The Resiliency Center

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS By: Dr. Georgia Tetlow

2012-03-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Polycystic ovary syndrome was originallydescribed as a syndrome including amenorrhea (lack of menses), hirsutism(excess body hair), and obesity in association with enlarged polycysticovaries. The classic definition of PCOS includes women who have irregularperiods, do not ovulate and have hyperandrogenism (excess testosterone andDHEA-s). It is a condition in which there is an imbalance of female sexhormones. This hormone imbalance causes changes in the menstrual cycle, skinchanges, cysts in the ovaries, difficulty getting pregnant, and is oftenassociated with type 2 diabetes and increased risk of developing cardiovasculardisease.

In a typical menstrual cycle, follicles develop in the ovaries. These folliclescontain eggs, and once an egg is sufficiently mature to be released, it travelsinto the fallopian tubes and this is referred to as ovulation. Polycysticovaries are much larger than normal because there are multiple undevelopedfollicles which become follicular cysts, thereby creating polycystic (multiplecysts) ovaries.

PCOS occurs most commonly in women during their reproductive years and itsestimated that up to 10% of all women have PCOS. There is uncertainty as to theactual cause of PCOS but these factors are likely involved: geneticpredisposition, insulin resistance, obesity, and/or environmental chemicalpollution.

PCOS is most commonly treated with oral contraceptives to suppress the excessandrogens (testosterone) and Metformin to treat insulin resistance by makinginsulin more efficient. But these treatments don’t address the underlyingissue, the medications merely control the symptoms associated with PCOS.

Dr. Tetlow works with women with PCOS to make dietary and lifestyle changes inaddition to focused nutrient supplementation. The right nutrition can make a bigdifference for women with PCOS, including an organic, whole foods diet with limitedamounts of sugar and processed foods. A regular exercise program (30-45 minutesdaily) is crucial to aid weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity.Supplements that can further aid PCOS include chromium, a mineral that helps tostabilize blood sugar and Chaste Tree Berry which is a herbal product that encouragesovarian production of progesterone. Dr. Tetlow has successfully worked withmany women with PCOS using an approach that supports long-term, optimal health.

Vitamin D

2012-02-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

By: Georgia Tetlow, M.D. Integrative Physician

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for homeostasis. Vitamin D isconsidered a hormone since it meets the basic definition: it can be synthesizedin the body, it has specific target tissues, and it doesn't have to be suppliedby the diet. Vitamin D is also responsible for maintaining normal blood levelsof calcium and phosphorus which are vital for normal neurological function andbone growth. Vitamin D works in concert with other vitamins, minerals andhormones to promote optimal bone mineralization, and to meet many physiologicalneeds, as outlined below.

There are two ingested forms ofvitamin D -- D3 and D2. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be produced in theskin after exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight, or it canbe supplied by the diet. Plants also produce a form of vitamin D called vitaminD2 (or ergocalciferol), which also has activity in people. Both vitamin D3 andD2 are used to fortify foods and dietary supplements in the US. Cholecalciferol (D3) is the preferred formof vitamin D as it can be easily used by the body and doesn’t requireadditional hydroxylation. Ergocalciferol (D2) is the form added to mostfunctional foods, such as cereals and milk, but requires the additionalhydroxylation step by the kidneys and is not as bioavailable. Evidence showsthat cholecalciferol (D3) seems to boost blood levels of usable vitamin D for alonger period of time than ergocalciferol (D2), and that D2 is 33% less potentthan D3 (Armas LA et al. 2004). D2 (ergocalciferol) is made from yeast, whileD3 is made from lanolin or fish oil.

Immune system

There is considerable scientific evidence that 1,25(OH)2D has a variety ofeffects on immune system function that may enhance innate immunity as well asinhibit the development of autoimmunity (Holick, 2005). Vitamin D in the form of 1,25(OH)2D is a powerfulimmune system modulator.

Insulin secretion

Pancreatic cells that secrete insulin also express the VDR, or vitamin Dreceptor. Although the data are limited, clinical studies suggests thatsuboptimal vitamin D levels may have an adverse effect on insulin secretion andglucose tolerance in individuals with type 2 diabetes (Holick, 2005).

Blood pressure

Vitamin D is also thought to play a major role in blood pressure regulation.Krause et al. (Krause et al., 1998) reported that hypertensive subjectsexposed to UVB and UVA rays from tanning beds experienced a significantincrease in circulating vitamin D and a decrease in both systolic and diastolicblood pressure compared to individual exposed to only UVA rays.

Heart failure

In cardiovascular patients, deficiency in vitamin D has been linked with anincreased risk for heart failure (Zittermann et al., 2003 ). Also, a high incidence of vitamin Ddeficiency has also been reported in patients with peripheral vascular disease.While it is not fully understood how vitamin D may protect againstcardiovascular disease, it is possible that it may be secondary to the rolethat vitamin D plays in maintaining blood pressure. It is known that 1,25(OH)2Dis potently down-regulates the blood pressure hormone renin in the kidneys (Holick, 2005). Additionally, atherosclerosis is considered aninflammatory disease, and vitamin D has been shown to relax smooth muscles inthe vascular system (Weishaar & Simpson, 1987).

Deficiency

Insufficient vitamin D impairs absorption of calcium. Subsequently, theparathyroid glands increase their production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) tomobilize calcium from the skeleton in order to maintain normal serum ionizedcalcium levels. In cases of severe vitamin D deficiency, rapidly growing bonesfail to mineralize, resulting in rickets. Although the growth-plates continueto enlarge, in the absence of bone mineralization, weight-bearing limbs canbow, resulting in skeletal abnormalities. Although the bones of adults are nolonger growing, another medical condition, known as osteomalacia, can occur asa result of severe vitamin D deficiency.
Though the fortification of foods with vitamin D (primarily milk) haspractically eradicated rickets, there are a large number of children and adultsworldwide who are vitamin D insufficient but not to the degree that skeletal orcalcium metabolism abnormalities are apparent.

Assessing Vitamin D Status

Serum 25(OH)D level is the best indicator of vitamin D deficiency andsufficiency, but the cutoff values are debated. Severe deficiency, associatedwith rickets and osteomalacia, is generally associated with serum 25(OH)Dvalues less than 20-25 nmol/L (Heaney, 2003; Glerup et al., 2000). Although 50 nmol/L has been suggested asthe low end of the normal range (Malabanan et al., 1998), more recent research suggests thatPTH levels (Chapuy et al., 1997; Thomas et al., 1998) and calcium absorption are not optimizeduntil serum 25(OH)D levels reach approximately 80 nmol/L (Heaney et al., 2003).

Food Sources

Very few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, therefore fortified foodsare the most common sources of vitamin D. Although milk is fortified withvitamin D, other dairy products produced from milk, such as cheese and icecream, are typically not fortified with vitamin D and therefore contain smallamounts. Commercially-prepared fortified breakfast cereals generally provide10-15% of the Daily Value defined for vitamin D. There is also some vitamin Din eggs, organ meats, and certain fish including salmon, sardines, and herring.The following table provides a listing of foods that provide vitamin D invarying amounts.

