Some time ago, I read a study about how a surgeon came to discover the power of thought. Here is a passage from The Biology of Belief:
A Baylor School of Medicine study, published in 2002 in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated surgery for patients with severe, debilitating knee pain. (Moseley, et al, 2002) The lead author of the study, Dr. Bruce Moseley, “knew” that knee surgery helped his patients. “All good surgeons know there is no placebo effect in surgery.” But Moseley was trying to figure out which part of the surgery was giving his patients relief. The patients in the study were divided into three groups. Moseley shaved the damaged cartilage in the knee of one group. For another group, he flushed out the knee joint, removing material thought to be causing the inflammatory effect. Both of these constitute standard treatment for arthritic knees. The third group got “fake” surgery. The patient was sedated, Moseley made three standard incisions and then talked and acted just as he would have during a real surgery – he even splashed salt water to simulate the sound of the knee-washing procedure. After 40 minutes, Moseley sewed up the incisions as if he had done the surgery. All three groups were prescribed the same postoperative care, which included an exercise program.
The results were shocking. Yes, the groups who received surgery, as expected, improved. But the placebo group improved just as much as the other two groups! …Television news programs graphically illustrated the stunning results. Footage showed members of the placebo group walking and playing basketball, in short doing things they reported they could not do before their “surgery”. The placebo patients didn’t find out for two years that they had gotten fake surgery. One member of the placebo group, Tim Perez, who had to walk with a cane before surgery, is now able to play basketball with his grandchildren. He summed up the theme of this book when he told the Discovery Health Channel: “In this world anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I know that your mind can work miracles.”
Some years ago, another group of doctors decided to test the power of prayer with women who were having difficulty getting pregnant. Here is an excerpt from Lucky Man:
I recently read about an experiment in which researchers at Columbia University tested the power of prayer to help women with fertility problems to conceive. A group of strangers, members of several different religious faiths in America, was asked to pray for a group of women in a Korean fertility clinic who had no knowledge of the experiment. At the same time, a separate control group at the same clinic received no prayers. At the end of the study, fifty percent of the women who’d been prayed for got pregnant, while only twenty-six percent of the control group conceived. This is the exact opposite of what the researchers had expected – their stated intention had been to disprove the efficacy of prayer.
With all of these studies in mind, the song for today is Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.
Once upon a time
Not so long ago
Tommy used to work on the docks
Union’s been on strike
He’s down on his luck…it’s tough, so toughGina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love – for loveShe says: We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
‘Cause it doesn’t make a difference
If we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot
For love – we’ll give it a shotWe’re half way there
Livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear
Livin’ on a prayerTommy got his six string in hock
Now he’s holding in what he used
To make it talk – so tough, it’s toughWhen she cries in the night
Tommy whispers: Baby it’s okay, someday
We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
‘Cause it doesn’t make a difference
If we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot
For love – we’ll give it a shotWe’re half way there
Livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear
Livin’ on a prayer
We’ve got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it’s all that you’ve got
We’re half way there
Livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear
Livin’ on a prayer
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Hi Nadia,
The power of thought, visualization and prayer….all go so hand in hand. I loved the 2 studies you shared. I hadn’t heard of them before, but i had read a lot of others which a long time back convinced me that I was never helpless or alone in my worst situations. I knew the Lord was with me and is still with me every step of the way. Life and the people i have encountered have made me realize that “everything shall pass” with the help of faith. In the wee hours of the night when everyone is asleep and there is not a sound, I call on God and he answers. I find that time the best to pray…and have conversations with the Almighty. Thank you for sharing such a powerful message with us today.
I love bon jovi…and this is one of my favorite songs.
Hi Zeenat,
It is always nice to read how people reached their own realization of what faith is to them. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
It is amazing how so many of us feel that we can communicate with the Divine more easily at night than during the day. I have come to notice that the more centered we are, the more easily we can access that Divinity that lives within each and every one of us. The key is learning how to handle the noise that surrounds us. Noise being not only external but the noise of our own fears and worries. We all deal with that on some level.
Nadia, not being a big fan fo Bon Jovi I didn’t listen too closely to their lyrics. Now I see this was maybe a mistake.
Funny how inspiration shows itself in the most unexpected of places!
.-= Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..6 Ways to cultivate confidence =-.
