Initial post: Physical health: 8 . . . Updated post: 9
My health improved greatly since my Initial Post. I sought the help of a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. I was surprised as to how much time she took, and her asking me questions about my emotional life. She treated me with acupuncture (for detox purposes), and provided me with medical grade essential oils for high blood sugar and cholesterol; she also provided me with Chinese Hawthorne pills to address the buildup of plaque in my arteries. She counseled me about diet; I have given up on dairy and wheat products . . . My energy has rebounded, my sleep comes much more easily and my mental acuity seems to have improved. I don’t need caffeine to get me going in the mornings.
Initial post: Spiritual wellbeing: 10 . . . Updated post: 10
I am finding myself able to devote time to worship, prayer and Bible study with a greater mindfulness. I am able to shut out all distractions and devote quality time to God.
Initial Post: Psychological wellbeing: 10 . . . Updated post: 10
Something has changed. I am confident about my role as a Mentor and Healer. I am seizing opportunity to share what little wisdom I have gained (even if it what I’ve learned through my own mistakes!). I am finding it easy to begin, develop and conclude a Mentor/Healer conversation with integrity and surprising care.
My Goals:
A. Physical: Learn Qigong. I’ve now identified the sources of instructional Qigong DVD’s, as well as the identity of a teacher of Integral Qigong in my area. I have also identified books which I will access in preparation for seeking certification as a teacher of Integral Qigong.
B. Spiritual: I continue in the conviction that I must maintain my practice as a Healer/Mentor/Curandero separate from the things of God and His doctrine. I must not use my practice as a means for proselytizing; and I must reserve gifts of the Holy Spirit for use only in the setting of God’s church. This is for the purpose of not creating another man-made misinterpretation of God's plan for salvation.
C. Psychological: I am finding myself in the process of discovering the way of Tao. In its pure essence it is not a religion, but rather a practice developed over thousands of years through ancient Chinese sages who were keen observers of nature, mankind and the capacities of the human body. Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed from of the Tao. One of the Tao’s disciplines is that of Qigong, which encompasses energy, the body, the breath, movement and meditation for health, healing and longevity. It can also be used for healing others.
I found a bargain at the bookstore last night; Tao Te Ching – A New Translation. Here are my notes from its Introduction:
The sage is a Pilgrim/Guide
A wise and astute Ruler
He is the one who lets things go by
He is the recluse
He is the one who knows
What cannot be known
He trods the Tao
Sure of the ground
On which he stands
When one is thus centered
All becomes possible
All falls into place
All that leads to
Or encourages unity
Is seen as of the Tao
The Tao and the Sage act
Through non-action
And doing without reward
The Tao, like water
Penetrates the toughest rock
And breaks it open
Or wears it down
Reference:
Kwok, M., Palmer, M., & Ramsay, J. (2002). Tao te ching - a new translation. New York, New York: Collins & Brown.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Unit 9 – My Psychospiritual Development Plan
I Introduction:
It is vital for a health and wellness professional to be fully prepared to serve in the role of Healer to his or her patients. In the practice of Western medicine, practitioners involve themselves in the acquisition of knowledge and clinical practice in order to gain the credentials that give them the authority to treat patients. However, for a health and wellness professional to truly serve in the role of Healer, it is very important for that practitioner be involved in his or her own development psychologically, physically and in his or her spirit. It is only as the Healer seeks to experience a more expansive life that he or she comes to realize that the alleviation of human suffering and human flourishing are truly accessible; thus freeing him or her to the joy of serving others as a facilitator for their own healing.
As health and wellness practitioners, we each have the need to develop in every quadrant of Wilbur’s model for Integral Health; no one is exempt from needing to grow in his or her Psychospiritual health, Biological/Physical health, Interpersonal health and in health in our Worldly (exterior/collective) domain of relationship. It is in the development in each of the four quadrants that we have the possibility of attaining our fulfillment as whole human beings (Dacher, 2006).
Becoming a wholly realized human being is my own quest, incidental to my desire for the privilege of serving as a Healer (Curandero). Our class and its focus on Integral Health have provided me a framework for that development, which now requires that I find the pathways for my Self. This opens phase for creation of an identity based on my actions and what I do; a re-invention of the self.
II Assessment:
I define the word “spirit” differently from how it is defined in our class. My definition of spirit is derived from a biblical understanding as that which is eternal in every human being; it is what gives life to the collection of minerals and water that compose our bodies. In my understanding, when our spirit comes into contact with matter (a body) it becomes a living soul. The soul is made up of the mind, the heart (emotions), and the will (intention). The soul is a part of our being that is most often neglected in modern Western culture; yet it is from the soul, often referred to as the heart, that all of the issues life flows. Caring for the soul involves caring for the whole self, including the body.
At this point, I am very happy with the state of my soul’s health, but this is not something that has just happened; nor is it something that I can take credit for. I had to crawl out of seven years of clinical depression that was put into motion though the intention of some very real people who were used by the Adversary for the purpose of destroying my life. I did not know it then, but God never took his hand off me; he allowed it to transpire as a preparation for what would become my healing, and a pathway for my greatest victory. It has now been nearly five years since God healed me of the constant angst of clinical depression with all of its accompanying impulses to suicide. God healed me in a relatively short period of time, comprised of three weeks through which I experienced the healing power of the gift of prophecy. He then began transforming me into who I am today spiritually, physically and psychologically; something I hope to allow Him to continue doing throughout the rest of my existence on Earth and beyond.
III Goal development:
My Physical Goal is to engage in a program of integral Qigong learning and practice with the long-term objective of becoming a certified Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Instructor. This quest will help improve my muscle tone, improve my biological health and provide me with a template for mental fitness. In time, I hope to become certified in Medical Qigong Prescription and Therapeutics.
My Psychological Goal is to involve myself in meditation and guided imagery with the objective of developing myself into a Healer/Curandero (“Curandero” is the Spanish word for Healer). My quest is to learn and practice those elements of Curanderismo (the Art of Healing) which I consider as biblically redeemable. My goal is to master those elements that can help me uncover a Kairos moment (as opposed to chronological time): a moment that presents many more possibilities than any other moment; including healing. Some of the practices of Curanderismo that I perceive as biblically redeemable include the use of herbs, poetry, art, drumming, ceremony, dance, chanting, massage, training of the mind, story-telling, and the presentation of cultural and linguistic constructs; as well as imaginary journeying, communing with nature, sacred places, and the emission of mentally and biologically-derived healing energy. My goal is to access only those practices which I esteem as biblically-redeemable, and thus permissible to my own healing practice. I will not make use of Curanderismo practices which I perceive as anti-biblical, such as divination and communication with spirits, as these are practices that charge a heavy physical, mental and spiritual penalty that is paid by the practitioner as well as the patient.
My Spiritual Goal is to keep my relationship with God through His Son by being careful to not mix His things with my healing practice outside of the church. This will require that I maintain an objective approach when working with patients by not using treatment as an occasion for proselytizing, as well as being careful to not over-spiritualizing the healer-patient relationship. Of course, God is my source for all that I do, but I believe He would rather that I keep His things separate from my healing practice outside of church. I do not wish to produce another man-made misinterpretation of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. He is perfectly capable of speaking for Himself through the Scriptures, dreams, prophecy and visions; and He is perfectly capable of healing through prayer, the laying on of hands, and through His grace, but these gifts are His children’s bread, and they should be served only in His church. I understand perfectly that I must limit my use of prayer for the sick, the laying on of hands, and the use of other gifts of the Holy Spirit exclusively within His church; not in my practice of healing outside of the church.
IV Practices for personal health:
In the last few months, I have been in the process of transforming my diet and opening myself to healing modalities that I may not have been open to consider before, including meditation and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which offers a systemic approach to health and healing. I am currently receiving acupuncure and herbal treatment and will now be studying Qigong as a means for my health and self-development. Qigong is a practice of moving meditation that has been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years. The self-practice of Qigong can be used for physical fitness, healing, as well as for moderating and even reversing the aging process. Qigong has three different modes of practice (1) Qigong, which involves moving meditation, (2) meditation, referred to as “sitting still, doing nothing”, as well as (3) the emission of healing Qi as a means for healing other persons. The practice of Qigong fosters growth in the physical, psychological and spiritual (soul) not only through its practice, but also through the insight and methodology offered through the study of its world view (Reid, 1995).
V Commitment:
I will be continuing to practice the exercises described in Integral Health (Wilbur, 2006), including The Subtle Mind, Universal Loving Kindness and Meeting Aesclepius. I will practice one of these for a period of about ten minutes, once a month.
Over the next six months, I will be reading two books by Roger Jahnke, O.M.D, an internationally respected doctor of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and best-selling author: The Healer Within, and Healing Promise of Qi. I will also practice Qigong for 30 minutes twice a week by making use of Roger Jahnke’s DVDs: Essentials of Qigong, and Qigong Chi Kung. Roger Jahnke’s books and DVDs are available through http://www.instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org/.