Food	Serving Size	Vitamin D (I.U.)
Pink salmon, canned	3 ounces	530
Sardines, canned	3 ounces	231
Tuna, canned	3 ounces	200
Cow's milk	8 ounces	100
Orange juice fortified with vitamin D	8 ounces	100
Fortified breakfast cereals	1 serving (~1 cup)	40-50
Cod liver oil	1 ounce	1,360

Disease Prevention and Intervention

Osteoporosis

It is estimated that over 28 million adults in the United States have, orare at risk of developing low bone density and osteoporosis. Prevention andearly intervention is paramount.
Osteoporosis is most often associated with inadequate calcium intake, however,a deficiency of vitamin D contributes to the development of osteoporosis due toinadequate calcium and phosphorus absorption. While rickets and osteomalaciaare extreme examples of vitamin D deficiency, osteopororsis is an example of along-term effect of vitamin D deficiency. Adequate storage levels of vitamin Dhelp keep bones strong and may help prevent osteoporosis in older individuals, non-ambulatoryindividuals (those who have difficulty walking and exercising), post-menopausalwomen, and individuals on chronic steroid and antiepileptic therapies.
Sufficient vitamin D intake is also associated with a reduction in falls (Graafsman et al., 1996). Vitamin D supplementation for theprevention and management of osteoporosis is considered an effective publichealth benefits due to its low costs, excellent tolerance, and overall healthbenefits.

Cancer

Laboratory, animal, and epidemiologic evidence suggests that vitamin D maybe protective against some cancers. Epidemiologic studies suggest that a higherdietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, and/or sunlight-induced vitamin Dsynthesis, can correlate with lower incidence of cancer. In fact, for over 60years researchers have observed an inverse association between sun exposure andcancer mortality, however, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that Garland andcolleagues found that the mortality rate associated with colon cancer washigher in the Northeastern US compared to southern states (Garland et al., 1985). A wealth of accumulated data revealsthat the risk of developing and dying of breast, colon, esophageal,non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, ovarian, and prostate cancers is associated with livingat higher latitudes, associated with a greater risk for vitamin D deficiency (Holick, 2005; Hanchette & Schwartz, 1992; Grant, 2002). A meta-analysis showed reduction of cancer riskby up to 50% (for colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancer) with adequatevitamin D intake and levels (GarlandCF et al. 2006).

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease has been associated with an increased risk of hipfractures. This is likely linked to the fact that many Alzheimer's patients areolder, homebound, and exposed less to sunlight. With aging, less vitamin D isconverted to its active form. One study, which included elderly women withAlzheimer's disease, found that decreased bone mineral density was associatedwith a low intake of vitamin D and inadequate exposure to sunlight (Sato et al., 2005). However, with regular sunlight exposureand calcium supplements, bone mineral density increased by 2.7% and serum25(OH)D levels increased from 24 nmol/L to 52 (Sato et al., 2005). The need for vitamin D supplementationshould be part of an overall treatment plan for those with Alzheimer's disease.

Autoimmune Conditions

Components of the immune system, includingmacrophages, monocytes, and T and B lymphocytes, also have a VDR, therebyallowing vitamin D to have an impact on regulating cytokine synthesis, monocytematuration, macrophage activity, and more (Holick, 2005). The risk of developing Type 1 diabetes andmultiple sclerosis (MS) was significantly reduced or prevented in animals receivingvitamin D. Reportedly, living at a latitude greater than 37° increases the riskof developing MS >100% during one's lifetime (Holick, 2005). The risk for both MS and rheumatoid arthritiswas decreased by ~40% in women taking a multi-vitamin supplement with as littleas 400 I.U. of vitamin D (Holick, 2005). Other studies have shown a role for vitamin Din modulating the immune system via regulation of T helper cell and dendriticcell function, with reduced risk of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritiswith adequate vitamin D intake (MungerKL et al. 2004; CantornaMT, Mahon BD 2004).

A Clearing by Dean Solon

2012-02-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

clear the mind.
clear your mind.
the way(s) you have been trained to think; the way(s) you have been taught to organize---to compartmentalize---your thoughts; the way(s) you have learned to view the environment inside and outside yourself, the ecology, the earth-plane where you are living and breathing, are moving and being moved; how does it relate with what is? how is it connecting you with what is?
is your perceiving of what is have anything, have much of anything, to do with what, really and truly, is?

you brainwashed.
and you, with clear waters pouring over you and through you, washing your brain, purifying you, renewing you, reawakening you...

closing the eyes, softly, and gently...opening your mind.
feeling, being, the sensitive one you are, being moved and moving...opening your heart.
breathing, breathing in and breathing out...opening your lungs.
listening, attending lightly, your breath rising, your breath falling...opening your big buddha ears.
being quiet, being peaceful, being present, here and now,
being with what is...
being with whatever is...

you as light, in a great spaciousness of light
you as seer and shaman[ess], in a universe/multiverse of innumerable seers and shamans
you as an activity of presence, in a vast expansiveness of activity and presence
you as a jewel, in a sea of jewels, gleaming, glistening, shimmering and shining ever so brightly

you nearly nothing, you almost everything.
white light caressing you, white light cradling you,
white light cascading over you, white light behind you and before you, above you and below you,
white light circling you and surrounding you, protecting you...and cleansing you...and purifying you...and loving you.

Integrative Recommendations for Rheumatoid Arthritis

2012-01-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

Anintegrative approach to autoimmune illness, including rheumatoid arthritis,includes general measures to reduce inflammation in the body. Simultaneously reducing stress and improving stressmanagement maximizes your healing response and can help reduce flares, becausestress is expressed as inflammation in the body.

Mind- BodyTechniques

Meditationis highly recommended for all patients with severe generalized inflammation. Considerenrolling in a Mindfulness BasedStress Reduction program, or learning vipassana meditation. Mindfulness hasbeen shown to measurably reduce salivary cortisol and plasma DHEAS(“Mindfulness-based stress reduction in relation to quality of life, mood,symptoms of stress and levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS)….Carlson et al, Psychoneuroimmunology 2004.

Relaxationexercises and the development of improved methods to cope with stress are alsobelieved to be helpful, through the use of Tai Chi, Yoga, or a similar bodybased meditative practice.

Reflectiveor disclosure journaling is helpful, particularly writing regarding emotionallycharged events in your life.

Removing toxins

Eliminatecoffee and tobacco. Make alcohol arerare treat, if at all. Consider elimination of commonly offending foods, withor without IgG food sensitivity testing. Dairy, wheat, citrus, and nuts are common culprits. Total elimination of suspected foods fromyour diet for three weeks followed by reintroduction of each food separatelymay be revealing.

Shiftto an organic based diet, including dairy, eggs, and meat products. At least avoid the more pesticide laden foods– see foodnews.org to learn which foods are more important to get organic. Limitedresearch suggests a substantial improvement for some people with rheumatoidarthritis with a change to a vegan diet. Improvement is seen only after several months.

