective meditation. Staunch proponents of earthing, I would imagine, might have something to say about this. Still, I have encountered nothing in my extensive studies of yogic writing to feel the need to be religious about this particular practice. My rule of thumb is if you can connect to the ground or earth, then do so, but if you cannot (like when in an airplane or on a ship), then really…just meditate.

If you sit cross-legged on the floor, make sure you can sit straight up. This will require you to either have flexible hip flexors or use a prop, like the wall, to keep your back supported. When I used to meditate sitting on the floor, I would use blocks under the outsides of my knees, and I would fold up a blanket to raise my buttocks a few inches off the ground. I would then sit upright against the wall to maintain the arch in my back throughout the meditation, and my spine was then aligned in a straight line upward. Think about the energy flow from the earth as it enters you through the root chakra and moves up your spine, passing every chakra along the way up to the sixth—the third eye—where it exits out to the external world. I could meditate this way for hours.

If you elect to sit in a chair instead, it would be ideal to sit on the edge so that you can easily plant your feet on the floor and maintain a 90 ° angle at your knees and hips. Further, this on-edge position will allow you to maintain the arch in your lower back by rocking your pelvis forward. In either floor-seated or chair-seated postures, your hands can be placed either on your thighs, palms up, or folded comfortably in your lap (alternating between the two during meditation is fine).

Now, some people have physical obstacles that might prevent them from sitting comfortably in either position. In these cases, sitting flat against the chair back (or wall if on the floor) is okay, alternating between sitting up straight and slouching. Full-time slouching is not recommended, as it will lead to low back pain, just as full-time upright sitting will. Yoga blocks can be used underneath your feet to lift them several inches, taking pressure off tight hip flexors. A pillow can be used in any number of ways underneath the buttocks for those who have pain when sitting for extended periods. Yoga blocks can also be placed under the knees for the same reasons when sitting on the floor.

Plenty of times, I have had to search for alternative sitting positions. For instance, as I built my sitting endurance, I often needed to switch between sitting cross-legged and with my legs outstretched. I have meditated, as I have said, on airplanes, in dentist’s chairs, on a medical table getting stitches, in cars, at meetings, and on wooden benches in a courthouse. The most essential factor in each of these scenarios was simply the meditation itself. So, as you get better at quieting your mind and going within, you will find new and creative ways to sit in silence. If you can plant your feet or your seat on the Earth, then great…but, really, just go within.

The Royal Virtue of Moderate Self-Indulgence

By Dr. Nick Campos On May 6, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Brahmacharya is non-sensuality, a yama (code of conduct) that warns against attaching to sensual pleasure, be it drugs, food, or even extreme risk-taking (e.g., speeding on the freeway). However, brahmacharya is most often discussed in the context of sexual pleasure. As a requirement for reproduction and fueled by the cyclical or spontaneous release of hormones, sexual release is a universal animal trait, predating the species by a billion years. As both a primary instinct and a source of pleasure, sex is a function on which we can easily lose our grip.

It is not that sexuality is wrong on any level, nor are food, drugs, or any other sensual pleasures, for that matter, but over-indulgence in any sensuality can lead to attachment and, ultimately, addiction, and thus a loss of our connection to the Source. In other words, when we become attached to or addicted to anything, be it a person, item, or experience, we merely emphasize our separateness. Everything we need is already within us. It is not material items or outer-directed experiences that fuel us, but instead, how they make us feel. It is why some people jump from experience to experience (or from person to person) to feel something inside themselves that they actually think is coming from the outside: power, intimacy, freedom, connection—all these things are what we feel when we do drugs, jump out of planes, or have casual sex.

But those feelings come from within—they are not outer-originating. Thus, ascribing them to outer items or experiences is one illusion that comes with a heavy cost: dissatisfaction, unfulfillment, and emotional pain. We suffer because the feelings we associate with the activity, person, or item are often short-lived and inevitably dwindle in time, increasing our sense of separation from the Source (and thus all other things in existence).

Further, all sense-indulging activities release our inner energies in a downward, or gravitating, direction. In other words, our energy condenses, gets heavy, and descends through physical and energetic channels. This is not always a bad thing, as physical manifestation or creation requires this downward movement of energy to form mass; however, when carried out in a non-creating manner or multiple times through overindulgence, it saps the energy from a person.

Brahmacharya is the practice of harnessing our inner energies so that they may be consciously directed upward toward the brain. Moving our internal energy in this way toward the brain results in shifting our consciousness toward a higher awareness, a higher reality, if you will. We can also use this harnessed energy—emanating it outward—for the unique service we provide to the world.

Dispensing one’s energy in this manner creates several valuable effects. To begin with, others benefit from the outward-directed energy. It might be in a healing capacity or an awakening, or your energy might be nurturing to others—that will depend on your natural disposition. But any number of effects can occur from this outwardly directed energy, which could potentially strengthen another’s courage, persistence, or resolve—and people will feel it—they will feel inspired in your presence. It is what makes magnetic people so attractive—an inner-directed energy flowing outward, causing those within their sphere to vibrate at certain frequencies. Brahmacharya is one clear path toward developing this type of magnetism.

Again, this is not to suggest that any sense-indulgence is bad, particularly since anything can be done in the right consciousness, but it is the attachment or addiction to that sense-indulgence that leads to convoluted consciousness and dissipated energy. So, it is not just promiscuity or casual sex that can be problematic, but also overindulgence in masturbation or pornography. All these aspects of hypersexuality lead to a chronic loss of energy and an increased sense of separateness. The more we separate from everything else in our minds, the more we become distinct, the more we operate in ego, and this is the primary cause of suffering. Separateness leads to duality, and by necessity, we must experience both sides equally: pleasure and pain, pride and humility, desire and disgust—all opposites that make up the material dimension of mind and body. Only in oneness do these distinctions dissolve, and lack of brahmacharya is one definite obstacle in realizing oneness.

Brahmacharya, along with ahimsa (non-harming), is said to make up the Royal Virtues. While ahimsa is to respect and honor others, understanding that they are no different than us—we are all manifestations of the Absolute—brahmacharya is the respect and honoring of ourselves. Truth exists in the premise that we exchange energy with whomever we have sexual contact; it is one of the most potent methods of energy exchange between people. To convolute our own internal energy, randomly or devoid of emotional intimacy, is one of the most self-devaluing things we can do, particularly when we pair it with sensory self-indulgence (drugs/alcohol). There is simply no difference between what a chronic overeater or drug addict feels and what one feels as a result of multiple empty sexual experiences. No doubt, as with any drug, the first 5, 10, 100 times feel good—sex triggers a dopamine release, after all—but do it that one time too many, and you will feel the pain that often accompanies over-indulgence in this behavior.

Any experience can be brought forth in the consciousness of ahimsa and brahmacharya, even lovemaking. Lovemaking takes on a sacred, divine air when carried out from a place of intimacy, confidence, and presence. It becomes a sharing of energy, love, and appreciation. This type of interaction can induce healing, self-worth, and genuine closeness. In essence, it represents the oneness our souls so desperately crave. Sexual intimacy in the spirit of brahmacharya is as uplifting as the lack of brahmacharya is degrading.

So, practicing brahmacharya means being respectful to and honoring yourself. It is not a morality trip—please feel free to test it yourself if you disagree—it is an understanding of the universal flow and exchange of energy. It has been said that those who practice the Royal Virtues become so internally strong that their thoughts begin to materialize immediately. Think about the depth of this: when your full consciousness is directed at non-harming of yourself and others, the purity of your thoughts has the power of instantaneous manifestation. If that doesn’t inspire you, maybe nothing will. But only when you master brahmacharya can you unleash this power. It’s worth a try.

Feeling Like This Is A Luxury

By Dr. Nick Campos On March 7, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

I have been sick over the last two days, which is the worst I have felt in probably three to four years. I have been on fire for two and a half years – lots going on in my life, from professional to family to physical. It has not all been pleasant; nothing ever is, but I have been kicking ass and growing beyond my expectations. But I felt a sore throat over the weekend, culminating in all the nastiness of coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and body aches, and I knew I was in store for some downtime.

Usually, I use these moments to really pamper myself in the most fundamental ways: I drink lots of water. I sleep for hours. I eat when I’m hungry. And I let myself feel horrible – sneeze, hack, cough, sweat – everything that people generally hate from being ill. But I both let my body do its thing and give it what it needs: the basics like food, water, warmth, and sleep. Tonight, I took a hot shower and just let the water engulf me; I could feel all my aches and pains loosen. My neck hurt from sleeping in the guest room (I’ve got to change those pillows). My lower back had been hurting for over a month. And then the illness…

As I sat under the water, I thought, what a luxury it is not to freak out about being sick. I didn’t have to think about which medicines I would have to take (Ivermectin or HCQ) or which doctor I’d have to see. I didn’t let my mind go into fantasy nightmares over which uncontrollable force I needed to blame for my illness – not long COVID, not vaccine injury, and not the new HHS director. But truth be told, as I have already said, it is a luxury to be unburdened by these mind-weights.

What I mean is that you must be relatively healthy to enjoy the freedom from psychological suffering when sick. The average Western person does not have that freedom. Because of poor food choices, lack of activity, and overindulgence in sugar, alcohol, and drugs, the average physiology is under stress.

Think about this: People suffer when sick because their already challenged physiology goes haywire when further stressed by infection. So, if your heart has to pump harder because of your weight, then you might feel severe palpitations and chest discomfort when trying to fight off infection. If you have high blood sugar or are diabetic, then you will have a harder time recovering from illness. Same if you drink, smoke, or do drugs (pretty much any of them, illicit or prescription – you will have a weakened immune system and will thus stay sick longer. So, yeah, most people living a poor-health lifestyle probably should be worried.

But, of course, that does not have to be you. Most healthy lifestyles are simply forms of restriction and breaking poor habits. The longer you avoid sugar, the easier it gets to avoid. It’s hard, no doubt – but I’ve done it. And if I can do it, anybody can. But you need to make that choice and then take action. Getting off booze, tobacco, cocaine, or even the pills your doctor gives you can make all the difference in the world for your health. Is mental health important? Enormously! But nobody has ever gotten better from antidepressants. Help functioning? Yes. Fixed or cured? No. Hell no. Please prove me wrong; I want to be proven wrong. Send me all the success stories of people who took antidepressants for a short time and then were fixed. I’ll wait.

If you eat whole, natural foods, exercise rhythmically, sleep heartily, keep your body mobile (through chiropractic care), keep your mental health sharp, and minimize to near-zero your intake of drugs, prescription or otherwise, you will have this luxury too. When you have optimal health, getting sick is usually short-term and cleansing. That’s right, cleansing. The infection forces your body to expel through sweat, mucous, and coughing all the stuff that enters your body: dust, microorganisms, bugs, and everything else.

Only relatively healthy people can relax in this understanding. The average person often gets sick and fears for his or her life. We saw it on steroids during COVID. I still see people wearing masks everywhere. I cannot imagine living that life of fear, but I also live the healthiest lifestyle I know how. That’s why women will joke that their men are like babies when sick…it’s true, but if your man is in typically poor health, then have some sympathy; he may, in fact, feel like he is going to die.

Not me, though. I’ve been sleeping and hot showering, and I took a day off from work to chill and sleep. Shoot, I feel rejuvenated—physically, psychologically, and spiritually. It really is a luxury to experience illness this way.

The Art of Letting Go

By Dr. Nick Campos On March 3, 2025 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

The yogic code of conduct, known as the Yamas (restraint or control), is a powerful guide to behavior that is unlike what we typically expect from spiritualist thinking. These principles are not commandments in any way but ideas on how to avoid pitfalls that can lead to great suffering. In yogic teaching, we call them ‘the don’ts’ or those you would be wise to avoid for your greater mental health and well-being.