I will also practice Qigong with the help of instructional DVDs by Francesco Garri Garripoli and Daisy Lee of Wuji Productions. This will include Qigong for Beginners, Qigong for Cleansing, and Qigong for Stress Relief; I will also read their book Qigong-Essence of the Healing Dance available through http://www.wujiproductions.com.
I will continue learning to meditate and practice guided imagery once a week by accessing the meditation download library of http://www.meditainment.com/meditation-downloads/. Recorded material I will access for this purpose will include items such as Learn meditation, Guided Visualization, Natural Beauty, Inner Beauty, Self Motivation, The Secret Garden, Inner Peace, Guided Relaxation, Deep Relaxation, Deep Recharge, Stress Relief, Natural Sleep Aid, Spa of Relaxation, and Stress Buster.
In pursuit of learning more about the magical, subjective, world of a Curandero, I will also be studying the work of MartÃn Pretchel, author, writer, musician, storyteller, teacher and Healer: http://www.floweringmountain.com/martin/
References:
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Garripoldi, F. . (2010, August 89). Wuji productions qigong. Retrieved from http://www.wujiproductions.com
Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi. (2010, Auugst 8). Institute of integral qigong and taichi. Retrieved from http://www.instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org/.
Meditainment for Deep Relaxation, . (2010, August 8). Deep relaxationfor health and wellness . Retrieved from http://www.meditainment.com/meditation-downloads/.
Pretchel, M. (2010, August 8). Martin pretchel artist writer musician storyteller teacher healer. Retrieved from http://www.floweringmountain.com/martin/.
Reid, D., (1995) The complete book of chinese health and healing. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
It is vital for a health and wellness professional to be fully prepared to serve in the role of Healer to his or her patients. In the practice of Western medicine, practitioners involve themselves in the acquisition of knowledge and clinical practice in order to gain the credentials that give them the authority to treat patients. However, for a health and wellness professional to truly serve in the role of Healer, it is very important for that practitioner be involved in his or her own development psychologically, physically and in his or her spirit. It is only as the Healer seeks to experience a more expansive life that he or she comes to realize that the alleviation of human suffering and human flourishing are truly accessible; thus freeing him or her to the joy of serving others as a facilitator for their own healing.
As health and wellness practitioners, we each have the need to develop in every quadrant of Wilbur’s model for Integral Health; no one is exempt from needing to grow in his or her Psychospiritual health, Biological/Physical health, Interpersonal health and in health in our Worldly (exterior/collective) domain of relationship. It is in the development in each of the four quadrants that we have the possibility of attaining our fulfillment as whole human beings (Dacher, 2006).
Becoming a wholly realized human being is my own quest, incidental to my desire for the privilege of serving as a Healer (Curandero). Our class and its focus on Integral Health have provided me a framework for that development, which now requires that I find the pathways for my Self. This opens phase for creation of an identity based on my actions and what I do; a re-invention of the self.
II Assessment:
I define the word “spirit” differently from how it is defined in our class. My definition of spirit is derived from a biblical understanding as that which is eternal in every human being; it is what gives life to the collection of minerals and water that compose our bodies. In my understanding, when our spirit comes into contact with matter (a body) it becomes a living soul. The soul is made up of the mind, the heart (emotions), and the will (intention). The soul is a part of our being that is most often neglected in modern Western culture; yet it is from the soul, often referred to as the heart, that all of the issues life flows. Caring for the soul involves caring for the whole self, including the body.
At this point, I am very happy with the state of my soul’s health, but this is not something that has just happened; nor is it something that I can take credit for. I had to crawl out of seven years of clinical depression that was put into motion though the intention of some very real people who were used by the Adversary for the purpose of destroying my life. I did not know it then, but God never took his hand off me; he allowed it to transpire as a preparation for what would become my healing, and a pathway for my greatest victory. It has now been nearly five years since God healed me of the constant angst of clinical depression with all of its accompanying impulses to suicide. God healed me in a relatively short period of time, comprised of three weeks through which I experienced the healing power of the gift of prophecy. He then began transforming me into who I am today spiritually, physically and psychologically; something I hope to allow Him to continue doing throughout the rest of my existence on Earth and beyond.
III Goal development:
My Physical Goal is to engage in a program of integral Qigong learning and practice with the long-term objective of becoming a certified Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Instructor. This quest will help improve my muscle tone, improve my biological health and provide me with a template for mental fitness. In time, I hope to become certified in Medical Qigong Prescription and Therapeutics.
My Psychological Goal is to involve myself in meditation and guided imagery with the objective of developing myself into a Healer/Curandero (“Curandero” is the Spanish word for Healer). My quest is to learn and practice those elements of Curanderismo (the Art of Healing) which I consider as biblically redeemable. My goal is to master those elements that can help me uncover a Kairos moment (as opposed to chronological time): a moment that presents many more possibilities than any other moment; including healing. Some of the practices of Curanderismo that I perceive as biblically redeemable include the use of herbs, poetry, art, drumming, ceremony, dance, chanting, massage, training of the mind, story-telling, and the presentation of cultural and linguistic constructs; as well as imaginary journeying, communing with nature, sacred places, and the emission of mentally and biologically-derived healing energy. My goal is to access only those practices which I esteem as biblically-redeemable, and thus permissible to my own healing practice. I will not make use of Curanderismo practices which I perceive as anti-biblical, such as divination and communication with spirits, as these are practices that charge a heavy physical, mental and spiritual penalty that is paid by the practitioner as well as the patient.
My Spiritual Goal is to keep my relationship with God through His Son by being careful to not mix His things with my healing practice outside of the church. This will require that I maintain an objective approach when working with patients by not using treatment as an occasion for proselytizing, as well as being careful to not over-spiritualizing the healer-patient relationship. Of course, God is my source for all that I do, but I believe He would rather that I keep His things separate from my healing practice outside of church. I do not wish to produce another man-made misinterpretation of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. He is perfectly capable of speaking for Himself through the Scriptures, dreams, prophecy and visions; and He is perfectly capable of healing through prayer, the laying on of hands, and through His grace, but these gifts are His children’s bread, and they should be served only in His church. I understand perfectly that I must limit my use of prayer for the sick, the laying on of hands, and the use of other gifts of the Holy Spirit exclusively within His church; not in my practice of healing outside of the church.
IV Practices for personal health:
In the last few months, I have been in the process of transforming my diet and opening myself to healing modalities that I may not have been open to consider before, including meditation and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which offers a systemic approach to health and healing. I am currently receiving acupuncure and herbal treatment and will now be studying Qigong as a means for my health and self-development. Qigong is a practice of moving meditation that has been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years. The self-practice of Qigong can be used for physical fitness, healing, as well as for moderating and even reversing the aging process. Qigong has three different modes of practice (1) Qigong, which involves moving meditation, (2) meditation, referred to as “sitting still, doing nothing”, as well as (3) the emission of healing Qi as a means for healing other persons. The practice of Qigong fosters growth in the physical, psychological and spiritual (soul) not only through its practice, but also through the insight and methodology offered through the study of its world view (Reid, 1995).
V Commitment:
I will be continuing to practice the exercises described in Integral Health (Wilbur, 2006), including The Subtle Mind, Universal Loving Kindness and Meeting Aesclepius. I will practice one of these for a period of about ten minutes, once a month.
Over the next six months, I will be reading two books by Roger Jahnke, O.M.D, an internationally respected doctor of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and best-selling author: The Healer Within, and Healing Promise of Qi. I will also practice Qigong for 30 minutes twice a week by making use of Roger Jahnke’s DVDs: Essentials of Qigong, and Qigong Chi Kung. Roger Jahnke’s books and DVDs are available through http://www.instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org/.
I will also practice Qigong with the help of instructional DVDs by Francesco Garri Garripoli and Daisy Lee of Wuji Productions. This will include Qigong for Beginners, Qigong for Cleansing, and Qigong for Stress Relief; I will also read their book Qigong-Essence of the Healing Dance available through http://www.wujiproductions.com.
I will continue learning to meditate and practice guided imagery once a week by accessing the meditation download library of http://www.meditainment.com/meditation-downloads/. Recorded material I will access for this purpose will include items such as Learn meditation, Guided Visualization, Natural Beauty, Inner Beauty, Self Motivation, The Secret Garden, Inner Peace, Guided Relaxation, Deep Relaxation, Deep Recharge, Stress Relief, Natural Sleep Aid, Spa of Relaxation, and Stress Buster.
In pursuit of learning more about the magical, subjective, world of a Curandero, I will also be studying the work of MartÃn Pretchel, author, writer, musician, storyteller, teacher and Healer: http://www.floweringmountain.com/martin/
References:
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Garripoldi, F. . (2010, August 89). Wuji productions qigong. Retrieved from http://www.wujiproductions.com
Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi. (2010, Auugst 8). Institute of integral qigong and taichi. Retrieved from http://www.instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org/.
Meditainment for Deep Relaxation, . (2010, August 8). Deep relaxationfor health and wellness . Retrieved from http://www.meditainment.com/meditation-downloads/.
