Overcoming Worry, Stress, Anxiety with God

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)

When is the last time you felt anxious about something? Others might tell you not to worry but all that does is make you think they don't comprehend the intensity of the problem or situation. Is there a problem in your life that is robbing you of joy? Is anxiety, worry and stress predominating your life?

I must have surgery June 22nd. Initially I felt relieved to hear this plan. Finally some action that could help me feel better. I've been mostly housebound since March 2008 because of illness. I've missed my former life. Surgery gave me hope that I can feel better again and get my life back.

About a week after the surgery diagnosis, anxiety crawled back into my life. I wasn't clear that anxiety was at work, but aches and pains in my body became so intense, I could barely get out of a chair, roll over in bed, or walk without my walker. Depression lingered in the background each day.

I'm not so anxious about the surgery itself but the recovery period. I'm terrified of the pain. In general I don't like others making decisions for me. In the hospital you are at the mercy of others who make your decisions. What if they make inadequate decisions about my pain, I worried. I've had an enormous amount of pain since February, I can't imagine dealing with even more pain during the recovery and being at the mercy of someone who might not live compassion.

In Philippians, the Apostle Paul tells you to meet worry and anxiety with prayer. Ironically prayer had discouraged me. I've prayed so many times in this last year to be relieved of pain. Yet, it has continued relentlessly.

Then God thoughts reminded me that my body--our bodies--are made to feel pain, but God can give me strength to get through the recovery period. God's strength and power are greater than anything in the world. He will never abandon me. As the 1970's song Rose Garden by Lynn Anderson stated, "You never promised me a rose garden." But by trusting God and His promises, Spirit will give me the power and strength to get through the worst of circumstances, to get through what lies ahead. I can feel the anxiety wither each time I remind myself of this truth.

If anxiety or worry are ruling your life, get in a quiet place to talk with God about it. Tell Him everything. Tell Him about your fears and worries. Tell Him you are willing to trust Him, and thank Him for loving you. As the apostle Paul said, pray with thanksgiving. This develops trust in God and peace within yourself.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."—Philippians 4:13

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."--Ephesians 6:10
Philippians 4:13

Be well, my friends.


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"You are what you love, not what loves you."

John 10:17-18
"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." (NKJV)

Hello Friends,

On this coming Sunday, crowds will flock to places of worship to honor the Christian tradition of Easter, believing Jesus died for your sins so you may have everlasting life.

Apparently, I have a very simple mind because even as a child, I did not understand that popular belief. If Jesus died on the cross for our sins, for all the ways we miss the mark from day to day, then why do churches continue to flog congregations with the idea of being a sinner? If we are still sinners, what did Jesus's martyrdom accomplish? If Jesus died for our sins, then it is finished, is it not?

The label sinner takes you down. How much more alive, loving, and Christ-like you feel when you remember that you are a child of God made in his image and likeness. The association of being a child of God takes you higher. None of us is perfect, and we will make mistakes until the day we draw our last breath.

Personally, I believe that Jesus died to show us how to love like God wants us to love, and to show us that our spirits live forever. God's spirit within us is who we are. You cannot destroy energy. It only changes form. Our spirits are eternal.

I find comfort in the metaphysical or practical application of Easter. The actions of Jesus exemplified God's unconditional love and the assurance, conviction, optimism and possibility that you, too, can overcome the egocentric and salacious ways of the world. Jesus was born and died to give you hope, to show you that the Christ spirit lives within you forever. Since you will live forever, why not choose to go higher and higher rather than walk in the muck?

Times are tough right now. I suspect every one reading this blog knows someone who has been negatively affected by the greed, arrogance, egotism, and corruption of late. It has bought not only the United States but the world to its knees. We have been manipulated by the Judas code of ethics--lies, deceit, greed, self-justifications and self-denial.

Crucifixion is a horrendous form of death. Jesus was nailed to a cross, hanging there until he suffocated under his own weight. The Bible states he dropped three times. Many people today worked hard, saved money, thought they were investing wisely for their retirement only to find they lost their 401Ks, homes, vehicles and more to shrewd, unscrupulous people who seemed oblivious to what was right and honorable.

In other words, many feel they were harpooned by predators when they did nothing wrong. Does that sound like the biblical story of Easter? Yet, Jesus' attitude was not evil-spirited but one of love and understanding. His first words uttered from the cross were, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). As you will read below, getting to that consciousness is essential if you want a resurrection. Nonetheless, wanting to understand, forgive, and let go of hurt and unfairness might feel like walking over the teeth of a saw until you are ready to shake it off. It's an individual journey with no set time table.

But the practical message of Easter brings hope. It is your opportunity to let go of the old ways and launch a new beginning.

If you attended a worship service last Sunday, you probably received a palm leaf. In Rome palm leaves were a symbol of royalty. Wave that palm to remind yourself that you, too, are a child of God created from royalty made in his image and likeness with the potential to rise above the ways of the world. Let it symbolize that you have the potential to rise above those things that hurt others and yourself. In Christ you can become a new you and, thereby, model a better way for others.

Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days to prepare for his Easter journey. I would suggest that you take this day to explore which old ways you need to release so that you can have a deeply personal resurrection. Some of these old, tired ways may reside on an unconscious or subconscious level.

I would suggest that many people don't feel "good enough" or they think there is something wrong with them. If pinned down, they can't tell you why they aren't good enough or why something is wrong with them because these false beliefs are insidiously hidden in the self-conscious and/or unconscious. But your behavior reflects the belief. Your life will continually play out a theme that you aren't quite good enough or there is something wrong in your life, leaving you feeling there is something wrong with you. Finding the heart of those negative, core beliefs, then letting them go will raise you to amazing heights of well-being. This takes work and determination. Ask God to reveal what needs to be revealed.

About 15 years ago, a boss abused his power, making my life so utterly miserable, I quit a great paying job to escape the abuse. The daily emotional battering took a grave toll on my physical health and body. I carried resentment toward him for about five years. Then one day I grew tired of complaining about him. I wrote on a piece of paper "I release and let go of ____ and all the ways he harmed me."

I burned the paper on my patio in Phoenix. Remarkably, my anger evaporated immediately. It was a miracle. I felt so powerful to be released from those negative thoughts. His power over me really did go up in a puff of smoke. Later what intrigued me was how silly it seemed to have spent so much time ruminating about this unfair situation. I was set free. It was a resurrection to be sure. Now if I think of that person for even one second, I shake it off immediately. Truthfully, I rarely ever think of him any more.

