1. The Mind Transforms Matter

Can the mind transform matter?

Let me introduce two simple and well-known experiments that demonstrate this idea.

Human thoughts can influence the formation of water crystals. When people simply direct thoughts of gratitude, love, and blessing toward water, the resulting crystals form beautiful, harmonious patterns. In contrast, when negative emotions such as resentment, hatred, or cursing are directed at water, the crystals become distorted and unsightly. (See related photos and videos.)

In another experiment, rice and water are placed into two separate jars and stored for 30 days. One jar is exposed to positive words like gratitude, love, and blessing, while the other is subjected to negative expressions such as resentment, hatred, and curses. Remarkably, the rice in each jar decays at noticeably different rates. (see photos).

Our ancestors seemed to understand this truth intuitively, without the need for experiments. They taught us:
“All phenomena arise from the mind” (一切唯心造),
and “If you focus your spirit in one direction, nothing is impossible” (精神一道 何事不成).

How about us today?
Do we truly believe that we can change ourselves through the power of our mind?
Have we experienced how the state of our heart can influence the condition of our body?
Do we see how happiness and suffering arise depending on the direction of our own thoughts?

While material civilization has undeniably brought us physical convenience, it also has a tendency to make us forget the innate power we possess.

There is a saying:
“Be careful how you speak to yourself, because you are always listening.”
This truth applies not only to ourselves, but also to others—and, indeed, to all things in the world. Life itself teaches us this.

In upcoming essays, I will explore the relationship between the mind and matter from eight different perspectives. I believe this is the most direct and essential path to understanding traditional Korean medicine. After that, I will introduce representative theories in Korean medicine that allow for self-diagnosis and self-healing.
By doing so, I hope we can rely less on medicine and doctors, and instead awaken to the natural healing power that resides within us—leading to greater health and happiness in both body and mind.

— Jinman Kim, Director of Najeun Mind Oriental Medicine Clinic