Pretchel, M. (2010, August 8). Martin pretchel artist writer musician storyteller teacher healer. Retrieved from http://www.floweringmountain.com/martin/.
Reid, D., (1995) The complete book of chinese health and healing. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Unit 8 - Mental/Spiritual Exercises toward Integral Health
Unit 8 – Review of Course Exercises
Our course textbook, Integral Health (Dacher, E.. 2006) has woven a pathway with the purpose of helping us discover and connect with our role as Healers. The author has accomplished this by presenting us with principles he has harvested from ancient Eastern practices and interpreted through the grid of a Western, academic approach. In my case, being familiar with anecdotal information as well as a bit of body, mind and spirit experience of my own, I had the impression at first, that the author’s approach was a bit antiseptic and subjective . . . In the process of the course, and my own practice of the exercises of The Subtle Mind, Universal Loving Kindness, and Meeting Asclepius I gained glimpses of realities that I did not fully grasped before. The first factor that came into play was my own resistance to being led in the exercises (giving my distrustful nature in things spiritual); however, as I found need to release myself more to these exercises because of the potential benefits I could see, I received a lot more than what I was expecting.
The Subtle Mind exercise and its effect of helping one to see one’s still mind was a breath of fresh air. I was skeptical about the possibility of finding that one would discover universal loving kindness through this exercise, however and have stated before that experiencing the still mind need could also lead to a glimpse of malevolent genius; depending on the person’s orientation, mental state, and even chemical balance. I was also resistant to the Universal Loving Kindness exercise, and stated that I did not feel I could wish health, wholeness and happiness on all living beings because some beings simply do not deserve that kind of goodness . . .
However, as I progressed in my reading and found that being able to experience the intention of Universal Loving Kindness would open me to becoming a more whole Healer, I practiced the exercise and found release for my own potential as a Healer.
Having listened t the Meeting Asclepius audio track before the courses began, I was also resistant to the visualization of a person who would become my “own” Asclepius. My objection to this exercise was on the basis of the very name of what I consider to be just another false god, Asclepius. At first, I tried my own sanitized version of Asclepius replacing his image with that of Jesus and found this to rub me totally the wrong way; Jesus does not need that kind of interpretation. However, once the image came to me of my own mentor, Father Bernie Menard, O.M.I, I was able to do the exercise, but dispensed with the artifice of visualizing light emanating from his mouth, hands and heart. I felt that such visualization was a bit hockey and artificial being that I had in real life experienced my mentor’s complete attention and unconditional love, and discovered that he indeed was a Healer; and now, in the present, I was now called to become a mentor in the same fashion, and as a conduit to other individual persons’ discovery of their own healing.
My conclusion in respect to the mental exercises presented in Integral Health, is that one can, in the role of Healer, serve as one who opens a safe space to others so that they can experience their own healing. The key word in my last statement is “individuals” – Without our intentional devotion to Universal Loving Kindness, one cannot meet an individual on the plane where his or her healing can take place. That requires our being present before that person in the here and now, unshackled from our own subjective experience and suffering so that we can help create the Kairos moment – The moment that presents many more possibilities than any other moment, so that healing can take place. This also brings to mind the very concept of “Healer”; the very act of capitalizing the word in an attempt to legitimize it as a profession for the sake of gain negates the role of one who serves others so that they can find healing. In truth, we are only servants.
Our course textbook, Integral Health (Dacher, E.. 2006) has woven a pathway with the purpose of helping us discover and connect with our role as Healers. The author has accomplished this by presenting us with principles he has harvested from ancient Eastern practices and interpreted through the grid of a Western, academic approach. In my case, being familiar with anecdotal information as well as a bit of body, mind and spirit experience of my own, I had the impression at first, that the author’s approach was a bit antiseptic and subjective . . . In the process of the course, and my own practice of the exercises of The Subtle Mind, Universal Loving Kindness, and Meeting Asclepius I gained glimpses of realities that I did not fully grasped before. The first factor that came into play was my own resistance to being led in the exercises (giving my distrustful nature in things spiritual); however, as I found need to release myself more to these exercises because of the potential benefits I could see, I received a lot more than what I was expecting.
The Subtle Mind exercise and its effect of helping one to see one’s still mind was a breath of fresh air. I was skeptical about the possibility of finding that one would discover universal loving kindness through this exercise, however and have stated before that experiencing the still mind need could also lead to a glimpse of malevolent genius; depending on the person’s orientation, mental state, and even chemical balance. I was also resistant to the Universal Loving Kindness exercise, and stated that I did not feel I could wish health, wholeness and happiness on all living beings because some beings simply do not deserve that kind of goodness . . .
However, as I progressed in my reading and found that being able to experience the intention of Universal Loving Kindness would open me to becoming a more whole Healer, I practiced the exercise and found release for my own potential as a Healer.
Having listened t the Meeting Asclepius audio track before the courses began, I was also resistant to the visualization of a person who would become my “own” Asclepius. My objection to this exercise was on the basis of the very name of what I consider to be just another false god, Asclepius. At first, I tried my own sanitized version of Asclepius replacing his image with that of Jesus and found this to rub me totally the wrong way; Jesus does not need that kind of interpretation. However, once the image came to me of my own mentor, Father Bernie Menard, O.M.I, I was able to do the exercise, but dispensed with the artifice of visualizing light emanating from his mouth, hands and heart. I felt that such visualization was a bit hockey and artificial being that I had in real life experienced my mentor’s complete attention and unconditional love, and discovered that he indeed was a Healer; and now, in the present, I was now called to become a mentor in the same fashion, and as a conduit to other individual persons’ discovery of their own healing.
My conclusion in respect to the mental exercises presented in Integral Health, is that one can, in the role of Healer, serve as one who opens a safe space to others so that they can experience their own healing. The key word in my last statement is “individuals” – Without our intentional devotion to Universal Loving Kindness, one cannot meet an individual on the plane where his or her healing can take place. That requires our being present before that person in the here and now, unshackled from our own subjective experience and suffering so that we can help create the Kairos moment – The moment that presents many more possibilities than any other moment, so that healing can take place. This also brings to mind the very concept of “Healer”; the very act of capitalizing the word in an attempt to legitimize it as a profession for the sake of gain negates the role of one who serves others so that they can find healing. In truth, we are only servants.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Unit 7 – "One cannot lead another where one has not gone before.”
“One cannot lead another where one has not gone before.”
I believe this statement points out to the reality that in order for a person to have an impact on another’s life, that person needs to have experienced that same state or pathway. This is something that is perceived by others when one merely “talks the talk”. That type of leading comes infected with a hollowness that is unconsciously perceived by the second person. When one has walked a pathway before, there is integrity in the voice; a calm confidence that radiates from the heart . . . and this causes the other person to open up and trust.
I believe this statement points out to the reality that in order for a person to have an impact on another’s life, that person needs to have experienced that same state or pathway. This is something that is perceived by others when one merely “talks the talk”. That type of leading comes infected with a hollowness that is unconsciously perceived by the second person. When one has walked a pathway before, there is integrity in the voice; a calm confidence that radiates from the heart . . . and this causes the other person to open up and trust.
Unit 7 – Meeting Asciepius
In practicing the exercise associated with this unit, I visualized a very dear friend who went out of his way to mentor me. He was a Catholic Priest; an Oblate of Mary Immaculate. It was not difficult to visualize him because we shared many experiences in Yosemite and the John Muyr Woods . . . I did not need to visualize the light emanating from him at all because I could feel his tremendous love for people. I was 21 then, a Mexican kid from the Projects just starting in what would become my faith for the rest of my life.
I visualized him, just as I once experienced, sitting on a rock on the banks of a river as we conversed and shared a bottle of California wine and French bread; communion. I remember thinking then, and still believe he was one of the most beautiful persons I have ever met; full of love and radiating peace and the joy of discovery to everyone he came in contact with.
As I reflected on how he had taken the time to reach out to a confused young man as I, and realized how important he was to me during that time. I asked myself why did he take that time with me? It was because he was a Healer . . . and then, suddenly, it dawned on me that now I can serve others by giving of my time and my full intention to help them find themselves and their healing. My time has come, and I have started now.
I visualized him, just as I once experienced, sitting on a rock on the banks of a river as we conversed and shared a bottle of California wine and French bread; communion. I remember thinking then, and still believe he was one of the most beautiful persons I have ever met; full of love and radiating peace and the joy of discovery to everyone he came in contact with.
As I reflected on how he had taken the time to reach out to a confused young man as I, and realized how important he was to me during that time. I asked myself why did he take that time with me? It was because he was a Healer . . . and then, suddenly, it dawned on me that now I can serve others by giving of my time and my full intention to help them find themselves and their healing. My time has come, and I have started now.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Unit 6 - Integral Assessment exercise
I followed the steps recommended by Dacher (2006) in follow through to my own Integral Assessment. This involves cultivating a still and silent mind and then focusing on the four quadrants of the Integral Model that relate to the capacity of human experience: The Psychospiritual, the Biological, the Interpersonal, and the Worldly; and then taking inventory of myself to discover what areas in my current state need my attention. I then made use of the question, “What area of my life is ready for growth and development?” (Dacher, 2006), and discovered that I need to address each of life’s quadrants.