A couple weeks ago I realized how much and how long I had been holding on to deep resentment toward an individual and unfair situation(s) that took place in 2006. This person was in a profession where people automatically trusted him. He was "expected" to be trustworthy, yet, he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He exploited many people, including me, and their finances. After everyone was drained dry, he skipped away without taking any responsibility for any of it. There were no apologies for the bad decisions, harm and injustice committed against so many disheartened souls. No monies were paid back or returned.

I had been so intensely angry about this situation, I didn't want to forgive it. When I would try to, it was just head talk, intellectualizing. As a result and without my cognizance, my trust and faith in God withered over the years. Why pray, I would think. What good does it do? Why ask God for help. He didn't help in that exploitative situation. It was all phony. Maybe the whole idea of God is phony. I believed in phoniness.

Last week the link between this situation and my former boss hit me hard. I was holding the bitterness, thinking about the unfairness, feeling helpless that I could do nothing to make it right just as I did with my former boss.

Once again, I wrote a statement on a piece of paper, "I release and let go of my anger and bitterness toward ______ and this situation. It has no place in my present or my future. Here and now I shake it off" I placed the paper in a metal pail, lit a match and watched it burn, curling and twisting as if working out the impurities of the situation. When all the embers died, there was only fragile, lifeless, grayish ash in the bottom of the pail. I was again set free. It was a wonderful Easter resurrection for me this year. Hallelujah.

The next day interest in prayer and meditation returned. I found myself starting the day with spiritual readings to set a positive tone, something I had not done in about a year. I was regaining faith in God again. I started to believe that things could work out for good in several areas of my life.

Ironically, several days later I heard an update about this person. He had remarried and once again in a power position over others. My anger blazed, then smoldered in my heart. Momentarily, the human condition in me didn't want him to be happy. It wasn't fair. And I felt concern for this new flock of unsuspecting souls who would be manipulated for his own gain.

As clarity evolved, I realized I held a deep belief that those who hurt and exploit others through manipulation and lies should be held accountable, and if not accountable, they should never have the right to happiness again. Then I laughed. This was a test. Had I really released and let go of this person and situation? If so, why was I reacting? Was my resurrection nothing more than a cheap umbrella that blew out of shape with the smallest gust of wind?

I thought of the gray ashes in the pail and laughed again. My resurrection was not only real but now it contained clarity. You are only as happy as the person you become. You choose your values and act on them. My happiness is not dependent on you and your behavior, and your happiness is not dependent on me and my behavior. The choices others make are not my responsibility. Whatever someone else does, it's my choice to wallow in the rot or let go and move on.

I think this point of ownership is made very clear in the movie Adaptation when the character Donald Kaufman (played by Nicholas Cage) says, "You are what you love, not what loves you." At that moment I knew I had resurrected that situation. The news was nothing more than a puff of wind. I shook it off and was free again. This is truly a happy Easter.

Only God can give you 100% reassurance. Happiness comes from trusting Him and believing that He wants only good for you. The world is full of people who use and abuse others and act from a devil's heart for whatever reason. All choices are based on free will. But God can turn evil into good so no destruction need be forever. Evil will always extinguish itself, but that is not for you to worry about. To rise above a situation, all you need to do is ask for your Creator's help. That's what I had done about three days before my epiphany and resurrection.

What is it in your life that is bringing you down? What anger, bitterness or resentment might you need to release to feel happy again? Who do you need to forgive? If you want to do better today than yesterday, as your Creator for help, then have faith that God will help you. Do you need to trust the Universe more right now?

Make this Easter a true daily double. Be grateful and appreciate Jesus for showing you the way, and at the same time, honor the Christ spirit within you that can rise above all difficulty. As you spring into Easter this weekend, make it a time to let go of old ways and launch a new beginning.

Happy Easter. Love and resurrections to all.



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Mind-Body-Tension

Happy February Friends.

I am starting a new series of posts focusing on the Mind Body Syndrome. These posts will take you on a journey to learn about and use what New York physician Dr. John Sarno first labeled Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) but now refers to as Mindbody Syndrome.

As many of you know, I took a class with Dr. Howard Schubiner in Southfield, Michigan in March 2007, who has worked with Dr. Sarno and now has his own mindbody practice. To read more about Mindbody Syndrome, go to: http://www.etex.net/kelving/ To visit Dr. Howard Schubiner's website, go to: http://www.yourpainisreal.com I'm not convinced I was ready for the classes when I took them. I embarked on this journey before, but it was cut short with heart attacks. I'm so tired of being sick, I'm 100% ready to try again.

I have suffered chronic, incapacitating back pain since Nov. 2006 and lived through 4 heart attacks and other medical malfunctions of the body in the past year. Currently, my oxygen levels in my blood are still very low, and to date doctors have failed to figure out why. I wake every hour on the hour trying to sleep at night. I only experience about 5 hours a day when I have enough energy to function and feel like a human being. Taking pain pills for chronic pain triggers more bodily abnormalities which have hospitalized me on numerous occasions. I was extremely sick all last week and not fully recovered yet. I've had several viruses since October 2008 that return almost as faithfully as the seasons. It's as if I'm running track and can't stop.

I'm desperate. Being on a treadmill of illness is like living in a house without windows; I can no longer see a way out. Something has to change. So far I've not received any cure from physicians and I've seen many of them lately.

These posts will be "hands-on" experiences, sharing my own progress in using mindbody techniques, incorporating the techniques and work of both Dr. John Sarno and Dr. Howard Schubiner.

I want to take you on this journey with the hope you might be helped too. Mindbody issues can affect not only pain but everything from carpel tunnel to osteoarthritis, from heart burn to irritable bowel, from urinary tract infections to yeast infections, from depression to obsessive compulsive disorders. However, if you are not feeling well, check with your doctor first. Not all medical issues are mindbody syndrome.

February 21, 2009

Today, I spent no less than 20 minutes (morning for me), practicing mindbody work. As I listened to the tape I received in my class with Dr. Howard Schubiner last year, as I focused on my breath inhaling and exhaling, on my chest rising and falling, a great deal of tension lifted from my body. I was surprised I had so much body tension that early in the morning. It felt great to release it. I'm sure many are familiar with this kind of soothing release using meditation, yoga and other methods.

Once my body was fully relaxed, I turned to the thoughts and feelings that began entering my mind. I noticed them without judgment, letting them float in and letting them float away. Within minutes tears fell which surprised me. I had no prior awareness I was sad until I wept.

In those moments of minding my thoughts, I realized how much I hate my body, how I learned to hate my body, and the fact that I have hated my body my entire life. It was allegedly the wrong body from the time I was born. First I was to be a boy to correct my parents' failing marriage. Our household was stressful, full of drama and chao. I was fed to keep me from crying so as not to add to the chaos. This set up a lifetime of overweight with yo yo dieting for decades. I spent my lifetime, trying to have a different body while all the time, hating the body I had.