Hi Ian,
No worries. Many people focus more on the music than on words. I used to do that too until I started writing poetry. That is when I started to pay attention to lyrics and was amazed at what I discovered.
Excellent choice today, Nadia! And I’m not just saying that cause I like 80s hair metal! I love the message of this post, and the song fits perfectly. There’s a reason Dante placed a sign over the entrance to hell saying “Abandon all hope…”, and that reason is because a life without hope, without promise, is hellish indeed.
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..New Banners =-.
Hi Jay,
Thank you for the thumbs up!
Great point about Dante. I remember reading that and thinking that without hope, life would be really hard to live. I mean…what sustains a person if there is no hope?
Sunday greetings, Nadia. Re your first quote, I have read that the only part of the body that cannot heal itself is our teeth. I hope to get a lot of mileage out of that perception. There is definitely power in thought. Re your second quote, the Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats was captivated by the concept of “mass mind,” or collective consciousness. I hope to see more and more of that perception effecting good for all of us in this new century. There is considerable power in group thought.
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..On Essence =-.
Hi Brenda,
Sunday greetings to you too, my friend!
That is interesting about the teeth being the only body part that cannot heal itself. When my husband went to get root canal done a few years ago, the dentist told him about a patient he had who went through root canal without novacaine. He said the guy did some type of meditation and just managed to go through the whole procedure without ever complaining or without feeling any pain. Pretty cool, huh?
I agree with you on the power of the collective consciousness. It can go either way…for positive or for negative. Hence the term “mass hysteria”. I think the more people become aware of their inherent power and the beauty of life, the more inclined we will be to focus on the positive. Some people will always be negative even if they are confronted with a miracle. However, I think that is a minority of the population. Good will always prevail over bad.
Great post and great song choice! I love these Sunday song/quote days that you and Lance (and now me!) have going on. It’s such a great way to end the weekend/start the week. Thanks for sharing the lyics and your thoughts!
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..words to live by: there’s beauty in the breakdown =-.
Hi Dani,
You are welcome and good for you for starting to post on Sundays. Enjoy!
Just amazing stories. There is so much more going on psychically around us at any given moment than we can ever fathom.
Bon Jovi really broke ground too with that unique computerized Oo–Oo-ahh-ahh, Ooo-Ooo-Ahh-Ahh voice too, that became so famous and is now and shall for probably hours be playing in my head.
I remember I was teaching 7th and 8th grades in a small Canadian town when the kids were all listening to that song, 1987 I think. Wow, that sure was another life for me! Had no idea who I was or what I really wanted then. So blessed to be where I am today.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Viral Mirth =-.
Sorry, it’s more like oo-ah, oo-ah, oo-ah oo-ahh, of course. I realize I did not convey it quite right there.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Viral Mirth =-.
Hi Jannie,
No need to apologize.
I remember when that song came out, everyone commented on how cool that beginning part was. One of my classmates proudly declared that there was a special gadget that gets attached to the microphone that allows that to happen. We were all in awe. Sounds funny now but back then before computer gadgets took over the world, things like that were very cool. 
Good for you for being so happy at where you are. That is awesome. I know how much you love music and life…your passions are obvious for all of us who follow your blog. You rock!
Nadia, this was so uplifting! I am a STRONG believer in prayer and what can be achieved through it. I also believe in visualization. I have literally visualized my back pain disappearing and it does. Not that it’s magic, but because I believe. I have unwavering Hope & Faith.
Blessings 2 You
.-= Tabitha´s last blog ..Sunday Citar 9/6 =-.
Hi Tabitha,
Thank you for all your kind words and for sharing your experiences. Like you, I have unwaivering hope and faith even though it may seem irrational at times to others. However, those two things have sustained me in the darkest of times. A life without hope seems very bleak and dark to me. A life without faith seems sad too because then a person feels that they are all alone and the world is chaos. When in reality life is all about love.
Dear Nadia
Thank you so much for this brilliant touching post. The stories are amazing. I knew the power of prayer for self, but never knew that it could also touch and effect the lives of others. WOW. that really blew me away. Thank u so much for sharing.
Makes one affirm the power of prayer in one’s lives. They say in Islamic tradition that prayer is never unanswered. Its either answered directly, or its positivity protects you.
