Epigenetics research challenges the conventional beliefs about genes and reveals the role of emotion on our bodies and health.

In this one-minute video, author and cellular biologist Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D. paints a clear picture of the importance of perception in maintaining optimal health.

Listen for his great metaphor about “cells as citizens” in a community of 50 trillion entities.

Among the questions the group wrestled with were these:

1. Does the field of integrative medicine hold any answers to our healthcare system’s problems?

2. Could a group of philanthropists, working together to fund strategic programs, accomplish more than individual givers?

To both questions, their answer was a resounding “Yes!”

Out of those conversations arose The Bravewell Collaborative, a foundation “dedicated to transforming the culture and delivery of healthcare.”

Bravewell seeks to raise awareness of those things that should matter most in medicine: patient empowerment; an emphasis on healthy life-style choices to create health, wellness and healing; the individualization of care, and the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. These are all components of an integrative approach and we hope our support of these pioneers will inspire others to follow their path.”

— Christy Mack, President of the Bravewell Collaborative

Leadership of the Collaborative includes John Mack (CEO of Morgan Stanley), philanthropist and former publisher Bill Sarnoff, Judith Moyers (president of Public Affairs Television), and Dr. Mehmet Oz (of Oprah fame).

Among the many thought-provoking links to explore on the Bravewell site are the Patient Bill of Rights and the Declaration for a New Medicine.

And, from the Huffington Post, comes this revealing commentary on the need for a group like Bravewell. (From 2007, but still relevant.)

So why are the Bravewell initiatives important to you and me?

Well, on a practical level, Bravewell is active in accelerating the growth of leading clinical centers of integrative medicine. But, just as important, the members of the Collaborative are massively successful private citizens who are turning their attention, money and influence to one of the most challenging issues of our century.

It’s going to be fascinating to watch what kind of impact this group will have on the future of health care. And I wonder how closely they will work with the new Obama administration?

Paro, therapeutic robot

Have you even been to an extended care facility or nursing home? If so, you know that many of the residents will seem emotionless and uncommunicative … often with slow movements and a blank stare. Others may be agitated and anxious.

Japanese inventor, Takanori Shibata, has brought to life Paro, a therapeutic robot baby harp seal, intended to  bring forth emotional responses in patients of hospitals and nursing homes, and to calm them.

Using a multitude of sensors, these robot baby seals respond to light, specific voices, and even language.

Shibata talked more about the project to Canadian Press, during the January 2009 Consumer Electronics Show.

Denmark is buying 1,000 robots for its elderly, and 20 American nursing homes and hospitals are testing their use.

You can learn more about Paro — the Mental Commitment robot – on the Japanese site or the U.S. site.

Neale Donald Walsch, one of the stars of Healing with the Masters

Right now, Jennifer McLean is hosting her third Healing with the Masters teleseminar series.

The 12-week program showcases 24 luminaries in the world of New Thought and wellness.

Among the authors and speakers already featured:

• Gregg Braden (Fractal Time)
• Eric Pearl (The Reconnection)
• Guy Finlay (The Essential Laws of Fearless Living)
• Genpo Roshi (Big Mind, Big Heart)

Still to come, as of this writing, are:

• Neale Donald Walsch (When Everything Changes, Change Everything)
  
• Richard Moss (The Mandala of Being)
• Dr. Judith Orloff (Emotional Freedom)
• James Arthur Ray (Harmonic Wealth)
• Bruce Lipton (The Biology of Belief)
• Gary Renard (The Disappearance of the Universe)

There are 3 ways to take part in the events:

1. Listen live (free) to that day’s class
2. Listen to a recording of the most recent call (free) for about 48 hours after the event
3. Purchase the entire series, for copies of the calls and transcripts