All of these thoughts and feelings brought up rage. Rage I didn't know I had. Rage at those who instilled those erroneous thoughts and behaviors into my psyche. We all have that little child within who is scared and full of anger. In the other direction, we all have that inner critical parent, telling us we "shouldn't" this and "have to" that and that we should never express anger or rage.

My sadness and anger hung heavily in the air like a poisonous mist for a bit. Then, I spoke gently and kindly to my inner child, saying "It's OK. Calm down. I know you're scared. I know you're angry, but it will be Ok. Just relax." I felt relieved, comforted. The gloom dissipated.

Then I gently but forcefully told my inner parent that the erroneous thoughts about my body were and always had been her way of thinking, not my way, and that I would no longer allow her mistaken choices control my life. I spoke forcefully but without judgment or anger. I garnered strength as I realized I was in power now.

"Being mindful, allowed the painful experience to surface so I could see it, feel it, choose a different response about my body, and then let it go."

One thing you don't want to do is get "stuck" in your emotions during your mindbody work. They are just thoughts and feelings. Let them surface, look at them, and send them on their way. All of us have the freedom to choose how to respond at any given moment. We can change old patterns that keep us down. Notice them without judgment. then set them free to sail off into the face of the moon.

So how does this translate into less pain and better health? The stressful feelings that trigger pain are simmering in the subconscious and/or the unconscious. We don't know these feelings are there. But your body does. This repressed tension held in the body triggers a reduction in blood flow to the cells and subsequently reduces the oxygen available to the cells. Oxygen deprivation to the soft tissues of the body can cause great pain.

Insight: During this 20 minute session, I realized that as long as I hate my body, I will never treat it kindly. I won't and usually don't do things to take care of it. But today I told my inner parent that I've always had the right body. It's the body I was born with, and the only body I have. How could it possibly be the wrong body? I hope those who suffer needlessly with a negative body image might be helped with this insight. It was so powerful for me, I had to sit with it for the day to deeply integrate it.

Mindbody work will bring to consciousness whatever is in your unconscious. You could spend 20 minutes in mindbody work today and have a completely different experience from the person sitting next to you. But it is your experience which might be creating tension, bodily stress, and illnesses.

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Being With What Is

There has been no posting on this blog since September 2007. As many of you know, not only was I to undergo massive back surgery to repair six herniated disks that are pushing on nerves, but now I’ve had four heart attacks since October 2007 .

Six stents implanted into my arteries between March 23, 2008 and October 1, 2008 saved my life. Without a doubt, this year has been overly dramatic and extremely challenging. I know I must pace myself. If I don’t, I grow extremely ill. I’m feeling much better as of two weeks before Christmas and looking forward to improved health in 2009.

According to the American Pain Foundation, 76 million Americans struggle with pain, everything from arthritis pain to phantom limb pain, from post surgical pain to cancer pain. Whenever I’m in intense, multifarious pain, depression envelopes me automatically and almost immediately. It zaps my energy to the point where I can barely walk across the room. Apathy sets in. The mental pain seems more agonizing than the physical pain.

The new science–quantum physics–states that reality is a mental fabric that allows us to change our world by changing our thoughts. Physicist and Nobel Prize winner Eugene Wigner concluded that consciousness was the key to this mental superstructure. All of us hold a consciousness, and all of us can change our consciousness. These scientists believe that you can permanently change the neuron pathways in the brain by thinking new thoughts, then acting upon them.

Well, I have felt helpless and hopeless in the past when I could not rid myself of depression during exhaustive, intensive pain episodes. No amount of positive affirmations changed the pain or purged the depression. A couple months ago I was talking with a friend, questioning if pain might actually create changes in the brain that, in turn, trigger depression.

Well, ask and you will receive as the saying goes. In the Winter 2009 issue of Pain Community News, new research from Northwestern University suggests that persistent pain signals can rewire your brain, affecting the frontal cortex–that part associated with feelings, moods, and attention. Interestingly, this is often not where pain signals are activated, yet, they keep the frontal lobe active. According to one of the researcher involved in this study, Dante Chialvo, MD, says this research is the first to authenticate physical differences in the brains of chronic pain patients and those without pain.

According to the study, chronic pain extended over time can cause permanent reordering of the brain. For instance, a healthy brain exists in states of equilibrium; when one area activates, other areas become quiet. But functional MRI brain scans of people with chronic pain show that the equilibrium of the brain is greatly disturbed. Some areas, especially the frontal cortex, can remain active 24/7. When one area of the brain is agitated by pain, it alters the activity of other parts of the brain.

And because the brain is continuously bombarded with pain signals, the brain of chronic pain sufferers is never at rest This disturbance affects sleep patterns, moods, and panoramic or all-over functioning. When pain levels are high, sufferers can also struggle with decision-making and memory retention

In addition, pain survivors frequently wake up feeling awful in the morning and report bad moods, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Chialvo explains that when pain continues for long periods, such as a few years or a decade or more, they might start telling their physician that they don’t feel the same, that they find it difficult to focus or they are depressed or anxious much of the time.

The bad news is, the Northwestern University scientists don’t yet know if these altered changes in the brain can be reversed or repaired. Ongoing study needs to place less attention on the original source of the pain and more attention on brain imaging patterns that may be induced by chronic pain. The biggest misunderstanding, says Dr. Chialvo, is that brain pain is imaginary or unreal. “It is in his or her head, but there’s a biological reason for it,” says Dr. Chialvo

Many supporters of the change your life by changing your thoughts make it sound so easy. You just keep changing your unwanted thoughts to those of what you do want until your new thoughts create new pathways in the brain. Eventually your new thoughts will become automatic and your reality. You never give up. You must continue until you create this new reality. If you don't succeed, it's because you simply didn’t believe enough. I call that judgment- theory malpractice.

What people aren't told is that your ego--that selfish, small child within you that wants what it wants when it wants it (and we all have one)--must totally disappear. Your ego and creating your own reality can't co-exist. Only when the ego heads for the hills for good, can you achieve an extraordinary state of consciousness or being that, in turn, creates your new life. As scientist Amit Goswami states in the book, WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW, “We have to meditate and reach non-ordinary states of consciousness before we become the creator of our own reality.”

It’s fun to believe that we can manifest and control whatever we want, but the truth is, we can’t control everything. Attitudinal and physiological changes in one's life and body are much more complicated. It's very hard work. It can't be achieved by thinking about it. To read that there is biological and scientific evidence for my depression validated my experiences, helping me to cope with these pain episodes. I wasn’t a failure because I couldn't’ think away my depression. Instead I was dealing with the chemical imbalance in the brain, executed by the way pain rewires my brain.

