What is vibrational energy?

When I first met my husband and I was over at his house for the first time, I immediately noticed the abundance of flourishing houseplants. At first I thought they were fake - it seemed near impossible that a single man could maintain this level of life in his bachelor pad. Yet upon closer examination I realized they were all in fact, real. Tropical varieties, herbs, ferns, bamboo and succulents - and they were all thriving. He watched as I realized that each plant had a carefully placed little toy in it's pot. Upon seeing the confused look on my face he claimed “...to keep them company.”

I laughed it off while thinking he is clearly out to lunch, but in the 16 years that I’ve known him he has never killed a plant and in fact he can (most of the time) restore plants that are teetering on the edge of death. What is this craziness?

The reality is that plants, along with everything in nature and the universe vibrate with energy at different frequencies. On a universal scale you can imagine the vibrations of the stars and the planets, the rhythms of the moon and the tides; in nature, the cycles of the weather and the seasons which promote and sustain life. Our bodies also carry such rhythms - our sleep cycle (circadian rhythm) for example is one, as well as our heartbeat - both of which are essential in keeping us alive. And on a much smaller invisible scale, are the trillions of individual cells that make up our entire body. Using atomic microscopes, researchers have detected vibrational frequency down to the very atoms and molecules that make up our cells. With that knowledge, it only makes sense that the environment for which we create for our cells - from how we choose to nourish our bodies, down to our thoughts and emotions have an astronomical impact on the frequency of our vibration and it's effect on our physical, mental and spiritual health.

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"Biochemical reactions to our everyday thoughts and feelings occur not just in the brain but also, often simultaneously, in virtually every system of your body." Molecules of Emotion - Candace B. Pert, Ph.D.

The mind-body connection

The connection between the mind and the body is well-known and studied in depth. Research has shown that chronic stress and emotional trauma, sometimes stemming from our earliest days in the womb, can contribute to a decline in physical health. Every day we are exposed to external influences which ignite internal physiological responses. These external influences are interpreted by the brain, then converted into chemicals which circulate throughout the body, attaching to cell receptors and altering the function of those cells. A great example of this is the release of cortisol in response to stress, which acts to prepare our body for fight or flight. Physical trauma, toxins, and thoughts with their corresponding emotional responses, all impact the signals going into the cells. Because we have little to no control over physical trauma, and only a minimal amount of control over toxin exposure, ensuring our thoughts and emotions vibrate at high frequency will positively influence the environment of our cells.

In retrospect, I constantly remind my kids that you can’t control what happens to you, you can only control how you choose to respond. Memories of past experiences as well as conditioned beliefs about ourselves and the world around us are stored in our subconscious mind, which controls our behaviour up to 95% of the time. Because conditioned thought patterns not only determine our emotional response but directly affect how we behave, bringing awareness to thoughts and emotions that arise and choosing how to respond is where the power lies.

The spiritual connection

Ancient modalities have been practicing energy medicine for millennia, but only within the last 30 years have alternative and complimentary approaches to health been gaining in popularity. Ayurvedic theory (the sister science to yoga) claims everything in the universe is connected, and our overall health is affected by all internal and external elements. In Traditional Chinese Medicine - Qi (energy) in the body is the vital life force and must flow in order to remain physically and mentally healthy. Indigenous tribes harnessed the power of energy and used it in spiritual healing practices. Science has only just barely scratched the surface of these ancient traditions and their healing power.

So what is this about frequency?

Vibrational energy experts claim that certain emotions and mindsets such as anger, despair and fear are associated with lower frequencies. The lower the frequency, the darker and denser the energy. Those vibrating in lower frequencies may experience frequent physical pain and discomfort, mental confusion and emotional heaviness. Accomplishing goals takes substantial effort, and they tend to feel trapped in negative emotional cycles of jealousy, grief, anger and lack of control over their lives.

Alternatively, higher frequencies are associated with feelings of empowerment, clarity, peace, joy and love. Those vibrating in a higher frequency are tuned into their thoughts and emotions, and are generally spiritually connected to a universal power greater than themselves. Negative thought patterns or periods of stress are easily managed, and energy is carefree. Manifesting desires takes little effort, if any at all - and any physical pain in the body is brief.

Like attracts Like

The law of attraction states "like attracts like." As all things living are vibrating at a certain frequency, it accepted that we will attract experiences, relationships, jobs, friends and events that vibrate on the same frequency. We can all think of someone who is trapped in a victim mentality, who makes excuses for why they can’t ever seem to catch a break, and finds themselves caught up in a myriad of negative drama. By living in a lower frequency, they are essentially attracting more unwelcome events, toxic relationships and negative personal experiences into their lives. On the other hand, someone who radiates positive energy, is full of gratitude, gives freely and is connected to their inner selves will have an abundance of good fortune, endless opportunities, and magnetically attract what they desire. This is the difference between higher and lower vibrational frequencies, and this is the power of manifestation.

How to raise your vibrational frequency

Meditation or prayer

The very first step in raising your frequency is awareness. Awareness of an energy source greater than ourselves. Awareness of your own negative thought patterns and conditioned beliefs. Take the time to tune into your thoughts, become curious and question their credibility. Break them down to discover where they originate. Acknowledge them, accept them and release them. For this, meditation or prayer is powerful. I can’t offer much insight into meditation as I’m a beginner myself, however there are several meditation apps and guided videos online. As meditation is a practice, it will not feel natural right away - and as with any practice will become easier over time.

Mindset

We all have incredible potential that is limited by our own negative and conditioned thought patterns. I can't count how many times I've heard the phrase "I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist." Truthfully, everyone has the power to choose their reality, and these individuals have not unleashed the power of their potential. Manifest what you desire and trust that it is already available to you waiting for you to be open to receive it.

Gratitude

Taking the time to recognize and appreciate everything good in your life can have a powerful stress-reducing affect and has been associated with a higher vibrational frequency. This can be as simple as shifting your mindset to all that you have instead of what you lack. Recognizing your strengths and unique gifts, and not comparing yourself to others. Gratitude journalling can be extremely helpful in this regard.

Eat nourishing foods

Going back to creating an environment for our cells to thrive, eating nutrient dense foods with higher energy levels can help raise vibrational frequency. Such foods are considered to be leafy greens, fresh fruits, legumes and minimally processed grains. Foods associated with lower frequency are meat, fish, dairy, alcohol and highly processed foods.

Spend time in nature

Getting outdoors and spending time immersed in the vibrations of nature grounds your energy and connects you to the magnetic field of the earth. Exposing yourself to the abundance of negative ions by walking through the forest or sitting next to the sound of a trickling creek can reduce cortisol levels and offer numerous psychological benefits. Getting outdoors often can raise your frequency.

Connection to others

Again, "like attracts like." Surround yourself with people who align with your goals and aspirations. Nurture healthy relationships with those who support you and celebrate you. Find a mentor or a coach. Healthy relationships are crucial to vibrating in a higher frequency. Assess how you feel when around certain people. Spend more time with those who bring you joy and accept you for who you are. Surround yourself with those who feed your energy instead of drain it.

So, what about those plants?

As it turns out, my husband is just a really great plant parent. He can overwater, underwater, give it light, no light. He doesn't overthink what the plants need, he naturally just cares for them on the level that they are attuned to, and they respond prosperously. It seems logical to me that he is on the same vibrational frequency as his houseplants, and their energy is matched. He reflects gratitude for their abundance and believes in his power to grow and nurture them. Me, on the other hand, just have to give the plants a sideways glance and they wilt. I really have no idea if the toys in the plants hold any power, and I still think it's kind of bizarre - but who am I to criticize? Maybe I just need to increase my frequency.