Aparigraha is Sanskrit for non-possessiveness or non-hoarding. It is developing a detachment from material items, people, and experiences. This ethic is based on the law of non-permanence: what has a beginning must always have an end. In other words, the world is constantly changing—everything comes into existence to pass, never to stay. So, while it is wise not to desire what is not ours, aparigraha, the principle of non-possessiveness, tells us that it is foolish to overly desire (or become attached to) even what is. When we become too attached to our possessions, children, spouses, or even experiences, it is a precursor to some of the deepest pain possible.

Money comes and goes; people come and go. Children grow up and design their own lives, and spouses, parents, or friends can all leave your side during their lifetime or through death. Change is inevitable, and nothing will remain, so becoming attached to our perceived possessions is unwise. The despondency accompanying the perceived loss of something we believe we own can be overwhelming.

Aparigraha is also letting go of the notion of possession. Like non-coveting, non-possessiveness is possible only when we become aware of the true nature of things. When we see physical forms as simply that: forms of energy materializing within our consciousness, we begin to perceive the greater flow of energy that permeates our sense of space and time. Nothing is ever missing; forms take on new forms. Thus, whatever any given material item represents to us is always present. Security, attention, appreciation—all are conserved universally throughout space and time. Understanding this makes it easier to withstand the repetitive loss we perceive over the transformation of items or situations.

We are all aware of this principle on some level. Almost everybody can withstand the loss of a cell phone, through gritted teeth perhaps, but nobody has to be sedated over this type of perceived loss. However, when we lose relationships, loved ones, or even ourselves (through amputated body parts), it can lead to extreme stress and despair. But by mastering non-possessiveness, one is led to the most essential and powerful detachment of all—to the body-mind as Self.

Clinging to things is in direct ignorance of the law of transformation. It limits the mind to one body and our experiences to one or a few forms. Although it is physically impossible to limit our experiences in this way, we can develop a hoarding perspective, which can lead to enormous suffering via frustration, heartache, and even mental illness. By recognizing that not even our bodies can be seen as belonging to us, we open the potential to occupy an even greater space than just our physical forms. We are energy in physical manifestation, so we can permeate space and time irrespective of borders. We can touch others no matter what the distance between us. Time and space dissolve in the consciousness of non-possessiveness. Understanding that we are not our bodies—but the spark of light that ignites them—is the only path to oneness.

How We Create the World through Observation, Simply Put

By Dr. Nick Campos On November 13, 2024 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Does a thing exist if there is no one there to observe it? This is a question I posed to readers in a post from 2022. And I went on to ask, “Do you understand that there is a possibility that you are creating the universe simply by observing it?” One X reader, Andy B, expressed, honestly, that he did not. I admit this is an esoteric concept and needs explanation. So, to Andy’s request, I will try to explain it as if he were a 6-year-old.

Quantum mechanics is a physical theory that has been the best-tested since the 20th century. It is also one of the most well-proven, as experimental results consistently verify its predictions with high accuracy. Quantum theory says that subatomic particles, those basic building blocks of atoms, the electron being one, do not exist as solid, tangible particles. Instead, they exist as somewhat of a haze, a cloud if you will, with no definitive point in space. How can this be?

At one time, physicists believed that electrons orbit around the atomic nucleus much like a planet around the sun. But they discovered, mathematically (the language of physics), that it was incorrect. Subatomic particles like electrons are not solid structures at all but waves. They can be described by mathematical equations only, which provide the probability (likelihood) that they might be found at any given point around the atomic nucleus. In this state, the electron is said to exist in a cloud, termed a superposition state. A pretty good definition that, albeit a six-year-old might not understand, is:

“A superposition state is a quantum state where a particle can exist in multiple states at the same time. For example, a particle could be in two different places at once.”

This is a difficult concept, even for physicists, especially those whose predominant view of the universe is one of “locality.”

Locality is the idea that all things in the universe have a definitive position in space. So, Los Angeles is west of Arizona yet east of Hawaii. The moon is always and forever next to the Earth; it will never be found next to Venus (which, incidentally, has no moons). Albert Einstein, the revered and legendary physicist of the 20^th century, was a staunch advocate for locality, as his own theories on Relativity were predicated on it. The idea that subatomic particles existed in superposition was in direct opposition to the idea of locality.

However, when an observer, that is, anyone who would want to measure the exact location of an electron, uses a tool to see where it is, that cloud contracts into a single point, at which the electron can now be “found.” Can we predetermine the location? No. Each location around the atomic nuclei has a different probability, or chance, of the electron ending up there, like the moving ball in the casino game roulette. Nonetheless, and here is the important part: that definitive location, that point where one finds the electron, happens ONLY when an observation is made (when one looks).

This phenomenon is known as “collapsing the wave function.” Collapsing refers to the moment the cloud condenses to a single point, and the wave function is the mathematical probability equation describing the location of the electron prior to the observation. Collapsing the wave function is essentially contracting the cloud to a definitive, solid point, removing the uncertainty of where it might be and now seeing where it is (at that moment only). Here is a pretty good definition:

“Collapsing the wave function” in quantum mechanics refers to the process where a quantum system, initially in a superposition of multiple possible states, suddenly transitions to a single definite state upon measurement or interaction with the environment, essentially “choosing” one of the possible outcomes and losing its quantum uncertainty.”

This is not an easy concept to grasp. Physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman once said, “I think I can safely say that nobody really understands quantum mechanics.” So, explaining it to a six-year-old is not as simple as one may think. But let’s try the other idea I put forth.

If physical phenomena at their most basic level do not have a definitive position in space, that is, not until we look, then there is a possibility that what we call the external world, the universe, may need an observer to exist as well. More than one theory on reality considers this possibility. So, let’s take a simple approach to understanding what one path to this reality might be like.

Let’s say you would love to understand what it might feel like to be a millionaire. To do so, you must observe all phenomena revolving around that experience. You might read about investing money. You might follow the stock market, learn about crypto, and familiarize yourself with various investment products like IRAs, annuities, and hedge funds. You might then open an investment account and start saving and accumulating money, purchasing stock, and moving money around to better work for you. By taking these actions, you are observing phenomena. Can you predict at any time where your millions will be? No. But when you look at any time, you will see some result, which is collapsing the wave function at that moment. That is a simple example you can extrapolate to any other scenario, such as family, relationships, career, business, art, etc.

Here is another: Billie Joe Armstrong, lead vocalist and guitarist for the punk band Green Day, said that when he was twelve, his favorite band was Van Halen. At some point in his youth, Billie Joe must have asked himself, “What would it be like to be a rock star?” And he then took the time to observe by learning to play guitar, practicing, forming a band, writing songs, and performing in front of people. He was, in a sense, collapsing the wave function. After years of doing this, and regardless of your subjective taste in music, no one can deny that today, Billie Joe Armstrong walks among the rock stars. Here, he tells the story of the time he met his childhood hero, Eddie Van Halen, face to face.

These two examples are what I mean by the possibility of you creating the universe by observing it. Without taking the time to look, that potentiality (remember the superposition cloud) will never manifest. You must look to be the millionaire, look to be the rockstar, or have the children, or write the book, or visit the Silverback gorillas in Rwanda, and so on. Will you hit every mark? No. That’s the probability wave. But you will hit zero without looking at all.

Your pursuits are important. As conscious players within the material universe, we are constantly observing—what would it be like if I did this, what would it look like if I pursued that, and so on. People may think that others are born into their talents and do not need to look, pursue, push, fail, get back up, and pursue again. But that is absurd. Plato did it. Newton did it. Elvis did it. We are all observers, and thus, we must have some hand in creating the universe.

I do not know if a six-year-old can understand this. Maybe it’s more complex than a child of that age needs to grasp. An adult, however, would be wise to understand that what you do—all of it—has an impact on the physical universe. All your decisions matter. You do not have to believe any of this to render it true. But I hope at least now you understand the idea.

Reality vs. Actuality: A Discussion on What Is and What May Also Be

By Dr. Nick Campos On November 4, 2024 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

When it comes to our worldviews, each of us perceives things from either a physicalist or spiritualist perspective. In other words, some people believe that spirit and mind play a role in their day-to-day experiences and even some in the supernatural, while others believe that nothing exists outside of physical phenomena. These philosophies, shaped by our perception, guide not only how we see the world but also how we make decisions and navigate our lives.

Because of these differences in worldview, people might have conflict over what constitutes reality. From most perspectives, we tend to call reality that which we can perceive with our primary senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—the tangibles of the world. And this is what ends up being so difficult for physicalists to reconcile: that there do seem to be phenomena that are not tangible. Don’t they exist, too?

From a purely physical perspective, we can look at x-rays, microwaves, and gravitational waves to see what is outside our bodily senses, but that exists nonetheless. Did these phenomena not exist before our discovery? Well, this is yet another valid theory, but that is for another post altogether. To stay on point, many phenomena exist outside our ability to perceive them with our bodily senses; thus, they reside outside our defined reality.

So, what do we call this realm outside of our reality, which exists but is undetectable by our physical bodies alone? What do we say of these phenomena, which are likely “out there” but that we have yet to discover through either theory or empiricism? We say they exist in actuality.

Actuality is a metaphysical thesis that accounts for extra-sensory existence beyond reality. In some sense, we know it is accurate, as my example above illustrates. Still, there may be controversy in our establishing this potentiality for the existence of other metaphysical phenomena, such as God, Spirit itself, Intelligence, a Force, and so on. Again, one’s predominant worldview – physicalism or spiritualism – will determine whether one sees this extrapolation as probable or poppycock.

We might say, “What you see on the surface of this particular problem may be reality, but in actuality, there is a deeper meaning.” This is a spiritualist worldview.

A physicalist, on the other hand, might say, “There is no deeper meaning – a spade is a spade – work to solve your problem and move on.”

Neither view is right or wrong, but it may lead to different approaches. Whereas one may lead to deeper self-reflection, the other may lead to more direct strategized thinking. One is problem-focused, the other, growth-focused. Again, there is no right or wrong, just different styles and perhaps different outcomes.

I happen to be a spiritualist thinker. I believe there is more than we can perceive with our senses. I have never cared too much about what one calls it, as I appreciate the human propensity to utilize symbols. But I believe the human mind attunes to a limited amount of information at any given time, despite the universe’s complete wholeness of everything (and more!) that our limited intelligence can comprehend. The human mind continues to evolve, so, of course, we will awaken to greater awareness of the universe’s actuality. But even then, because of the universe’s potentially infinite nature, we will always have to speculate on the discrepancy between our perceived reality and actuality.

Take the Leap: Embrace Failure, The Pathway to Success

By Dr. Nick Campos On May 7, 2024 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

In the journey of personal growth and self-discovery, the fear of failure often looms in the distance. This fear can paralyze us from taking risks, pursuing our dreams, and reaching our full potential. However, what if I told you that failure is not the end but a stepping stone on the path to success? What if I told you that embracing failure is the key to unlocking your true potential and achieving your goals? This article will explore the transformative power of failure, showing you how embracing it can lead to tremendous success and fulfillment, and ultimately, a more resilient and confident you.

The Fear of Failure

Before we delve into the solution, let’s first understand the problem: the fear of failure. This fear is deeply ingrained in our psyche, often stemming from childhood experiences, societal expectations, and our own insecurities. We fear failure because we equate it with defeat, embarrassment, and judgment. We worry about what others will think of us if we fall short of expectations and doubt our abilities to bounce back from setbacks.