I truly wish all our prayers for happiness and joy are answered. May there always be dawn.
Hi Uzma,
Your comment reminded me of a story I once read. There was a little girl who wanted it to snow on her birthday. Her birthday was in summer so her parents were concerned that she would be upset. The little girl said she would pray to God for the snow. This made her parents ever more worried. When her birthday came, it did not snow. So the parents cautiously asked their daughter how she felt. She simply replied that God just said no.
All prayers are answered and all prayers are answered positively. The problem is that the answer we get sometimes is not the one we want. For example, there were many men I fell in love with whom I thought I would want to marry. None of those relationships ever worked and that was a huge blessing. So life has a way of working things out for the best but we also have to do our best too.
OK, I’ll admit it, I am a fan of 80s bands. And, I’ve always had a ‘thing’ for Bon Jovi.
That said, until I read your post today, I had never *heard* that awesome line, “Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear.”
How could I have missed this? I love it!
I believe and have lived this truth you write about today, Nadia. In that sense, you’re talking to the converted. Nonetheless, I loved to read about it from your perspective! Thanks for another great day of inspiration and discovery.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..My Friday Shout Out =-.
Hi Lori,
No worries, I am a fan of the 80s too. And I am with you on the thing for Bon Jovi. I am from Jersey after all.
Thank so much for that Nadia. For making me believe that good will come when it is meant to and in the form it is meant to.
I will try my best also
Lots and lots of prayers and love
Uzma
Oh and I loved the story so much
Thank u for sharing it.
Hi Uzma,
You are most welcome.
Hi Nadia
For a long time prayers for me were silly words strung together in church. It took me a long time to get over that and see prayers as a talk to a higher source and as a way to coordinate action with that higher source.
It is so funny how I had to unlearn so many things and now that I see them differently they add so much to my life. Isn’t it amazing how lyrics say so much? I love that by your writing them down I actually get to hear them.
I also had to laugh at your reaction to the word ‘but’ . . . it is a word to watch, for sure.
Hugs Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Forget unfair and luck, integrity is what counts. =-.
Hi Wilma,
You are so right…in order to get to where we want to be, we have to unlearn so many things. It is the journey we all take at some point.
As for the word “but”, I know, it is funny. So many times I will be talking to someone and telling them all the possibilities and without fail that silly word comes up. It is then that I give up because if someone cannot see beyond the “but”…then there is nothing to do be done which can make them see another possible of way of living or being. People put up so many barriers and the irony is that there are no barriers.
My post for Elephant Journal this week deals with this very topic so I hope you will read it and share in the discussion.
Hugs back!
the power of belief is immense
it cannot be measured
if u have faith in a supreme power, universe or ur ownself
nothing is impossible
i have strong believe in this
your thoughts impact your life inadvertently
Hi Mini,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
You are so right, nothing is impossible. Hope all is well.
I’ve always loved this song Nadia. Great choice
.-= Hilda´s last blog ..Thoughts become things . . . =-.
Hi Hilda,
Thank you so much. Hope all is awesome with you! Keep Smiling!
I used to love Bon Jovi and even had a poster on my wall as a kid (which my cousin mocked mercilessly!). It’s a great song, and your post offers a great message. Just today, I was talking to a friend and telling her I was nervous at how things appear in my life right now. The illusion has me fearful. She simply said, “Have fearless faith.” And then she said something even better for my ego-driven monkey mind, “I have fearless faith in you, Megan.” It’s incredible what faith – ours or relying on someone else’s – can do for our state of mind.
Thank you for this great post, Nadia!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Our Saviors (Quote from Richard Bach) =-.
Hi Megan,
You are so right about what faith can do for our state of mind. When I look back at those times when I had no faith, I can see why I was so miserable. I think faith enables us to let go of our fear and be a little bit more trusting at what may happen.
I love how the right song or the right words, can give you something to hold on to. I always think of Wizard of Oz, where it’s already in you, but you need somebody or something to bring it out of you, until you believe in yourself.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Lessons Learned from the “Last Lecture” =-.
Hi JD,
That is a great example. The answers are always within us but as you said, it is usually somebody or something that helps bring it to our attention.
