"Psychoactive plants, particularly those that alter perception were and continue to be considered sacred in many societies. They are often referred to as plants of the gods, plant teachers, or magical and healing plants. These plants are sacred because they allow the living to contact and commune with gods (entheogens) or drive out evil spirits. Many cultures believe these plants to be sacred because of the spirits that dwell within the plants themselves. Religious and spiritual leaders use these plants, their compounds and mixtures to bring balance to the physical and spiritual world, heal mind and body, and provide for spiritual awakening."

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/index.shtml

"THE BREATH IS THE LIFE

 

Throughout the history of human spirituality, with its diversity of myths, practices and beliefs, the breath has always been a source of meditation and reflection. This is not surprising. Breath is linked with Life. To breathe is to live. When human beings, along with mammals, birds and reptiles, are born they take their first breath – and with their last breath, life withdraws from the body."

https://www.lucistrust.org/world_goodwill/newsletter/current_issue/the_breath_is_the_life

"What is chi?

The simple definition of chi is life force, or energy. Chi is not a substance but a power—like an electric current that lights a bulb.

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The character for chi (氣) means "energy'' or "essence." It depicts air with a pot of rice within and represents transformational power. Think of it like a seed that can be dormant for years but still have life force within it, just waiting to be awakened by dirt, water, and sunlight.

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Chi is best understood in relation to yin and yang. The principles of yin and yang theory are based on dynamic balance via the movement of chi energy. Chi is invisible, only seen through the influence it has on living beings and material forms."

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-is-chi

"Every inhabited continent, and most islands, have a cultural relationship with a universal life force energy. You might be wondering, what is life force energy? According to these traditions, subtle energy is the omnipresent informational field; a force that functions as the primary energy that sustains all life."

https://subtle.energy/life-force-energy-8-examples-from-around-the-world/

"What is Prana? 

Let’s begin with the Prana definition. Prana is the Sanskrit word for the cosmic energy that is the essence of our existence. It is the vitality within us. Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine have the same Prana definition. In Chinese philosophy, Prana energy is known as Chi."

https://www.ayurvedum.com/what-is-prana/

What is the Great Spirit in Native American culture?

 

The Great Spirit, often referred to as Wakan Tanka or Gitche Manitou, is the divine life force and supreme being that permeates the universe in many Native American spiritual traditions. Rather than a human-like deity, it is often understood as the "Great Mystery" or the collective energy of all creation, linking every living thing in a sacred web of life. Understanding this concept is essential to grasping the profound reverence indigenous people hold for the natural world and their place within it.