The Cost of Avoiding Failure

However, many fail to realize that the true cost of avoiding failure is far greater than the temporary discomfort of facing it head-on. When we let the fear of failure dictate our actions, we limit our potential for growth and self-discovery. We miss out on valuable opportunities to learn, evolve, and ultimately succeed. Instead of taking risks and pursuing our dreams, we play it safe, settling for mediocrity and wondering what could have been. The choice is yours: temporary discomfort or a lifetime of regret?

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success

So, what is the solution to overcoming the fear of failure? Embrace failure as a natural and necessary part of the learning process. Instead of fearing failure, know that each setback brings you one step closer to success. Remember, failure is not the end, but a stepping stone on your path to fulfillment.

Reframing Failure: The Power of Perspective
- By reframing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, we can shift our mindset from one of fear and avoidance to one of curiosity and resilience. This shift opens a world of possibilities. When we view failure not as a reflection of our worth or abilities but as a chance to refine and improve, we empower ourselves to take risks and confidently pursue our goals.
Extracting Wisdom from Setbacks: Learning from Failure
- Every failure, no matter how small, contains valuable lessons and insights that can guide us on our journey.
- By reflecting on past failures and identifying patterns and behaviors to avoid in the future, we can extract wisdom from setbacks and use it to inform our actions moving forward.
Using Failure as Fuel for Success: Taking Inspired Action
- Instead of letting failure paralyze us with fear, we can use it as fuel to propel us forward in our pursuit of success.
- By leveraging failure to clarify our goals and priorities, we can take inspired action toward our aspirations, knowing that each setback brings us closer to our desired outcome.

The Joy of Growth and Achievement

Ultimately, embracing failure is not about avoiding mistakes or never experiencing setbacks. It’s about recognizing that failure is not the end of the road but rather a detour on the journey to success. It’s about having the courage to take risks, the resilience to bounce back from failure, and the determination to keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles may arise. This message is a reminder that success is not about avoiding failure, but about how we respond to it.

Failure can be an opportunity to learn and improve. It’s important to reflect on the experience and identify what went wrong. By doing so, we can turn failure into a valuable learning experience that can help us grow and develop our skills. Even in the face of significant setbacks, it’s possible to use the lessons learned to achieve success.

Conclusion:

So, I encourage you to embrace failure as a natural and necessary part of your growth journey. Instead of letting the fear of failure hold you back, let it propel you forward. Embrace each setback as an opportunity for growth and learning, and trust that with perseverance and determination, success will be within reach.

By reframing failure, extracting wisdom from setbacks, and using failure as fuel for success, you can overcome your fear of failure and unlock your true potential. So, go ahead, take that leap of faith, pursue your dreams, and remember that failure is not the end but only the beginning of your journey to success.

**Ready to embrace failure as a stepping stone to your success? Visit nickcampos.com for more articles, resources, and courses on personal growth and development. Visit drnickcampos.com for articles, resources, and courses on chiropractic, health, wellness, and pain relief. Join the conversation on Twitter (@DrNickCampos) and share your experiences with failure using the hashtag #EmbraceFailure. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Immune IQ: Understanding How Your Lifestyle Shapes Your Body’s Shield

By Dr. Nick Campos On May 2, 2024 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

West Hollywood chiropractor - UCLA sick student This Saturday, I awoke to my teenage daughter stumbling through the hallway. I could hear her from my bed and knowing the sound of her footsteps, I called out, “You okay, honey?” She was dizzy she said, and her eyes were blurry. I jumped out of bed, ran to her, and helped her into the kitchen where I sat her down. We took her temperature – she was burning up. I could feel her back was sweaty and her cheeks were rosy red; I asked about her symptoms. She said she was hot and had a cough, and that was it. The momentary dizziness was just that, momentary; and her eyes were clearing. It was evident that she was fighting an infection.

My daughter had been under the weather for a couple of weeks. She was sick for several days two weeks prior then got better. There were four good days and then last Friday she felt ill again. She had congestion with a runny nose for most of the week, and the cough, that incessant cough. When I came home last night, she looked weathered. She had just woken up but clearly felt ill. I suggested she stay home from her theater rehearsal – her school’s rendition of Mama Mia – in which she has the role of the mother; essentially lots of singing. I didn’t want her to strain her voice, nor did I want her to expose the other students. She insisted that the show MUST go on, so I didn’t press. But her body, in its infinite wisdom, said otherwise.

Her immune system kicked into full gear, that was obvious to me. But I am certain she had put it under extreme pressure, as so many achieving young students do, so they may become susceptible to bouts of infection and illness due to what we often refer to as run-down bodies. What we mean by run-down is fatigued – often physically and mentally – sometimes malnourished, and under moderate to extreme stress. As a senior, my daughter had all these, navigating college applications (she got into four UCs, including Berkeley and UCLA; she has chosen UCLA), her AP classes (she still must pass), a boyfriend and social life, and of course, the school musical. She was run-down and tired.

In this article, I will discuss factors that diminish or enhance immune function. I will explain why you are more prone to getting ill when run down, and how to strengthen your constitution to better handle those times when you push yourself to the extreme to accomplish your goals. This article is especially useful for high school and college students to understand how they could be beating themselves down by making certain habits and lifestyle choices. It will also investigate how to mitigate this from happening, and what people can do to recover quickly and completely if they do end up running themselves into the ground.

Faulty Behaviors Suppress Immune Function

So why did my daughter’s immune system fail to keep out whatever had overrun her body? How did the barriers to the fort break down and the soldiers get overwhelmed? The answer lies in resources – that is, what you provide to your defense warriors in terms of energy (nutrition), alertness (rest), and morale (lack of stress). What you do, and how you live, on a day-to-day matter when it comes to immune function. The immune system needs a certain environment in which to flourish, and if that environment is compromised, a weakened immune system, and imminent invasion, are sure to follow.

The three most common factors suppressing the immune system are poor nutrition, chronic stress, and immunosuppressive medication. In my book, The Six Keys to Optimal Health, I outline the six key areas you must attend to regularly to attain and maintain optimal wellness. Poor nutrition and immunosuppressive medication violate keys number one (enhance diet) and six (minimize toxins), while chronic stress violates the other four. I will touch on these three primary suppressive factors and then discuss the top three things you can do to optimize your immune function.

Malnutrition as an Immune Suppressant

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients can weaken the immune system, impairing its ability to function properly. As you know from my previous writing, I believe that people have genetic, metabolic, and physiological differences (we can call them digestive constitutions) that lead them to process, or fail to process, certain foods that others have no problem processing, or in fact may thrive in processing, due to their own constitutional makeup. As a result, people who regularly eat foods that are poorly digestible to them will suffer malnutrition.

Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc can weaken the immune system. These nutrients play critical roles in supporting various immune functions, including the production and function of immune cells, antibody production, and the regulation of inflammation. For example, vitamin C is known to enhance the function of certain immune cells like T cells and phagocytes, while vitamin D plays a role in modulating immune responses. A lack of these nutrients can impair immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Do not mistake malnutrition for the images you have seen of starving children in Third World countries – they are malnourished no doubt – but you can be well-fed and malnourished too. Malnourishment is the “lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat,” according to the dictionary definition. The takeaway here is that if you are not eating enough food (willful caloric restriction), not getting the proper nutrients (poor dietary habits; junk food and whatnot) or eating foods that are wrong for your body type (constitution), you will suffer malnutrition.

Poor nutrition –> Depressed immune system –> More and longer lasting infections/illness

Chronic Stress = Immune Depressed

Stress is defined as a state of physical, mental, or emotional tension due to challenging circumstances. When extreme or long-standing (chronic), stress can diminish health. While stress can be physical, like from extreme or excessive work, it can also tax the mental and emotional states, whether the physical is involved or not. Physical activity (or lack thereof), sleep, pain (acute or chronic), and mental health all play roles in stress. Often, several or all of these areas are taxed in the chronically stressed person.

Cortisol and catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), are stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These hormones play crucial roles in the body’s fight-or-flight response, which helps individuals respond to acute stressors or threats. However, chronic or prolonged exposure to stress can dysregulate the production and activity of cortisol and catecholamines, leading to suppression of the immune system through several mechanisms:

Suppression of Immune Cell Function: Cortisol and catecholamines can inhibit the function of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. These hormones can directly interfere with the signaling pathways involved in immune cell activation and proliferation, impairing their ability to mount effective immune responses against pathogens.
Decreased Production of Inflammatory Mediators: Cortisol is a potent anti-inflammatory hormone that can suppress inflammation. By dampening the inflammatory response, cortisol helps mitigate tissue damage and inflammation associated with stress. However, prolonged suppression of inflammatory mediators can also weaken the body’s ability to combat infections and other threats.
Alteration of Immune Cell Trafficking: Cortisol and catecholamines influence the movement and transportation of immune cells throughout the body. For example, these hormones can promote the redistribution of immune cells from the skin and mucosal surfaces to lymphoid organs like the thymus and spleen. While this helps limit tissue damage during acute stress, it also compromises immune surveillance and responsiveness in peripheral tissues, increasing the risk of infections.
Shift in Immune Response: Chronic stress and elevated levels of cortisol and catecholamines can bias the immune system towards a Th2-type immune response (humoral response), and suppression of Th1-type responses (cellular immune response). This shift in immune balance, a hallmark of the allergy response, can impair the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and certain bacteria.

From an evolutionary perspective, the suppression of immediate immune function from a heightened stress response serves multiple adaptive functions. First, it conserves energy by redirecting resources towards essential bodily processes required for immediate survival, like increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles, while suppressing non-essential functions such as digestion and immune responses. Additionally, it helps prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage that could arise from immune cells, thus preserving tissue integrity. Finally, it may safeguard against autoimmune reactions by temporarily reducing immune cell activation and proliferation. However, prolonged stress can have adverse effects on immune function and overall health, underscoring the importance of managing stress levels for optimal well-being.

Lack of sleep can also make us more susceptible to getting sick, while good sleep is crucial for recovering from illness. The brain and immune system talk to each other constantly, meaning changes in sleep can affect our immune system and vice versa. Research on animals deprived of sleep has revealed a gradual decline in energy balance and overall health, eventually leading to a fatal bloodstream infection even without a clear source of infection.

An increase in disease susceptibility was also observed in sleep-deprived humans. For instance, less efficient sleep and shorter sleep duration in the weeks leading up to contact with a rhinovirus were linked to reduced resistance to the common cold. One study has shown that inadequate sleep was associated with ~50% decline in the body’s ability to respond effectively to vaccines. Both limiting sleep and total sleep deprivation have been linked to weakened immune function, making individuals more prone to infections and susceptible to chronic diseases.

Finally, stress has been demonstrated to elevate the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases. Remember autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy tissues and cells within the body, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. Additionally, individuals with autoimmune conditions have trouble regulating their immune responses following exposure to stressors.

Medication can Suppress Immune Function

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants used in organ transplantation, and chemotherapy drugs, are designed to suppress immune responses. While these medications are essential for managing conditions like autoimmune diseases and preventing organ rejection, they can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections.

Corticosteroids (steroids), for example, work by mimicking the effects of cortisol. They inhibit the activity of immune cells and reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, thereby suppressing immune responses. Due to their use as a super-inflammation reducer, these are some of the most commonly asked-about medications in my chiropractic practice.

While steroids can be highly effective in alleviating symptoms and controlling inflammation, they inhibit the production and activity of inflammatory mediators and immune cells. Steroids dampen the body’s ability to mount an immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infection. Additionally, steroids can interfere with the function of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages. Therefore, the use of steroids requires careful consideration and monitoring to minimize the risk of immune suppression and associated complications. I tell my patients: Use steroids sparingly.

Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Enhance Immune Function

To the same degree that faulty lifestyle behaviors can suppress immune function, so too can healthy behaviors enhance it. The three most important and wide-reaching activities you can adopt for optimal immunity are maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient sleep. High school and college students need to maintain these behaviors before and during their semesters, as the rigors of studying can run the bodies down. Having a conditioned and heightened immune system will get them through those late nights and busy schedules, protecting them even when their peers are falling ill around them.

Healthy Diet

The most important thing you can do for your dietary health is to eat according to your body constitution (see above). Depending on where you are in the world, I might be able to help you with a referral. If you live in Los Angeles or the Coachella Valley, I can help you directly with testing and dietary/nutritional analysis. Outside of that, you can practice some basic dietary/nutritional habits:

First is to make sure you eat whole, natural foods. Whether you abide by an animal-based diet or a plant-based one, making sure you have real food is crucial. In a nutshell, this means fresh, store-bought food, prepared at home – not canned or packaged, not premade, and not fast food. Eating at a regular rhythm is also essential for optimal dietary health. In other words, food type (believe it or not, less variety is better than more) proportion, and consistent feeding time are vital to optimizing nutrition.

Nutrients that enhance immune function include vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E), minerals (e.g., zinc, selenium), fatty acids (omega 3s), and phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids), which play crucial roles in various aspects of immunity, such as antibody production, cellular immunity, and inflammation regulation.

An “activated” immune system increases the body’s energy needs, especially during infections when basal energy expenditure rises, as seen in fever. Therefore, optimal nutrition for ideal immune function would support immune cell activities, enabling them to mount effective responses against pathogens while swiftly resolving the response when needed and preventing chronic inflammation.

Regular Exercise

Next, you must get regular movement in the form of exercise. Regular physical activity boosts immune function by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. As the blood flows, white blood cells (leukocytes) spread throughout the body, as do antibodies and immune factors. These cells become more readily available at new penetration and infection sites.

Regular exercise also stimulates the production of immune cells, like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells—soldiers that play key roles in the innate immune response. These cells detect and destroy pathogens, infected cells, and cancer cells. Studies show that single bouts of moderate-intensity exercise are “immuno-enhancing” and have been used to effectively increase vaccine responses in “at-risk” patients.

Moreover, exercise can help reduce chronic low-grade inflammation associated with many chronic diseases. By modulating inflammatory cytokines and promoting anti-inflammatory processes, exercise helps maintain a balanced immune response and reduce the risk of inflammatory-related conditions.

Finally, exercise is known to reduce stress, a major player in immune suppression. But a word of caution: prolonged intensive exercise can do the opposite and act as a stress on the body, thereby diminishing immune function and increasing susceptibility to illness. Extended periods of exercise can hinder the function of T cells, NK cells, and neutrophils, disrupt the balance of Type I and Type II cytokines, and weaken the body’s immune responses to initial and repeated exposure to antigens. Elite athletes frequently report symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) when engaging in intense training and competition, which could stem from changes in mucosal immunity, notably decreases in secretory immunoglobulin A levels.

Adequate Sleep

Last but not least, is the absolute necessity of getting regular, sufficient sleep. Doing so is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, as sleep helps regulate immune function and promotes the production of immune cells. During sleep, the body undergoes various immune processes, including the production and release of cytokines (proteins that regulate immune responses) and the activation of immune cells. Chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt these processes.

During sleep, the body produces and releases T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Studies show that sleep deprivation can lead to a decrease in the number and activity of these immune cells. Adequate sleep helps ensure optimal immune cell production and function, strengthening the body’s defense against pathogens.

Sleep is also vital in modulating inflammatory responses in the body. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to chronic inflammation and various health problems. In contrast, sufficient sleep promotes the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, helping to maintain a balanced immune response and reduce the risk of inflammatory-related diseases.

Finally, sleep is essential for the formation and maintenance of immune memory (adaptive immune response), which allows the body to mount a faster and more robust immune response. Individuals who get adequate sleep after receiving a vaccine develop stronger and longer-lasting immune responses compared to those who are sleep-deprived. This highlights the importance of sleep in mounting an effective consolidation of immune memory.

Why Highschool and College Students are Prone to Falling Ill

When we think of the life of an ambitious student, we acknowledge that they have a rigorous schedule that often includes academic pressures, work responsibilities, and maintaining an active social life. While not all students have to attend to these obligations equally – some do not work, others have low social interest – they tend to distribute their time to their obligations similarly. The intense attention they place on one or all three (sometimes even more) areas, can lead them to run down physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Lack of adequate or restful sleep, particularly when extended over the length of weeks, can severely depress the immune system. This is likely the number one cause of students getting sick, and for holding onto their illness for longer than usual times. It highlights the importance of students learning and applying good and regular sleep habits before they enter college. In other words, high school is probably the time students must learn the importance of sleep. Caretakers (parents) should remind and encourage students to get as much sleep as they can. If the student brings poor sleep habits into college, their performance and health will surely suffer.

Sleep deprivation also renders the student more susceptible to stress. Add to that the demands of school work, competition for grades and graduate positions, work stresses, relationship breakups, and potential family problems, and the environment is ripe for a depressed immune system. Nobody can mitigate all sources of stress, but one can strengthen the body and mind to be better able to handle the stresses as they come.

First is physical health, so diet and exercise are paramount in building up the internal environment. Good wholesome food prepared at home is the most important thing you can do in this regard. Then, regular movement done multiple times per week, enough to make you sweat, but without over-training (which can depress the immune system), is the next best thing you can do to strengthen your inner environment. If you have injuries – from sports, accidents, or anything else – have a doctor who works naturally with the body itself adress them (chiropractor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist), and try to avoid taking medications, especially steroids for inflammation control when you can use ice instead. Doing so will lower your risk of immunosuppression which comes as a side effect of using corticosteroids.

Next is mental health, and again, there is no cookie-cutter system to mitigate the many stresses students encounter from semester to semester. But prioritizing is a solid action students can take to maximize their potential for academic survival and success. It may seem that school matters should come first, but in reality, it is your health that should take top priority. Of course, students have a goal in mind, and their future will seem to depend on prioritizing academic matters. However, without a strong body and mind, academics will take a backseat anyway.

Getting sick costs energy and time, so minding your wellness is paramount to your accomplishments. Each individual must determine the next priority: work, social life, clubs, etc. There is no right or wrong, but the day has only 24 hours, and you would be wise not to steal from your sleep time to accommodate other, lesser priorities (a common miscalculation by students).

If you do happen to get sick, the order of importance is rest, nutrition, medical help if you need it (could be priority number one if a life-threatening illness), and then strengthening through exercise. And then refrain from jumping into the patterns of neglect and poor choice that got you ill in the first place.

My daughter, it turns out, had the flu. She had no body aches so that threw me. I did take her to the Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, where she received the diagnosis…and orders to stay home, rest, and drink lots of fluids. That’s what we did. She really ran herself down. With school, her play, and college applications/decisions, she burned the candle at both ends (not to mention her attention to social life, to boot). She had to learn through experience that health comes first, then school, then everything else.

Students and all people need to be smart and take care of their bodies and minds. Depressing health through poor lifestyle behaviors is counterproductive. While each experience eventually teaches you what to do and not do, heed my advice early on to maximize the shots you have today. School life is taxing, and so is work-life, social life, and every other life of an adult. Do the right things and have the strength (and fortified environment, with soldiers at the helm) to protect you when times get tough. In so doing, you stand the greatest chance of success and maximizing your life experience.

Your Immune System: Highly Evolved for Seek and Destroy

By Dr. Nick Campos On April 22, 2024 · Add Comment · In Body, Life, Uncategorized

Life is precarious – there are truly a million ways to die. And even amid tens of thousands of years of evolution, the dangers have stayed the same. Violence, accidents, natural disasters, starvation – there are many ways for man to meet his end. One hazard that has evolved alongside humans is the pathogenic microorganism – the bug (germ). These micro-toxic invaders seek entry into our bodies, to take over our physiological systems for their gain, essentially the propagation of their colonies (species) through the use of our cellular resources.

But we are not sitting ducks. On the contrary, evolution has led to the development of the most efficient cellular fighting force the world has ever seen. The military might of this army executes day-in-and-day-out its prowess in keeping the human body safe and sound, despite the constant exposure to hostile invaders. This cellular soldiery is the human immune system, and it has a vast and varied genetic code that allows it to stay on top of all innovations in the pathogenic arsenal.

The immune system is complex and magnificent, and I wish to share its grand design with you here. In this article, I will explain the basics of immune system physiology, describe innate and adaptive immunity, and a few of the cells and immune factors that act as soldiers and weaponry of this legion. This article will also serve as a reference point for all future writings on immune function and how you can enhance yours. With that, I bring you the glorious human immune system.

Immune System Function

The immune system has the primary function of keeping the body free from invaders. These can include things like bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. Of course, it is impossible to keep invaders out completely, so when they do penetrate the body’s primary defenses, the immune system has cells that patrol the body and destroy any invading cells it encounters. Finally, the immune system keeps track of all invaders it comes into contact with. It creates an identification record so that if those pathogens are reencountered, the immune response kicks in to mobilize an active army to seek and destroy the intruders.

I particularly like to think of human immune function in terms of human military action – a metaphor that illustrates both basic and complex immunity effectively. By addressing the immune system and its function in this way, I believe it is easier to understand both its mechanism and rationale. With this analogy in mind, I think it is useful to think of the body as a kingdom, or homeland nation, or even an intricate fort. Essentially, it helps to view the body as something worth protecting, and therefore for the pathogen, also worth invading. Typically, pathogens seek entry to establish themselves in an environment conducive to their growth and propagation. What is good for them is generally not good for us, however, and so it is of utmost importance for the immune system, like a nation’s military, to be working at its highest potential.

Innate Immunity

Innate immunity is the non-specific immune system, which we can think of as our first line of defense. It includes our fortress walls, moats, and garrison soldiers. These are the barriers and forces that keep invaders out. It is non-specific in that it will work hard to keep out anything that looks foreign, regardless of type. It does not concern itself with whether it has seen the invader before – it is a keep-out-at-all-costs defense system.

First, we must discuss the walls which are things like skin, which acts as a primary barrier to microorganisms. Along with its impenetrable membrane, it has an acidic oil on its surface which renders it uninhabitable for many bacterial species. Mucous membranes in the nasal passages, mouth, and other orifices also act as a primary barrier to pathogens seeking entry. The acidic environment of the stomach makes it unsuitable for many bacterial and viral species.

If an invader makes it through the primary barriers, gaining entry into our blood circulation, respiratory, or other organ tissue, then our garrison foot soldiers come to the defense. These cells – known as phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells) – essentially destroy invading organisms by swallowing them up (phagocytosis) or releasing chemicals, which disrupt cellular structural elements leaving the microorganism susceptible to bursting. Phagocytes can also induce inflammation and release chemicals that send signals to recruit another class of immune cells called lymphocytes to the site of infection.

Adaptive Response Immunity

Some invaders will find entry into the kingdom. The mechanisms evolved to evade the initial onslaught may include the secretion of bacterial toxins to impair protective functions of host barriers (like ciliary clearance function [hairlike sweeping] of the respiratory tract), biofilm formation, and evasion of immune recognition, among others. Regardless of the means used to gain entry, once in, the invaders can cause maximal damage. They will initially float around the body’s extracellular fluids like the blood, lymphatic, cerebrospinal (CSF), and pleural fluid, as well as in body cavities lined with serous (moisture-exuding) membranes.

Humoral Immune Response

Enter the humoral immune response: secreted antibodies, opsonins, and the complement system (which complements antibodies), surveilling the body fluids (humors) on a seek-and-destroy mission. When these reconnaissance satellites encounter a pathogen, they may directly kill it (complement system) as might a missile-wielding drone, coat it for recognition (opsonization) by destructive soldiers (phagocytes), or interfere (sabotage) with the chemical interactions required for the pathogen to infect or bind to other cells (antibodies).

