Health-Care at it’s Finest
Please watch this moving and informing presentation by Congressman Mike Rogers from Michigan. Please pass this along.
I’ll have more to say on it later.
Dreaming of the Hero
Generally speaking, when we dream about being rescued by historical or mythical heroes or perhaps more current heroes within our conscious mind (famous movie stars, political figures) it can be a signal from our unconscious mind that our ego is in need of strength or bolstering during some difficult or challenging life events. In other words, it can mean that our conscious mind is calling out for assistance in accomplishing some task or act, that it cannot achieve unaided or without drawing on the sources of strength that lie outside our immediate reach. The resources to successfully achieve the task or solve the problem may often lie within self, or it may be that we need to enlist the help of God or others. The point is that it’s important to listen or pay attention to the dream content being offered by the unconscious mind and determine what areas in our life may need assistance. When I’m coaching others on interpreting their dreams, I find it amazing that I never need to offer my own interpretation of the dream. Most of time, the correct interpretation comes when the dreamer just stops long enough to “think” about the content. I’ll sometimes explain some important symbols that have been identified in the past, or “if it were my dream …” but most of the answers come just by becoming aware of the dream content. Once we identify that we need assistance in conquering life’s challenging events, sometimes it’s difficult for us to “ask for help.” Many people perceive that asking for help (from God or others) is a sign of weakness. Or, some may find it difficult to communicate personal needs due to other reasons (low self esteem, inability to communicate). Usually our unconscious mind will continue attempts to communicate with our conscious mind until the message is acknowledged and appropriate action taken. Repeating dreams are often an indication that we have not yet acknowledged the message from the unconscious center of our mind. These dreams will repeat until action is taken. What are you in need of today?
Self-Talk and the Mind
THE MIND IS such a wonderful and divine instrument, it knows exactly when we need protection. In such cases, the mind will give us an excuse or rationale we can grab onto to shield us from harmful, hurtful situations. These “defense mechanisms” the mind offers us are but a temporary shelter in the midst of a raging storm. It is our duty, however, to move from beneath this shelter when it no longer serves our highest or greatest good. In other words, when it keeps us from growing.
Be sure not to tell yourself you “don’t” when you do want it. Be mindful not to accept “you can’t” when you know you can. Pay attention to the excuses you make “not to”, when you know you must. Don’t settle for less when you desire more. No matter how hard you think it is, ask for what you need and what you want when you need it or want it. Pay attention to the inner chatter which will take a temporary defense mechanism and turn it into a crutch.
Got His Number
I promise you this is one of the most insightful articles I’ve run across in a very long time. Hope you will take time to read it.
Growing Pains
WHEN YOU GET through whatever it is you are going through, you are going to be much better off. You will have firsthand knowledge of what works for you and what does not. You will have a new assessment of your strengths and capabilities. You will have greater insights about the people in your life. Perhaps you will have trimmed away some fluff, released some unnecessary baggage. In the midst of a challenge, our eyes are opened, our minds blown to new levels of awareness. When you get through this, you are going to be something else . . . a better, stronger you!
Author Unknown
Now, compare and contrast what effect this self-talk would have on your entire emotional “feelings” compared to wallowing in the mire of your difficult circumstances. By reframing your self-talk to view difficulties in this perspective, you’ll be able to remain in the present and avoid the mire of anger and depression.
Frankenstein on Steroids
Flat Earth
Can you imagine how some individuals must have reacted when new evidence from scientists and philosophers began to emerge suggesting that the earth was round; not flat as had been believed for thousands of years. After all, the belief that the Earth was flat was almost universal until about the 4th century BC. Promoters of this new idea were labeled heretics and insane. And it’s understandable how people “felt.” This was going to literally rock their world. Try and remember your last time standing on the beach looking out toward the horizon where sea meets sky. It gives the false illusion that that the earth is flat. When I look out as far as the eye can see in any direction, it really “feels” like the earth is flat. Now think about the societal and religious pressures during the 4th century to remain faithful to the reigning flat earth beliefs . But the evidence clearly began to show that the earth is round. I can feel like it’s flat all I want, the fact is, the earth is spherical.
Many people who have developed a framework of thinking since early childhood hold onto beliefs, feelings, and ways of thinking regardless of the evidence to the contrary. This faulty framework of thinking is also reinforced at times when events and appearances (standing on the shore and looking out at the horizon) seem to validate our “self-talk.” I recently talked with a client who had been physically abused by his father beginning at around age 3. It’s a long familiar story, and you’ve probably heard it all before. Years of abuse, neglect, and rejection led him to develop a survival personality marked by emotional distance, addictions, mistrust and suspicion of ALL people. No one should be trusted, everyone is out to get me, I’m a loser, I’m stupid, I’m a failure and I’m never going to accomplish anything. The paradox is, even in light of his extreme negative self talk, this client has a masters degree and has several attributes and gifts to be proud of. Yes he is clinically depressed, displays some paranoia,and has trouble establishing emotional intimacy and relationships. If he can practice telling himself “the earth is round” even though all of his life he’s been taught and believed “the earth is flat” he’s going to experience emotional and spiritiual healing. His own personal history provides evidence that says he can establish intimacy, he can set a goal and reach it, he’s not stupid but actually has a very high IQ. I’m currently working with him to re-frame his thinking and tell himself the truth. The truth is, it feels like the earth is flat sometimes, but the fact is, its round.
