and ( 3 ) Cortical brain that gets activated through self-reflection , creativity , imagination , storytelling and meditation . The reptilian brain only gets activated in life-threatening situations ; the limbic brain is nourished by healthy emotions and the cortical brain through practices such as mindfulness , meditation and transcendence . What we call the super brain is an integrated brain where three parts of our brain evolve into different parts of biological evolution and work in harmony with each other .
P : In your opinion , what are some of the challenges medical , health and spa industries are facing in shifting the mindset from cure to prevention ? C : The future of medicine and health in our culture is going to be personalized , preventable , predictable , participatory and processoriented . We now have easy ways to quantify the effects of behavior change , including measuring the effects of sleep , meditation , movement , yoga , breathing emotions and nutrition . With our own research in collaboration with University of California San Francisco , The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , and Harvard Medical School , we have clearly shown the effects of lifestyle changes on gene expressions , the epigenome , inflammatory markets , brain and healing system . I do not foresee significant challenges in the near future . Mind-body medicine and whole systems biology have entered mainstream .
P : What health and well-being trends are you seeing that spa professionals need to be aware of to ensure they have their pulse on consumers ’ most pressing health needs ? C : The major trends today are the introduction of technology which includes monitoring devices as well as biofeedback and BioRegulation devices , and virtual reality experiences . We are offering this through our platform jiyo . com . We also use devices such as Muse , Dreamweaver , Virtual Reality Meditation – Finding Your True Self . and wisdom and helping to create a more peaceful , just , sustainable , happier and healthy world .
P : Many struggle to find the meaning of life . What do you think is the real meaning and purpose of life ? C : The real meaning is first to expand the experience of happiness , but ultimately find our true self beyond our ego identity . The true self is the source of all our experiences and is a field of infinite possibilities , synchronicity , creativity , love , joy and equanimity . Wisdom traditions tell us the purpose of life is enlightenment , which is finding your source in the light of pure awareness . n
Personal Side Notes
My idea of a perfect afternoon tea involves : A meaningful conversation with my higher self in deep stillness while savoring the delicate flavors grown in the foothills of the Himalayas . What the world needs is : Less melodrama and more compassion . I feed my soul with : Silence and deep connection with nature periodically . Today , I will let go of : All grievances and resentments and judgment . Regret is : Wasted energy . What ’ s done is done . To be present , I : Settle in being and rest in awareness . I live the spa lifestyle by : Periodically renewing myself through detox , physically , emotionally and spiritually . Taking a period of silence yearly and getting a massage occasionally .
P : In today ’ s world wherein our busy lifestyles have turned sleep into a luxury and technology has wired us 24 / 7 , what ’ s your advice to help us shut off and recharge ? C : Practice meditation daily , get good sleep and exercise , avoid foods that are refined , processed , manufactured or contaminated . Engage in conscious communication . Set aside time for technology . Technology is neutral . How you use it is up to you . Do not allow technology to be your master . It should be your servant and should be used with the intention of good knowledge
WANT ADDITIONAL READING on wellbeing ? Click here to access resources shared by Chopra on The Self Directed Biological Transformation Initiative and Well-Being ( published by the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine ) and Systems Biology Research Study Reveals Benefits of Vacation and Meditation ( published by Sprinter Nature ’ s journal , Translational Psychiatry ).
January / February 2017 ■ PULSE 25