1 6 S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 7 - 2 Fa l l 2 0 2 1 Electromagnetic energy is found in: • The molecular bonds between the atoms and molecules, such as H2O, that make up our tissues (in the form of electrostatic attraction between atoms that share pairs of electrons, forming a covalent bond; Malone and Dolter 2010, 58). • Nerve impulses (in the form of “action potentials”– waves of alternating charge polarity that pass along the membrane of a neuron; Garber 2002, 173). • Currents of charge that pass-through bone and connective tissue (fascia) generated via the piezoelectric effect by compression or tension forces as we move. The piezoelectric effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. Certain cells in bone and fascia sense the current that’s generated and react by laying down new material to optimize the strength of the tissue (Myers 2020, 20). • Direct electrical currents and polarity differences that are found in the body, including skin electrical resistance and currents that exist particularly after injury (Becker 1985, 105). • The electromagnetic field in and around the body. Physics tells us that all moving electrical currents generate an electromagnetic field. This field generated by the electrical activity of the heart is detected with electrocardiograms (ECGs) and by the brain with electroencephalograms (EEGs). The electromagnetic field penetrates the body and extends outside the body, diminishing in strength with distance like all electrical fields (Becker 1985, 81; McCraty 2015, 36). • The thermal infrared radiation emitted by the skin surface (what’s detected by infrared cameras; Halliday et al. 2010, 1094). Chemical energy is manifested: • In the metabolic processes of the body. Oxygen is absorbed via respiration (and waste CO2 emitted) and combined with glucose (formed from the fats, proteins and carbohydrates that are absorbed from our food) to form ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the main energy currency of organic cells, driving muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, chemical synthesis, etc. In essence, all chemical reactions are the result of the transference of the electromagnetic energy of electrons. Most reactions entail the replacement of weak molecular bonds with stronger ones (Odya and Norris 2017, 28). • As chemical messengers called hormones (e.g. , adrenaline, serotonin, histamine) when in the blood or neurotransmitters in the brain. These pass energy around the body in the form of information and impulses to action (Odya and Norris 2017, 168). Kinetic energy is manifested: • In the form of heat. Any atom or molecule above absolute zero (-273 ˚C) will vibrate. This vibration is called thermal energy, or heat. The vibrations cause the radiation of heat energy in the form of photons in the thermal infrared range (8–15 μm; Halliday et al. 2010, 640). • In mechanical stress. Even at total rest, the tissues of the body are under mechanical tension and compression. This is how the body keeps its shape. As we move, the transmission of tensional and compressional forces follow certain lines of myofascial connection across the body (Myers 2020). • In the rhythmical movements of the life-sustaining functions of the body (e.g. , the respiratory rhythm, heartbeat pulse, craniosacral rhythms, etc.). • In body posture (e.g. , body language, semaphore) and body movements (e.g. , waving goodbye). Potential energy is manifested: • In the gravitational pull of Earth on our body – the higher we climb, the greater potential energy the body gains. Gravitational potential energy can be a distinct source of fear when we’re standing on a cliff edge! (Halliday et al. 2010, 215). • In the elastic qualities of the body’s tissues. For example, when we throw a ball, we know to swing our arm back before accelerating it forwards. Part of that back-swing is to elastically stretch the tissues in our arm, so that when we throw (via muscular contraction), that elastic potential will be released and will increase the speed of the ball (Halliday et al. 2010, 217; Schleip and Baker 2015, 229). • In the chemical potential energy of stored fats, glucose, etc. A candle, for example, converts chemical potential energy into heat (thermal kinetic energy) and light (electromagnetic energy) (Odya and Norris 2017, 28). • In the mass of every particle that makes up the body. In his theory of special relativity, Einstein derived his famous equation E=mc2, meaning energy is equivalent to mass, or put another way, mass is simply a manifestation (or solidification, confinement, or localization) of energy (Einstein 1905, 639). There’s one more form of energy I want to mention. You won’t find it in a physics textbook, but nevertheless it’s very real; that is intention. Intention is a type of mental energy and represents a determination or commitment to doing something by carrying out a volitional action or set of actions. Intention acts to bring together and direct all the energies we’ve mentioned thus far for a particular purpose and can be exceedingly powerful. Intention built the pyramids, sent a man to the moon, and is the creator and destroyer of civilizations!
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