Once I allowed myself to be in the present moment, I stopped beating myself up when I was unable to change or prevent depression. The condemning voices in the background, insisting I wasn't trying hard enough, vanished. A little information can be dangerous. Before you can change, you must accept what is and be compassionate with yourself. Being kind to yourself is vitally important.

Looking back, I remember that when the pain subsides, depression always lessens or disappears. Accepting this reality means I sit back, learn to relax and accept what is until the pain signals change. It’s the theory of non-resistance. As long as you are resisting, you are miserable and upset.

Accepting what is reduces your stress to a mere puff of hot air, bringing peace in both mind and body. Questioning ideas that don't work and then finding your own pilgrimage to self-discovery and self-understanding empowers you. You must make ideas work in your own life, not just try to make someone else’s ideas work for you.

Decades ago I asked a minister his definition of hell. He said he thought it was a place of continual yearning but not being able to have what he was yearning for. I think many of us put ourselves in hell by that definition. Yearning but not obtaining.

If you have tried something over and over without success, if you are putting yourself through “hell” trying to make an idea or theory work, I suggest that you try challenging the idea and allow yourself to accept what is.

If you really want to test this theory, find five people who got rich, regained health, changed a relationship from a disaster into a dream, climbed out of a deep hole of debt or manifested a new car when there was no money by changing their thoughts. And it’s not only important to find those five people but find ones who can do this consistently time and again. Then you have validity to a theory. Before you blame yourself, call yourself a failure, find out if there is more you need to know about how the theory works or doesn’t work. Listen to ideas, then put them through the test with your own empirical evidence.

There is a Zen saying, “When you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.” This Zenism is a metaphor that means it is not always best to be so gullible that you believe what someone suggests no matter who they are or what kind of expert they claim to be, even when it might be an entire group pushing its conclusion.

Am I saying that you should toss positive thinking out the window? To let your dreams die? To believe there is no possibility with the new science? Heavens no. Positive vibrations help all of us create a better world for ourselves and for others. They are uplifting. They change people’s lives. But if you are putting yourself through "hell," it might be time to explore more and think for yourself. There might be information you are lacking. Or you might find out the idea is a good one but can’t be replicated. Think, think, think for yourself. And accept what is because right now is your life, not sometime in the future when you might connect the dots of quantum physics. Additionally, denial--refusing to look at anything negative--will not change your life. It is another way to reject what is.

"You must make ideas work in your own life, not just try to make someone else’s ideas work for you."

If you or someone you know has actually changed a major area of life by changing the neuro- pathways in your brain, please write me and tell me about it. You can post it on this blog or email me: ministry@amazeofgrace.org.

Godspeed.

All contents copyright 2009, Dianne J. Moore, Author

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In Loving Memory of Luciano Pavarotti

Quote about Pavarotti's passing: "The world will seem an emptier place without him and without his generosity of spirit." Prince Charles, Buckingham Palace.

On September 6, 2007, the greatest tenor with the molten voice, Luciano Pavarotti passed over to the other side. God rest your soul Luciano. His father lived into his 90's so I always hoped for longevity with Pavarotti. Sadly, he died too young. It is a huge loss not only for me but the world.

As most of you know, he was my idol. His voice, charisma, compassionate eyes and the fact that when he offered his god-given gift, he gave it his all. He sang from the depth of his soul. Pavarotti taught me wise lessons and helped me find myself.

July 2006 when I returned to Michigan to care for my terminally ill mother, Pavarotti had been hospitalized for pancreatic cancer. The tumor was removed and over the course of the last year, he endured 5 rounds of chemotherapy. When I heard the news a year ago, my heart felt broken. I kept hoping he could beat this demon although success rates for pancreatic cancer are still grim.

Upon his death I could hardly bare the grief. I cried hard the day after his death. I still didn't know why this man had such a powerful impact on me. I made the connection between my tears and Pavarotti. When he sang, he went to the very depth of his soul. I don't know if one could go deeper. And when he sang, he took me there with him. All my life I have wanted my soul to go to that depth with another. When he took me there, he touched the longing of my soul. I cried each time because he took me there with his music. For far to many, life is an illusion, playing a role on a stage but never going that deep.

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Switch Your Words, Switch Your Life

In the last post we explored the concept of mindfulness, the ability to be alert and aware of your experiences from moment to moment without meandering into a stream of consciousness regarding the past, the future or the opinions of others.

Science has begun to authenticate that mindfulness is effective for both psychological and physical symptoms. Engaging in the art of mindfulness, you are able to relieve tension and stress, improve your resourcefulness in managing illness, impressively benefit your physical and emotional health through relaxation, and, all things considered, maximize the sweetness of life.

The process includes sitting or lying quietly for 20 to 30 minutes while noticing your breath, physical sensations, and thoughts. The purpose is to let go of the stress and tension of your on-the-go life without judging or analyzing whatever is occurring in your mind and body. It's a daunting proposition to live more consciously and less critically.

Mindfulness is not drifting off to a divine center of peace where you're oblivious to the world around you. Far from it. Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass and the founding executive director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society, defines mindfulness as “the intentional cultivation of non-judgemental moment-to-moment awareness.” This is a disconcerting challenge if you have lived your life, avoiding emotionally charged thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness asks you to face the mugwumpery that you have sidestepped all these years. This is where James T. Mangan's research comes in handy.

Mangan spent his life trying to find the quintessence of a perfect life. For 40 years, he delved into this idea and hit upon the concept that using a single word brings forth laser-like creative energy that can switch your thoughts immediately. In his book, THE SECRET OF A PERFECT LIFE (Prentice-Hall, 1963-1975), he identified 100 definitive words that are awesomely effective when used to bring about a desired result. He coined these high-powered words, Switchwords. Without doubt, when you give anything laser-like focus, you are using one mind focused on a single purpose aimed in one direction.

Thought is creative, so you are always creating. Switchwords can help you abort hellish thoughts and switch to positive creativity. For example, whenever you sink into the doldrums, you can switch those nullifying convictions by speaking the switchword UP. Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. When you are reciting UP, you successfully distinguish the blues. Likewise, you can obliterate a worry or abort negative thoughts and emotions with the word CANCEL. You begin to feel fearful that something will not come together like you want it to and suddenly you catch yourself steeped in worry and fear. Speak the word CANCEL, as many times as necessary. CANCEL, CANCEL, CANCEL.

In yet another example, if you lose something, like your car keys or an important document, Mangan suggests the Switchword REACH. Say it either silently or loudly, then allow yourself to move to wherever you feel guided. You'll soon find yourself moving in the direction of your lost object. After learning about switchwords, I had a lot of fun with them.

