Spirituality

• TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Former comedian/television host and renowned spiritual guide Morgan O. Smith is proud to introduce his groundbreaking meditation technique, Yinnergy Meditation, and his latest book, "Bodhi in the Brain."
• Smith, known for his deep commitment to enhancing human understanding and inner peace, has captured the essence of spiritual enlightenment and consciousness in his transformative works.
• Yinnergy Meditation is not merely a meditation technique; it's a transformative journey.
• In his enlightening new book, "Bodhi in the Brain," Smith explores the profound implications of Yinnergy Meditation.

• The researchers say the implication of these findings could extend beyond sports to fanaticism in other areas, such as politics.
• To gain some insight into the brain mechanisms behind the behaviors of the fans, Dr. Zamorano and colleagues recruited 43 healthy male volunteers who support Chilean football teams for a functional MRI (fMRI) study.
• While the participants viewed the match compilation, their brain activity was measured using fMRI, a noninvasive imaging technique that detects changes in the brain's blood flow.
• The fMRI results showed that brain activity changed when the fan's team succeeded or failed.

• NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights today announced that Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA president, actor, writer, and activist, will receive the 2023 Ripple of Hope Award in recognition of her leadership advocating for workers' rights.
• The Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award honors exemplary leaders across government, business, advocacy, and entertainment who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social change and worked to protect and advance equity, justice, and human rights.
• "Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights has a long history of supporting union activity, and my father worked alongside union organizer Cesar Chavez to protect vulnerable farmworkers," said Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
• "I am honored to be a recipient of the RFK Ripple of Hope Award," said Drescher.

• Many activists advocate for the use of “people/persons with disabilities” and not the “handicapped” or “disabled”.
• To them the word “disability” is stigmatising because they don’t have such a term in their vocabulary.
• I found that good health and wellbeing relies on rituals, which are the essence of life among the Bomvana people.
• This offers lessons in the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities.

The study

• For my study, 50 people were selected for interviews and focus groups from three rural villages – Gusi, Hobeni and Xhora in the district of Elliotdale – with the assistance of chiefs and community members.
• My study focused on three rituals which mark important stages in a person’s life:

Efukwini (behind the door), which provides a sacred space for giving birth in which the mother and infant remain separate from the rest of the household for 10 days to protect the child from evil forces. When the nursing mother is in seclusion, AmaXhosa believe that the child is connected to the ancestors for its protection and recognition as a member of the family, including all people with disabilities.
Intonjane (female initiation rite), marking a girl’s rite of passage to womanhood, performed between her first menstruation and her wedding. The ritual is done for all young women, regardless of whether they are disabled.
Ulwaluko (traditional male circumcision), in which boys learn about acquiring their identity and social responsibility as men. A person with disability belongs to the community and must not be excluded from this ritual. All boys must be taught to become men, regardless of disabilities.

The findings

• If they didn’t, it’s believed, the rituals would be rejected by the ancestors and misfortune would arise.
• The Bomvana also believe illness can be prevented through performing rituals to the ancestors, who are seen as intermediaries between God and people.
• I found that rituals provide a safe space for people with disability by virtue of being inclusive.
• Disability is seen as outside the body:
  Disability is like a blanket any other spirit is wearing.
• There are, however, also negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities in the broader Bomvana village society outside of the rituals.

What this means

• The AmaBomvane belief in ubuntu – social justice and fairness – could be a model for the inclusion of persons with disabilities and their rights.
• The Bomvana case could encourage others to embrace a spirituality that supports resilience and stability.

Nomvo Dwadwa-Henda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.