I saw my Biology - specifically in terms of my own self-regulation and health promotion. I then tried to visualize what practices this will require and saw that I need to receive a medical assessment of my current health, and saw that I need is to see a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in pursuit of a holistic overview and approach to promoting my optimum health; and that this would be a beginning of practice that can include TCM diagnosis, acupuncture and herbal treatment. I saw that I need to go to bed earlier so that I get sufficient sleep, as well as engage in deep breathing, bodily exercise and practicing a still mind and saw myself as learning Tai Chi or Qi-gong.
In the Psychospiritual domain of my life, I recognized that I need to return to my practice of reading the Bible every night and every morning, that I need to address myself to my Creator as a friend to friend more frequently; and that I need to daily practice a still mind as a means of relieving the sources of stress in my life.
In the Interpersonal area, I saw that I need to make myself available to ministry in my Church by arriving an hour early and properly prepared so that I can be seen by others as someone ready to serve. I also saw that I need to practice loving kindness by reaching out to others in more than simply a greeting; something that can also serve so that I can become more engaged in the life of other persons, thereby reducing my feeling of aloneness.
In term of my Worldly capacity, I need to recognize my calling as a Mentor to other, younger persons who reach out to me (including my Son-in-Law), as well as those requesting my recommendations for their health and wellness. I also saw the need for my Social Activism in the simple form of collaborating with my Daughter and my Grandchildren’s zest for recycling.
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
I saw my Biology - specifically in terms of my own self-regulation and health promotion. I then tried to visualize what practices this will require and saw that I need to receive a medical assessment of my current health, and saw that I need is to see a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in pursuit of a holistic overview and approach to promoting my optimum health; and that this would be a beginning of practice that can include TCM diagnosis, acupuncture and herbal treatment. I saw that I need to go to bed earlier so that I get sufficient sleep, as well as engage in deep breathing, bodily exercise and practicing a still mind and saw myself as learning Tai Chi or Qi-gong.
In the Psychospiritual domain of my life, I recognized that I need to return to my practice of reading the Bible every night and every morning, that I need to address myself to my Creator as a friend to friend more frequently; and that I need to daily practice a still mind as a means of relieving the sources of stress in my life.
In the Interpersonal area, I saw that I need to make myself available to ministry in my Church by arriving an hour early and properly prepared so that I can be seen by others as someone ready to serve. I also saw that I need to practice loving kindness by reaching out to others in more than simply a greeting; something that can also serve so that I can become more engaged in the life of other persons, thereby reducing my feeling of aloneness.
In term of my Worldly capacity, I need to recognize my calling as a Mentor to other, younger persons who reach out to me (including my Son-in-Law), as well as those requesting my recommendations for their health and wellness. I also saw the need for my Social Activism in the simple form of collaborating with my Daughter and my Grandchildren’s zest for recycling.
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Addendum: Unit 6 - Universal Loving Kindness exercise
July 20, 2010 . . .
After writing my answers to our Unit 6 Exercises, I have had a second thought about my unwillingness to do the Universal Loving Kindness exercise, which includes mention of the willful (intentional) desire that "all individuals" gain freedom from suffering; sustained health, happiness, and wholeness . . . I am now willing to do this exercise just as it is prescribed . . . The reason I have changed my heart about this is because after reviewing the eight principle of Integral Practice, I see that this exercise is not just an isolated activity, but rather a part of a program through which I can develop as wholly as I possibly can become.
Ever since I wrote my earlier post on the exercise; my mind (and heart) have tugged at my Self pointing out that my tethering myself to that refusal was simply my own pride and anger against those who abuse and hurt others, but that in the end the one affected would be myself in limiting me in my own Integral Development . . . I also have come to see that my clinging to that refusal was also based on my own reactivity, thereby keeping me bound from walking the talk of loving kindness. This doesn't mean that I am less inclined to disapprove of those who abuse those weaker than themselves, but that in my freeing myself, I also open the possibility of a day when even they can be healed of their sickness. "May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness."
After writing my answers to our Unit 6 Exercises, I have had a second thought about my unwillingness to do the Universal Loving Kindness exercise, which includes mention of the willful (intentional) desire that "all individuals" gain freedom from suffering; sustained health, happiness, and wholeness . . . I am now willing to do this exercise just as it is prescribed . . . The reason I have changed my heart about this is because after reviewing the eight principle of Integral Practice, I see that this exercise is not just an isolated activity, but rather a part of a program through which I can develop as wholly as I possibly can become.
Ever since I wrote my earlier post on the exercise; my mind (and heart) have tugged at my Self pointing out that my tethering myself to that refusal was simply my own pride and anger against those who abuse and hurt others, but that in the end the one affected would be myself in limiting me in my own Integral Development . . . I also have come to see that my clinging to that refusal was also based on my own reactivity, thereby keeping me bound from walking the talk of loving kindness. This doesn't mean that I am less inclined to disapprove of those who abuse those weaker than themselves, but that in my freeing myself, I also open the possibility of a day when even they can be healed of their sickness. "May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness."
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Unit 6 - Universal Loving Kindness Exercise
July 18, 2010
The Universal Loving Kindness exercises calls the closing of our eyes for a couple of minutes, and then repeating the following phrases for about ten minutes:
"May all individuals gain freedom from suffering
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering
May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness"
I could not bring myself to do it. The whole notion rubs against my grain because it would be hypocritical for me (or at best naive) . . . I cannot wish such goodness to "all individuals". There are those who don't deserve my repeating the above mentioned phrases: Child Molesters, Rapists and Murderers.
The closest I could come was to mentally sing: "Jesus loves the little children, all the lovely children of the world; Yellow, Red and Black and White; they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." As I mentally sang these words, I recalled a Lakota Prayer Warrior friend of mine who intercedes for the children of the world every day. This I can do: pray for all the children; and in saying "children" I am referring to those who are innocent whether by age, or by their incapacity for learning evil. Children get in free; all others must pay.
The Universal Loving Kindness exercises calls the closing of our eyes for a couple of minutes, and then repeating the following phrases for about ten minutes:
"May all individuals gain freedom from suffering
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering
May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness and wholeness"
I could not bring myself to do it. The whole notion rubs against my grain because it would be hypocritical for me (or at best naive) . . . I cannot wish such goodness to "all individuals". There are those who don't deserve my repeating the above mentioned phrases: Child Molesters, Rapists and Murderers.
The closest I could come was to mentally sing: "Jesus loves the little children, all the lovely children of the world; Yellow, Red and Black and White; they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." As I mentally sang these words, I recalled a Lakota Prayer Warrior friend of mine who intercedes for the children of the world every day. This I can do: pray for all the children; and in saying "children" I am referring to those who are innocent whether by age, or by their incapacity for learning evil. Children get in free; all others must pay.
Creating Mental Fitness
Creating Mental Fitness
by
Moises Medina
Why Pursue Mental Fitness?
- Reduce stress
- Gain emotional balance
- Gain access to inner resources
- Improve biological health
Studies Have Shown that Practice of Mental Fitness can:
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Improve immunity level
- Reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Bach ache
- Muscle tension
STANAFORD FORGIVENESS PROJECT
The Stanford Forgiveness Project showed that Forgiveness training exercises can help participants achieve:
- a reduction of their state of hurt and anger
- an increase in forgiveness, hope, self-efficacy and spiritual connection
- a decrease in depression and an increase in optimism
-an improved appetite, sleep pattern, energy and general well-being
- a decrease in arterial blood pressure
(Schlitz, Amarok & Micozzi, 2005)
THE LIFESTYLE HEART TRIAL
The Lifestyle Heart Trial showed that heart patients who received “lifestyle” treatment that included modern medical treatment, as well as mental exercises over a one-year period, gained
- Improved blood flow to the heart
- An overall reversal of the build-up of coronary artery blockages
In contrast, the control group, which received only modern medical treatment, and was not engaged in the mental exercises, showed:
- an increase of 165% in chest pain
- a decrease of blood flow to the heart
- a worsening in coronary artery blockages
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
AMERICAN EXPRESS TRIAL
American Express Financial Advisors who faced daily stress were provided forgiveness training; the Financial Advisors were facing daily stress from:
- An uncertain financial market
- Client complaints
- Uncooperative business associates
- Co-worker errors
One year later, that same group of American Express Financial Advisors advisors showed:
- an 18% increase in sales
- a 24% reduction in stress
- a 20% increase in their ability to experience positive mental states including rest, productivity,
attention, caretaking and pleasure
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
FINDING YOUR CENTER
Centering is a concept central to the practice of mind-body work that is easily learned.
It involves finding one’s perfectly centered posture; in which the skeleton is so perfectly aligned that one feels balanced; nearly weightless.
Learning centering has many benefits including bringing you to a state of awareness in the “here and now”; from where you can experience being fully “present”.