The special forces are the elite soldiers on the battlefield, and for the human immune system, these are the lymphocytes of the adaptive or specific immune response. The B lymphocytes are responsible for the humoral immune reaction. They recognize foreign antigens – molecular markers that elicit an immune response – and respond by creating antibodies specific to that marker. As a result, they become the progenitor of specific B cells which will forever recognize one specific invader – a bacteria or virus, let’s say. They differentiate into memory and plasma B cells, which are like the intelligence and munitions departments of the armed forces.

Memory B cells are long-lasting lymphocytes (some lasting decades), which present the original recognition receptor of the parent for the specific pathogen and its antigen on their surface. They are one of several antigen-presenting cells (APC), along with macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). Their primary role is to act as long-term recognition of a pathogen it has seen before, and so these cells are responsible for what we call the secondary immune response. It is what gives us long-term immunity to previous invaders.

Plasma B cells, or effector B cells, are essentially antibody production plants. They produce large quantities of long-lived antibodies specific to the pathogenic antigen of its parent cell. The antibodies are released into the fluid system to circulate throughout the body. They act as surveillance reconnaissance drones keeping on the lookout for a future invasion by the original intruder.

Cell-mediated Immune Response

So, while B cells of the humoral system produce antibodies, which in turn circulate throughout the body in search of previously encountered antigens, they are only effective against free-floating pathogens. In other words, only pathogens moving about freely in the body’s fluids are at risk from circulating antibodies. But what happens when an invader makes it inside a cell, infecting it? If antibodies are helpless against these infiltrators, then is that the end of the fight? The answer is: “Absolutely not” – this is where cell-mediated immunity comes in.

The big guns of the cell-mediated immune response are T lymphocytes (cells). Other soldiers like macrophages and NK-cells also contribute to these reactions, but cytotoxic T cells are the assassins of the immune system while helper T cells the secret police. Cell-mediated immunity is the destruction of cells that have been infiltrated. This could happen from a bacteria or virus, but it can also be a cancer cell. Any cell that needs to be eliminated will be paid a visit by one of these soldiers.

In the case of the cytotoxic T cell, the visit is paid direct. These T cells directly kill the infected or cancerous cells by poking holes into their membranes and inserting enzymes, like grenades or other IEDs, which ultimately destroy the infected cell. Like assassins, cytotoxic T cells go in, create a vulnerability, and then exploit it.

Helper T cells, on the other hand, act like the police by surveilling the body. When they encounter foreign antigens, they also act in a specific manner, like the B lymphocytes, specific to only one antigen. When activated, helper T cells differentiate into memory T cells – which are long-lasting, providing long-term immunity – and effector cells. Effector T cells are the alarm system, which sends out signals to draw in even more soldiers to the area. They also play a role in activating B cells to secrete antibodies and proliferate into memory B cells.

Inflammation, Hypersensitivity, and Autoimmunity

A healthy, robust immune system is paramount for keeping our bodies free from invaders. However, it can also be too robust. Three immune responses that can go haywire and lead to destruction and even death are inflammation, hypersensitivity, and autoimmunity.

Inflammation is a normal, healthy, and abundant immune response to injury, infection, and tissue damage; it is the engagement of the military on the battlefield. It is characterized by heat, redness, swelling, and pain at the site of injury or infection. Inflammation serves to eliminate pathogens, clear debris, and initiate tissue repair, and it recruits soldiers from both the innate and adaptive immune responses (like neutrophils and macrophages, as well as B and T lymphocytes).

A fundamental part of the inflammatory response is cytokine release, whereby signaling molecules act as messengers to initiate, amplify, and regulate the inflammatory process. It contributes to the body’s defense against infection and injury. Dysregulation of cytokine signaling can lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.

Hypersensitivity refers to an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to harmless substances, known as allergens. There are four types of hypersensitivity reactions (Type I to Type IV), each involving different mechanisms and immune components. An example of hypersensitivity is allergic rhinitis (hay fever), where exposure to pollen triggers an exaggerated immune response, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs

Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy tissues and cells, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. Autoimmune diseases can affect various organs and systems, and they are characterized by chronic inflammation and immune-mediated damage. An example of autoimmunity is rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and joint damage over time.

Each process can and does have significant implications for health and disease. The cytokine storm was a hallmark of severe COVID-19 infection and has been recognized as a major cause of mortality among COVID-19 patients. Hypersensitivity may be another important mechanism involved in severe cases of COVID-19.

Epilogue

As you can see, the complexity of the human immune system is vast, and its potential to adapt to specific invaders…infinite. That makes the immune system a veritable guarantor of survival and a generator of evolution for the human species. What I have given you here is a sound overview of immunity – its soldiers, its systems, and its processes. As I have said above, I will refer back to this article often regarding other topics on immunology and health. I have attempted to organize the information and make it easily scannable to gather information quickly, and I have provided links to further reading and study. The next question I want to ask is: what can be done to enhance the immune system to increase health and wellness? Stay tuned.

Quiet Mind: How to Unlock Extraordinary Benefits of Meditation/Mindfulness for Calm Mind

By Dr. Nick Campos On August 11, 2023 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Quieting the mind is thought by many to be the goal of meditation, but what does it mean exactly? And what can we expect from quieting the mind; what will result? Can we make the mind completely quiet – that is, can we actually attain thoughtlessness (a state of no mind)? These are some of the questions that people have when contemplating whether or not to take on a meditation practice.

To quiet the mind is to suspend active thought. The more one can achieve this state, the more one can allow the undirected, intuitive mind to guide them. The yogis call it “living spontaneously,” and along with it come many benefits, from physical to mental to spiritual. Some of these effects can be achieved immediately, while others develop over years. The immediately realized benefits will bring a sense of accomplishment for your efforts, while the more deeply cultivated effects will bring you a deep satisfaction. Not only will you realize the immediate consequences from the benefits themselves, but you will also literally shape your body, mind, and spirit simultaneously to stimulate enhanced genetic expression, psychological expansion, and spiritual development.

What are some of the benefits you can realize by quieting the mind, and what are the obstacles or challenges people face when trying to do so, and how might they overcome them? I will attempt to answer these questions here, as well as give you a sample exercise which you can use right away to practice quieting the mind and enhance your body, mind, and spirit in the process.

What is quieting the mind?

To understand quieting the mind, it is important to understand what happens in the mind that would require quieting. I have described the autonomic system of the body and brain in this article on mindfulness, so I won’t go into detail here. But what I will address is how the mind, in its automaticity, can go into self-referential and mind-wandering loops.

Self-referential thinking refers to a mental process in which individuals focus on themselves, their experiences, beliefs, and feelings. It involves thinking about one’s own identity, self-image, and personal relevance. This type of thinking can include introspection, self-analysis, and self-consciousness. For example, when you reflect on past experiences, contemplate your goals, or evaluate your emotions, you are engaging in self-referential thinking.

Mind-wandering, on the other hand, refers to the spontaneous and involuntary shifting of attention from the current task or external stimuli to internal thoughts and mental scenarios. During mind-wandering (daydreaming is one type), the mind tends to drift away from the present moment and becomes immersed in unrelated thoughts, memories, fantasies, or plans. This phenomenon is common and can happen during various activities, such as work, studying, or even conversations.

Both self-referential thinking and mind-wandering can be natural and occur in everyone’s mind. However, excessive engagement in these thought processes can lead to distraction, decreased focus, and a lack of mindfulness. In extreme cases, they can lead to mental disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety.

In depression, individuals may engage in rumination, which is a form of repetitive and negative self-referential thinking. They may excessively dwell on past failures, mistakes, or negative events, leading to a downward spiral of negative emotions and feelings of hopelessness. Numerous studies show a reciprocally reinforcing relationship between rumination and negative affect. Rumination tends to increase when negative emotions increase. In depressive patients, levels of rumination have been associated with the severity and duration of depressive episodes. In other words, the more depressed a person, the more they focus on how bad things are. And vice versa, increased levels of rumination have been found to increase the risk of depressive relapse in remitted patients.

In OCD, intrusive, distressing thoughts (along with repetitive behaviors) may be self-referential, leading to obsessive questioning or doubts about oneself or one’s actions. And in social anxiety, individuals may experience self-referential thinking focused on how others perceive them. They may constantly worry about being judged or criticized by others, leading to avoidance of social situations. It is important to note that self-referential thinking, like its subcategory rumination, can act reciprocally with OCD and social anxiety whereby it is both a consequence and precursor to these conditions.

To quiet the mind, then, one needs to alleviate the constant stream of thoughts and mental chatter that can lead to self-referential thinking, rumination, mind-wandering, and emotional turbulence. The mind can often become occupied with worries, anxieties, regrets, and various other thoughts about the past and the future, which can prevent one from being fully present in the current moment. Quieting the mind involves calming this inner noise and achieving a state of stillness and focus. Practices like meditation and mindfulness play a crucial role in achieving this state of mental quietude.

The Neurological Basis for Quieting the Mind

Is quieting the mind neurologically possible? Can we actually see evidence of our minds slowing down and going quiet? What happens in our brains as we increase focus and our ability to diminish the chatter? Quietening the mind is indeed neurologically plausible, supported by scientific research on the effects of meditation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that meditation can lead to observable changes in brain activity and structure, promoting a state of mental calmness and reduced cognitive chatter.

A study published in the journal Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience found that long-term meditation practitioners exhibited decreased activity in the default mode network (DMN), the network of brain regions associated with mind-wandering and self-referential thinking. Excessive activity in the DMN is associated with a noisy (mind-chatter) and restless mind. Researchers note that the DMN has been found to be most highly active when individuals are left to think to themselves undisturbed or during tasks involving self-related processing, and less active during tasks requiring cognitive effort. Experienced meditators thus exhibit decreased DMN activity during meditation (and even during resting states), as a result of their conditioned focus, demonstrating a reduced tendency self-referential thinking and mind wandering.

Quieting the mind through mindfulness and meditation has also been shown to impact the brain’s neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections. Studies on meditation have shown that regular practice can enhance cortical thickness and increase gray matter density in brain regions involved in attention, interoception (the ability to sense your body’s internal environment), and sensory processing, leading to enhanced cognition, memory capacity, and general intelligence.

“More gray matter is associated with better cognitive function, while decreases in gray matter are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias”

The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Benefits of Quieting the Mind

So why should anybody care about quieting the mind? Other than some esoteric practice, what can quieting the mind do for the average person? The answer is: A lot! Quieting the mind has numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits available to any person who takes the time to cultivate a practice which leads to the state.

Physical Benefits

Anybody who has delved into the mind-body question knows that the two are inextricably linked. In other words, you cannot separate the mind and body into independent parts. Stress one and the other feels the ramifications, strengthen one and the other strengthens too. The first place you will experience beneficial results is in your physiology. Quieting the mind has been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and symptoms of stress disorder. It does this by activating the relaxation response. Sympathetic nervous system activity (the “fight or flight” response) decreases and parasympathetic nervous system activity (the “rest and digest” response) increases. This shift promotes a state of calm and relaxation.

Quieting the mind also helps reduce stress hormone levels, like cortisol and adrenaline, which are associated with the body’s stress response. It increases vasodilation, a widening of the blood vessels, which helps facilitate better blood flow, leading to lower blood pressure. It improves heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the variation in time between successive heartbeats. Higher HRV is associated with better cardiovascular health and increased adaptability to stress. Quieting the mind has been linked to improved HRV, indicating a healthier balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. And finally, it helps reduce muscle tension, a byproduct of an increased fight or flight state. The more one operates in sympathetic stress, the greater the muscle tension. Quieting the mind, however, promotes muscle relaxation.

