Today in my psychology class we were discussing the idea of pain, and how it can often be a mind over matter thing. We began discourse on how people who have strong convictions about something, for example in a religious context, often say they do not feel pain even in a situation where they obviously should. Then we watched this video in which people chose to suspend themselves from hooks piercing their body in various places. Although in this instance it is not necessarily religious, it is a spiritual experience for them. The practice also originated as religious. It was considered a great honor to be the individual chosen to perform the suspension.
This reminded me of what we discussed previously regarding harming oneself for religious beliefs. I thought everyone might find it interesting.
1 comment:
I think the video is amazing and thank you for sharing. On an editorial note, I think it helps to show how spiritually starved some people in America have become due to social circumstances as they are - cut off from nature, from natural sources of spiritual fulfillment such as those like shamanism may provide, etc. Many, as some in the video have, are turning to ancient techniques, used by shamans, to get in touch with a deep, spiritual part of themselves. I'm not suggesting of course that everyone should do this. But I think that it is a viable and helpful option for some. What is unfortunate is that the actual religious ritual and spiritual component, performed and summoned by actual shaman/medicine men, is unavailable to these people and yet remains a terribly important part. Perhaps some, if not all, will find what they need on their path.
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