Month: March 2013

the dignity of daring

Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over again to annihilation can that which is indestructible arise within us. In this lies the dignity of daring. The goal of living life and inner peace is not to acquire a state of harmony where nothing can ever trouble us - inner peace allows us to be perturbed, to be insulted, moved, broken, battered, in order that we may discover in doing battle that which awaits us beyond the world of opposites. We must have the courage to face life, to encounter all that is most perilous in the world. … [click on title to read the rest]

Problems that can arise in meditation practice

I'm posting a video interview with Leigh Brasington about the dark stuff that can come up when we meditate. This can be quite common among those who've been labeled with psychiatric diagnosis so it's well worth being aware of this when pursuing a meditation practice. The reason people who've had psych diagnosis are at risk is simply because people with trauma histories are more at risk. Most people who acquire psychiatric diagnosis have unrecognized histories of trauma. Psychiatry does nothing to help heal such histories. Meditation and a combination of other healing arts can be a very important part of healing from trauma. This post is not meant to dissuade anyone from practicing meditation. It is instead simply a heads up. Being aware of these sorts of possibilities means one can make better choices and be prepared should anything difficult arise. … [click on title to read the rest]

The truth is sometimes ugly…

tree of life in muted colors impressionism (AI generated) the truth is sometimes ugly

the truth is sometimes ugly: what people are up against: I always find it sadly and tragically amusing when critics of psychiatry (generally professionals who are trying to cover their asses I guess) slam the psychiatric system and then tell people to be sure that they have a doctor to help them withdraw from drugs…as if these doctors are readily available.

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Overtreatment in Healthcare: iatrogenic injury

medical symbol in hell for harms of overtreatment in medical care

Reporter Jeanne Lenzer investigates overtreatment at the heart of healthcare. Overly aggressive treatment is estimated to cause 30 000 deaths among Medicare recipients alone each year.

the necessity of honoring ours and others rage

Our culture has trouble dealing with difficult emotions. And the message we often get, implicitly and explicitly is to repress and deny them. [click on title to read the rest]

Street artist playing Hallelujah with crystal glasses (Saturday Mellow)

Stunning! … [click on title to read the rest]

Navigating the Darkness

how to be in the darkness

When the path ahead is dark, how can we keep from stumbling? How do we make our way with courage and dignity? “Inside each of us is an eternal light that I call ‘the One Who Knows,’” writes Jack Kornfield.

A guerilla gardener: grow your own food #foodie friday

grow food not lawns

Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA -- in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys."

We can do this everywhere and it's happening. … [click on title to read the rest]

SPRING is in the air (and our psyches)

It's a shame we're not taught to contemplate the changes our bodies/minds/spirit go through with the change of seasons. It's been a source of some of my deepest revelations to note that I too am part of these cycles. So lovely! Not SAD (seasonal affective disorder) 🙂

I was happy to read Laura Kerr's new piece just as I was feeling spring approaching too. My entire being tingles with the change! I've made brief mention of the movement in the fall before. But spring, is, without doubt, more exciting. … [click on title to read the rest]

The individuation process: growing into maturity

rhododendron flower the individuation process

Suppression, repression, oppression -- sadly the way of psychiatry most of the time. My mind is free to roam now again after more than two decades of shut-down. There is great joy in experiencing the full spectrum of what it is to be human. Even as there is pain, too. If we wish to mature and live a full life this process is a necessary part of experience. … [click on title to read the rest]

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