Michael Thacker

“Investigating the evolution of consciousness through integrated symbolic, archaeological, and psychological research.”

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  • Medical Cannabis: Should Addiction Treatment Facilities Utilize It?

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    Over the course of the past two decades, more half the country legalizing cannabis for both medical or recreational use, and rising along with this trend of legalization is the push for research into the potential benefits and utility that cannabis may provide. Thus far the research has revealed several areas of beneficial interests. In a Johnson and Wales University article, “7 Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis, benefits include blood pressure reduction (para. 4), anti-inflammatory agent (para. 5), relapse prevention among drug users (para. 6), anti-anxiety agent (para. 7), gastrointestinal disorder treatment (para. 8), seizure prevention (para. 9), and anti-cancer agent (Isles, C., 2021, para. 10). This range of benefits can help prevent and treat many disorders and diseases which plague our society today. Relapse prevention among drug users is one area in particular that is garnering some attention from addiction treatment centers, with some already implementing cannabis into their treatment programs, including places like The Heavenly Center and High Sobriety. The age-old notion of cannabis being a “gateway drug” is being challenged by the latest research that suggests cannabis should be classified as an “exit drug” that can be utilized to help reduce use of various harmful substances, including prescription drugs, alcohol, and other substances (Walsh, Z. et al., 2017, p. 21). With this being said, addiction treatment centers should consider offering their recovering client’s medical cannabis to ensure a greater chance of success by reducing cravings, mitigating withdrawal symptoms, and improving mood.

    The first area of examination is the reduction of cravings experienced by recovering addicts.  Cravings for the original drug of choice can be intense and are oftentimes one of the primary causes for relapse. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, causes for increased cravings are often triggered by stress related to family, work, and life, as well as illnesses such as chronic pain and anxiety (2018, p. 9). Moreover, these triggers are crucial to moderate in order to promote a successful journey to sobriety for the recovering addict. The statistics for relapse for post-recovery is between 40- 60% (p. 15), and this number is even higher among opiate addicts in abstinence-only facilities where up to 80% or more relapse (Wiese, B., & Wilson-Poe, A. R., 2018, p. 181). With such high rates of relapse, it is imperative that addiction treatment facilities provide recovering addicts with proper tools to help reduce the chances of relapse safely and in production. One systematic review published in the US Pharmacist titled “Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain” found that studies reveal how cannabis helps treat pain through the activation of the CB1 and CB2 receptors found within the endocannabinoid system in our bodies that governs all other internal systems, including the nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system, etc. The activation of these two receptors is primarily accomplished by the ingestion of two prominent cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant: THC and CBD. The study states, “Cannabis has been employed to treat pain based on its action on both CB1 and CB1 receptors. CB receptor agonists have been revealed to cause antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic effects by regulating neuronal and non–nervous system inflammatory activity” (p. 27). Moreover, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Pscyhoactive Drugs evaluated data from 1,000 individuals taking legalized cannabis in one state, and found that among the 65% of individuals using cannabis for pain, 80% found it was very or tremendously helpful. This led to 82% of these individuals being able to reduce, or halt, taking OTC pain medications and 88% being able to halt taking opioids (Terrie, Y., p. 28). Another study also revealed that medical cannabis use was associated with clinical improvements in pain, function, and quality of life with reductions in prescription drug use; 73% either ceased or decreased opioid consumption and 31% discontinued benzodiazepines (Greis, A, et al., 2021, para. 1). Cannabis has also been shown to reduce alcohol cravings by using CBD which can reduce stress-related alcohol consumption, withdrawal convulsions, and impulsive alcohol use, as well as reduce alcohol cravings (Dresden, D., 2023, para. 11). Moreover, other animal studies have revealed that using CBD can lower motivation to drink or seek out alcohol (para. 12). By utilizing cannabis in helping reduce cravings and mitigate triggers, recovering addicts can feel more confident in their chances of a successful recovery, helping support the case for cannabis utilization in addiction treatment centers program options.