Nutrition

Increaseomega-3 fatty acid intake by eating more cold water fish, adding groundflaxseeds, or fish oil. See www.ewg.org/node/15436 for informationto help you avoid excessive mercury exposure. Consider the recommendations ofthe anti-inflammatory diet and gradually incorporate as many of these as makesense to you.

Acupuncture

Helpfulfor many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis; less likely to be beneficial forthose taking corticosteroids such as prednisone.

Supplements

Fish oil supplementsare recommended. Look for high qualitybrands like Nordic Naturals or Carlsons. Determine your dose not by the total amount shown on the front of thebottle, but with the sum content of DHA plus EPA. Start with a daily dose of 1000 mg of DHA + EPA, and increase every five days orso until you take a total of 25 mg DHA and 15 mg EPA / lb of body weight, or3-5 g/day, ideally split between morning and evening doses, with food.

GLA(Gamma Linolenic Acid), as GLA 1.4-2.8 gm/day) or Evening Primrose Oil (12-22gm/day). Start two weeks after beginning fish oil, and use ONLY IF TAKINGMODERATE DOSE OF FISH OIL AS WELL!

VitaminD, 2000 IU/day or as indicated bytesting.

Calcium1000 mg daily, ideally as Ca Citrate

Magnesium400 – 750 mg daily, as tolerated.

Selenium100 mg (not to exceed 400 microgram/day)and less if you eat many nuts (one brazil nut provides an average of 100micrograms of selenium.)

ANDPERHAPS: Vitamin C, 250 mg twice daily.

Botanicals: (each are included in the supplement Zyflamend)

Ginger,starting with 1 gm twice daily, increasing weekly up to total of 2 gm twicedaily. Turmeric, ½ gm twice daily, increasing to 1 gm twice daily. To absorb it, cook it must be cooked in oil.

Exercise

Apersonalized well balanced exercise program has numerous and significantbenefits.

Avoid herbal supplementsthat stimulate the immune system, such as Echinacea, Astragalus, AlfalfaSprouts, Iron, St. Johns Wort. Alfalfa sprouts contain the amino acidL-canavanine, which can stimulate the immune system in people with lupus andincrease inflammation. Other legumes are safe to eat as they have a much lowerconcentration of L-canavanine. It’sprobably best to also avoid iron unless you are anemic and iron deficient. (Keep in mind some menstruating women willneed appropriate doses of iron to prevent anemia.) St. John’s Wort can cause many othermedicines to be less effective.

Pharmaceuticals

As recommended byyour rheumatologist.

Post Authored by :
Georgia Tetlow, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson Medical College
Phone: (888) 702-7974
Email: info@beingmybestself.com
Website: www.beingmybestself.com

What to do if you suspect your teen is using drugs or alcohol - by Wendy Sunderlin

2012-01-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

Despite all of your efforts to keep your kids drug-free, one day you might suspect that your son or daughter is using drugs or alcohol. By the end of eighth grade, approximately 50% of adolescents have had at least one drink and more than 20% report having been “drunk” (American Academy of Pediatrics). Drug and alcohol use increases chances of addiction and it can change the developing brain.

One thing remains true, parents are the most influential people on a teen’s decision about drug use. So what are the facts? Substance use (including alcohol) can change the direction of a young person’s life physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. It can weaken the ability to concentrate and retain information, impair judgment, lead to risky behaviors, and cause poor decision making.

Parents are sometimes afraid that they will push their teen away when talking to them about substance use. You may be worried that your child will get in trouble with the law and it will ruin his ability to qualify for scholarships or hold a job. The ultimate goals is to protect your child from harm and irreparable damages.

When you have your first suspicion that your teen may be using, what should you do?

• Sit down in a place without distractions (yes, your teen should put down his/her cell phone) and
talk with your child. Be sure to choose a time when you are calm and when there is plenty of time.
• Tell your child what you see and/ or feel. Be specific about the things you have observed that have caused concern. Make it known if you have found any alcohol cans/bottles, drug paraphernalia, etc.
• Explain exactly how their appearance or behavior has changed and why it concerns you.
• Directly state your family rules on substance use. “In this family, we don’t smoke marijuana.” Then be clear on your house rules. Most importantly, FOLLOW THROUGH WITH OUTLINED CONSEQUENCES.
• Be prepared for your teen to deny using any substances. Your child may get angry and try to change the subject. If you child asks you about your substance
use history, be honest and share the consequences you experienced.
• Ask your child why he/she is using drugs or alcohol. Once you get a better idea of the situation, pressures, or motivation then you have a clearer direction of what to do next.
• Do not deny any substance use is taking place with your teen.
• Provide a safe, nonjudgmental person for your child to talk to. This could be a counselor, coach, grandparent, church leader, or another mentor.

For more information on talking to your teen about substances visit:

www.drugfree.org
www.theantidrug.com
www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen- drinking
http://www.parentactionondrugs.org/ parentquestions.php

Your pediatrician or family doctor can be a great resource as well.

For more information and to read additional articles on teen trends and talking with teens, visit Wendy Sunderlin's TeenLifeTalks website at http://www.teenlifetalks.com/Resources_Newsletters.php

The Importance of Vitamin D - by Georgia Tetlow, MD

2012-01-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D is inversely associated with risk of colorectal cancer. The higher your vitamin D level, the less likely you are to get cancer of the colon or rectum. Big news!!

A few years back, Dr. Freedman and colleagues studied 16,818 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Freedman et al. 2007). Colorectal cancer mortality was found to be inversely related to vitamin D blood levels, with levels of 80 nmol/L or higher associated with a 72% risk reduction (95% confidence interval = 32% to 89%). Levels lower than 50 nmol/L supported the inverse relationship between 25(OH)D levels and colorectal cancer mortality—again—the higher the levels, the lower the cancer risk. Overall, a meta-analysis showed that in all five studies, a significant protective effect against developing colorectal cancer was conferred by vitamin D sufficiency. (Gorham et al. 2007)
Additional research is forthcoming regarding vitamin D’s important role in the prevention of breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

It’s important to get your vitamin D level tested, and essential to get repleted to the right level! Unlike integrative physicians, so many conventional physicians still underdose. Make sure your levels are appropriate for the upcoming winter months, when a higher dose of vitamin D is often needed.

Vitamin D Prevents Colorectal Cancer: Dose-Response Relationship. Gorham et.al. American Journal of Preventive Medicine Volume 32, Issue 3, March 2007, Pages 210-216.

Dr. Georgia Tetlow practices integrative medicine at The Resiliency Center. Visit www.beingmybestself.com, call 888-702-7974 or email info@beingmybestself.com.