For example, I lost an envelope with an address that I needed. I remembered carrying it into the office, but I couldn't find it in that room. I looked around and around and around in the same places where I knew I had been. Then I remembered about switchwords. I began reciting REACH, REACH, REACH. Within seconds I looked toward my printer and saw something under a sheet of paper. Lifting up the paper, I found the envelope I needed. I had no memory of being at the printer with that envelope, but the word REACH allowed me to listen to a new thought and be guided in the correct direction.

Although Switchwords may sound to easy to get the job done, your subconscious mind is extremely responsive to a single word. It believes everything you tell it. And when you tell it one word, rather than more complex affirmations, mantras or visualizations, it offers little time for your conscious mind to think and analyze. Personally, I never found affirmations that
helpful. I recited them because my church employed them, but the process felt artificial. My mind had too much time to allow doubts to sneak between the words in a phrase or sentence. However, when I use a Switchword, it slams the door shut with no time to take exception. It's like pulling a set switch at the railroad station and watching a train smoothly veer onto another track and in a new direction.

James T. Mangan believed that perfect living involved integrating the conscious and subconscious mind for the highest good and benefit of the whole person. When you become skilled at mindfulness, you will experience both your internal and external worlds without evaluative criticism and acquire more acceptance, openness, kindness and compassion for yourself and others. But at first you might feel emotionally charged paying attention from moment to moment. Switchwords can moderate your feelings until you experience the full perks of mindfulness.

Below are some of James Mangan's Switchwords. Play with these high-energy, dynamic words and see how you can change your mood and your day.

To create new ideas - ON

To reduce smoking - COUNT

To get in mood for writing - GIGGLE

To stay young and to look young immediately - LEARN

To be a good mechanic - CONSIDER

To break a bad habit - OFF

To meet a deadline - DONE

To sigh - HO

To win in a competitive game - FIGHT

To upset an opponent in such a game - FIGHT

To achieve moderation in any field where tempted to excess-CUT

To display pep and sudden energy-MOVE

To turn a setback into an uplift-ELATE

To remember, in the sense of memorization-CARE

To remember something forgotten-REACH

To find lost or misplaced article-REACH

To solve a problem-REACH

To prevent a person or action from annoying one-CANCEL

To obliterate a negative thought-CANCEL

To dispel a worry-CANCEL

To sell-GIVE

To acquire a skill-WATCH

To love to read-JUDGE

To maintain good health-BE

To be kind-TINY

To invent-REACH

To relieve constipation-SWIVEL

To heal a scab-ALONE

To stop drinking-SAVE

To keep a resolution-DONE

To destroy remorse-TOMARROW

To cease regretting-THANKS

To secure transportation-ON

To smile-NAME OF A KNOWN SMILER

To stand up straight-NAME OF A KNOWN STRAIGHT-UP STANDER

To enthuse-NAME OF A FAMILIAR ENTHUSIAST

To cure hypersensitivity-DUCK

To prevent pouting streak - POSTPONE

To handle anything unpleasant - ADJUST

To dispel an attack of the blues - UP

To act on good impulse - NOW

To stop faultfinding - PRAISE

To build will power - DONE

To banish lonesomeness - BE

To get rid of inertia - MOVE

To avoid poverty or debt - CANCEL

To nourish ambition - ON

To eliminate procrastination - DO

To promote - FOR

To advertise - SCHEME

To secure publicity - RIDICULOUS

To retain good feeling or sense of well-being - STRETCH

To assume or carry a burden - ADJUST

To get something out of eye - CHANGE

To dispel ache or pain in any part of body - CHANGE

To turn on personality - CHUCKLE

To turn on politeness or courtesy - TINY

To convert another - TAP

To dispel nervousness – BLUFF

To dispel conscious fear - BLUFF

To call forth extra personal ability - DIVINE

To preserve personal safety - GUARD

To make yourself beautiful or handsome - PRAISE

To acquire good taste - COPY

To keep a secret - FOREVER

To subdue inner excitement - COVER

To get to sleep - OFF

To build - PUT

To dress better - SPEND

To find percentage - ADD

To learn a secret - WAIT

To improve your mental telepathy - BETWEEN

To swim - CONTINUE

To withstand impatience - SLOW

To handle success - SUFFER

To handle prosperity - SUFFER

To avoid carelessness - ATTENTION

To improve perspective - AROUND

To build character - HOLD

To ward off apartness of the personality just as negative factor is entering - UNCLE

To develop or increase endurance - CONTINUE

To be wise - SLOW

To achieve peace of conscience – BE

To build, produce - ON

To develop leadership - TAKE

To build a fortune - FIND

To make money - COUNT

To develop courage - SWING

To read the future - LISTEN

To work miracles - DIVINE

To do anything - TOGETHER

To lose inferiority complex - UP

To become an orator - ACT

To publish a successful newspaper - PERSONAL

To publish a successful magazine - SOPHISTICATE

To make your children obedient - CROWD

To be compatible with others - WITH

To be soothing to others - SWEET

To be pious - SHOW

To complete a lot of detailed work - NEXT

To create appeal - HOLE

To design - SCHEME

To appear rich – WASTE

To create beauty - CURVE

To appear cultured - CLASSIC

To help others - GIVE

To bury your grudges – REVERSE

To reduce your bragging - DOWN

To lose pettiness - MAGNANIMITY

and the Master Switchword: TOGETHER for every activity, goal and desire.

Shunyam Nirav, author of the E-book, Masterworks Unlimited, Inc. suggests that you experiment with one word all day and see what happens. His E-book, SWITCHWORDS (Easily Give to You Whatever You Want in Life) http://www.masterworksunlimited.com/ is a 178-page shareware e-book in DigitalWebBook format, selling for US $21.95. The first 43 pages contain the basic switchwords information, and are open and free to all.

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Are You A Love Slob of the Goodist Kind?

Renowned psychologist Albert Ellis died last week. In 1982 he was ranked the second most influential psychologist in the field—ahead of Sigmund Freud and behind Carl Rogers. He developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, a therapy that focuses on taking control of self-defeating thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through mindfulness. The effectiveness of his therapy was much quicker than spending years on the couch unraveling the past and re-telling a painful victim story.

What he learned about himself through his own therapy was that he grew angry at people who acted stupidly or immorally. He realized his anger was mostly produced by his insistence that people treat him fairly and considerately, and if they did not, they were rotten people. He saw that people were not rotten because they failed to meet his expectations.

From that understanding, he developed “Unconditional Other-Acceptance" (UOA), teaching clients to accept the person if not the behavior. This method allows you to let go of anger and other negative emotions. It’s the old-time religious dictum; “accept the sinner but not the sin.”