Mental benefits

As goes the body, so goes the mind, and practices which quiet the mind have a multitude of mental benefits. Not only do the physical ramifications of stress diminish when the mind is quiet, but the mental ones do as well. By reducing the psychological effects of stress, we see anxiety diminish. A 2022 study compared patients who took an intensive eight-week mindfulness meditation program to patients who took escitalopram, the generic name of the widely-prescribed anxiety drug Lexapro. They found that both interventions worked equally well in reducing debilitating anxiety symptoms.

Quieting the mind improves mental clarity and focus, as well. When the mind is less cluttered with mind-chatter, it is less prone to self-referential thinking and mind wandering, and thus it becomes easier to concentrate on tasks, make decisions, and engage in activities with heightened attention and presence. Clearing mental clutter enhances productivity, learning, and overall cognitive performance.

Quieting the mind also creates a fertile ground for creativity to flourish. When the mind is calm and free from distractions, it becomes more receptive to new ideas, insights, and innovative thinking (see this article on the Noosphere). By accessing deeper levels of awareness and tapping into your innate creativity, you increase your potential to experience inspiration and novel perspectives.

And finally, although not exhaustively (there is much more), quieting the mind fosters emotional well-being. By cultivating self-awareness and emotional regulation, it enables individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions, label them, and come to understand them more deeply, and ultimately to lead to better emotional resilience.

Spiritual benefits

While not everybody attunes to the spiritual realm, the physical and mental benefits of quieting the mind may be enough; but for those who do seek a greater spiritual awakening, quieting the mind is perhaps the clearest path toward realization. Similar to the physical and mental benefits, the following spiritual enhancements of quieting the mind are by no means a complete list, but they should be encouraging enough for those wishing to cultivate a mind-quieting practice to begin and adhere to a routine.

Quieting the mind creates a conducive environment for heightened Self-awareness and insight. As mental chatter subsides, individuals form a deeper connection to their inner selves, their intuition, and their spiritual essence. This increased awareness will lead to profound realizations about the nature of existence, life’s purpose, and interconnectedness of all things. Quieting the mind is the precursor to the awakening of unconditional love – the “thank you for all that is, as it is” state of awareness.

Quieting the mind also involves moving beyond the ego – the self-centered, identity-driven aspect of our consciousness, or what we call the “I”. By quieting the mind, individuals can detach from the incessant stream of self-referential thoughts, leading to a sense of liberation from egoic patterns. This transcendence of ego can open the door to experiencing a greater sense of unity, oneness, and humility (we are all the same in essence).

Finally, quieting the mind can facilitate a deeper connection to the divine higher self. As the mind becomes still, the channel to our higher mind expands, allowing transmissions of communication between higher (soul intelligence) and lower (neurological intelligence) mind. As a result of this expansion, individuals may experience moments of profound clarity, inspiration, and communion with higher spiritual reality (approximating the highest high). This can lead to a sense of divine guidance and attunement to one’s ultimate purpose in life (dharma).

So, should you take the time to cultivate a quiet mind? If you have aspirations to maximize your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, then absolutely – it is more than worth the investment. What will it take to attain the ability to quiet the mind? What is a simple beginners exercise to kick-start your mind-quieting regimen? How will I know if I am doing it well? I will answer all these questions in part two of this article coming soon.

Living a Life of Integrity: How to Navigate Life with Honor and Authenticity

By Dr. Nick Campos On July 17, 2023 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

For millennia, human beings have constructed and lived by codes of conduct. These have been crucial to the formation and preservation of viable, prosperous, and safe societies. Chivalry is one of the earliest and most well-known codes of conduct, whereby medieval knights and nobility lived by honor, bravery, loyalty, and courtesy. This code encompassed a set of ideals and behaviors aimed to promote justice, protect the weak, and uphold moral values.

Even today, we live by a set of principles which guides our behaviors, allowing us to operate in functional, efficient, and harmonious societies. But it does appear, at times, that modern society, particularly in the West, fails to adhere to its own inherited and evolved code of conduct. This seeming lack of integrity has led some to question where we are headed as a civil society. By addressing this concern, it is my intention to present here the elements necessary to maintain one’s integrity for self-development, excellence, and a promotion of safe and stable environments, particularly for those who are too weak to protect themselves. Consider this a modern lesson on the principles of chivalry, or to phrase it in more common terms: How to live a life of integrity.

Integrity is universally considered to be the quality of having strong moral and ethical principles (moral uprightness), particularly honesty. Other characteristics associated with integrity are trustworthiness, reliability, and sincerity. In other words, people are considered to have integrity when they do what they say they will. You can trust them to be people of their word. People are also considered to have integrity when they act in accordance with their principles, and they do so even when no one is watching. We call this being authentic. And it is precisely this authenticity which garners respect from others – they feel confident in knowing with whom they are dealing, the person’s character, and the trustworthiness of their word.

Chivalry was not very different from our ideas of living with integrity today. Knights were expected to demonstrate integrity by adhering to their moral and ethical principles (doing the right thing), acting with honesty, and maintaining their word. Integrity formed the basis of a knight’s reputation and trustworthiness. Chivalry viewed integrity as an essential quality for knights, as it ensured their actions were consistent with their values and obligations. Upholding integrity meant fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities, regardless of personal gain or temptation. It encompassed not only honesty but also being honorable in one’s conduct, treating others with respect and fairness.

Women were the primary receivers of the knights’ chivalry. Knights saw it as a duty to be courteous and helpful to ladies, whom they considered to be the more vulnerable sex. It was not just ladies, though, that benefitted from the chivalry of the medieval knights: so, too, did men of weaker standing, which included the elderly, the ill, and the young. Even able-bodied men benefitted indirectly from the knights’ crusades and protection from infidel invasion. Chivalry prided itself on being “everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.” Knights were expected to give to those less fortunate than they, and to do so generously; in this way, medieval knights were seen as the true guardians of society. As a result, society ran as smoothly as possible, despite being a time of war, famine, and pestilence.

Chivalry underwent changes and eventually declined over time. Several factors contributed to its transformation and eventual replacement by other societal norms and values. Warfare changed and became more centralized. As a result, the need for chivalric knights and their traditional methods of combat diminished. The feudal system, which formed the foundation of chivalry, began to decline, giving way to centralized monarchies and nation-states. With the weakening of feudalism, the traditional roles and privileges of knights diminished, altering the social structure that supported chivalry. New religious ideas emphasized individual faith and salvation rather than adherence to a code of conduct, so that focus shifted away from the rituals and practices associated with chivalry. And changing educational and cultural norms also contributed to the decline of chivalry. Despite its fall from predominance as the primary code of conduct, chivalry left a lasting impact on Western culture and ideals. It has acted as a foundation for honor, honesty, courage, service, loyalty, and justice that persist today, particularly among military heroes.

But could it be that we have seen an even further diminishment of chivalry in today’s western society? Honesty is often brushed aside with an attitude of, “If simply for the greater good,” then dishonesty, corruption, and censorship are all excusable. The ends justify the means with the rationalization of seeking the “lesser of two evils.” Our political systems tolerate unsecured voting structures despite opposing parties echoing the same concerns as their antipodes: Electronic voting machines are rife for election tampering. And yet, the party which benefits from the interference defends the exact opposite position they held when the tampering worked against them.

Politico Magazine – August 05, 2016

News media show no restraint in reporting false stories, either. The industry which most necessitates honesty habitually runs stories based on unconfirmed allegations, a disproportionate number of anonymous sources, and flat out lies, without pushing hard against the purveyors of the false information. When they get caught, they ignore the lie and act as if it has never happened. Our scientists and medical doctors did the same during Covid: they pushed clear-cut wrong scientific information, pressured media companies to silence experts who challenged the falsities and have since acted as if they had meant something different altogether. Unfortunately for them, as they say, the internet has receipts, but in 2023 it seems that the pushers of false information care little about their integrity and more about their results. We even saw self-aggrandized philosopher, Sam Harris, rationalize to interviewers,

“…that’s a left-wing conspiracy to deny the presidency to Donald Trump – absolutely it was, absolutely. But I think it was warranted.“

If our political leaders, mainstream media, and academic/thought leaders have no problem blurring the lines of honesty and integrity, then what can we expect from the average person?

Well integrity is not just an old-fashioned code for suckers. I believe that integrity is the foundation for individual and societal excellence. And I do believe that one can live like a modern-day knight by simply adopting some chivalrous practices. Here is a list of attributes that I am certain will help you live your life with integrity:

Be Reliable

Nothing stands out more than being true to your word. If you say you will do something – do it! If there is a chance at all that you may be unable to fulfill a request, then refrain from accepting it under any circumstances. Far better to turn people down than to agree to something you can’t produce. I cannot emphasize this point strongly enough: Your reputation hinges on your reliability. People will not likely share their impressions of you with you when you act unreliably, but they most certainly will with others. If, on the rare occasion, something comes up and you truly cannot fulfill your obligations, then acquaintances of generally reliable people will be more prone to think, “That’s not like her/him; something must have happened.” They will give you the benefit of the doubt, and you want that. You want to be so reliable that people are concerned in the rare moments when you can’t come through…and then make it up to them! No matter how difficult it is to fulfill your obligation, and no matter how trivial or unimportant you perceive the task, complete it anyway…and do it timely. This behavior will lead the world to see you as trustworthy, a person of your word, and someone who comes through in the clutch. This behavior is the foundation of integrity.

Commit to a Purpose

When you attune to your life’s purpose (dharma) you have a foundation for all your actions, behaviors, and decisions. When you know why you are here and what you need to do to fulfill it, you have little problem in deciding when to commit (or not) to another person. Being in tune with your purpose allows you to say no when a request is misaligned with your mission. “No, I cannot make the party this weekend; I’m sorry, I have an obligation with my family…,” Or work, or a deadline, or the gym, or whatever. Your motivations are not up for scrutiny when you tap-in to your purpose: you know what needs to be done and you do it. This does not mean you cannot help others, but you weigh the prospects against your obligation to your purpose – if they fail to align, you simply decline. This attunement allows you to remain true to your word. Knowing your role in the world, and acting in accordance with it, is a characteristic of integrity. We want our pilots, police, and surgeons (and all others) to commit to their duties and responsibilities, and not be wishy-washy if something comes along to grab their attention. Integrity is commitment and follow through.

Act for the Good

We all live by a set of values which guide our actions, behaviors, and decisions. These values are the foundation for our life’s purpose. In other words, our values and life’s purpose work in harmony to ensure our fulfillment. If you base your actions on these inseparables, you will naturally act toward fulfillment of the greatest good – not just your greatest good, but the greatest good for all. There must be an underlying intention within your purpose of service to more than just yourself. Pure self-enrichment, self-pleasure, or self-preservation rarely has an impact beyond the individual, and thus they have a low chance of manifesting and/or maintaining. Acting for the good of all (yourself included) gives your decisions a greater chance of manifesting in an impactful manner. You will not be tripped-up on a slippery-slope of moral relativism when you think and act in accordance with universal principles. When philosopher, Sam Harris, rationalized his position as being for the greater good,

“[Donald Trump is] unfit for office in every possible way…My argument is that it was appropriate for Twitter and the heads of big tech and the head of journalistic organizations to feel like they were in the presence of something like a once-in-a-lifetime moral emergency… we’re going to get four more years of Trump if we give this a fair hearing,”

he erroneously assumed the greater good was one that served his political perspective. That others shared his polarized opinion only gave him credence for a momentary feeling of self-righteousness. However, he failed to see that denying a politician – and thus approximately half a population – the conditions of a fair election, opens the door for ALL future elections to be tampered with and manipulated. One day it will be Sam Harris’ polarized side which sits on the receiving end of the ‘greater good’ rationalization, and I’ll bet our philosopher will speak differently at that time. Acting for good in this case would be to attune to the universal: Be honest; abide by fair play, and let the people (not a small group of elite string-pullers in the corporate media) decide which direction we go. Live by this principle and you will always operate at the highest integrity.