    The reduction in cravings that cannabis provides is imperative for the overall success for the recovering addict; the easement of withdrawal symptoms is also a vital contributing factor in projecting a successful road to recovery. According to the American Addiction Center, common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, insomnia, fevers, pain, sweats, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures (Sharp, A., 2023, para 2). During recovery, the accompanying withdrawal symptoms can be severe, if not fatal in some cases. It is then of vital importance for addiction treatment facilities to monitor and treat patients accordingly in order to prevent any catastrophic circumstances that may either put the recovering individual on the road to relapse or even death (para 9). Several studies presented by Zach Walsh et al have suggested the potential therapeutic application of cannabis for treating anxiety by the calming effect of both THC and CBD and for treating depressive disorders, both of which are common symptoms among recovering addicts. CBD in particular has been shown to alleviate other withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. This is accomplished due to the anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and anti-hallucinogenic effects of CBD on the nervous system, as well as the calming effect found within the compound, too (2017, p. 22). In a 2018 study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research titled “Emerging Evidence for Cannabis’ Role in Opioid Use Disorder”, revealed that numerous pre-clinical studies have shown that cannabis and cannabinoids found within the plant help decrease opioid withdrawal symptoms (Wiese, B., & Wilson-Poe, A. R. p. 182). Another study, “The Impact of Naturalistic Cannabis Use on Self-Reported Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms”, (2020) in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, revealed that among recovering opiate addicts, most participants stated that cannabis helped them with their withdrawal symptoms. Sixty-three percent of the respondents reported using cannabis to treat opioid withdrawal. Of those respondents, 72% reported cannabis improved opioid withdrawal, 6.4% reported cannabis worsened opioid withdrawal, and 20% reported cannabis improved some but worsened other opioid withdrawal symptoms (para. 10). Moreover, the days that they did not use cannabis to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, the severity of experienced withdrawals nearly increased twofold on those particular days, revealing the potential benefit and relief that cannabis provides for opiate recovery patients. Commonly improved symptoms included anxiety, trouble sleeping, and muscle/bone pains and aches (para. 12). Cannabis’ effectiveness in combating withdrawal symptoms among recovering addicts is of paramount importance in helping addicts overcome these severe and potentially fatal side effects of abstinence that again helps support the case for addiction recovery facilities integration of cannabis into their pre-existing recovery program.

    Cannabis helps reduce both cravings and experienced withdrawal symptoms and yet its potential does not end there. When it comes to a successful recovery, helping patients combat depression and insomnia, common symptoms experienced by drug and alcohol addicts, is of dire importance to help mitigate the chances of relapse (Sharp, A., 2023, para. 2). Depression can either be a withdrawal related onset symptom or a preexisting condition that helped prompt the consumer to indulge in the first place, either way it is important to help the recovering patient deal with the depressed symptoms accordingly. According to several studies found by Zach Walsh et al, both THC and CBD have been shown to help treat depressive disorders by producing a calming effect and improving overall mood (2017, p. 22). Another study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that both preclinical and clinical studies state that “cannabis modulates mood and possesses antidepressant-like properties, mediated by the agonistic activity of cannabinoids on central CB1 receptors (CB1Rs)” (Bambico, F, et al. 2007, para. 1). Sleep, too, is imperative for recovery. it can be hindered by the onset of insomnia experienced by recovering addicts. Studies have shown that cannabis helps individuals who experience insomnia to fall asleep faster while achieving a better night’s rest. One study published in the Canadian Pharmacist Journal (2022) included a retrospective chart review that was conducted at Hybrid Pharm community pharmacy in Ottawa, Ontario, and included patients who were interested in, or already using, medical cannabis for sleep disorders. They used a qualitative, exploratory approach when evaluating the descriptive efficacy and safety of medical cannabis when prescribed for insomnia. Their results found that, at the time of data collection, 39% of patients could reduce or completely discontinue prescription medication for sleep. During follow-up, 71% reported a subjective improvement in their sleep (p. 175). By elevating mood and inducing qualitative sleep, cannabis again reveals its potential in helping treat recovering patients, and thus helping sustain a properly projected pathway to a successful road to full recovery that addiction treatment facilities should acknowledge.

