New age beliefs
New Age beliefs are a set of spiritual and philosophical ideas that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by a focus on personal growth, self-awareness, and spiritual exploration. Some common New Age beliefs include:
- Holism: The idea that everything is interconnected and interdependent, and that the individual is part of a larger whole.
- Spiritual growth: The belief that individuals can achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment through meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices.
- Reincarnation: The idea that the soul or spirit is reborn into a new body after death, and that past-life experiences can influence current life.
- Channeling: The practice of receiving messages or guidance from spiritual entities, such as angels, guides, or ascended masters.
- Auras: The belief that individuals have an aura or energy field that surrounds their physical body, and that this aura can be seen or sensed.
- Chakras: The idea that the body has seven energy centers or chakras, which can be balanced and aligned through meditation and other practices.
- Crystals and gemstones: The belief that certain crystals and gemstones have healing properties and can be used for spiritual growth and protection.
- Astrology: The study of the positions and movements of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.
- Feng shui: The practice of arranging one's environment to balance and harmonize the flow of energy (chi).
- The power of positive thinking: The idea that one's thoughts and attitudes can influence their reality and that positive thinking can bring about positive outcomes.
- The law of attraction: The belief that like attracts like, and that one's thoughts and emotions can attract positive or negative experiences into their life.
- The concept of the collective unconscious: The idea that there is a shared reservoir of archetypes and experiences that are common to all humans.
- The idea of the universe as a vast, interconnected web: The belief that everything in the universe is connected and interdependent, and that individual actions can have a ripple effect on the world.
- The importance of intuition: The idea that intuition is a valuable guide for making decisions and navigating life.
- The concept of the higher self: The idea that there is a higher, more spiritual aspect of oneself that can guide and direct one's life.
Some popular New Age practices and activities include:
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Yoga and tai chi
- Reiki and other forms of energy healing
- Astrology and tarot card reading
- Channeling and mediumship
- Crystal healing and gemstone therapy
- Feng shui and space clearing
- Holistic health and wellness practices, such as acupuncture and herbalism
- Spiritual retreats and workshops
- Online courses and educational programs on spirituality and personal growth.
It's worth noting that while New Age beliefs and practices have been influential in popular culture, they are not universally accepted or recognized by mainstream science or traditional religious institutions.