Be Authentic

Finally, be yourself. At the risk of sounding cliché: You will never be better at being anyone else than you will be at being yourself. But what does it mean to be authentic? You must understand your values and have an inkling of your life’s purpose. Only then can you know who you are and what you are here to do. When you develop this self-awareness, and you act in accordance to fulfilling your purpose, then and only then, will you be able to present your authentic self to the world daily. When you bring your authentic self to the table, people develop trust in you and believe in your mission. When you act in accordance with your purpose, the world learns what to expect from you and loves you for it. You will never need to apologize or rationalize when you express your authentic self. It is who you are meant to be, and you cannot fail when you act in accord with your nature and your purpose.

A life of integrity has many elements, but its absolute foundation is to be yourself always, act for the good, define and pursue your purpose, and be reliable. These four pursuits will make you a chivalrous knight in modern times, in a world too often wrought with low integrity. The code of chivalry will continue to impact our world, as our refined trait of integrity helps maintain a stable world, a safe world, and one which functions efficiently to provide the most ‘good’ to the most citizens. Politicians, academics, and mainstream media may brush aside integrity in their professional and personal lives, but you should not. Operating at the highest levels of integrity will make you stand out as a person who strives for excellence. It is my opinion – based on experience – that this leads to a rewarding and fulfilling life. Be a person known for your chivalry; be known for integrity. Not only will you sleep peacefully at night, you will know that you strive for the absolute best in life, and you will succeed.

Make Life Like a Movie and Watch With Unconditional Love

By Dr. Nick Campos On February 9, 2023 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Have you ever watched a movie that at first you hated, only to find that later you really enjoyed it? For me, that movie was American Psycho. I could not resonate with it from the start as I was taking the story literally, and from that angle it seemed too silly for me to appreciate. I had to change my perspective from just over a quarter of the film and watch it from a totally different viewpoint. Once I did, I really loved the film. That experience opened my eyes to a universal truth: It is not what happens that matters as much as our perception of what happens.

When speaking of material existence, our world arises from our human desires and fears. Think about this for a moment: All our inventions, conveniences, and civilizations have been borne from our desire to grow and automate – our desire to make things “better” or easier. We wanted better locomotion, and thus we tamed horses, built railroads, and mastered air flight. We wanted bigger civilization, so we expanded our towns into cities, built skyscrapers to the clouds, and sent our telecommunications into space. However, we have also created a world out of fears: the fear of others which has led to walls, wars, and mass surveillance on a scale beyond our wildest imaginations; and yet, most of us take in all this progress, a little bit for granted, but with wide-eyed astonishment.

Mentally, we spend our lives judging our experiences according to our likes and dislikes, which typically follow from our unique set of values. Those experiences which support our values by allowing us to fulfill them, of course, we call “good,” while those that challenge our values, by either denying us what we want or by threating them, we call “bad,” and avoid them like the plague. And we have a whole set of memories, both conscious and subconscious, which trigger our brain and hormonal system to respond automatically to our likes and dislikes symbolically represented in otherwise neutral experiences. In other words, we color our experiences with perceptions that stem from our value system.

Spiritually speaking, if you feel comfortable calling it that, you have a purpose and mission underlying your existence. People who fail to recognize and tap into their purpose commonly feel “lost” and may seek out meaningful experiences through hedonism or altruism. Hedonism is the pursuit of self-indulgence, or immoderate pleasure seeking. Sex, drugs, food, music can all act as forms of sensory pleasures. Nothing wrong with any of them in moderation, but it is my observation that hedonistic people are some of the most unhappy and unfulfilled people in society. Altruism, on the other hand, is sacrificing the self to benefit others (some would say “help” others, but that is debatable). While altruism itself can lead to a feeling of purpose, left unbalanced it can also be unfulfilling and lead to conflict and burnout. But when people tap into their greater purpose, whether that be providing a product or service for the world or raising a beautiful family, they have a foundation by which to guide their actions, behaviors, decision, and perceptions.

Our lives are a composite of experiences (which are largely out of our immediate control but strongly influenced by our desires and fears), perceptions (colored by our likes and dislikes), and life’s purpose (realized through value fulfillment). Life’s purpose is immutable as it derives from the level of the higher mind. Our greater purpose, on the other hand, is universal, and it is simply to come to know the Self (yoking or yoga), and this is done primarily through acting within one’s life’s purpose (karma yoga). Because the world is composed of many souls, world events are aggregates of interacting actions, behaviors and decisions based on billions of likes and dislikes in varying combinations. These are complex and seemingly random, but there does exist a greater order in the totality of world events in the present time as well as in past and future events. But most important is how we see those experiences and what they mean to us in micro- and macrocosm of our lives. We call this perception.

And this is what this piece is really about, how we see our lives. Not only does perception color the meaning we give to our lives, in both the microcosm of our daily events and the macrocosm of decades, quarter centuries, half centuries, and complete lifetimes, it is also the final determinant on our feelings of self-fulfillment. Now that might make some feel that they are either blessed with “good” perception, or what some call positive thinking, while others might feel they are cursed with “bad” perception, or negative thinking. And some of these people might beat themselves up for not having the correct perception and thus set out to change themselves. This, however, is a mistake. Perceptions can be changed but vacillating from one polar emotional view to another (the consequence of attempted self-change) is not the most empowering state one can achieve. Indeed, seeing both sides of an issue, simultaneously, is far more powerful and liberating than teetering. And more important is to see how every event in our lives – regardless of whether we initially perceive it as good or bad – is helping us along our path of purpose.

So what can you do to empower yourself in this area? First is to attune to your life’s purpose. You can do this by observing and recording your value system: how you spend your time, what you do without being told or without seeking outside motivation, what inspires you, and what you are driven to achieve. In other words, the things you value in life above all else. Pay attention and write them down – keep a journal. You will learn a lot about yourself by doing so. And you will find that your life’s purpose revolves around these things. This major uncovering will be invaluable in guiding your decision making and action.

Next will be to train yourself to envision your conscious awareness as if you are witnessing a movie. Not simply the watching of a movie, however, but experiencing it in full Sensurround – that is, chock-full of sensory experiences from sight to sound to feel to taste and smell. It should not be too hard to imagine this perceptual viewpoint if you have ever played video games, experienced virtual reality, or been on the Disney California Adventure’s ride Soarin’ Over California. By experiencing consciousness from an objective standpoint, without getting attached to the outcome, you will come the closest to understanding what yogi’s describe as detachment. Think again about a movie. Do you really care about the outcome of the plot, to the degree that you lay awake at night, are unable to concentrate on your work, or cry uncontrollably at random times when thinking about it? Do you genuinely feel pain at the fate of any character in a film, no matter how tear-jerking the story? No, you watch, you experience emotion in the moment, and then you walk away, without attachment. Work hard to cultivate that same viewpoint in your own consciousness. I am not suggesting that this is an easy shift in perspective – very little is more challenging – but detachment leads to objectivity…which lessens emotionality…which increases appreciation, poise, and presence…and ultimately leads to gratitude. When you can say thank you for the world as it is, for all people exactly as they are, and for yourself and your beautifully unique, purposeful life, you vibrate at your highest frequency. We call this a state of unconditional love (“Thank you for all that is, as it is”).

Just like watching a movie, we can change our perception of that which we become consciously aware of, and this, in turn, changes how we feel about the experience. Great sages have said that we suffer because we believe that what happens in any given moment, our present-time experience, is real. In other words, we believe in the reality of what we are consciously aware of, instead of viewing it as a sort of dream, or movie as I have proposed. Shifting the perspective from the self as an entity operating in an external world, and to whom things happen, to the objective witness in awe and appreciation of the magnificence of life and one’s purpose within it changes the experience, and thus the meaning (or mood) of the movie. Try out this perceptual alteration from time to time, or better yet commit to a regular practice; and enjoy the brief, yet profound, moments of a consciousness shift, which has the great potential to bring you into a vibration of unconditional love. Watching a movie in objective amazement is far different than attaching to the transient ups and downs of a film and suffering along with its characters and plot. Shift your perspective, watch your gratitude soar, and bask in the illumination of unconditional love.

All are One or All are Many: Questions Worth Asking the True Self

By Dr. Nick Campos On December 11, 2022 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

We often hear we are all one, but in which way are we so? Have you ever considered it? Clearly, we are all human, but within the physical domain we are assured, through genetics, an infinite variety. How then are we the same? Well, in actuality we are all the same, and it is to this sameness that great spiritual teachers have, throughout history, attempted to awaken us.

The material world is born of variety – different elements, different rock and metal composition, different phases of matter, different life forms, different species, and different environments. Every species has morphological and behavioral differences as well, which are only compounded by their relation to the environment. So between genetics and natural selection, then, the magnitude of variety is endless. For the human life form, there are also mental, emotional, and spiritual differences, that shape the temperament of the individual, as well as cultural and socioeconomic factors which act as strong influencers. Every distinct component of an individual leads to that person’s many-ness – their gender, race, national origin, sexual preference, personal style, musical taste, and palate to name but a few. Every person is unique and distinct when taking into account each difference that makes up that individual’s nuances.

On some levels, human beings celebrate differences. Most people want to be recognized and loved for “who” they are, their unique selves. While one may be proud of one’s heritage, one’s hometown, or one’s alma mater, most people want to be seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. As a result of this ubiquitous human drive, it is only natural for people to attach to the blueprint of their nuances – that is, to believe that their unique composition of differences is what makes them them. People attach to their personas to such a degree that if one or the other gets disrupted, the individual might fall victim to an identity crisis. Loss of job, death of a loved one, relationship changes are only a few of the great many changes that routinely disrupt people’s lives.

But great spiritual wisdom teaches that none of these different elements are the actual us. Underneath lies something else, the true fabric of our authentic selves. This something else is precisely what the great sages claimed makes every living being the same in essence: an endless light, spark or spirit which sits underneath all those things we assume make us the psycho-spiritual-material entities we are. Not even the mind – our thoughts, perceptions, or emotions – are us. These things, too, come and go, so they cannot be our true selves by their sheer transience. The actuality of our essence is said to be eternal – existing before the current material form was born, and long after it will burn out – to either merge with the Absolute oneness (God, Tao, The Absolute, or Plotinus’ The One) or to inhabit a new life form, over and over again (samsara), until the final yoking (Yoga) of individual essence (Atman) with the absolute reality (Brahman). So the goal of Yoga, then, is to realize this individual essence through devotion (to Self-realization), duty* (dharma or purpose) and/or right discrimination (jnana or knowledge).

*Which includes action (karma)

But devotion, duty, and right discrimination are not the tools most often employed by the masses, even though the Bhagavad Gita stresses them (not enough people have taken the time to read/study the Gita). The tool most often associated with awareness of the Self is meditation. Now, let it be said that Self-realization is virtually impossible without devotion, dedication to duty and knowledge. Nonetheless, meditation is effective in bringing our consciousness in tune with our essence from a physical, mental, and conceptual standpoint. It may sound counter-intuitive to more discerning minds as to how we might tune-in to our true essence with machinery (our brains and minds) that I have already pointed out is NOT what we are in actuality; but if we consider which layers of awareness are available to us – sensory/motor, consciousness, and essence – in order of decreasing complexity and refinement, we can see how we must peel off each successive layer of attachment (or what some might call illusion –maya), from what we sense (see, hear, touch, smell, taste), feel or think…the forms of awareness we most generally use to distinguish self from other.