    Proponents of opposing the implementation of cannabis within addiction treatment facilities claim that the dangers associated with cannabis use that includes its own propensity for addiction, withdrawal symptoms, the potential of encouraging relapse, and long-term negative effects are all of major concern. A research report published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 2021 revealed how cannabis can lead to a substance use disorder, and in severe cases can lead to addiction. This report also examined common withdrawal symptoms among those seeking to quit long term cannabis abuse that includes irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and other forms of physical discomfort (para. 2). Moreover, since cannabis has the potential to become addictive and comes with its own onset of withdrawal symptoms, it then comes with the potential to instigate a recovering addict into relapse. In the same report in the section titled, “What are marijuana’s long-term effects on the brain?” it revealed that substantial evidence from animal research and a growing number of studies in humans indicate that marijuana exposure during development can cause long-term or possibly permanent adverse changes in the brain. One study exposed rats to THC before birth, soon after birth, or during adolescence, showing notable problems with specific learning and memory tasks later in life.Cognitive impairments in adult rats exposed to THC during adolescence were associated with structural and functional changes in the hippocampus region (para. 1). Although these counterarguments can appear daunting for addiction treatment facilities to combat, it is imperative that addiction treatment facilities delve into these arguments on a deeper level, and then weigh in the overall benefits and negatives to draw proper conclusions.

    Opponents to the utilization of cannabis make their case, and yet evidence contrary to their claims state otherwise. For instance, it is true that cannabis can become addictive in severe cases, while within the same report by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2021), it reveals that the addictive population among users is only 9% (para.1). Moreover, these statistics are associated solely with long-term users, and thus the short-term usage that would be utilized in rehab diminishes the chances of developing an addiction to the plant. In relationship to combating cannabis withdrawal symptoms, of which are mild in comparison to the other substances of abuse that recovering addicts seek rehab for. Also, cannabis withdrawal symptoms typically subside in as little as two weeks or less, making a case for potential withdrawal experience of little concern (para. 2). As far as the case for the potential of cannabis instigating relapse, the major concern is that of anxiety provocation caused by THC, can be diminished by properly administering higher dosages of CBD which helps mitigate THC onset of anxiety (Gibson, L. et al., 2021, para. 1). Furthermore, just any type of treatment, by properly monitoring patients, healthcare providers at rehab facilities can properly assess patients’ reactions to the cannabis treatment as some may respond well while others may not, and make adjustments accordingly. In the case for the long-term negative effects of cannabis use, studies have shown that these negative effects are generally a result of long-term cannabis exposure and not the short-term exposure that would be experienced in addiction treatment facilities. And these effects are also reversible by simply abstaining from cannabis use for as little as 28 days (Walsh, Z., 2017, pp. 23-24). By taking these rebuttals into account and implementing them accordingly, addiction treatment facilities should have more confidence in their decision to integrate cannabis into their treatment program options.

    As research on the potential of cannabis continues to increase, the more acceptance of the plant in the public sphere it will garner. This acceptance, along with all of its potential benefits, should be of consideration for those in the medical field, including that of addiction treatment facilities. Cannabis has been shown to reduce cravings, combat withdrawal symptoms, and improve mood and sleep among recovering addicts with little to no side effects or long term negative effects, and thus making their transition from an addict to a success that much better. This improved, naturalistic transitional approach is imperative not only to the success of the individual recovering, but for the treatment facility seeking to facilitate the needs of the individual. By incorporating cannabis into addiction treatment facilities’ program options, success rates should increase which benefits ultimately benefits all of society in the end by reducing the potential of addiction and helping get people back on their feet and into society as fully functioning contributors to the whole.