Read other articles by Dr. Tetlow here: [Insert link to: http://drgt-integrativemedicine.com/]

Nutritional Guidelines to Enhance Mood and Emotional Well-being by Joel Edman

2012-01-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

Whilesome of us recognize that when we eat better and take nutritional supplementsour mood is better, for others this relationship may be difficult to evaluate.It also may be surprising to learn that there are actually several significantareas of research linking nutrition and mood. As described below, nutritional factors influencingdepression, for example, range from folate and vitamin D, to omega 3 fattyacids and hypoglycemia. There arealso a number of nutritional supplements that can be important and they will bedescribed later as well. As isalways presented in this column, these approaches are most beneficial when theyare applied within the context of an overall integrative medicine program thatincludes dietary guidelines, nutritional supplements, physical fitness,relaxation techniques and other modalities, and then a uniquely developedoverall program is designed for each individual.

Whendescribing nutritional influences on mood and other symptoms or problems, it isimportant to keep a couple of key points in mind. The first is that a healthy diet should always be thefoundation of a good nutritional plan. Another way to say this is that you can’t make up for a poor diet bytaking a lot of supplements. Targeted nutritional supplements can then be included to add to thebenefits of a good diet, producing an even better effect than each one wouldhave had by itself.

Dietary Influences

Thereare several ways in which an imbalanced or poor diet can influence mood. This can be particularlyimportant when our diet is not as good as we would like it to be, but it canoften be compounded by other problems such as significant stress (which mayincrease the requirement of specific nutrients), stomach or intestinal symptoms(which may weaken digestion and absorption of important nutrients andphytonutrients), aging effects, exposure to environmental insults, and/or otherinfluences.

Oneprimary characteristic of diet is that it provides essential vitamins andminerals that serve as cofactors or facilitators for the production of specificneurotransmitters or brain signal molecules. For example, the B complex vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin,pyridoxine, cobalamin and folate) help to make the neurotransmitters dopamine,serotonin, GABA and acetylcholine. This understanding has led to the term “stress B-complex”, and aB-complex nutritional supplement is often recommended for people who have high levelsof stress, or symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.

Themost well-documented influence for B complex vitamins has been found for folateand depression, although low levels of vitamin B12 can also be very importantfor mood and other nervous systemsymptoms, and B12 deficiency or insufficiency is more common as we getolder. Some research suggests thatthe relationship between folate and depression may be more significant in menthan women, and for recurrent depression more than a single depressive episode,yet it would be important to look at for everyone that has depression. Since folate is found in healthy foodssuch as vegetables, whole grains, beans, and fruit which are suggestive ofhealthier dietary patterns, it may be difficult to separate out the influenceof folate specifically vs. the diet in general. However, there are other studies that have found that lowerfolate levels were associated with poorer response to anti-depressantmedications (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -SSRIs) and thatfolate supplementation may produce more benefit than SSRI therapy alone inpeople with major depression.

Another important dietary factor todiscuss is that of healthy fats, specifically omega 3 fatty acids. A recent major study suggested thatomega 3 fatty acids had significant anti-depressive effects. Although much of this research haslooked at effects of supplemental fish oil, containing EPA and DHA, there isother research that has shown that lower dietary fish and omega 3 fatty acidintake and lower blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids are associated withdifferent types of depression.

The inclusion of healthy fat in the dietis likely beneficial in several ways including: (a) nervous system function;(b) anti-inflammatory effects – which occur with specific conditions and aging;(c) following a healthy dietary pattern which would be similar to aMediterranean-type diet or vegetarian-based diet; and (d) helps to balancemacronutrients (protein, healthy fat and complex carbohydrates) and thereforestabilize blood sugar. Thesehealthy omega 3 fatty acids or fats are primarily from specific types of fish(salmon, sardines, tuna, etc), flax seeds, soy products, nuts/seeds and darkgreen leafy vegetables). Whilemonounsaturated fats (primarily from olive oil, olives, nuts/seeds and avocado)are likely helpful too, there is little research at this time to support arelationship to mood.

The last dietary factor to discuss, yetperhaps one of the most important, is hypoglycemia or abnormal glucosetolerance/insulin resistance. Although there has been little recent research, studies have suggested asignificant relationship between depression, and abnormal glucose metabolismand/or insulin resistance. Onestudy found significantly higher blood sugar levels, greater glucose responsesduring an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), larger insulin responses duringthe OGTT, and insulin resistance in people with depression. Symptoms of hypoglycemia includefatigue, headaches, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations, irritabilitybefore meals and possibly other symptoms. Causes of hypoglycemia include excessive sugar and refined carbohydrateintake, missing meals, excessive coffee or caffeine intake, inadequate dietaryprotein or fat (preferably healthy fat), significant stress and/or inadequatemagnesium or chromium intake.

Nutritional Supplement Effects

The use of nutritional supplements is anessential part of a nutritional program that can boost mood. As already discussed, a B-complex supplementwith good amounts of vitamin B12 and folate is important to take, although somegood multivitamin and mineral supplements may work just as well since theywould have the range of vitamins and minerals that are important, as well asabout 25 to 50 mg of most B-complex vitamins. A fish oil supplement is another important product to taketo provide extra amounts of omega 3 fatty acids and insure therapeutic benefit.

Athird part of a foundation supplement program would be calcium, magnesium andvitamin D. As we know calcium ishelpful for bone density and bone strength, but it can also be beneficial forthe nervous system. Magnesium,which may be the nutrient that is most commonly deficient in the US, has acalming effect on the nervous system, helps with blood sugar regulation, andhas other benefits for allergies, hormonal balance and heart functioning. Finally, vitamin D has been found to behelpful for some people with seasonal mood fluctuations or season affectivedisorder (SAD) and vitamin D is also frequently found to be deficient when a blood test is done.

Withregard to other supplements that could be helpful, there are many. Probably the best researched productsare S-adenosyl-methionine or SAMe, and the herb, St. John’s Wort.

SAMeis an amino acid that is a major factor needed in the production of severalneurotransmitters and for nerve cell membranes. There is actually extensive research spanning threedecades to support its use. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, there is enoughclinical research and experience to suggest that SAMe is effective for manypeople.

WhileSt. John’s Wort has been found very helpful for mild to moderate depression,its use in major depression is less clear. It is also worth noting that there is significant potentialfor an interaction between St. John’s Wort and other medications since they aremetabolized by the same liver enzymes. It is therefore important to discuss these issues with your doctors andother healthcare practitioners.

Asfor other potentially useful supplements, it is not possible to describe themin detail, but they would include products such as 5-HTP, DHEA, inositol,supplements for sleep (for example, melatonin, valerian, etc.), and some others. To explore the use of these supplementsit would be best to work with an experienced and effective group of integrativemedicine practitioners.

Practical Approach

Anoverall integrative medicine approach is essential. Since dietary changes and programs can be challenging, carefulconsideration should be given to what is possible for each individual. Therefore, a reasonable diet ortherapeutic diet should be combined with targeted supplements, stretching andexercise, relaxation techniques and other modalities.