To find your center through this exercise, you will need a partner:
1. Stand facing your partner, your feet planted about shoulder-width apart
2. Your partner places his or her hand on your upper chest, then slowly, and gently pushes as you try to discover your center
3. You will discover your center when you feel perfectly in balance; you will recognize it as a feeling in your heart of being perfectly at ease. You will find yourself passing your center as you go slightly off balance.
4. Finding your center takes practice
5. You will need to experiment, and take turns so that both you and your partner can learn to recognize when you are centered.
6. Recognizing your center can be likened to a moment on a playground swing: like the moment when you are at the top of the swing’s motion, and you feel weightless for an instant.
7. With practice, you will learn to find your center without a partner; you will also learn to remain centered.
8. When centered, you will feel perfectly at ease, focused, buoyant
9. You will be able to fully engage your inner intention in mental work. It is like meditating while fully awake to your surroundings
10. You will be able to observe, think , and interact with others from a place of perfect poise.
11. With time you will learn to walk and move in a centered manner and it will open possibilities that may not have been accessible to you before
(Olalla, Echeverria. 1994)
CHUMASH CENTERING EXERCISE
Chumash Centering is an exercise I designed for my own use, and which I wish to share with you.
I call it “Chumash Centering” in honor of the a Native American people group whose cosmology resonates with my own worldview . . .
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart; eyes open (be sure to practice deep, calm, breathing throughout the entire Chumash Centering exercise)
2. Bring your hands together at the middle of your chest as you simultaneously find and then hold your center; one hand covering the other (as if in prayer)
3. Experience your center; savor the moment
4. Mentally state your purpose for entering this centered moment
5. Now separate your hands, and with open palms extend them to your sides; as if on a cross
6. Then raise your hands upward as in praise; close your eyes and be thankful
7. Eyes still closed, now bring your hands back to the middle of your chest; one hand over the other, as in prayer
8. Remain centered, one hand clasped over the other as you meditate (eyes still closed)
9. From this “place” you can reflect, strategize, plan, pray or meditate
10. When finished, release your hands and allow your arms to rest; open your eyes
11. Remain centered for a moment, then slowly re-enter your normal activities
CONCLUSION:
The benefits of practicing mental fitness, when done on a regular basis are cumulative:
- Mental clarity
- Emotional balance
- Improved biological health
- Improved spiritual awareness
There are many ways to practice mental fitness
Find one or more ways that work for you
Practice mental fitness often; daily if possible
Whenever you need to regain your mental, emotional or spiritual balance practice mental fitness
It is like riding a bike; your never forget how to do it
REFERENCES:
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Olalla, J., Echeverria, R. (1994). Mastering the art of professional coaching. San Francisco, CA: Newfield Group
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & healing. St. Luis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
by
Moises Medina
Why Pursue Mental Fitness?
- Reduce stress
- Gain emotional balance
- Gain access to inner resources
- Improve biological health
Studies Have Shown that Practice of Mental Fitness can:
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Improve immunity level
- Reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Bach ache
- Muscle tension
STANAFORD FORGIVENESS PROJECT
The Stanford Forgiveness Project showed that Forgiveness training exercises can help participants achieve:
- a reduction of their state of hurt and anger
- an increase in forgiveness, hope, self-efficacy and spiritual connection
- a decrease in depression and an increase in optimism
-an improved appetite, sleep pattern, energy and general well-being
- a decrease in arterial blood pressure
(Schlitz, Amarok & Micozzi, 2005)
THE LIFESTYLE HEART TRIAL
The Lifestyle Heart Trial showed that heart patients who received “lifestyle” treatment that included modern medical treatment, as well as mental exercises over a one-year period, gained
- Improved blood flow to the heart
- An overall reversal of the build-up of coronary artery blockages
In contrast, the control group, which received only modern medical treatment, and was not engaged in the mental exercises, showed:
- an increase of 165% in chest pain
- a decrease of blood flow to the heart
- a worsening in coronary artery blockages
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
AMERICAN EXPRESS TRIAL
American Express Financial Advisors who faced daily stress were provided forgiveness training; the Financial Advisors were facing daily stress from:
- An uncertain financial market
- Client complaints
- Uncooperative business associates
- Co-worker errors
One year later, that same group of American Express Financial Advisors advisors showed:
- an 18% increase in sales
- a 24% reduction in stress
- a 20% increase in their ability to experience positive mental states including rest, productivity,
attention, caretaking and pleasure
(Schlitz et all, 2005)
FINDING YOUR CENTER
Centering is a concept central to the practice of mind-body work that is easily learned.
It involves finding one’s perfectly centered posture; in which the skeleton is so perfectly aligned that one feels balanced; nearly weightless.
Learning centering has many benefits including bringing you to a state of awareness in the “here and now”; from where you can experience being fully “present”.
To find your center through this exercise, you will need a partner:
1. Stand facing your partner, your feet planted about shoulder-width apart
2. Your partner places his or her hand on your upper chest, then slowly, and gently pushes as you try to discover your center
3. You will discover your center when you feel perfectly in balance; you will recognize it as a feeling in your heart of being perfectly at ease. You will find yourself passing your center as you go slightly off balance.
4. Finding your center takes practice
5. You will need to experiment, and take turns so that both you and your partner can learn to recognize when you are centered.
6. Recognizing your center can be likened to a moment on a playground swing: like the moment when you are at the top of the swing’s motion, and you feel weightless for an instant.
7. With practice, you will learn to find your center without a partner; you will also learn to remain centered.
8. When centered, you will feel perfectly at ease, focused, buoyant
9. You will be able to fully engage your inner intention in mental work. It is like meditating while fully awake to your surroundings
10. You will be able to observe, think , and interact with others from a place of perfect poise.
11. With time you will learn to walk and move in a centered manner and it will open possibilities that may not have been accessible to you before
(Olalla, Echeverria. 1994)
CHUMASH CENTERING EXERCISE
Chumash Centering is an exercise I designed for my own use, and which I wish to share with you.
I call it “Chumash Centering” in honor of the a Native American people group whose cosmology resonates with my own worldview . . .
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart; eyes open (be sure to practice deep, calm, breathing throughout the entire Chumash Centering exercise)
2. Bring your hands together at the middle of your chest as you simultaneously find and then hold your center; one hand covering the other (as if in prayer)
3. Experience your center; savor the moment
4. Mentally state your purpose for entering this centered moment
5. Now separate your hands, and with open palms extend them to your sides; as if on a cross
6. Then raise your hands upward as in praise; close your eyes and be thankful
7. Eyes still closed, now bring your hands back to the middle of your chest; one hand over the other, as in prayer
8. Remain centered, one hand clasped over the other as you meditate (eyes still closed)
9. From this “place” you can reflect, strategize, plan, pray or meditate
10. When finished, release your hands and allow your arms to rest; open your eyes
11. Remain centered for a moment, then slowly re-enter your normal activities
CONCLUSION:
The benefits of practicing mental fitness, when done on a regular basis are cumulative:
- Mental clarity
- Emotional balance
- Improved biological health
- Improved spiritual awareness
There are many ways to practice mental fitness
Find one or more ways that work for you
Practice mental fitness often; daily if possible
Whenever you need to regain your mental, emotional or spiritual balance practice mental fitness
It is like riding a bike; your never forget how to do it
REFERENCES:
Dacher, Elliott. (2006). Integral health. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pubns.
Olalla, J., Echeverria, R. (1994). Mastering the art of professional coaching. San Francisco, CA: Newfield Group
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M. (2005). Consciousness & healing. St. Luis, MO: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Unit 5 - The Connection Between Spiritual Wellness and Mental and Physical Health
In my own life, the connection between spiritual wellness and mental and physical wellness is very clear. As I go on in life, I see more and more how I receive blessing upon blessing when I am living in a spiritual wakefulness to harmony with God and goodness. I experience this as a resourcefulness to meet the challenges of life and find healing and solutions to even the greatest obstacles. In contrast, when I slip into arrogance, insincerity and sin I find myself hopelessly tossed by circumstances in my relationships, my health and my own sense of connectedness. As an example of this, I point out to how I was the one who initiated my own fall into clinical depression for seven years when I became angry with God for the loss of my wife and knowingly walked away from Him and His teachings and embarked rudderless to drift in the sea of worldliness. I did not reach safe harbor until seven years later, when I was at the end of all my mental, emotional, and spiritual resources; and discovered a deeper relationship with God than that which I had before.
Unit 5 - The Subtle Mind
This week, after doing my reading Dacher's book, Integral Health, I realized that there is a logic behind the exercises he prescribes as necessary stages for opening the possibility of our becoming able to move from the inner chatter and images of our mind, to a state where we can experience our mind's being as a quality rather than a barrage of appearingly random thoughts and images. I then resolved to give the Loving Kindness exercise another try, and found its discipline and steps not difficult to follow at all. In order to do this, I had to stop my own inclination to judge (or prejudge) and allow myself to simply experience it as guided through the track for the exercise.
I had read the Subtle Mind exercise in Dacher's book, and then did the exercise with the help of the track for it. I was able to follow it without any difficulty, wanting to move on to experiencing my own mind in its quiet state, but felt that the audio was anchoring me to thinking and my mind's echoing its words. The experience was not positive, nor negative, but it seemed limiting.