    References

    Bergeria, C. L., Huhn, A. S., & Dunn, K. E. (2020). The impact of naturalistic cannabis use on self-reported opioid withdrawal. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 113, 108005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108005

    Dresden, D. (2023). Using CBD to treat alcohol use disorder. Medical News Today. Retrieved May 10, 2023 from Using CBD to treat alcoholism in 2022 (medicalnewstoday.com)

    Francis Rodriguez Bambico, Noam Katz, Guy Debonnel and Gabriella Gobbi (2007). Cannabinoids Elicit Antidepressant-Like Behavior and Activate Serotonergic Neurons through the Medial Prefrontal Cortex. Journal of Neuroscience. 27 (43) 11700-11711; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1636-07.2007

    Gibson, L. P., Karoly, H. C., Ellingson, J. M., Klawitter, J., Sempio, C., Squeri, J. E., Bryan, A. D., Bidwell, L. C., & Hutchison, K. E. (2022). Effects of cannabidiol in cannabis flower: Implications for harm reduction. Addiction biology, 27(1), e13092. https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13092

    Greis A, Larsen E, Liu C, Renslo B, Radakrishnan A, Wilson-Poe AR. Perceived Efficacy, Reduced Prescription Drug Use, and Minimal Side Effects of Cannabis in Patients with Chronic Orthopedic Pain. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2022 Dec;7(6):865-875. doi 10.1089/can.2021.0088. Epub 2021 Nov 12. PMID: 34767730; PMCID: PMC9784606.

    Isles, C., (2021). 7 potential health benefits of cannabis. Johnson & Wales University. Retrieved May 6, 2023 from 7 Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis | Johnson & Wales University (jwu.edu)

    NIDA (2018). Principles of drug addiction treatment: a research based guide. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (15). 675-principles-of-drug-addiction-treatment-a-research-based-guide-third-edition.pdf (nih.gov)

    NIDA. 2021, April 13. Is marijuana addictive? Retrieved May 9, 2023

    from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive on

    Sharp, Amelia (2023). Drug withdrawal symptoms, timeline, and treatment. American Addiction Centers. Retrieved May 10, 2023 from Drug Withdrawal Symptoms, Timelines, and Treatment (americanaddictioncenters.org)

    Terrie, Y. (2020). Medical cannabis for chronic pain. US Pharm.; 44(3):24-28. Retrieved May 8, 2023 from Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain (uspharmacist.com)

    Vaillancourt, R., Gallagher, S., Cameron, J. D., & Dhalla, R. (2022). Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders: Retrospective chart review. Canadian pharmacists journal : CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada : RPC, 155(3), 175–180. https://doi.org/10.1177/17151635221089617

    Walsh, Z., Gonzalez, R., Crosby, K., Thiessen, M., Carroll, C., Bonn-Miller, M.,

    (2017). Medical cannabis and mental health: A guided systematic review. Clinical Psychology

    Review. 51, 15-29, ISSN 0272-7358, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2016.10.002.

    Wiese, B., & Wilson-Poe, A. R. (2018). Emerging Evidence for Cannabis’ Role in Opioid Use Disorder. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0022

  • Embarking on the Journey of Shadow Work

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    Belief systems orient both our perceptions and actions in the world. And thus the importance of understanding what your own underlying belief structure is can help you better understand how and why you perceive and act as you do. When one does this properly, they are better able to address issues embedded within their current belief structure, and by doing so they can then extract the unnecessary underlying information and exchange it with the updated information. When individuals dismiss this important step, they risk becoming a proponent of malevolent and corrupt forces that are to a certain degree, beyond their control.

    Underlying belief structures are bits of information that have been extracted from a particular environment, which is then formulated by the subconscious mind to see where the bits of new information can fit within the current belief structure. This process of integrating information into one’s current belief structure, that which often occurs in deep sleep, is received predominantly into the right hemisphere of the brain, and then gradually transferred into the left hemisphere where the current belief system is housed for storage.

    As we age, this underlying belief structure becomes more stable, and thus rigid in nature while often times disgust sensitive to any new outside information. And not only does can and does this rigidity occur as we age, but it also happens at a younger age through the process of reluctance and the elevation of the ego. This reluctance to new information often times leads to the individual becoming an ideologue, which is a stagnation of individual growth and development wherein the ideas embedded within the individual’s current belief structure begin to “possess” and essentially control the individual’s mode of being.

