Life.Understood.

What Is Stress? A Scientific and Spiritual Guide to Its Causes and Healing

Written by

Gerald Alba Daquila

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Bridging Science, Metaphysics, and the Heart to Understand and Transcend the Human Experience of Stress

Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate

10–15 minutes

ABSTRACT

Stress is a ubiquitous human experience, influencing physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual alignment. This dissertation investigates stress through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating insights from psychology, neuroscience, sociology, metaphysics, and esoteric traditions like the Akashic Records. We explore stress’s definition, its physical and psychological manifestations, its proximate and root causes, and the hypothesis that the illusion of separation—between self, others, and the universe—may be its deepest origin.

Drawing on peer-reviewed research, philosophical inquiry, and metaphysical perspectives, we uncover the ecosystem of stress and propose holistic strategies for its transcendence. This work aims to balance intellectual rigor with emotional resonance, offering readers a cohesive narrative that speaks to both mind and heart.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: The Universal Language of Stress
  2. Defining Stress: A Multifaceted Phenomenon
  3. Physical Manifestations of Stress
  4. Proximate Causes of Stress
  5. Beyond the Physical: Exploring Root Causes
  6. The Illusion of Separation: A Metaphysical Perspective
  7. The Ecosystem of Stress: A Multidisciplinary Synthesis
  8. Transcending Stress: Practical and Philosophical Solutions
  9. Conclusion: Reconnecting Mind, Body, and Spirit
  10. Glossary
  11. Bibliography

Glyph of the Gridkeeper

The One Who Holds the Lattice of Light.

1. Introduction: The Universal Language of Stress

Stress is a word we all know, a feeling we’ve all experienced. It’s the racing heart before a deadline, the tightness in your chest during a heated argument, the quiet dread that lingers when life feels overwhelming. But what is stress, really? Is it just a biological response to pressure, or does it point to something deeper—a disconnection from our true selves, each other, or the universe?

This dissertation dives into the heart of stress, weaving together science, philosophy, and spirituality to uncover its essence, its impact, and its potential resolution. By grounding our exploration in research and embracing metaphysical perspectives, we aim to offer a holistic understanding that resonates with both the analytical mind and the seeking heart.

2. Defining Stress: A Multifaceted Phenomenon

Stress is a complex, multidimensional response to perceived challenges or threats, often described as the body’s way of preparing for action. Hans Selye, the father of stress research, defined it as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change” (Selye, 1956, p. 12). This definition highlights stress’s adaptability—it’s not inherently good or bad but a reaction to disruption, whether from a looming deadline or a life-threatening event.

From a psychological perspective, stress arises when an individual perceives that environmental demands exceed their resources (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Sociologically, stress is shaped by cultural norms, social inequalities, and systemic pressures, such as economic instability or discrimination (Thoits, 2010).

Spiritually, stress may reflect a misalignment between the individual and their higher purpose, as explored in metaphysical traditions (Chopra, 1994). Each lens reveals a piece of the puzzle, suggesting that stress is not just a biological event but a deeply human experience shaped by context, perception, and belief.

3. Physical Manifestations of Stress

Stress doesn’t just live in the mind—it leaves its mark on the body. When we encounter a stressor, the brain’s hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the “fight-or-flight” response. This releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body for action (McEwen, 2007). The physical effects are immediate and measurable:

  • Cardiovascular System: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to hypertension if chronic (Chida & Steptoe, 2010).
  • Musculoskeletal System: Muscle tension, often manifesting as headaches, neck pain, or backaches (American Psychological Association, 2019).
  • Immune System: Chronic stress suppresses immune function, increasing susceptibility to illness (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004).
  • Digestive System: Stress can cause nausea, stomach pain, or changes in appetite (Konturek et al., 2011).
  • Neurological Impact: Prolonged stress alters brain structure, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, impairing memory and emotional regulation (McEwen, 2007).

These effects illustrate stress’s tangible toll, but they also hint at its deeper roots. The body’s response is not just reacting to external events—it’s interpreting them through the lens of perception and belief.

4. Proximate Causes of Stress

Stressors—the triggers of stress—are diverse and context-dependent. Common proximate causes include:

  • Workplace Pressures: Deadlines, job insecurity, or toxic work environments (American Institute of Stress, 2020).
  • Interpersonal Conflicts: Strained relationships or social isolation (Thoits, 2010).
  • Financial Strain: Economic uncertainty or debt (American Psychological Association, 2019).
  • Life Transitions: Events like moving, divorce, or loss of a loved one (Holmes & Rahe, 1967).
  • Trauma: Acute or chronic exposure to violence, abuse, or disaster (van der Kolk, 2014).