I then moved on to doing the exercise without listening to the track and was surprised how my mind, produced images that seemed to stem from a root thought or another, but there was no inner chatter of my own in my mind. During the first part of the exercise, I began to recall the involuntary images and thoughts I have experienced in the past (some during clinical depression, which were painfully intense), and realized how free I am that today. As I led myself to further, I was able to experience my mind in its quiet state, and was surprised to sense how normal the experience appeared; there was no apprehension, but then again, there was no great revelation . . . Just another step in the training of my mind.
I had read the Subtle Mind exercise in Dacher's book, and then did the exercise with the help of the track for it. I was able to follow it without any difficulty, wanting to move on to experiencing my own mind in its quiet state, but felt that the audio was anchoring me to thinking and my mind's echoing its words. The experience was not positive, nor negative, but it seemed limiting.
I then moved on to doing the exercise without listening to the track and was surprised how my mind, produced images that seemed to stem from a root thought or another, but there was no inner chatter of my own in my mind. During the first part of the exercise, I began to recall the involuntary images and thoughts I have experienced in the past (some during clinical depression, which were painfully intense), and realized how free I am that today. As I led myself to further, I was able to experience my mind in its quiet state, and was surprised to sense how normal the experience appeared; there was no apprehension, but then again, there was no great revelation . . . Just another step in the training of my mind.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Unit 3 Seminar – Guided Imagery Exercise
I was amazed at the rapidity with which the images formed in my mind. There was a freedom in Kristin’s guidance. I felt totally at ease in that the images were mine, and was amazed at how my cloud was zooming from California, across the blue-green Arizona sky; passing above the Grand Canyon and then to New Mexico . . . (What was very interesting was that I have not lived in California for ten years, and had I been able to project where I’d like to go in my journey, it would have been Atitlan, Guatemala -- A pristine lake surrounded by seven volcanoes; awesome place where indigenous culture still reigns).
Wonderful . . . I arrive twenty years older; a wizened old man with a joyful beam in his eyes; I arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My adobe home seems to be part of the Earth, bougainvillea, yellow daffodils; hundreds of them. The man I meet at the door is my mirror image, dressed in indigenous clothes, long white hair (no beard), and a confident smile. Inside, the house’s furniture and furnishings seem to be made of the same material as the house: adobe; smooth; with Southwest woodwork and indigenous textiles everywhere. I turn and look into the eyes of the me of twenty years from now by the light of the fireplace; he is sinewy, tanned, strong; smelling of burning firewood and fresh Earth. My question: Do you live alone? “No,” he smiles as a beautiful curvaceous indigenous woman walks into the living room. She smiles peaceably; radiant. The old man who is me puts a Pearl in my hand, then shows me a half-gourd in the shape of a ladle with which he motions as if gathering liquid from a container, then pouring it out . . . His advice, “Pour of the essence of the moment into your patient’s hands; be it vapor, smoke, midst, or water . . . They will be healed.”
Wonderful . . . I arrive twenty years older; a wizened old man with a joyful beam in his eyes; I arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My adobe home seems to be part of the Earth, bougainvillea, yellow daffodils; hundreds of them. The man I meet at the door is my mirror image, dressed in indigenous clothes, long white hair (no beard), and a confident smile. Inside, the house’s furniture and furnishings seem to be made of the same material as the house: adobe; smooth; with Southwest woodwork and indigenous textiles everywhere. I turn and look into the eyes of the me of twenty years from now by the light of the fireplace; he is sinewy, tanned, strong; smelling of burning firewood and fresh Earth. My question: Do you live alone? “No,” he smiles as a beautiful curvaceous indigenous woman walks into the living room. She smiles peaceably; radiant. The old man who is me puts a Pearl in my hand, then shows me a half-gourd in the shape of a ladle with which he motions as if gathering liquid from a container, then pouring it out . . . His advice, “Pour of the essence of the moment into your patient’s hands; be it vapor, smoke, midst, or water . . . They will be healed.”
Monday, July 5, 2010
Unit 4 - Our Mental Workout
Dacher (2006), in his book Integral Health, puts forth the concept of a Mental Workout as a time set aside each day for exercising the mind through meditative contemplation with the purpose of learning to use more of our mind's capacity. He proposes that if we devote one hour daily to meditative contemplation, we can arrive to the equivalent of the Olympian level of mental fitness. In his chapter on Psychospiritual Flourishing, he lays out two practices: Loving Kindness, and The Subtle Mind. He states that when one stabilizes his or her mind, that person “naturally evolves into the highest level of consciousness, unity consciousness” (Dacher, 2006)
I am sure that Dacher's sincere purpose in presenting this model for his readers to move toward human flourishing and integra health, but I do not believe that his is the only model. His statement about how a person “naturally evolves” is an interpretation of his own experience and may not be the experience of everyone who attempts to follow his model. Never the less, I find it fascinating that he has set on paper, and in an academic manner, an interpretation based on Eastern traditions. However, even Lao Tze, in the first two lines of his ancient book, Tao Teh Ching (“The Classic Book of the Way and its Power”), states: “The way that can be spoken is not the real Way. The name that can be named is not the real Name”. Hence, Dacher’s model is just that, a model. It can serve us; but we must make the model our own.
Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications
Reid, D. . (1989). The Tao of health, sex, and longevity. New York, New York: Fireside.
I am sure that Dacher's sincere purpose in presenting this model for his readers to move toward human flourishing and integra health, but I do not believe that his is the only model. His statement about how a person “naturally evolves” is an interpretation of his own experience and may not be the experience of everyone who attempts to follow his model. Never the less, I find it fascinating that he has set on paper, and in an academic manner, an interpretation based on Eastern traditions. However, even Lao Tze, in the first two lines of his ancient book, Tao Teh Ching (“The Classic Book of the Way and its Power”), states: “The way that can be spoken is not the real Way. The name that can be named is not the real Name”. Hence, Dacher’s model is just that, a model. It can serve us; but we must make the model our own.
Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications
Reid, D. . (1989). The Tao of health, sex, and longevity. New York, New York: Fireside.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Unir 4 Exercise - Loving Kindness
I had posted my first reflection on the Loving Kindness exercise in a prior entry in my blog, but I am also including it here (For those who read the first one, you can skip down to "Reflection Two" below) . . .
Reflection One:
I found myself on the beach in Northern California, I was 21 again, and with the most Christ-like person I had ever known up to then. His name was Father Bernard Menard, a Quebecois, and an Oblate of Mary Immaculate.
We had communion on the beach; a loaf of bread and a bottle of California Merlot. I could hear someone playing the flute somewhere; unseen. I recalled his soothing voice, and how he held is open palms just a few inches from my ears, as I looked within and realized that Christ was mine; my Lord. I was now in love with God, and realized how worthy the experience of life is and that I would never be the same again. We made candles in the sand, adorned with seashells and driftwood. The sun was setting in the sea, and he said, "Look inside; it is just as beautiful in there". And it was. Eyes closed, the waves of the ocean's sound, the flute in the distance; like a Native Flute. Yes, I was discovering who I was in God, and yet I was not being called to abandon neither my people nor my culture. I experienced the awe and greatness of being a Human Being.
And now, back in my study, lying on a mattress, I realize that the same feelings and thoughts I experienced when I was 21 that summer, are still with me after all these years; with one difference . . . That difference is in my capacity to hold and have so much love to give to those around me. I wish I had known that then; life would have been so much different. But now, the me I was is here and I am able to dedicate my thoughts, my actions, my intentions to be a greater blessing to others. Now, I hear not only the Native Flute; but also a Symphony! It is Wonderful to be alive.
Reflection Two:
My second experience with the Loving Kindness exercise was not as fruitful as the first one (recorded above as “Reflection One”). I began the exercise with the image of each of my Grandchildren, each of whom I love dearly, but as the exercise progressed to holding the image of someone near to me who is suffering from disease the whole spell was broken. First of all, because to my knowledge all of the persons I love are in very good health; second because I don’t feel that my love for my family is an adequate source of energy for projecting healing for others. I practice a different type of meditation just about every night, which I wish to share with you. It began during the most chaotic time in my life, when I experienced seven years of clinical depression along with nearly hourly impulses to suicide . . . I would lie in my bed, and recall to my mind all of the Bible verses that I could remember, one by one, until I would finally be able to sleep a very few hours.
Today, as I continue on a winning streak of blessings of every kind, I still practice this type of meditation, paraphrasing Ancient Scriptures according to my memory and stringing them together as I worship (exercise my love for) God. Now, in keeping with the purpose of the Loving Kindness exercise, I will use my meditation as a springboard for interceding for the healing of others, whether it is for healing from disease, or for healing from other types of suffering.
Here is a gathering of some Ancient Scriptures I am very fond of; they are direct quotes from the Old King James Version of the Bible:
Here’s one written six-hundred years before Christ: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5)
This one was written after the death and resurrection of Jesus: “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)
This one is a quote from Jesus himself: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
This one was written by a disciple who was very special to Jesus: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:3-4)
Here is one that Jesus quoted: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
Cheers!