    Beyond the bits of information that make up the ideas within an individual’s inhabited belief structure, the next question to engage in is, what do the ideas represent? Ideas, to a lesser or greater extent, are theories or hypothesis. Sometimes they are theories if there is enough evidence to support the ideas to make it such. But often times they are mere hypothesis predicated upon preconceptions about the world from misinterpreted information gathered over time. This misinterpretation of the data is then formulated along with other preexisting ideas to form an incoherent perception of reality as such.

    This misinterpretation is seen predominantly within radicalized groups on both the right and left. Although a subtler representation can be found within the misconceptions in moderate groups, too. Misinterpretation of data often times causes individuals and the groups they make up to begin to misrepresent and criticize certain individuals and groups that differ from their construed belief system. Moreover, these same individuals and groups then justify reprehensible and malevolent behavior towards other differing groups by lowering the quality of being those opposing groups possess through labeling or classification.

    How does one keep from becoming an ideologue? By consciously observing their actions and behaviors, and seeing where they manifest themselves from. In Jungian psychology, this is called shadow work. This is where the individual engages with his or her thoughts, actions and behaviors that are deemed inappropriate or reprehensible, and then seeking to understand their specific location of emerges. Sometimes this can be past experiences that are rooted in trauma, or it can be a misinterpretation of information received from past experiences. For the latter, that which we are touched on thus far, can be found from various experiences, including events, books, TV, friends, family, etc.

    As the information was received, along with the surrounding environmental conditions, certain preconceptions, and particular emotional state at the time of the experience, all contribute to the state in which the information is received, interpreted, and stored. And with this stored misinterpreted information, a hypothesis is formed, contributing to the individual’s current belief system. This mislead belief system then orients and programs the individual to act out in certain ways that the belief system deems appropriate.

    When an individual embarks on the journey of shadow work and with it the deep examination of ideas, and then reassessing those ideas with both new and old information, they then harness the power to overcome ideological possession that ideas can cause. Moreover, this examination process not only protects one from becoming an ideologue, but it also helps develop character and critical thinking skills. The more conscious one becomes of their actions and behaviors, and the ideas wherein they stem from, the more control they will garner over their lives, as well as the more transformed their life will become.

    -Michael Thacker

  • Voluntary Exposure

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    Voluntary exposure to the unfamiliar not only helps an individual gather and adapt new information into their current knowledge structure, but also helps completely transform their perception, too. Confront the unknown willingly, and gather what is necessary to transform.

    -Michael Thacker

  • A Right Hemispheric Perception Of Reality According To Christ

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    ,

    A dual hemisphere brain is a common structure we all share as species on this little planet in the vast cosmos. And with such a structure, each hemisphere possesses it’s own unique functions that contribute to our overall perception of reality. The left’s functionality is tailored towards precision with a focus on the part of something rather than its whole, as well as the organization of current knowledge structures and the possessed “known” of the individual. The right hemisphere, though, is programmed quite differently with a “peripheral” aspect to its aim, and a focus on gathering new information to store into the left hemisphere, as well as a perception and analysis of the whole of something rather than just its parts.

    “and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    This verse is often interpreted to means something along the lines of humility in its simplest form, and although this interpretation is useful and somewhat accurate, it does not appear to completely address its whole meaning. How? Although humility is a major prerequisite to accepting Christ, and later being implemented in a living manner according to a life after the Spirit, this characteristic alone does not properly address the whole of the context. What does this mean? In conjunction with other verses by Christ, as well as the apostles and Old Testament writings, and the concept embedded within the transformative process of the Christian life, humility alone is not what Christ is referencing to here, but rather something much more profound.

    “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
    ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    The “growth” and “acquisition” in both verses is that of knowledge, which again is acquired through the activation and usage of the right hemisphere of the brain. And this activation can only be accomplished through the encounter of new information and experiences with an open mind and willingness to learn, as well as the analysis of this newly encounter information and experience. With this right hemispheric activation also comes a greater understanding of the whole of some type of new information or experience rather than just it’s parts.