Itis always helpful to get some blood testing done which can assess whether thereare some imbalances or clinical/subclinical deficiencies orinsufficiencies. Validated commontesting would include blood levels of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine, aswell as other nutrient measures such as, 25 hydroxy vitamin D, and red blood cell (RBC) magnesium andzinc. Some tests commonly used byintegrative medicine practitioners, but not well validated, are urinary panelsfor neurotransmitter metabolites, metabolic profiles, fatty acid profiles,detoxification profiles and others.

Withregard to nutritional supplementation, one approach is to recommend afoundational program. Such aprogram might include a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral complex, omega 3fatty acids/fish oil and a calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplement. Additional targeted supplements couldbe focused on anti-depressive effects, anxiety, sleep, and/or other aspects ofan individuals’ circumstances. Through the combination of dietary guidelines and nutritionalsupplementation as well as other integrative modalities, good mood andemotional well-being will surely follow.

A Wave by Dean Solon

2012-01-23T05:09:00.000-08:00

you sitting by the ocean, the waves rolling in, washing ashore, a few feet from your outstretching toes...
you swimming in the ocean, the waves rolling over you, washing you down...
you sitting, here, now, waves circulating and coursing through your body...
and you a wave, you the wave, splashing into the sand, and you the water receding back into the sea...

allowing an unfolding of intention, lightly...
allowing an unfolding of practice, lightly...
because this is not really about attaining anything,
because this is not really about achieving anything.

sitting...with the unexplainable, with the inexplicable, with the surprise, of breathing in and breathing out, of being with a body, with a mind, in a life, here and now.

sitting...with a pulsing, with a pervading, of awareness, of alertness, of your heart beating, of being here now.

here is the place
here is the place
now is the time

sit with this. sit with this.
sitting with awareness of THIS, without attachment to THIS.
sitting with this...with this body, with this mind, with this life, with this breath.

here is the place
now is the time

2012 by Dean Solon

2012-01-13T04:27:00.000-08:00

sitting with quiet...mindfulness, and mindlessness...with an openness to whatever is present, and presenting.

the guru-devotee, master-disciple, relationship still can be effective, and still has a place in our world; yet this may be an age when it is becoming less necessary. because, in this quickening and accelerating age we are living in, when anything and everything is changing at a breathtaking (and breath-giving) speed, and where information may be transmitted, exchanged, shared, in almost no time at all, the possibility of awakening is right here, right now.
       enlightenment is never more than a moment away.
each of us is mystery. each of us is mastery.
each of us lives with a golden Buddha heart.
each of us has light streaming through us,
and each of us may see the light streaming in and through any and all others' eyes...hearts...minds.
       JAI GURU DEVA OM
      "blessings to the spiritual Master within"
yes, in this time---our time---the means of great destruction are readily available, and only a button-pushing-moment away.
AND yes, in this time, our time, the means of connection, of awareness and awakening, are only a heartbeat away.

perhaps, here now, in a passage of time referred to as 2012, we may understand an essence of the Buddha's teaching is not about becoming a buddha (an "awakened one"); it is about being a buddha...an awakened one.
       may this be the best year yet.

Let’s Resolve to Have a Great Year – by DeliaTrapuzzano, MFT

2012-01-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! I am looking forward to experiencing loads of positive changes in this coming year. My name is Delia Trapuzzano and I am thrilled to be a part of the healing professionals with their practices at the Resiliency Center. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I thoroughly enjoy working with children of all ages and their families. Nothing gives me more joy than being a part of the process of enabling families to enjoy a harmonious family life. Family Therapy is special because problems are never the fault of one person. A family is a system and whenever the system goes haywire, everyone needs to pull together to be part of the solution. Think about it. If any one of us was stranded alone on a desert island, we wouldn’t have any problems (except for survival, of course). No matter how bizarre a person’s behavior might be, it only comes to light because of the way other people are affected by it. We are all intensely impacted by the people we live with. This is why I find family therapy so fascinating. A person might grow and make significant changes in his or her life but once they are back in their family system, they seem to revert to their old self. Many people probably noticed that phenomenon when visiting family over the holidays. It’s possible to ignore relational issues or hope things will get better, but if the patterns don’t change, chances are, the problems won’t go away by themselves. Sometimes families need outside help to shine a light on the issues and show each person their role in creating or perpetuating the problem. A family therapist can provide a safe environment to allow each family member to express him or her self and be heard. No matter how “right” a person might be he will not be able to invoke changes in others unless he is prepared to make some changes in himself.

A great first step in making changes is to start with acceptance. Whether you want to inspire a change in someone else or in yourself, it is best to start by accepting what is. This may seem contradictory but it’s not. If a person is too attached to the outcome or the goal, a certain amount of resistance will exist. This is a spiritual law. When you are determined to have something different, it implies that you don’t want what you have. It is analogous to focusing on what you don’t want instead of focusing on what you do desire. This is why so many New Years Resolutions do not pan out. It is better to “accept what is” on a deep level than to focus on change. That is, don’t just say “I’m okay with being over-weight.” Feel and experience the love and gratitude for everything that you are and know that unwanted pounds are just a small, unimportant part of the whole package. The more you experience that genuine peace, acceptance and gratitude for all that you are, the more you will want to take better care of the body that holds your heart and soul. You will love all of you.

Another factor that comes into play when people make resolutions or commitments to themselves is the concept of “all or nothing.” You set yourself up for failure when you say “from now on, I’m going to this, that, and the other thing.” As soon as you don’t, you beat yourself up and decide that since you already failed at the commitment, you might as well call the whole thing off or punish yourself by make things worse somehow. If you genuinely accept yourself, you will celebrate your successes and excuse some digressions.

Treating yourself with love and acceptance enables you to be more creative and open to knowing what is best for you. Who knows, you may not be happier as a skinny person. Just start small by maybe eating more vegetables. You may find that you really like the taste. Now you realize that eating healthier meals improves you energy and digestive system. You will gradually and naturally continue to eat well and you will find recipes that appeal to your changing taste buds. Now your added energy might motivate you pursue some activities that you always used to love. You might take up tennis or walk in the park with a friend, or go out dancing. Moving around, doing things you enjoy makes you feel even better so you continue to do more of it. Pretty soon, your lifestyle has changed for the better because you are listening to your body and treating yourself with love. Extra weight may or may not come off, but you will certainly feel better in every way.

In addition to family therapy, I am also a certified hypnotist. Hypnosis can help people reach their goals by understanding how the subconscious mind is “trying to keep you safe and happy” but sometimes doing so in ways that are in conflict with conscious desires. I have special New Years rates for the month of January and February to help people make some changes with much less effort. I have a strong aversion to cigarette smoking. As much as I love plants, I welcome the day the tobacco plant becomes extinct. If I didn’t have bills to pay, I would invite everyone to come in for free smoking cessation hypnosis and counseling. If it is your desire to be a non-smoker in 2012, I salute and support you.

In closing, I would like to quote Ellen Degeneres in saying, “Be kind to one another.” And I would add, “Be kind to yourself.” Have a wonderful year.

Delia Trapuzzano is a Marriage and Family Therapist who joined the community of practitioners with practices at The Resiliency Center this year. To learn more about her work or to schedule an initial consultation, contact her at delia.trap@verizon.net or 610-416-7535.