Two Jacks
I first met Jack (not his real name) several months ago. He had been referred to me because of his struggle with addictions and extreme anger. Practically homeless, he was in his early 50’s yet looked like he was in his late 60’s. The substance abuse had clearly taken it’s toll in very visible ways. I didn’t know Jack, I had never met him prior to his visit, but as his story unfolded, I began to connect the dots and realized I did know some of his family members. This was quite a surprise to me and I clearly remember the precise session that I realized my connection to his children.
I won’t belabor Jack’s story. It’s a familiar one for those who struggle with substance abuse. He was in and out of therapy, attempting to maintain sobriety through a number of support groups and therapists. I was struck by how remorseful and sorry he was for causing others pain. And like most people suffering from addictions, Jack had suffered tremendous pain himself, abandonment, abuse, low self esteem, depression. Yet he loved deeply. He loved his family and he loved God. He wanted to be reconciled with those he loved. He wanted to get his life in order and he was a man of strong faith in God. Yet, as true with those who struggle with addictions of any kind, there were two Jacks. There was the Jack who was in deep emotional ache reaching out to numb the pangs of darkness that would at times flood his soul. This was the angry, depressed Jack full of rage and discontent who was looking, searching for some way to wall off and block the awful pain. This was the Jack that could hurt those around him with his harsh words and his violent behavior. But, there was also the remorseful Jack, full of guilt, shame, and yes love. Always trying to improve himself, find his way back, and live a productive and fulfilling life. Jack was earnestly searching for restoration.
Recently Jack passed away and I was fortunate to attend his memorial service which was held in a beautiful, secluded wooded campground. The outdoor pavilion was filled with his friends and relatives. Amazing? Had he been forgotten? Did he die after living a meaningless life? Not at all. Remember, he loved deeply. His children are well educated, and very well adjusted and balanced from what I can tell. Somewhere in all this murky emotional pain and rage, he conveyed a strong sense of love, right, and wrong to those he loved. He passed those values and ethics on to friends and relatives. It was duly noted during the brief service. The speaker pointed out so clearly that there were two Jacks.
This was a sun drenched summer day that I will always remember. In the quiet solitude of the woods that Jack loved so well, sitting there on a rustic picnic bench, so much seemed to make sense to me. Not only did I come to understand more clearly who Jack was, but I also learned more about myself. I saw so much of Jack in myself. Jack is in all of us. You know, the other side of us that is sometimes panicked by fear, anger, rage, the walls we build, and various addictions that take hold of our life. Don’t be tempted to judge Jack. Addictions and seeking relief from emotional and spiritual pain come in many forms. But, I realized perhaps for the first time, that grace covers it all. Yes, sometimes there are “two of me” struggling within just as there were two Jacks. We continually bathe in his grace to cover our sins. Grace made the way where flesh failed time and time again. Jack’s final testimony was that he was ready to go home. He knew that he was forgiven and ready to accept the wide arms and embrace of his heavenly Father. There was a real spirit of peace that fell on the mourners that day. And I know that Jack is experiencing that peace at this moment; the ultimate peace that Jack had been searching for all of his life is now an eternal reality. And once again, Jack had touched lives by living his.
Insanity Defined
Human beings are creatures of habit. We do what we know, what is comfortable and what we ‘think” will work. There are, however, those occasions when “our” way is not “the” way to get us to the goal. When your way doesn’t work, don’t be disheartened. You must be willing to try another way. Don’t be discouraged when someone says, “no.” Be willing to ask someone else. Always be willing to start at the bottom. Being willing does not mean you will stay there. A closed door does not mean you have been cut off permanently. It is a challenge, an obstacle, a tool to be used. The keys to all doors are within you. If you have faith in yourself, practice and patience will make you a master locksmith.
I’m often amazed when I find myself engaging in the same behavior or thought patterns time after time, year after year and then realizing that it isn’t working. Why do we continue to engage in behaviors and thought patterns even though we’re experiencing anxiety, communication breakdowns, anger, depression? Sometimes we even experience physical problems related to poor living habits or abusing our bodies (overload of sugar, fats, etc.) that we continue to engage in even though we know it’s bad for us. We must be willing to try another way. Re-frame our thinking and establish new strategies and new ways of living.
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