Reflection One:
I found myself on the beach in Northern California, I was 21 again, and with the most Christ-like person I had ever known up to then. His name was Father Bernard Menard, a Quebecois, and an Oblate of Mary Immaculate.
We had communion on the beach; a loaf of bread and a bottle of California Merlot. I could hear someone playing the flute somewhere; unseen. I recalled his soothing voice, and how he held is open palms just a few inches from my ears, as I looked within and realized that Christ was mine; my Lord. I was now in love with God, and realized how worthy the experience of life is and that I would never be the same again. We made candles in the sand, adorned with seashells and driftwood. The sun was setting in the sea, and he said, "Look inside; it is just as beautiful in there". And it was. Eyes closed, the waves of the ocean's sound, the flute in the distance; like a Native Flute. Yes, I was discovering who I was in God, and yet I was not being called to abandon neither my people nor my culture. I experienced the awe and greatness of being a Human Being.
And now, back in my study, lying on a mattress, I realize that the same feelings and thoughts I experienced when I was 21 that summer, are still with me after all these years; with one difference . . . That difference is in my capacity to hold and have so much love to give to those around me. I wish I had known that then; life would have been so much different. But now, the me I was is here and I am able to dedicate my thoughts, my actions, my intentions to be a greater blessing to others. Now, I hear not only the Native Flute; but also a Symphony! It is Wonderful to be alive.
Reflection Two:
My second experience with the Loving Kindness exercise was not as fruitful as the first one (recorded above as “Reflection One”). I began the exercise with the image of each of my Grandchildren, each of whom I love dearly, but as the exercise progressed to holding the image of someone near to me who is suffering from disease the whole spell was broken. First of all, because to my knowledge all of the persons I love are in very good health; second because I don’t feel that my love for my family is an adequate source of energy for projecting healing for others. I practice a different type of meditation just about every night, which I wish to share with you. It began during the most chaotic time in my life, when I experienced seven years of clinical depression along with nearly hourly impulses to suicide . . . I would lie in my bed, and recall to my mind all of the Bible verses that I could remember, one by one, until I would finally be able to sleep a very few hours.
Today, as I continue on a winning streak of blessings of every kind, I still practice this type of meditation, paraphrasing Ancient Scriptures according to my memory and stringing them together as I worship (exercise my love for) God. Now, in keeping with the purpose of the Loving Kindness exercise, I will use my meditation as a springboard for interceding for the healing of others, whether it is for healing from disease, or for healing from other types of suffering.
Here is a gathering of some Ancient Scriptures I am very fond of; they are direct quotes from the Old King James Version of the Bible:
Here’s one written six-hundred years before Christ: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5)
This one was written after the death and resurrection of Jesus: “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)
This one is a quote from Jesus himself: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
This one was written by a disciple who was very special to Jesus: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:3-4)
Here is one that Jesus quoted: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
Cheers!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Unit 3 Exercise - Crime of the Century
I did not feel that I could trust the voice behind the Crime of the Century exercise; perhaps it was the title of the exercise me that was a damper . . . But as I began the exercise, the voice of the young man seemed superficial and I found the imagery a bit contrived. I felt this from the beginning and as he suggested the first few colors, I found myself changing them, and thinking the leading of the imagery unnecessarily complicated. After a while, my body simply rebelled against his leading . . .
As I listed to the rest of the meditation (eyes closed), I reflected on a body exercise I learned while taking a course in Ontological Coaching many years ago. This is a centering/grounding exercise that involves standing, and finding your "center". The way you learn find your center is to by stand with your feet apart, about shoulder-width; face-to-face with a partner who pushes on you lightly; until you discover your center. When centered, one experiences a sense of wellness, confidence; quiet strength. When you practice centering frequently, you can also learn to walk in a centered manner. The experience of being able to walk in a centered manner can help transform not only your posture, but the way that you feel about yourself and the world around you. I learned to find my center in a workshop led by Julio Olalla, founder of the Newfield Network: Here is a link to his website: http://www.newfieldnetwork.com/New/AboutNewfield/FounderJulioOlalla/index.cfm
Another experience in being grounded and centered (and one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had) was a moving meditation in a Sufi workshop led by the co-founder of the Threshold Society (a Sufi group devoted to the teachings of a 13th Century mystic poet Rumi), Kabir Helmiski (he also is one of the best known translator of Rumi’s poetry). This was a moving meditation we did in the outdoors; there were about 20 of us; under Kabir’s guided imagery as he played an ancient Persian stringed instrument. We moved in unison, nearly as if in dance. Through his spoken imagery I experienced my uniqueness in the Universe; my unity with those present; the world; the Universe. It was an awe-inspiring experience. Here is a link to Kabir Helminski’s books: http://www.sufism.org/books/helm.html.
As I listed to the rest of the meditation (eyes closed), I reflected on a body exercise I learned while taking a course in Ontological Coaching many years ago. This is a centering/grounding exercise that involves standing, and finding your "center". The way you learn find your center is to by stand with your feet apart, about shoulder-width; face-to-face with a partner who pushes on you lightly; until you discover your center. When centered, one experiences a sense of wellness, confidence; quiet strength. When you practice centering frequently, you can also learn to walk in a centered manner. The experience of being able to walk in a centered manner can help transform not only your posture, but the way that you feel about yourself and the world around you. I learned to find my center in a workshop led by Julio Olalla, founder of the Newfield Network: Here is a link to his website: http://www.newfieldnetwork.com/New/AboutNewfield/FounderJulioOlalla/index.cfm
Another experience in being grounded and centered (and one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had) was a moving meditation in a Sufi workshop led by the co-founder of the Threshold Society (a Sufi group devoted to the teachings of a 13th Century mystic poet Rumi), Kabir Helmiski (he also is one of the best known translator of Rumi’s poetry). This was a moving meditation we did in the outdoors; there were about 20 of us; under Kabir’s guided imagery as he played an ancient Persian stringed instrument. We moved in unison, nearly as if in dance. Through his spoken imagery I experienced my uniqueness in the Universe; my unity with those present; the world; the Universe. It was an awe-inspiring experience. Here is a link to Kabir Helminski’s books: http://www.sufism.org/books/helm.html.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Unit 2 Guided Imagery Exercise
I thoroughly enjoyed our class exercise last week. I was viewing the world through my Jaguar (Yaguar) nagual (twin, "spirit animal)", looking down on a waterfall in the jungle; the sound of the waterfall filling my ears, as other living beings call out from a multitude of places; in a myriad of different voices . . . The wind tossing the hair on my face; listening . . . Then another Jaguar, a female, beautiful to behold, approaches and proceeds to challenge me; playfully. Soon we are rolling in the grass over one another's body as I take in her aroma . . . The game finished, she nudges a white seashell toward me and then departs . . . I hug the seashell to my heart, relishing my having just met her for what I hope is just the first time . . . I will not chase her yet . . . Less is more.
Jaguar
Releasing fear
I move with courage and strength
In harmony with the power of thunder
I relish in the freshness of water
Even in the midst of chaos I see pathways
Leading to the things I want
I am Stealth Walker of the Dark
Keeper of Time, Guardian of the Unknown
I discern subtle changes and movement in the dark
I move with ease
I'll take my prey with one leap now
by DreamMerchant (me)
Jaguar
Releasing fear
I move with courage and strength
In harmony with the power of thunder
I relish in the freshness of water
Even in the midst of chaos I see pathways
Leading to the things I want
I am Stealth Walker of the Dark
Keeper of Time, Guardian of the Unknown
I discern subtle changes and movement in the dark
I move with ease
I'll take my prey with one leap now
by DreamMerchant (me)
Unit 3 My Health and Wellness
I pause to reflect on the state of my health and wellness and find that my ratings, on a scale of one to ten include:
A. Physical wellness . . . 8. I am up there in years of experience and have sufficient joy, pleasure, stress and distress to fill about three separate lifetimes. In spite of this my physical health is very good; but I have the goal of improving my present state so that I can enjoy the equivalent of at least one or two more "lifetimes".
B. Spiritual wellbeing . . . 10. I started out during the 1970s exploring alternate realities some of which were very enlightening; others that were very risky. Then, at the height of my experimentation I discovered the name of Jesus and found out that He was not just "the white man's god"; but the cause, the reason, and the Savior of the world. I walked this path for many years in church and "Christian" activities. Then after my wife died, I walked away and underwent seven years of clinical depression. Then, when I had exhausted all my human strength and resources, I found Him; and in the space of two weeks was freed of the impulses and thoughts of suicide, the mental torment of self-recrimination, and the continual physical symptoms of depression, which included a tension so strong it seemed like electricity coursing through my body. My life is different now, I have come to realize that being a Christian is not just about acquiring information about the things of God and the Bible; but rather a relationship of love, humility, growth, and the aspiration of serving Him again, but this time for real.