Sacred December by Dean Solon

2011-12-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

there is no need, no point, to be making someThing happen.
beacause it---all of it, all of THIS---is always happening,
is always present. there is simply
                                                       really
                                                       and truly
only opening and always opening
to IT
with IT
and as IT.
breathing in and breathing out...you are with IT.
showering in the morning...you are with IT.
preparing a meal, staring at the computer in the workplace,
listening to music, driving a car in the philly traffic...you are with IT.
so it is in sacred december...
so it is in any month, so it is in any moment,
so it is here and now...
you are with IT.
you are IT.
OM MANI PADME HUM
what we seek, we are.

what you seek
you are

Closing Eyes by Dean Solon

2011-12-07T11:52:00.001-08:00

close your eyes, listen. feel your heart beating,
your breath rising and falling. do nothing.

closing eyes gently...
closing eyes gently...
opening heart and mind, spirit and soul, gently.

a sacredness of present moment.
a sacredness of present moment
awareness.
who and what you are...magical and miraculous.

when all noise diminishes, when all chatter dissipates and all chatter subsides,
what remains, what and who resides and abides?
SomeOne surprising and mysterious,
SomeThing unexpected and unforeseen,
SomeThing beyond belief and beyond description
...you
and all of this.

simple, beautiful, silent.

the lightness of being. the openness of being. the vulnerability of being.
a day begins, with threads [connecting], with waiting willing surprises. and am i open to them? am i attending, not-attaching, to them?

eyes closed. heart beating,
breath rising and falling. doing nothing.

Thanksgiving 2011 by Dean Solon

2011-11-15T12:07:00.001-08:00

openness     spaciousness     vastness     expansiveness
what living can be
what living is to be

awareness     clarity     compassion     wisdom
what living can be
what living is to be

awe     wonder     mystery     surprise
what living can be
what living is to be

awake     awakening     enlightened     enlightening
what living can be
what living is to be

forgiveness
lovingkindness

gratitude
thanks-giving

what being here and now is to be

Do you like to crochet or knit? Do you want to learn? We need your help making lap blankets for nursing home residents

2011-10-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Resiliency Center KnittingCircle is working on a project to deliver 180 lap blankets (36” x 36”) topatients in a local Nursing Home. Lap blankets benefit nursing home patients byproviding physical and emotional warmth. They are a wonderful way to show loveand support for someone in need of a warm hug every day.

Themother of someone in our Knitting Circle inspired this project. She spent the last three months of herlife in a nursing home. She wasmore fortunate than most. Herfamily visited throughout the week and gave her love and care she needed. As I’m sure you know, others are not asfortunate and do not have the benefit of care and visits from relatives andfriends. Although we cannot takethe place of a caring family, we can show love to these individuals byproviding them with a colorful blanket as a reminder that someone cares.

We are asking volunteers to knit orcrochet washable lap blankets that are 36" x 36". Any colors, patterns,needle sizes are welcome. Just let your imagination and kind heart go wild.

Lap blankets completed so far havebeen crocheted (using a basic granny square) or knitted in panels that werejoined after completion. Anypattern you choose would be great. If you prefer, rather than knitting orcrocheting a blanket of 36” x 36”, you can knit or crochet blocks of 12" x12" and we will combine them with other squares we receive. There are websites available on the internet such as ravelry.com with step-by-stepinstructions for learning to knit and crochet, along with patterns for alllevels. Or, better yet, join us on the second Saturday of the month and wewould love to teach you! Please register by logging in to: http://www.meetup.com/resiliencygatherings/

Your lap blankets can be dropped offor mailed to:

Jen Fusco Perry, LPC

The Resiliency Center

602 S. Bethlehem Pike

Ambler, PA 19002

If you have any questions, pleasesend an email to: warm.hugs180@gmail.com

Pleasenote that we do not monitor email every day but will get back to you shortly.We are just a few people in a Knitting Circle* who are hoping that we can put asmile on someone’s face by giving them a warm lap blanket along with theknowledge that people care.

Please help us reach our goal. We cannotaccomplish this mission without your help.

From Little “T’s” to Big “T’s”; Alleviating Stressors Using Trauma Focused Therapy Approaches

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

by Kathleen Krol, LCSW, RPT

Life is stressful! Noone is immune from experiencing stress, whether it is the day to day little“T’s” or the bigger life changing “T’s”. Little “T’s” are the fender-benderaccidents, dissatisfaction with a critical boss, fear of giving a presentationor navigating through your child’s terrible two’s. Big “T’s” are the eventsthat have a lasting impact; loss of a loved one, involvement in major accident,experiencing or witnessing violence or abuse. Little “T’s” are the situationsthat cause some sleepless nights, muscle tension, worry, intestinal problems,poor concentration, anxious or sad mood. Big “T’s” may include the same disturbancesas the smaller “T’s” but may occur with more intensity or for longer durationof time. Big “T” symptoms also may include recurrent dreams or flashbacks ofthe event, detachment from others, irritability or angry outbursts,psychological distress and physiological reactivity to internal or externalstimuli that remind one of the trauma.

In this article, I’dlike to highlight three modalities; Sand Tray, Trauma Art Narrative Therapy andEMDR, that can be used in alleviating symptoms from little or big “T’s”. All three approaches can be used withchildren, teens and adults.

Sand Tray provides choice of using either wet ordry trays of sand along with selected “miniatures”, objects which provide themedium for emotional expression and communicating one’s experience. Trauma issensory based in that traumatic memories are encoded in both the body as wellas the brain. The modality of sand has a kinesthetic quality that addresses thesensory component of trauma, the deeper emotional experience that is retainedin the body itself. For children, sand tray provides a safe, natural way for themto express themselves without re-experiencing the traumatization of theoriginal event. Adolescents and adults may experience emotional release throughthe use of symbolism and projection of feelings until the sand tray andminiatures.

Trauma Art Narrative Therapy (TANT) is a structured cognitively orientedtechnique which uses art as a modality for healing from trauma. With trauma,memories are often disconnected and fragmented. Trauma art pieces togetherthese memories by guiding one to narrate the traumatic experience through aseries of sequential drawings. As one draws “snapshots” of the event,integration of the emotional and cognitive components of the brain takes placeand promotes healing. Preparation for this trauma work always includes establishinga safe point before and after the trauma. TANT is effective with both minor singleincidents to major events that have had significant impact. Artistic ability isnot needed to benefit from this modality and more spontaneous drawing is mosteffective.

Eye Movement DesensitizationReprocessing (EMDR) usesbilateral stimulation techniques such as eye movements, tapping or audio whichstimulate both sides of the brain. When a traumatic event occurs, pieces of thetrauma can remain stuck or frozen in the brain and nervous system. Bilateralstimulation helps “unlock stuck material” thereby allowing the mind and body toprocess the traumatic event. EMDR is often used with big “T” traumas butequally can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of general anxiety andphobias or working through little “T’s” that can impact daily functioning,assist one in better managing stressors related to job, family, relationshipsand overcoming roadblocks to growth and development. Preparation includes developingresources in stress management and relaxation.