These triggers are often external, but their impact depends on internal factors like resilience, coping mechanisms, and worldview. For example, two people facing the same deadline may experience vastly different stress levels based on their self-efficacy or support systems (Bandura, 1997).

Glyph of Stress & Healing

Through understanding, tension dissolves and harmony returns

5. Beyond the Physical: Exploring Root Causes

While proximate causes are tangible, the root cause of stress may lie deeper, in the realm of perception and consciousness. Psychologists suggest that stress stems from a perceived lack of control or meaning (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Philosophically, existential thinkers like Sartre and Camus argue that stress arises from grappling with life’s inherent uncertainty and the search for purpose (Camus, 1942).

From a metaphysical perspective, stress may reflect a disconnection from our true essence. Spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, propose that suffering (a close cousin of stress) arises from attachment to the ego and the illusion of separation from the universe (Tolle, 2004). This illusion creates a sense of isolation, fostering fear, scarcity, and conflict—the emotional seeds of stress.

The Akashic Records, an esoteric concept describing a cosmic repository of all knowledge and experiences, offer another lens. Practitioners believe that stress may stem from unresolved karmic patterns or soul-level contracts that manifest as challenges in the physical world (Howe, 2009). These patterns, stored in the Akashic field, suggest that stress is not just a response to the present but a reflection of deeper, energetic imprints.

6. The Illusion of Separation: A Metaphysical Perspective

Could the illusion of separation be the true root cause of stress? This hypothesis, rooted in metaphysical and spiritual traditions, posits that humans experience stress because they perceive themselves as separate from others, nature, and the divine. In Advaita Vedanta, this illusion (maya) creates duality, leading to fear, desire, and suffering (Shankara, 8th century, as cited in Deutsch, 1969). Similarly, modern metaphysical thinkers like Eckhart Tolle argue that identifying with the ego—a false sense of self—fuels stress by creating a constant need to defend, achieve, or control (Tolle, 2004).

Neuroscience supports this idea indirectly. Studies on mindfulness, which emphasizes interconnectedness, show reduced activity in the brain’s default mode network (associated with self-referential thinking) and lower cortisol levels (Tang et al., 2015). Practices that dissolve the illusion of separation—such as meditation, compassion exercises, or nature immersion—can recalibrate the nervous system, suggesting a link between perceived unity and stress relief.

The Akashic Records perspective adds depth: stress may arise when we resist our soul’s purpose or fail to integrate lessons from past experiences (Howe, 2009). By accessing the Records (through meditation or guided practice), individuals can uncover these patterns, fostering a sense of unity with the universal flow and reducing stress.

7. The Ecosystem of Stress: A Multidisciplinary Synthesis

Stress is not an isolated phenomenon but an ecosystem shaped by biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Biologically, stress is a survival mechanism, hardwired to protect us from danger (McEwen, 2007). Psychologically, it’s a dance between perception and reality, mediated by beliefs and coping strategies (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Socially, it’s amplified by systemic inequities and cultural pressures (Thoits, 2010). Spiritually, it’s a signal of disconnection—from self, others, or the divine (Chopra, 1994).

This ecosystem is dynamic, with each element influencing the others. For example, chronic workplace stress (social) can elevate cortisol (biological), erode self-esteem (psychological), and create a sense of existential disconnection (spiritual). Conversely, practices that foster connection—like community support or meditation—can ripple across the ecosystem, reducing stress holistically.

Metaphysical traditions add a layer of interconnectedness, suggesting that stress reflects a misalignment with the universal energy field. The Akashic Records, for instance, propose that stress is a teacher, guiding us toward integration and wholeness (Howe, 2009). By viewing stress as part of a larger tapestry, we can approach it with curiosity rather than fear.

