Biochemistry
One factor that is becoming increasingly appreciated in modern
psychology is that inner states depend on the chemistry of the
body. Many hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters are found
to be central in regulating emotions, moods, and internal mental
states. When the body sufferers from some kind of biochemical
imbalance, one's inner state becomes disturbed. As a result, it
has been found that many difficult inner conditions, such as some
types of depression, anxiety and phobias, some forms of schizophrenia,
etc., are due to such chemical imbalances, and that some pharmaceutical
drugs can help alleviate these conditions by redressing the imbalance.
It seems that the soul is not able to experience and develop all
of her potential when such limitations are present. For example,
it is not easy for the soul to feel light and optimistic when
it is suffering from a chemical depression, regardless how much
inner work she does. The manifestation of some of the soul’s
potential inner states and capacities requires the chemistry of
the body to be healthily functioning. This physical limitation
can become a limitation in the experience of some essential aspects,
even essence in general. (Inner Journey Home, pg 172)