Kathleen Krol, LCSW,RPT is a independent practitioner at the Resiliency Center and also a LicensedClinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, who uses these threemodalities along with Family and Play Therapy and Parent Education. She works with children, teens andadults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, abuse andbehavior issues. To learn more about any of these specialties’ or discuss howshe might help you and your family, email kasiakrol17@verizon.net or call 215-289-3101, mailbox #1.

Accidents? by Dean Solon

2011-10-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

are there accidents, truly accidents? are there only accidents? is each thing and every thing and any thing circumstantial, unrelated, uncaused, disconnected? incidental and accidental, no more than coincidental?

is there sense, are there reasons? is there continuity, and synchronicity, and co-incide-nce? is there a God? are there Masters, is there Mastery?

the hindus and the buddhists defy a finding...made after much seeking and soul searching, to accept what arises and to live with what is and to be ascribing no primal cause, no Determinable beginning and no explicable end...by deciding, by hypothesizing and theorizing, by determining, there is karma---Karma---giving cause, and effect, and reason, and explanation of this reality we are living in and of this consciousness we are living with.

following a trail, always attributing reason(s), wanting, wanting so much, for there to be sense, comfort, security, a floor and a ground to be standing on, sitting on, sleeping on, awaking on.

so the hold again loosens, as it must loosen.
so the need for answers, for the Answer, abates, subsides, falls aside, as it must abate, subside, fall aside.
perhaps there is a floor and a ground of all being.
perhaps there is no floor no ground.
perhaps there is this and that, perhaps there is not-this not-that.
perhaps there are limits and are terms of agreement.
perhaps there are no limitations, no regulations, no certainties.
perhaps there are rules relating and laws defining.
perhaps there is only experiencing and expressing the mysterious and the ineffable.

perhaps there is knowing.
perhaps there only is not-knowing.

As If by Dean Solon

2011-10-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

we think, we believe this is our world.
OUR world.
as if     as if     as if
any world, let alone this world, is ours.
as if     as if     as if
any body, let alone this body, is mine.
as if     as if     as if
any body, let alone that body, is yours.

as if     as if     as if
any thought, any theory, is real and true.

as if
as if
as if

Transitioning with Children Following Divorce

2011-09-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

By Jeff Katowitz, LMFT

When two people divorce it can be a difficult process both emotionally and financially in making an adjustment to a new way a living. Through a shift in life style, never ending schedule changes and negotiations if there are children, and seeking a predicable flow and consistency in routines can be very challenging. Many parents attempt to create a new family too quickly and are motivated out of a desire to put back together or establish an image of a family from one that had been broken. Parents, however, need to engage in a process of their own healing and reflect regarding what had transpired in their previous marriage or relationship first prior to establishing new relationships. Awareness is the key here, where many parents tend to find themselves feeling lost, trapped by their own pain and may seek refuge in a new relationship to cover over quickly the negative experiences that they had in their marriage.

But what about the children of these divorcing couples. It is not within their control to pick a new partner for their parents (although some have a great deal of influence in this process). They too may have a similar need for normalcy and predictability but their parents’ judgment and timing of their decisions may be in question. Some children may carry and harbor resentment toward one or both parents for their decision to divorce. They struggle with their own feelings of abandonment and many feel that no one has considered the impact that the divorce has had on their lives. It is therefore critical to assess how their children are transitioning and may need to work towards developing or reestablishing trust with their children if it has been compromised. But how do parents initiate a process in which they help their children feel acknowledged and cared for? Parents seem stuck in a quagmire - between their own sense of entitlement and desire or need to transition out of an unfulfilling relationship and the guilt over hurting their children and not knowing what the most appropriate next step should be.

Depending on the circumstances and the ages of the children parents may want to consider engaging them in an open discussion - asking for feedback and opinions regarding what had transpired specifically relating to the divorce. Many parents are unaware of how to gauge where their children are emotionally following a divorce and make assumptions about how their children feel. Without a clear understanding directly from their children parents may experience resistance and a great deal of conflict in their relationship with their children. From experience in treating very complex family systems and those transitioning through divorce and healing post divorce I have found that those parents who show compassion and patience with their children regarding the pace of their transition receive positive results. It is not uncommon to hear children openly articulate that they want to “see their parents happy” and this suggests that they have made a shift towards letting go of past pain and resentments – they can now see more clearly of what is in the best interest of not only themselves but also of their parents. Those children who have been permitted and encouraged to draw their own conclusions are not only able to think about what will make them happy but also able to think about their parents’ happiness. It is also a strong indicator that their needs are being met and that they have been able to transition through a difficult chapter in their lives by forgiving their parents for the decisions that they have made.

Jeff Katowitz, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing individual, couples, family counseling. Specialties include adolescent development, separation, divorce, adoption, and blended families. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Jeff at 215-307-0055 or email him at jpkatowitz@verizon.net.

The Whole Shebang #2 by Dean Solon

2011-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

this is the way it is: i am living in heaven and in hell, at once.
this is where i am. in one world. here, now---heavenhell.
this is the whole shebang. this is the whole works. this is the context, is the content:
there is one world. heavenhell.
the delight and the desolation. the beauty and the banality. the soaring and the scarring.
heavenhell on earth. our eyes witnessing. our minds perceiving, our hearts understanding: drama, attachment, falling aside, falling away,
revealing no separation,
no stipulation, no condemnation.
revealing THIS...

this is the way it is: wild world, wild life, a core place, a center, a conviction, where
peace and love and mercy reside, abide, transmit an experience and expression of
abundance and nothingness.
you have done yoga, you have meditated. what have you found to be real and true, there? what have you learned?
what are you knowing, now?

this is the way it is: the glory and the genocide.

no matter how much we bring our western sensibilities to buddhism, we cannot escape the predicament, we cannot eradicate the possibility, of what the Buddha has presented to us: you are not becoming IT; you are IT.
this is the way it is: not becoming.
being.
in nearly infinite time and space, where there is not-time, where there is not-space, there is, only, here now....there is being.

the universe is not waiting, this planet earth is not waiting, for us to become something.
the accelerated path is urging, is demanding, is insisting:
now, be something, be someone.
now, be the Buddha-self.

now, be awake.

Flash Flooding by Dean Solon

2011-09-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

the expressing of this world is a river running through
every thing, a river overflowing its own furrowed banks,
a flash flood perpetually in the making
and the destroying.
mysteriously, in a moment, any moment
THIS moment
it disappears,
as if it never was, never could be,
as if a drought has overspread the earth.
as if a drought has overcome the heart.

mysteriously, in a moment, any moment
THIS moment
the river reappears,
and the heart again knows sorrow, suffering,
holocaust, again knows hope and loving kindness.
the heart again knows.