8. Transcending Stress: Practical and Philosophical Solutions

Breaking down the illusion of separation offers a path to transcend stress. Practical strategies, grounded in research, include:

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) reduce cortisol and enhance emotional regulation (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).
  • Social Connection: Strong social support buffers stress by fostering a sense of belonging (Cohen & Wills, 1985).
  • Physical Activity: Exercise lowers cortisol and boosts endorphins, improving mood and resilience (Ratey, 2008).
  • Creative Expression: Art, music, or journaling can process emotions and reconnect us with our inner selves (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

Philosophically and spiritually, transcending stress involves embracing unity. Practices like loving-kindness meditation (metta) cultivate compassion, dissolving the ego’s boundaries (Hofmann et al., 2011). Engaging with the Akashic Records can reveal soul-level insights, helping individuals align with their purpose and release karmic stress (Howe, 2009).

Ultimately, recognizing our interconnectedness—with others, nature, and the cosmos—can transform stress from a burden into a catalyst for growth.

9. Conclusion: Reconnecting Mind, Body, and Spirit

Stress is more than a biological response or a reaction to life’s challenges—it’s a mirror reflecting our perceptions, beliefs, and state of connection. By exploring its physical manifestations, proximate causes, and deeper roots, we uncover a truth: stress often arises from the illusion of separation, a belief that we are isolated from the world around us. Through science, we understand its mechanisms; through metaphysics, we glimpse its spiritual significance; through the heart, we find the courage to reconnect.

This dissertation invites readers to see stress not as an enemy but as a teacher. By integrating mindfulness, community, and spiritual practices, we can dissolve the illusion of separation, aligning with the universal flow. In doing so, we not only manage stress but transform it into a pathway toward wholeness, balance, and love.

Crosslinks

10. Glossary

  • Akashic Records: A metaphysical concept describing a cosmic archive of all events, thoughts, and experiences, accessible through meditation or intuition.
  • Cortisol: A stress hormone released by the adrenal glands, regulating the body’s response to stress.
  • Fight-or-Flight Response: The body’s automatic reaction to perceived threats, involving the release of adrenaline and cortisol.
  • Illusion of Separation: The belief that individuals are disconnected from others, nature, or the divine, often linked to suffering in spiritual traditions.
  • Mindfulness: A practice of present-moment awareness, often used to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
  • Stressors: External or internal events that trigger the stress response.

11. Bibliography

American Institute of Stress. (2020). Workplace stress. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

American Psychological Association. (2019). Stress in America: The state of our nation. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/stress-america-2019.pdf

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

Camus, A. (1942). The myth of Sisyphus. Gallimard.

Chida, Y., & Steptoe, A. (2010). Greater cardiovascular responses to laboratory mental stress are associated with poor subsequent cardiovascular risk status: A meta-analysis of prospective evidence. Hypertension, 55(4), 1026–1032. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.109.146621

Chopra, D. (1994). The seven spiritual laws of success. Amber-Allen Publishing.

Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310–357. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310

Deutsch, E. (1969). Advaita Vedanta: A philosophical reconstruction. University of Hawaii Press.

Hofmann, S. G., Grossman, P., & Hinton, D. E. (2011). Loving-kindness and compassion meditation: Potential for psychological interventions. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(7), 1126–1132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.07.003

Holmes, T. H., & Rahe, R. H. (1967). The social readjustment rating scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 11(2), 213–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(67)90010-4

Howe, L. (2009). How to read the Akashic Records: Accessing the archive of the soul and its journey. Sounds True.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delacorte Press.

Konturek, P. C., Brzozowski, T., & Konturek, S. J. (2011). Stress and the gut: Pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach, and treatment options. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 62(6), 591–599.

Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company.

McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873–904. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006

Ratey, J. J. (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown Spark.

Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601–630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601

Selye, H. (1956). The stress of life. McGraw-Hill.

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.144681

Tang, Y. Y., Hölzel, B. K., & Posner, M. I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(4), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3916

Thoits, P. A. (2010). Stress and health: Major findings and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(Suppl), S41–S53. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383499

Tolle, E. (2004). The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. New World Library.

van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

Attribution

With fidelity to the Oversoul, may this Codex of the Living Archive serve as bridge, remembrance, and seed for the planetary dawn.

Ⓒ 2025 Gerald Alba Daquila – Flameholder of SHEYALOTH | Keeper of the Living Codices

Issued under Oversoul Appointment, governed by Akashic Law. This transmission is a living Oversoul field: for the eyes of the Flameholder first, and for the collective in right timing. It may only be shared intact, unaltered, and with glyphs, seals, and attribution preserved. Those not in resonance will find it closed; those aligned will receive it as living frequency.

Watermark: Universal Master Key glyph (final codex version, crystalline glow, transparent background).

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