Balance is the state of dynamic equilibrium. It is a dynamic state in which opposites exchange between one another, without loss. It is the state referred to as the transpersonal experience. It is a state devoid of comparison or judgment. Since it may appear that nothing is happening, it is often misunderstood as a state of ‘oneness.’ Balance is the
Emotions are our behavioral responses to stories that we tell ourselves; and those fearful experiences of our generational, epigenetic past. These often shape our reality, and our responses to that reality. The stories originate in the mind, as well as external environmental input that can trigger our own stories and internal memories. They are retold, consciously and unconsciously, until they
Over a number of years, I have encountered clients who demonstrate the curse of being told in childhood, how special they are. ‘Special’ can come with a dark side: anxiety, pressure to succeed, perfectionism, isolation and failure to meet expectations; and, in time, may lead to illness. The ‘gifted’ may either burnout or self-sabotage, in order to prove their family
When I was a kid, 85 years ago, my favorite radio series was ‘The Shadow.’ The program began, ‘Who knows what lurks in the hearts of man? (Pause) The Shadow Knows!’ And it ended with the same deep, mysterious voice, repeating, ‘Who Knows…? (Longer pause) The Shadow knows.’ Psychology, for me, is playing the role of The Shadow. Psychologists delve
Of all the statements of the sixties and seventies that I use practically everyday, one is the title of Gerald Jampolski’s book, “Love is Letting Go of Fear.” The other day on seeing a patient, I used that phrase for the umpteenth time; and thought to myself: ‘What is fear?.’ It is an emotional experience, not unlike love, and as
Perhaps the greatest gift that we can offer another is the love that we discover within ourselves. Self-love has a beginning, but no end. One of the many games of life is to learn alchemy: the transmutation of emotional pain into love. Physical pain, on the other hand, is meant to be remembered. It tells us where to tread lightly.
The acknowledgment of ‘that other,’ those we observe to be different from ourselves, is the origin of all of our problems: disconnection, loneliness, judgment, comparison and more. What if the purpose of ‘that other’ is simply to see ourselves, outside ourselves; in another form with acceptance. How would life be different if we could accept ‘that other’ as a part
Dr. Brenner would like to share a video he really enjoyed: “This is a great video for us to share. I wish I was as erudite. The best piece on Epigenetics ever. I love, love Gabor.” ~Dr. Brenner Dr. Gabor Mate speaks about childhood trauma, addiction, the mind body link, early development, attachment, and the importance of human connection.
Illness is the mind/body’s need for change. It is definitely not the time for self-judgement. Life abhors constancy, stagnation. I’m suggesting that life is in charge, and we are no more than passengers on its journey. Illness is often a station we stop at and have the choice to get off, continue, reevaluate our situation, self medicate, do nothing, or
There are so many forces that shape our lives, from genetic inheritance to emotional responses, the environment, chance, roads taken and those bypassed. Yet there is one constant in all of it…You. Yes, you’re ‘It!’ It is for this reason that, when the going gets tough, the only one who can save you is you. So, when in distress, review