Ellis taught clients to listen to their constant internal monologue, decipher the irrational self-talk and stand up to irrational thinking. Dr. John Sarno uses similar techniques in his tension mind body syndrome (TMS) healing strategies. Scripture says this: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

The following story from Catharine MacLaren, a participant in a study published in Counseling & Development (Summer 2001, Vol. 79, Issue 3), explains how monitoring her self-talk and standing up to her irrational beliefs helped her control troublesome thoughts and feelings and change her life. Her story is a perfect example of the point in my last post, De-stress for Less Stress.

Catharine, co-author with Albert Ellis of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Therapist’s Guide, refers to herself as a former love slob. She believed that she could feel positive about herself ONLY IF 99% of the other people on the planet approved of her. This is what Dr. John Sarno refers to as a Goodist. Catharine found, as most of us find, this behavior not only exhausting but impossible and only leads to frustration, resentment, and poor self-care.

In her 20's, Catharine MacLaren realized she was always trying to "fix" things for people so they would not have to deal with them. Can you relate with that? I can. If Catherine was incapable of "making it better," or, worse yet, made someone’s stress worse, even if it was in her best interest, then she would berate herself for days or months and feel miserable and guilty. She pummeled herself with self-depreciating phrases, such as, "I'm a terrible friend (person) and I don't deserve to (fill in the blank).

I can relate with Catharine’s story. When I didn’t measure up to what someone wanted, I would automatically flog myself with self-condemnations of being the most uncaring, self-centered person on the globe. It didn't matter that I rarely stood up for my needs. Whenever someone was angry because I didn’t meet their requests, I heard a booming voice inside my head dictate, "Don't be selfish. Take care of others."

In fact, in the past I often backtracked and did what was asked so I could purge myself of the uncomfortable anxiety and feel good again. I did for others--take care of them--what I should have done for myself--take care of me. Of course, regressing was not the answer. My feelings were merely pushed underground, ensconced in the unconscious, generating underlying tension, anxiety and physical pain.

At the beginning of Catharine MacLaren’s Fellowship at the Albert Ellis Institute, one group member was whining about the sacrifices she was making for a friend. Albert Ellis turned to her and said, "You're a love slob of the worst sort, and you'd better strongly work to get over it and start accepting you for you instead of for what you can do for other people."

That hit a nerve with Catharine. She researched all the information she could find on love slobbism, guilt, and global self-rating. She pasted these resources into her daily planner, as a reminder that she was acceptable and looking out for herself, not selfish. She closely monitored her internal monologue and placed snippets of research in innocuous places at home and the office, reminding her to rewind the "love slob" tape and stop the self-flagellation.

Once Catharine identified the negative messages, she began to dispute them. She developed and consistently practiced coping statements like, "I am allowed to say "no" and it doesn't make me a bad person if I can't accommodate everyone.” What she learned to do was what Albert Ellis called “Unconditional Self-Acceptance” (USA). Dr. Sarno calls it accepting yourself as a fallible human being.

She also took risks to move beyond her comfort zone. Slowly over several months, she started asking for things that she wanted or did not want. That was a huge shift from always trying to provide others with what they wanted. Her confidence increased and her relationships improved. The study quotes her as saying, “I am still a work in progress and have weak moments when I despair at disapproval from certain people, but I am quick to take action against that process and remind myself that others will inevitably disapprove of me some of the time and that is O.K. I now have significantly more energy to devote to other, more productive endeavors.”

Isn’t that a great story to depict Goodists and how to recover? I actually saw a rational emotive therapist years ago. This shrink couldn't get outside of the 200+ pages of Albert Ellis’s then popular book, RATIONAL EMOTIVE THERAPY. I wasn’t a fan. I only stayed for six weeks; I thought he was cold and unfeeling.

The truth that I couldn’t see then was that I wasn’t ready to take direct action to solve my problems. I still wanted to lament and be comforted. I wanted a therapist who would “fix me” so I didn’t have to take responsibility and "fix" myself, just like I had been trying to “fix” everyone else so they didn’t have to take responsibility for their behavior.

To use Dr. Ellis’s self-therapy effectively, you must be mindful of your thoughts, feelings and behavior. Mindfulness is referred to as a state of consciousness which involves consciously attending to one’s moment-to-moment experience. Dr. John Sarno’s tension mind body syndrome uses mindfulness-based interventions for treatment of both psychological and physical symptoms. It's important to note, however, that TMS theory demands more than a superficial, cognitive approach.

To stand back and witness your emotional states, such as anxiety or anger, disengages you from knee-jerk reactions and dyed-in-the-wool behavioral patterns. No longer controlled by your emotions, you can use them as information. One study (Brown & Ryan, 2003) found that people who scored high on mindfulness had a greater range for self-regulation. When you consciously pay attention to the present moment, you develop better coping skills. Dr.Sarno believes that being mindful can lead to a pain-free life. Scripture says:"So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Albert Ellis was a forerunner in teaching people how to change their lives by changing their internal self-talk. Although he has made his transition, his cognitive Rational Emotive Therapy will continue to change those who want to be changed.

But that's not the end of it. Love slobs, goodists, people-pleasers, approval addicts, whatever you choose to call them, are in bondage to those who control them. Both the controlled (giver) and the controller (user) need to learn balance, not in self-indulgence but in a godly manner--in a way that uplifts their spirits in balance with each other.

When you are practicing mindfulness, be mindful of God, the great physician. Spirit is filled with love and compassion and always there for you: "If I go to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there." (Psalm 139:8).

To often we think God wants to punish us rather than heal us. God's love is far greater than our self-condemnations:


"For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves." (1 John 3:18 )

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them, I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do;I will not forsake them."
(Isaiah 42:16)

To heal you need to see yourself in a new way. You might be thinking that you are a failure, that you are critically flawed, or like Catharine mentioned above, that your worth is dependent on making others happy which results in you not having a life. After all, don't the scriptures tell us to turn the other cheek? That we are to be servants and take care of other people? Yes, but that must be done from a place of love not emptiness. There's a mammoth difference. If you are serving to keep the peace, starve off some one's anger, or get people to like you, that is not coming from a place of love.

The next time you berate yourself focusing on your inadequacies and failures, stand up and rebuke these falsehoods with this glorious truth:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13)

I think that would make a great mantra--Your works are wonderful, and I am wonderfully made. You are God's work so that means you are wonderful. It could not possibly be any different. You might even use positive scriptures for cue cards at home and the office, reminding you to turn off the derogatory thoughts and stay focused on who you really are. Try these the next time you're condemning yourself.