C. Psychological wellbeing . . . 10. I have become, and continue becoming a whole person; fully accepting of who I am and aspiring to become the servant that God wants me to be. I am cleansed of hate, judgement of others, pride and spiritual and intellectual arrogance. I am very happy now and my family (Two Daughters, their Husbands, and my three Grandchildren) are my life right now. I am in the legacy stage of life and pursing a degree in Health and Wellness are a part of the legacy and practices I wish to inherit to my children, my children's children, and my generations.
In thinking about my goals in the physical, spiritual and psychological areas; I want to:
A. Physical - Improve my muscle tone and flexibility. I've started on this by weight lifting (for endurance); I plan to expand this by taking a class in Tai Chi.
B. Spiritual - For the last four years, I have made my life's priority to please God; which I understand as loving Him, worshiping Him, sand serving Him. This is something I seek accomplishing through my continued reading of the Ancient Scriptures (Bible); prayer and meditation on his Word, as well as worshipping through praise and adoration expressed through spontaneous song that is born from deep within my heart . . . I define spirituality a little different from the way it is used in our textbook; which (to me) is more about exploring the human capacity for inner/alternate realities, which include visual imagery, meditation and the use of body exercises to access various levels of human inner experience . . . But in tune with the textbook definition of spirituality, I seek to develop my capacity for inner experience through learning to apply Eastern techniques that can help me access deeper levels of self awareness; learning to direct intention for the purpose of health and healing; and learning techniques that I can introduce to my patients.
C. Psychological - I am seeking my psychological and intellectual self-development through seeking my degree in Health and Wellness as a means to become more involved in helping others achieve their desire for an improved existence here on Earth.
Journey on . . .
I've not been able to access the weblink containing the track for Unit 3's Exercise; I got a bit anxious about it and tried different things with my computer; but no success. Perhaps the link will be accessible later . . . In the meantime, I did the Subtle Mind Exercises from the CD The Path to Human Flourishing:
I found myself on the beach in Northern California, I was 21 again, and with the most Christ-like person I had ever known up to then. His name was Father Bernard Menard, a Quebecois, and an Oblate of Mary Imaculate.
We had communion on the beach; a loaf of bread and a bottle of California Merlot. I could hear someone playing the flute somewherere; unseen. I recalled his soothing voice, and how he held is open palms just a few inches from my ears, as I looked within and realized that Christ was mine; my Lord. I was now in love with God, and realized how worthy the experience of life is and that I would never be the same again. We made candles in the sand, adorned with seashells and driftwood. The sun was setting in the sea, and he said, "Look inside; it is just as beautiful in there". And it was. Eyes closed, the waves of the ocean's sound, the flute in the distance; like a Native Flute. Yes, I was discovering who I was in God, and yet I was not being called to abandon my people nor my culture. I experienced the awe and greatness of being a Human Being.
And now, back in my study, laying on a mattress, I realize that the same feelings and thoughts I experienced when I was 21 that summer, are still with me after all these years; with one difference . . . That difference is in my capacity to hold and have so much love to give to those around me. I wish I had known that then; life would have been so much different. But now, the me I was is here and I am able to dedicate my thoughts, my actions, my intentions to be a greater blessing to others. Now, I hear not only the Native Flute; but also a Symphony! It is Wonderful to be alive.
A. Physical wellness . . . 8. I am up there in years of experience and have sufficient joy, pleasure, stress and distress to fill about three separate lifetimes. In spite of this my physical health is very good; but I have the goal of improving my present state so that I can enjoy the equivalent of at least one or two more "lifetimes".
B. Spiritual wellbeing . . . 10. I started out during the 1970s exploring alternate realities some of which were very enlightening; others that were very risky. Then, at the height of my experimentation I discovered the name of Jesus and found out that He was not just "the white man's god"; but the cause, the reason, and the Savior of the world. I walked this path for many years in church and "Christian" activities. Then after my wife died, I walked away and underwent seven years of clinical depression. Then, when I had exhausted all my human strength and resources, I found Him; and in the space of two weeks was freed of the impulses and thoughts of suicide, the mental torment of self-recrimination, and the continual physical symptoms of depression, which included a tension so strong it seemed like electricity coursing through my body. My life is different now, I have come to realize that being a Christian is not just about acquiring information about the things of God and the Bible; but rather a relationship of love, humility, growth, and the aspiration of serving Him again, but this time for real.
C. Psychological wellbeing . . . 10. I have become, and continue becoming a whole person; fully accepting of who I am and aspiring to become the servant that God wants me to be. I am cleansed of hate, judgement of others, pride and spiritual and intellectual arrogance. I am very happy now and my family (Two Daughters, their Husbands, and my three Grandchildren) are my life right now. I am in the legacy stage of life and pursing a degree in Health and Wellness are a part of the legacy and practices I wish to inherit to my children, my children's children, and my generations.
In thinking about my goals in the physical, spiritual and psychological areas; I want to:
A. Physical - Improve my muscle tone and flexibility. I've started on this by weight lifting (for endurance); I plan to expand this by taking a class in Tai Chi.
B. Spiritual - For the last four years, I have made my life's priority to please God; which I understand as loving Him, worshiping Him, sand serving Him. This is something I seek accomplishing through my continued reading of the Ancient Scriptures (Bible); prayer and meditation on his Word, as well as worshipping through praise and adoration expressed through spontaneous song that is born from deep within my heart . . . I define spirituality a little different from the way it is used in our textbook; which (to me) is more about exploring the human capacity for inner/alternate realities, which include visual imagery, meditation and the use of body exercises to access various levels of human inner experience . . . But in tune with the textbook definition of spirituality, I seek to develop my capacity for inner experience through learning to apply Eastern techniques that can help me access deeper levels of self awareness; learning to direct intention for the purpose of health and healing; and learning techniques that I can introduce to my patients.
C. Psychological - I am seeking my psychological and intellectual self-development through seeking my degree in Health and Wellness as a means to become more involved in helping others achieve their desire for an improved existence here on Earth.
Journey on . . .
I've not been able to access the weblink containing the track for Unit 3's Exercise; I got a bit anxious about it and tried different things with my computer; but no success. Perhaps the link will be accessible later . . . In the meantime, I did the Subtle Mind Exercises from the CD The Path to Human Flourishing:
I found myself on the beach in Northern California, I was 21 again, and with the most Christ-like person I had ever known up to then. His name was Father Bernard Menard, a Quebecois, and an Oblate of Mary Imaculate.
We had communion on the beach; a loaf of bread and a bottle of California Merlot. I could hear someone playing the flute somewherere; unseen. I recalled his soothing voice, and how he held is open palms just a few inches from my ears, as I looked within and realized that Christ was mine; my Lord. I was now in love with God, and realized how worthy the experience of life is and that I would never be the same again. We made candles in the sand, adorned with seashells and driftwood. The sun was setting in the sea, and he said, "Look inside; it is just as beautiful in there". And it was. Eyes closed, the waves of the ocean's sound, the flute in the distance; like a Native Flute. Yes, I was discovering who I was in God, and yet I was not being called to abandon my people nor my culture. I experienced the awe and greatness of being a Human Being.
And now, back in my study, laying on a mattress, I realize that the same feelings and thoughts I experienced when I was 21 that summer, are still with me after all these years; with one difference . . . That difference is in my capacity to hold and have so much love to give to those around me. I wish I had known that then; life would have been so much different. But now, the me I was is here and I am able to dedicate my thoughts, my actions, my intentions to be a greater blessing to others. Now, I hear not only the Native Flute; but also a Symphony! It is Wonderful to be alive.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Welcome Dears . . .
From the time I was a child, I have believed that there is more to reality and life than that which people call the norm. But that never felt comfortable; there must be something more, I have said to myself again and again. That was many, many years ago; now I am convinced beyond any doubt that human beings have capabilities beyond those which we use in everyday life; we have within us ways of perceiving and modes of intentional action that once awakened leave one changed.
There have been inner conflicts; and even struggles with myself and even other powers. However today, I know that God has always had his hand on me; keeping me safe and allowing me to learn so that he can one day use me.
I am excited about our class . . . It is interesting to note that ancient traditional knowledge is finding validity and even being incorporated into a scientific method in search of healing and self transformation. As for myself, I believe that God is the only one that can transform a life. I am the proof of this because he transformed me from a clinically depressed "ineffectual" man into myself today: happy, joyful and triumphant.
I've always been facinated by the world of Curanderismo because I beleive there are parts of these ancient practices which are biblically redeemable. This is my quest.
There have been inner conflicts; and even struggles with myself and even other powers. However today, I know that God has always had his hand on me; keeping me safe and allowing me to learn so that he can one day use me.
I am excited about our class . . . It is interesting to note that ancient traditional knowledge is finding validity and even being incorporated into a scientific method in search of healing and self transformation. As for myself, I believe that God is the only one that can transform a life. I am the proof of this because he transformed me from a clinically depressed "ineffectual" man into myself today: happy, joyful and triumphant.
I've always been facinated by the world of Curanderismo because I beleive there are parts of these ancient practices which are biblically redeemable. This is my quest.
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