Through meditation we can get underneath each successive layer of illusory self, sometimes by negating (neti-neti) – “I am not this; I am not that,” – and sometimes by simply knowing that anything transient (thoughts, feelings, sensations, perceptions, memory, and imagination) is not us. This is what the Yogis call jnana – a knowingness of Self and non-self, a right discrimination between reality and illusion. When we sit quietly, and it may take some time to develop*, we have a greater ability to dive to the depths of our being, that simple yet refined essence, which is buried beneath the increasing layers of complexity, diversity and baggage that many call the ego.

(*This is why I recommend dedicating oneself to learning and practicing means of Self-realization, uncovering one’s purpose and living by service and duty, and constantly discerning between truth and illusion through right knowledge [some call it rationality, some call it intuition, but it is both, together])

The ego makes up our individuality, and thus, our sense of separateness from others; essentially it is responsible for the many-ness that populates the world. But the oneness which universally and eternally underlies all individuals making up the many at every level of existence is what the great teachers of history have referred to when they have said we are all one. We ARE all one …in essence. Our cells make up our organs, which make up our bodies. From the many to one. Our thoughts make up our personas, which make up our personalities. From the many to one. To understand this, and to use this knowledge to detach from the individual elements that we generally mistake for ourselves, is the true goal of meditation, and ultimately of Yoga. When the individual quiets the brain noise by focusing on the usual elements of illusion, labels them, acknowledges their transient nature, and negates them as Self, they start to merge with, and are engulfed by, an indescribable experience (not quite feeling, not quite conception) of oneness (which is both nothingness and everythingness in paradoxical synchronicity).

Over time, the ability to drop beneath the layers of consciousness allows the true Self to become aware of itself in every interaction and every dynamic. The Self recognizes it is the source of every experience, every relationship, and every sense of meaning. The Self knows that bliss is born of perception and attitude, which can be changed, and not the desires (and fears) typically inflicted upon consciousness. Replacing the self-love of the individual with love of the Self – the essence common to all things – changes our experience: desires are left unpursued, fears are discarded, and pleasures and pains are recognized as inextricably linked in space and time. By attuning to the Self, life can unfold spontaneously, without the pressure of needing this or that to happen. What is required is to simply discard the notion of individuation based on the transient elements of body, mind, and emotion, and to attune to what lies beneath them, and beneath consciousness itself. The essence of our authentic selves is what is common to all people. It is a pure awareness, in pure neutrality, bathed in unconditional love and appreciation for all things. Until we can look beyond the seeming many-ness of material individuation and attune to our underlying oneness, we will forever obsess over differences which separate us in the illusion we call “being ourselves.”

How to Find Bliss in the Awareness of Consciousness

By Dr. Nick Campos On November 7, 2022 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there to hear it, does it make a sound? This long-standing philosophical question is the basis of many theories of ontology, the study of the essence of being. It basically points out the difficulty in determining whether things exist outside of their being perceived. In other words, without an observer, can there really be any phenomena at all?

The 18^th century philosopher Bishop George Berkeley thought not: He believed material substance to be an illusion, and that all things existed only in the mind where they are perceived. No perception – no existence. He said:

“The objects of sense exist only when they are perceived; the trees therefore are in the garden… no longer than while there is somebody by to perceive them.” ~ Bishop George Berkeley

The twentieth century saw the advent of quantum physics, which seemed to corroborate Bishop Berkeley’s immaterialism. Quantum data showed evidence that things are not always as they seem. One major conundrum inherent in quantum theory was that particles did not occupy any definitive space, that is, not until a measurement was taken, at which time the particle would collapse to a specific point in space. This collapse occurred due to an interaction called an observation, whereby the measurement, or act of observing, interacted physically with the object being measured, affecting its properties through the interaction itself. Quantum physical observation, by some interpretations at least, appeared to confirm Berkeley’s philosophy: Truly nothing exists materially without it being perceived.

Even Albert Einstein was perplexed by the perception-necessitates-existence puzzle. His paradigm-changing theory of relativity sought to establish locality as the indisputable principle of reality. Locality means that an object is influenced directly only by its surroundings. In other words, an object cannot be influenced by something in another part of space without a wave or particle travelling through space between the two points to influence it. Locality, in a sense, describes a universe where things have their place relative to other things, regardless of who perceives them. Along with localization, Einstein became a strong advocate of the concept of realism, a belief that there exists “a real factual situation,” which is “independent of our observations.” To fellow physicist Abraham Pais, Einstein once remarked. “Do you really believe that the moon only exists if you look at it?”

To counter this conundrum, some have turned to an ancient philosophy which proposes that consciousness permeates the entire universe. Known as panpsychism, this viewpoint believes that all things possess consciousness, including inanimate objects such as rocks, clouds, and even man-made instruments like thermostats. This philosophy has iterations in Ancient Greek, Hindu, and Native American thought, among others. It is not too hard to imagine other life forms like lower animals (insects, for instance), plants, and even individual human cells having some form of consciousness. Native Americans expressed panpsychism as a profound reverence for nature, whereby they believed that all natural objects possessed sentience – that they were alive in a real sense. Panpsychism, then, offers a solution to Einstein’s disbelief of perception-necessitates-existence by providing an omnipresent consciousness to act as the observer necessary to maintain a continuous localized universe.

The Yogic philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, teaches that the entire universe is cradled in consciousness. Aligned with the modern scientific concepts of entropy and emergence, the yogic philosophy explains that consciousness requires order (negentropy) and harmony (syntropy), such that consciousness can only be expressed through vehicles of varied complex systems (emergence). Some of these systems are simple and have simple levels of consciousness, while other are more complex, like the human mind, and have a more refined form of consciousness. In other words, consciousness exists on a spectrum according to the system that is transmitting it.

But Advaita Vedanta takes things a step further by pointing out that what underlies even consciousness is awareness. So, while consciousness is responsible for all things physical and mental, those things themselves merely float like waves in the ocean of awareness (which engulfs consciousness, and its constructs, completely). This is an important concept to understand, as some real distinctions separate consciousness from awareness. According to the Yogic philosophy (among others), these differences are what separate the illusions of reality from the truth of actuality. For instance, it is consciousness which is responsible for the ego, or the sense of “I”-ness. Our conception of separateness from all other things in the universe begins with our sense of individuation, or our identification of being a distinct entity. Awareness, on the other hand, knows no distinction or individuation, but only wholeness and syntropy. To be separate from the rest of existence is an illusion, while a cohesive oneness with all things is the truth of actuality.

Both the conscious and unconscious minds exist in awareness, as well. They are not separate entities, despite their very monikers delineating the mind’s isolation of one from the other, while focusing conscious awareness on only half the equation. Nonetheless, what the yogis call awareness, or the Absolute, is the totality of all that is; it is what they describe as beyond existence. Nisargadatta Maharaj said of awareness, “It is the changeless reality itself.”

The ultimate message from all this is that there’s no real separation between us and the rest of our experience. We are literally one with the people in our lives and everyone we encounter –what we might call a form of quantum entanglement. We are also one with the world in which we walk, such that everything we perceive as being “out there” is actually a reflection of what we have inside us. So the statement, “We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are,” is a truth we would be wise to acknowledge, like the idealists and various interpreters of quantum physics had before us, that nothing exists outside of our perception. And thus, every experience we have is in actuality a dynamic in which we are a player along with other people, things, and experiences of the world. This is in stark contrast to the perception of an “individual acting within the external world” in which things simply “happen to us,” an illusion of conscious reality. When we shift our perceptual understanding in this way, pain and suffering which we experience from the vacillations of isolation/togetherness, winning/losing, successes/failures, pleasures/pains, and people coming/going ease away. We come to a certain knowingness of the importance that every person, thing and experience plays in the unfolding of our magnificent lives.

Consciousness really is at the heart of our worldly experience. And the life we create is a function of our consciousness in complete alignment with our underlying awareness (conscious and unconscious together as a whole). Meditation, as a tool, gives us an outlet for which to go beyond consciousness, beyond the “I,” and beyond ego attachment. It allows us to bring the unconscious and conscious into complete wholeness, the inseparable state of awareness. You will never fully understand the body, mind, or consciousness until you go beyond them into awareness. Know the source of all experience, which is in yourself, and you will find no question left unanswered. This is what leads to bliss.

Reality Cannot Be Taught – You Must Seek and Come to Know Yourself

By Dr. Nick Campos On October 18, 2022 · Add Comment · In Uncategorized

Receiving sound advice from a wise soul is invaluable. Who better than a person of experience, who has faced certain turmoil, and has lived through elements of life for which we yearn, to impart on us all that they have learned along the way. Many of us will even pay good money to sit at the table of an old sage to absorb his or her wisdom. But in the end, does it really matter?

Even when in earnest we listen thoughtfully to those we hold in the highest esteem, we never really come to understand a thing until we experience it ourselves. Wisdom imparted makes us reflect and ponder, and it may even have us believing that we are better off for having heard it, but without the personal experience what can we truly know?

Try describing the taste of an apple without saying it tastes like apple. How could you explain it to a toddler other than handing her a slice? And the color red to a person with protanopia – a form of color blindness where the person’s red cones are damaged and thus they see black instead of red – how would you describe it? What about being in love? Try explaining it to a toddler and you will find you can only do so in the most trivial manner – the essence of what you feel can really only be effectively expressed to another who has experienced it as well.

Similarly, nobody can convey to you what it feels like to play the piano…you just have to play one to understand. A wealthy person cannot tell you what it feels like to be rich; he or she can only point you in the direction of the mind set you must have and the actions you must take to increase your chances of amassing great wealth. It will be up to you to actually do what it takes in order to achieve and experience it in totality. And this is true of becoming an athletic champion or a great artist as well. No one can teach you. They can coach you and guide you, but ultimately, you must learn by doing.

This is most true then when it comes to spiritual wisdom. You can spend time with a guru, but the guru can never teach you enlightenment; she can only show you the way to ready yourself and the direction you must walk to get there. The Buddha would say, “Ehipassiko,” or “Go see for yourself.” Take nothing on authority. Seek. Find. And only then will you Know Truth.

Why is this? A guru cannot make you into what you already are. All he can do is show you how he himself arrived at his Self-realization. The guru simply encourages you to come along to where he is. Can he tell you what he sees, what he experiences? To some degree he can show you, he can share with you energetically, but words can never fully describe what he experiences. For this you must seek and find for yourself. Ehipassiko.

When the seeker comes to understand that the real guru is within, then there is no longer a need for an outer guru. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. And when the student becomes aware that the teacher is, and has always been, the Self, then all external manifestations of the guru merge into one within the seeker/student. All the books one has read, all the instructors one has put trust into, and all the wisdom one has earned on his or her path of spiritual seeking become part of the realization that all was just a remembering of what the Self has always known.

It has been said that spiritual practice is helping to ripen the fruit of the mind and prepare it for awakening. My advice would be to practice the methodical self-awareness of mindfulness, train the mind to attune to the perfect balance of non-duality of the Self, and dedicate time every day to enter into states of pure being and silence to experience the true reality of your existence. This may sound wildly unreachable to one who has not investigated the practices I am suggesting. But I assure you the actions are simple. Contact me if you would love to learn the simplicity of attuning to your Self and bearing the fruits of your labors. If you want to live mentally well-balanced, creatively, and with infinite riches in any area of life which you value, then listen to me and follow my guidance. I cannot move beyond these words and show you exactly what I mean; you will have to do that for yourself. But if you take the time to do as I advise, you will find that eventually you will come to see what I am suggesting – a new dimension of reality which is yours for the taking. But like the Buddha said, “Ehipassiko” – you must go see for yourself.

Dr. Nick Campos

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