    The acquisition of knowledge through the process of learning new information is called “semantic memory,” while the process of experiences is called “episodic memory.” When both processes are combined, the end result is new synaptic connections and the development of new neural pathways within the brain. And what is fascinating about this unique process, biblically speaking, is that this same process is mandated by Christ for all His followers.

    “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    In the first verse mentioned above, Christ tells His disciples to learn from Him, which is to say from His teachings and character. This message can be extended even further for us today to include the apostles, early church fathers, philosophers, sciences, etc. To sum up properly, we should seek the things of God (knowledge, wisdom, love, truth, etc.) by seeking to learn from His word and His creation itself. This exhortation is stated well when writing his letter to Timothy:

    “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”
    ‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬, ‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Going back to the verses and sayings of Christ mentioned a moment ago, Matthew 28 in particular, we find Christ commanding His followers to go out into the world to preach the gospel to the lost world. This command is a process of episodic memory formation which involves experience.

    Essentially, Christ, as well as the Apostles, exhort believers to study, to learn new information (semantic memory), and then go out and preach what they have learned and come to understand. And with this conjunction of learning processes, believers should progress to greater heights of consciousness, which is akin to the idea of transformation, or becoming a new creation in Christ.

    As new synaptic connections between neurons form through these dual learning processes, our brains are gradually rewired overtime wherein the neural networks that are firing together throughout the learning processes grow greater connections between them, the ones that are not become dormant overtime. This process of dormancy among neural pathways is called neural pruning. Again, this type of pruning away of what is no longer needed or active can be found within John 15, wherein Christ speaks of the pruning branches in order for more fruit to bear.

    ““I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
    ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    The more people learn, the more they change. Old behavioral patterns that are no longer needed or practiced become dormant overtime, and then are ultimately pruned away to make more room for new, more necessary neural networks to expand as we continue to learn new material and have new experiences. And this implementation of the dual learning processes not only rewire the brain and change behavior, but literary transforms the biological make up of an individual, too.

    This process of biological transformation is done through the activation of dormant genes found within the DNA of human cells. As an individual encounters novel information through either learning new material or by experiences, dormant genes within the DNA turn on and begin manufacturing new proteins that make up one’s body. Therefore, not only is someone simply changing their mind and behavior, but their bodies, too.

    This mind-body transformative process is what every Christian should be implementing into their daily schedule. Learning new things, and this includes those difficult to deal with topics that are outside the church; science, philosophy, art, etc. A child-like openness to novel information and experiences is the key. And the way in which someone can harness this child-like openness is by activating the right hemisphere by the process of learning new information and having new experiences in humility. The more someone learns and experiences, the greater the transformation that will result.

    -Michael Thacker

  • Pre-Tribulation Vs Post-Tribulation Rapture | The Truth Cast Show

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  • 7 Habit Changes To Transform Your Life

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    7 Habit Changes To Transform Your Life

  • Cherishing The Moments

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    Cherishing The Moments

  • Short Meditation/Prayer Time

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    Short Meditation/Prayer Time

  • Spiritual Discipline and Power

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    The more we are in sync with the Spirit through the discipline of meditation/prayer, fasting and studying, the more conscious we become of the potential dangers that manifest themselves throughout our journey in this life that seek to lead us astray. And not only do these disciplines bring about a greater awareness of these potential dangers, but the more powerful we become to overcome them, too.

    -Michael Thacker

  • The Process of Transformation | The Truth Cast Show

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    Join me this evening, January 26th at 6 pm central for the live broadcast of The Truth Cast Show on YouTube. This week we will continue our study of the process of neural plasticity and the transformation of the self. We will continue exploring ways in which to rewire both the brain and body, as well as explore ideas of transformation that are embedded within both Biblical and non-biblical narratives. We will examine how these collective narratives of transformation compare to one another and how they line up with current empirical data. Hope you can join and God bless.

    -Michael Thacker