"God loves and accepts me unconditionally." (Ephesians 1:6)

"I am a child of God in whom God is well-pleased." (John 1:12)

"God called me according to His purpose." (Romans 8:8)

"I am an over comer, a conqueror." (I John 5:4)

"I am the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)

“God looks at my heart and not my outward appearance." (1 Samuel 16:7)

"God sees me as competent." (John 15:4,5)

"I will never lose my value in God's eyes." (Jeremiah 1:5)

"The truth will set me free." (John 8:32).

Author and medical intuitive Carolyn Mass says that in her workshops, people invariably link health with being alone. There is a lot of fear around that. When you change, others might leave because you are no longer vibrating at the same level. As Patricia Farrel writes in her book, HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO TAKING BACK YOUR LIFE (Barnes & Noble 2003), "It is common for others to react negatively if the changes you make inconvenience them, or engender fear, or if they feel that you're moving ahead--and leaving them behind."

In other words when you have taken a step up the ladder of spiritual maturity, you no longer vibrate on the same level. People on the same vibration harmonize. When you change, others will either change or leave. That's why it's vitally important to remember that God never abandons you. The following is God's promise:

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Spirit.

I have tried my hardest, but I keep doing the same things over and over again. I'm not changing the way I want to change. Using mindfulness techniques I have realized that I'm afraid to change. I fear others will be angry with me, or abandon me if I don't do what they want, and I'll be all alone. I need your help, sweet Spirit, more now than ever. Give me the courage and fortitude to be mindful of my thoughts, behavior, and Your love for me. Help me to overcome my self-condemnation and know the truth of my being--that I am your masterpiece and you love me unconditionally. Open me up to Your Truth so I can rid myself of self-deceit. Help me to remember that you are the potter, and I am wonderfully made. I will stay mindful that you are beside me through the anxious moments. Please give me the courage to do what is mine to do. Thank you God. Amen


May God's blessing be upon you as you transcend into the real, wonderful you. I leave you with this quote from Joyce Meyers book, APPROVAL ADDICTION: "Get up every day, love God, and do your best. He will do the rest!"


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Attention fibromyalgia and CFS patients: One ounce of Vibe and 2 servings of ATP-Pro will give you the energy you need to overcome your fatigue. (www.amazeofgrace.org)

De-Stress for Less Stress

When I went through the TMS Program with Dr. Howard Schubiner in Southfield, MI., he repeatedly said those with Tension Mind-Body Syndrome (TMS) need to de-stress their lives.

Your autonomic nervous system is self-regulated. It controls your heart rate, breathing, and other bodily functions that work without you thinking about it. It also keeps your fight or flight hormones level. When you experience a stress overload, your stress hormones are activated for extended periods of time. Over time this reeks havoc on your health.

Dr. John Sarno believes that stress is the major factor, rather than a contributing factor, for back pain and other pain syndromes. Furthermore his theory states that physical pain is often a manifestation of a psychosomatic disorder, resulting from continued stress. For example studies have shown that psychosocial factors, such as on-the -job stress and dysfunctional family relationships correlate more closely with back pain than structural abnormalities seen on x-rays and other medical imaging scans.

Some of us grow up around more stress than others. Being raised in an alcoholic home, I have lived with traumatic stress for a lifetime. "Children in alcoholic families suffer trauma as acute as soldiers in combat; ...they also carry the trauma like an albatross throughout their lives." ( Quote from: Psychology Today Online, "Toxic Brew" Publication Date: 9 February 2007, Pamela Weintraub). Growing up, I was constantly on guard against verbal and emotional abuse from all angles.

This stressful situation with ACOAs is not caused by the alcoholic or addict alone, but also the dysfunctional family patterns and behaviors that emerge from illogical thinking and denial. I'm sure you've heard the analogy that an alcoholic home is like having an elephant parked in the living room, and no one ever talks about it. That's because the 3 major rules in this household are: don't trust, don't feel, and don't talk. The children learn to suppress their emotions, and because they are told "what is, is not" eventually they don't trust their own feelings or insights. Everyone learns to keep the secret. But the residue of stress is always there, following these children into adulthood.

Whenever I attend a function, even a joyful occasion, I worry obsessively beforehand. I worry about how I'll get there, if I'll be on time, what I will wear, what I will say, how many people will judge my overweight, and what I can do to look my best to ward off derogatory thoughts or criticism. It's not uncommon for me to try on two to five outfits before leaving the house to attend an event, modeling each outfit in front of the mirror to see which one looks best, or if one makes me look less fat. I worry about whether I can carry on a conversation when I get there, or if I'll be left alone because no one wants to spend time with me. I judge myself without mercy.

As an adult, I have learned how to overcome much stress in social situations by focusing on the other person and engaging them in conversation. But I am rarely without underlying anxiety. I have suffered this internal stress all my life. Many people don't know this about me. That's because I learned how to keep the secret.

Before I learned about tension mindbody syndrome, I didn't realize that being overly stressed could trigger all-over-body pain and subsequently depression, making life exceptionally difficult. Everyone experiences stress in his or her own way. An incident that might cause a melt-down for me might not stress you in the least. However, there are major stressors which can arise from your work, fear of a death, moving, a wedding, a funeral, a dental appointment, or any number of both positive and negative events.

A series of stressors over a short period of time frequently leads to stress related illnesses and depression. In 2006 I lost a job I loved, then learned my church was deeply in debt by millions of dollars. My apartment complex went condo, and I had to buy or get out. I moved to Michigan so I could be the care giver for my mother until she made her transition November 11th. At the time I took care of her, I suffered excruciating back, hip, knee and leg pain, but kept the secret; no one really knew how bad it was.

One morning I woke up with an attack of gout in both toes and couldn't walk. I was panicked because I couldn't get to my mother if she needed me. Not surprisingly, gout can occur when you are overly stressed. What wasn't stressful in my life? In addition, I always put high expectations on myself, wanting everything to be successful and wanting people to like me and see me as a good person.

Unconscious, unrecognized stress creates apprehension, uneasiness, and a substratum of unrest. My body pain increases immensely when I am stressed. Sometimes it arrives as an unwelcome visitor before the stressful event, other times after it's over, and often before and after.

Perfectionists and goodists secretly believe they are the only ones who struggle with rage, anger, selfishness, or amoral or mean-spirited thoughts and actions. In addition we are always in conflict with two inner voices: our Inner Child and our Critical Parent (super ego). The voice of the super ego mandates that we always be good, please others, never get angry and most of all, never do anything to make others angry or rock the boat.

In therapy years ago, I was told that I had an overactive super ego. TMS shows there is an imbalance, conflict between these two inner voices, perhaps, too much criticism and too little soothing or kindness, all of which generates stress. You can't maintain an imbalance, you can't stay on a teeter totter without one side eventually falling to the ground.

