Exercise!

A study found that exercise increases support system, increases capacity to handle difficult situations, and increases the ability to focus. *

Two out of three ain't bad.  I'm still trying to focus!

I can't even provide the reference right now, but I wanted to get this message out ASAP!

*Thanks, Vanessa :)

Collecting Gems

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” 

Harriet Tubman

(Thanks, Patty)

Walt's Advice

Walt advises that we not fall in love.  He says at this age, aim for companionship.  Have a great weekend everyone.

(Thanks, Pia)

Spirituality & Addiction

Quote:  A major paradigm shift of shamanic healing is 'soul recovery,' involving reintegration of dissociated aspects of the self.  Shamanic treatment of soul loss involved a conceptualization similar to TM and AA views of addiction as resulting from a lack of spirituality.  Spirituality can be seen as reflecting collective dimensions of, and the individual connectedness with, the social group.  Soul loss reflects this lack of individual connection with broader units of social identity" (p. 347).

Article:  Alternative and traditional medicine approaches for substance abuse programs:  A shamanic perspective

Drumming

Quote:  "Drumming produces physiological, psychological, and social stimulation that enhances recovery processes.  Drumming induces relaxation and produces natural pleasurable experiences, enhanced awareness of preconscious dynamics, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self."

Article:  Complementary Therapy for Addiction:  Drumming out Drugs

Strategic Family Therapy

Quote:  "To encourage forgiveness and kindness - the only way we can survive from day to day without emotional breakdown is by forgiving and forgetting.  We must forgive our parents, our children, our friends, our teachers.  We must also forgive ourselves for our mistakes.  If family members are to continue to relate to each other, they must forgive."

Quote:  "Often, a therapist needs to raise people from the grimness of their situation into a better way of being.  It is useful to start every session by pointing out to clients, as well as to remind them during the session, that they have come to therapy out of love and concern for each other and that they are seeking a better way of being and relating to each other.  These comments by the therapist prevent angry interactions and petty hostilities among family members."

Article:  Strategic Family Therapy by Cloe Madanes

Mind-Body Medicine

Quote:  "Most modern attempts to adopt mind-body medicine such as biofeedback, breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, and massage may briefly relieve the symptoms of stress, but they do not address the root causes of suffering and stress."

Quote:  "The challenge of mind-body medicine is to embrace, contain, and include the human need for purpose, connection, and meaning."

Article:  The First Mind-Body Medicine:  Bringing Shamanism into the 21st Century by Mark A. Hyman