Hi Nadia,
This is such a thoughtful post, as usual! Hope and determination are very powerful. And like you posted before, we have to trust that our life will work out the way we want it to, or at least in a way that is best for us. I like it that you noted how negative the use of the word “but” is. I’m glad you brought that up because we all have such great rationalizations about why it is appropriate to use that word–like we’re just being realistic, we don’t want to set our hopes too high, blah blah blah. We need to learn better! It’s all about faith!
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..Off the Shelf: 365 Tao~Work =-.
Hi Jodi,
Isn’t it funny how we rationalize being rational? The sad part is that the person who does use the word “but” (in the context of the post) is often viewed as being smart while the optimistic person is viewed as being not with it. There truly are no limits to what we can achieve and often it starts with believing that it can happen.
I am so needing these advice today: hope and belief! I have been using a lot of “buts” over the past few days until a friend pointed out to me. I also learn that when an opportunity comes my way, step up! No more self-imposed limitations and excuses! Thanks for your timely post!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Oracle Card Reading For Divine Guidance =-.
Hi Evelyn,
I am so happy that this post came at the right time. Don’t you love when things like that happen?
The only limitations that exist are the ones we place on ourselves. So you go, girl!
Hi Nadia,
I love hearing stories like the one of the (fake) knee surgery and how prayers are helping people. Ahhhh, the power of the mind/prayer.
The part where you wrote, “Often my prayers were just tears and for some reason they always occurred at night. ” resonated with me. What would get me through those tough times was knowing tomorrow was a new day and a fresh start and I hoped sleep would come fast.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Numbers – We Can’t Escape From Them =-.
Hi Barbara,
I love such stories too and thank you for sharing how you handled your tough times. The hope of a better tomorrow is so true and powerful. Funny enough, my name means hope and I think that is one thing that has kept me going through the years.
Ooo, “I rock?” That’ll keep me going for a good month, compliment-wise.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..What To Do When The Power Goes Out =-.
Hi Jannie,
Lol. Glad to be able to give you such joy.
I’m as alternative and new age a surgeon as it gets. I do suggest, however, that one must be careful of magical thinking in cases where concrete treatment is the much wiser choice.
.-= Dr. J´s last blog ..The trouble with shopping lists, golf is good for you and taking the harm out of soft drinks =-.
Hi Dr. J,
It is great that you are as alternative and as new age as it gets. I think your point is a good one. Personally, I tend to believe in combining the two. Meaning use traditional treatment along with positive thinking (visualizing and/or prayer). There is no harm in incorporating both.
Love the song – and your post!!! SO uplifting! In years past, I, like you, found that I would pray for the ending of whatever yuck I was in – just the act of doing that calmed me down. If all I could do (since I had no control) was to pray, there was something grounding in that and you’re right, there is always hope! Man, if I ever don’t believe that, just shoot me!
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Neurotic, Normal, or No Limits? =-.
Hi Suzen,
I don’t think you will ever not have hope. I cannot imagine such a thing happening since you are always doing what you can to see the beauty in a situation. So have no worries. Plus I don’t own a gun!
Great song indeed Nadia! And I have to say, I love, love, love, love the Biology of Belief! As a biologist myself, Bruce Lipton opened my eyes to a whole new world, and really gave me the scientific proof of what I knew within, spiritually!
It is amazing what our thoughts and prayers can do! Very awesome post indeed!
.-= Evita´s last blog ..Akashic Record Reading With Akemi Gaines =-.
Hi Evita,
Thank you for the positive feedback. Bruce Lipton has done an amazing job at helping others by opening their eyes to another way of looking at life. I think your experience is so common. So often we feel something to be true but some of us want proof and Lipton has assisted with that.
Hope all is awesome with you.
Hi Nadia .. thanks for that .. I had heard of the first experiment. I liked your reply to Zeenat .. just now things have become a little more difficult here with my uncle this time – and I’ve been switched off .. but your comments about centring myself and not letting my own noise disturb me .. my worries and fears about .. not my own future, but the time ahead, while I help as much as I can. I finally got myself somewhat back on track today and know that I can cope and come through these times .. your book recommendation is now more appropriate than ever.
Thanks – all the best – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Nuts with Peepholes, a name for talking about … =-.
Hi Hilary,
No worries, we all switch off every now and then. At least you are aware, that is awesome. If you need to talk or vent or whatever, you have my email…please feel free to write. I am glad that the book recommendation is appropriate…my thoughts are with you!
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