Those with TMS condemn themselves without fully realizing that all people experience these negative, conflicting emotions. Dr. Schubiner pointed out that these reactions and the desire to cover them are universal. "It's not a symptom of a mental illness," he explained, "but a demonstration of how humans are constructed. Everyone has these feelings."

He continued, "Once we recognize that it is perfectly normal to have deep, underlying, unconscious anger, rage, fear, guilt, etc., which may be directed towards ourselves or others, we are on the road to curing physical symptoms."

Perfectionists and goodists need to fight back by talking to their brain. A mistake is just a mistake, nothing more. No doubt you've heard the quote "a cigar is just a cigar" attributed to Sigmund Freud. It means that sometimes a cigar is what it is and holds no other meaning. Perfectionists need to allow themselves to miss the mark and be OK with that. It means you made a mistake. It never means you are a mistake.

Goodists need to stop seeking the good opinion of others to define themselves. Only God can define you, and it is written that you were created in the likeness and image of your Creator. You don't have to try to be anything. You already are everything.

So what if others don't see you as good? That's their opinion; it doesn't mean its an accurate assessment of you. What if they get angry when you refuse to bow to their expectations, demands or manipulations? A better question would be, why are their needs elevated above your own? If you are being good so someone will like you, are you really being good or dishonoring yourself? Dishonoring yourself is never good. You need to be as good to yourself as you have been to others. That's what "Love your neighbor as yourself" really means.

One of the best things I learned in Dr. Schubiner's class was that I needed to stop taking care of others' problems and emotions and begin focusing on my own needs. At an early age, I was assigned the role of making others feel better when things went wrong. In the 1970's my shrink said, "You were the little psychiatrist taking care of every one's feelings." In my early 20's, a guy I dated said to me, "So in other words, you're for the underdog?" His question was astute, but it took me another 35 years to understand that because I'd been so busy taking care of the sad dog, I never took time to take care of the sad me.

The class showed me that taking care of others so they would see me as good while my needs were met with an attitude of inconvenience, ignored, or not taken seriously was a transgression against my very soul. We all have needs. We all battle stress. And I had to stop pretending--releasing the lesson of denial from childhood--that I was outside of those needs and could handle everything without support or caring. You can't maintain an imbalance, you can't stay on a teeter totter without one side eventually dropping to the ground.

Remember the comic strip Popeye the Sailor Man. He ate spinach which gave him superhuman strength. Have you spent ingratiating time, pretending that you were Popeye. I have. See how strong I am. I don't need help. I can handle everything. Wow! Just writing that makes me wonder how I did it for so many years. I just took yet another deep breath of healing relief.

When I was struggling with excruciating pain that left me almost disabled, Dr. Schubiner said softly, "I admire what you did for your mother, (moving to Michigan to take care of her so she could die in the privacy of her own home
with as much dignity as possible), "but now it's time for you to take care of your health." Those kind words and the acknowledgment of what I was going through were milk and honey for my drained heart.

Whether or not stress is a major reason or a contributing factor to pain syndromes, the underlying muscle tension it causes is one area where you can learn to manage your pain. If you are to be successful, both perfectionists and goodists must allow themselves to be human.

Can you feel the stress of trying to maintain an image that's impossible to maintain? Or pretending that you can handle anything and need nothing when, in fact, you secretly yearn for someone to show they care what you are going through? Enacting those phony roles and pretenses only increase feelings of inferiority.

We were all given free will.We are not here to sacrifice ourselves at the expense of our own mind, body and spiritual health. Everyone has the right to do what it takes to create a healthy life.

You will never hear Dr. Sarno say he cures anyone. Rather, he uses what is currently referred to as knowledge therapy which helps the patient "heal thyself." Some people would rather have surgery, take medications or suffer ongoing physical pain known as distraction pain than own their painful emotions. If you want to manage or alleviate your pain, you must be willing to do whatever it takes to de-stress your life.

Welcome, then, to the human race. Stop hiding behind a mask at the Mardi Gras and get up and hug yourself.

All information contained within this site is offered in good faith as information only. The posts have been selected from a variety of resources. The information was written with the understanding that it's not to be interpreted as medical or professional advice. A Maze of Grace Org is not liable for any errors or misuse of any information obtained from this blog. No warranty is given nor implied that the information offered is complete and error free. This site is not intended to be used to alter health care nor to serve as a sole source of medical information. Please always seek advice of your local health care provider.

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Organ Donation Awareness Campaign

I received a message from a fellow blogger that Wednesday, July 18th is a great opportunity to come together to do good in the world, raising awareness and asking tough questions about causes and issues that do not always get the attention they deserve.

The awareness campaign today is for transplant donor recognition. That brought up memories of a friend in Phoenix, AZ who worked for the Arizona Donor Agency. In her pursuit of a professional position, she turned down several offers because the pay was poor. It's a good thing because one day Spirit led her to the Donor Agency where not only was the pay right, but she was a perfect fit for the position. I didn't know anyone better than she, a therapist and compassionate, spiritual healer, to work with grieving individuals and families and with those who were receiving the opportunity for continued life.

What I remember most was her telling me about the reunion parties thrown a year after the donation transplant. The agency brought together individuals or families of the donors and the ones who received the transplant and his or her families. She said it was an emotional time but heart-warming experience for everyone.

Did you know that in Europe and the United States, more than 95,000 are waiting for an organ transplant? In Australia, there are more than 1,700. In Latin America, more than 50,000. In China, more than 2 million. In Africa, there isn'’t enough organization to really know. Without an organ transplant, these people will die.

Alex Pratt of Los Angeles suffered from kidney disease for over 20 years. It was a huge burden on his wife and two children until he received his first transplant in 1993. Unfortunately, it only lasted 9 years, so he had to wait another four years for a second transplant. He would have never gotten a second chance if not for http://www.MatchingDonors.com and a paired donation program at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

There is a haunting article in Slate, a daily Web magazine known for it's strong editorial voice, owned by The Washington Post. It begins: "If you lose your job or your car, sell your home. If you lose your home, you can sell your possessions. If you lose your possessions, you can prostitute yourself. And if you lose everything else, you can sell one more thing: your organs. Read more of this article... Shopped Liver.

Here's what the National Business Community Blog ran about last year's campaign:

http://nbcb.blogspot.com/2007/05/blogcatalog-employs-social-media-for.html

I hope donor transplant speaks to your heart. Thank you for considering this gift of life.



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More news for all you Pavarotti fans. His wife, Nicoletta Mantovani, lashed out at reports that the famous tenor was close to death. "He's fighting like a lion," she said. She reported that he is reacting well to a fifth cycle of radiotherapy and has never lost hope. She went on to say he is doing well because he has a family by his side that he adores. She clarified that he has not lost weight or his hair as some of the media has reported.

I hope that latest report is the truth!

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