Laughter Yoga by Elizabeth Venart

2011-09-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

Laughter Yoga is an exercise and wellness routine that combines fun laughter activities with deep yoga breathing. It was developed in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria. A physician fascinated by medical research demonstrating the positive health benefits of laughter, he decided to start the very first laughter club through an informal “experiment” in which he brought together a group of just five people at a local park in Mumbai, India with just one task: To laugh. They told jokes and funny stories and invited others in the park to join them. Their small group quickly grew to over fifty people! However, Dr. Kataria soon realized being funny was not the best pathway to laughter, as sense of humor is very personal, and offense is as likely to emerge as laughter when jokes are involved. In his effort to address this challenge, he reviewed laughter research and discovered that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. We get the same profound health benefits whether we are simulating laughter or engaging in the real deal!

Laughter yoga is based on the principle that anyone can laugh at any time for no reason whatsoever, without relying on humor, jokes, or comedy. Since that first gathering in the park only 16 years ago, laughter yoga has now expanded to over 6000 laughter clubs worldwide.

In laughter yoga, we encourage laughter through simulated body exercises and interactive activities in a group. Using eye contact and childlike playfulness, this “pretend” laughter soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The health benefits from laughter include improved mood, strengthened immune system functioning, decreased stress, lowered blood pressure, and experiences of pain relief. To top it off, laughing is FUN!

For more information on laughter yoga, check out the links below, and enjoy the video of the baby laughing. This baby was born knowing how to laugh. Research has shown that, on average, children laugh approximately 200 times per day, whereas adults laugh only seven times. Laughter yoga helps us reclaim our natural tendency to laugh and helps us learn to take ourselves less seriously. Join Elizabeth Venart on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at The Resiliency Center for a weekly laughter yoga club. Learn more and RSVP through our Meetup group.

Laughter yoga can be practiced in groups, done alone, or learned and deepened by working individually with a Laughter Yoga Instructor. Elizabeth Venart, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and the Founder of The Resiliency Center, gained certification as a Laughter Yoga Instructor in June. Since that time, she has been offering the laughter club and also infusing laughter yoga into her work with individuals and groups. To learn more about Elizabeth Venart, visit her website or give her a call at 215-542-5004.

Introduction to the Steps of Laughter Yoga

Dr. Kataria’s Laughter Yoga Website

Laughter Yoga Program on Discovery Channel

Dr. Kataria, Founder of Laughter Yoga, Laughing Silently at 5:00 am

Yang-Sheng Mind-Body Research Update article

All That You Dream by Dean Solon

2011-08-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

what is residing and abiding in the depth and breadth and breath of you is not a heart of darkness.

residing and abiding in the depth and breadth and breath of you is a heart of compassion, a heart of wisdom.

what is residing and abiding and abounding in the depth and breadth and breath of you is not restlessness and noise.

residing and abiding in the depth and breadth and breath of you is a quiet,
is a silence,
that includes all sounds and all sights
and all that is past and is future
and all that is full and is empty
and all that you know and do not know
and all that you dream

Thich Nhat Hanh: "If we live mindfully, we encounter the Buddha and Jesus Christ all the time."

A Song For The New Day by Dean Solon

2011-08-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

you are here to change the tune.

you are here to sing a different song, to chant a different mantra. you are here to bear witness, to go forth with love, to resolve and to redeem, to make waves and to make whole.

you are here to be blessed, and to be bliss. you are here to sit before the altar, to be altered, and to be one who alters in space and time. you are here to be awakened, and to be an awakener.

you are here to be the loving cup. you are here to be a bolt of lightning. you are here to be a single finger, pointing skyward.

you are here to be what you are. you are here to be more than who you are.

you are a stranger in a strange land. you are a perfect fit in this world.

you are a mending of the fabric that is torn. you are a healing of the wound that has been inflicted.

you are a leaping forward to the remembering of an ancient tale. you are a falling backward into a seat that has been waiting for you.

you are the reaching for something new.

you are the retrieving of something misplaced.

you are here for completion. you are here for the co-creating of a new beginning.

you are here to be what you are. you are here to be more than who you are.

Get off the Merry-Go-Round of Life to Rediscover Your Children - by Jeff Katowitz

2011-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

The life of a parent can sometimes be described as like being on a merry-go-round that just never stops. Racing around in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. Where are we supposed to be and what is demanded of us? Who needs me and how and what do I need to prioritize? With the mundane tasks, responsibilities that seem to never end we tend to get caught or trapped on the merry-go-round of life and miss out on making sure that we reconnect and nurture important relationships.

It is important for all of us who have children to consider taking a journey back to them. What this essentially means is that many of us are gradually distancing ourselves from what we covet the most, we’re just not aware that it is happening. This process occurs as we rarely get a chance to evaluate and remind ourselves of what is most meaningful. It’s time for us to pay closer attention and to work towards understanding and appreciating where our children are in their development. Begin to look more closely at how our involvement in their lives on a consistent basis can impact their mood, grades, relationships, physical health, motivation and overall behavior.

Consider conducting a self-evaluation of how much we really know what is going on our children’s lives. Do we know who their friends are? Did we know that they got an “A” on their last spelling test? When was the last time we read to them, threw a ball, colored, went to the movies? Oh, here’s a good one – how about asking ourselves when was the last time we had a meaningful conversation with our child?

If you answered “I don’t know” or “no” to some of these questions you may want to take notice and evaluate more closely your relationships with your children. Ask yourself the question “what role am I playing in the life of my children?” Perhaps circumstances make it difficult for you to connect with your children due to a myriad of reasons, but begin to examine if changes need to be made in order to be more accessible to them and identify their needs.

Here are a few simple suggestions of how to increase your involvement and connection with your children. Start a process of consistent communication with each of them. It can be a simple comment or initiating a dialogue with them that shows that you care and notice them. “You look really cool in that jacket.” “I heard you did well on your quiz yesterday,” “How was your day?” You can also try to tell them how much they mean to you. “You know, you are really important to me and I hope we can begin spending more time together – what do you think?” Remember, it doesn’t require a great deal of effort to embark on that journey back into their lives. You just have to be willing to step off of the merry-go-round for a while and take notice.

Jeff Katowitz, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing individual, couples, and family counseling. Specialities include adolescent development, separation, divorce, adoption, blended families, grief and loss, and families in transition.

How Big? by Dean Solon

2011-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

How big are we supposed to be?

What Is is nearly infinite in its spaciousness, in its openness, in its vastness. Words are limiting, and What Is stretches nearly infinitely beyond all possible limitations and boundaries. We are created to be immense, expanding beings big enough to "contain" all that is in its nearly infinite complexity and its nearly infinite simplicity. We are to be big enough so that All That Is is expressed fully in our words, in our actions,
in the walk that we are walking,
in the silence that is nearly enveloping in its nearly infinite field.

We are intended to manifest the spaciousness that is ever becoming the spaciousness of What Is, to unfold the openness that is ever becoming the openness of What Is, to reveal the vastness that is ever becoming the vastness of What Is.

How big are we supposed to be?

We are to be big enough to create the illusion,
we are to be big enough to maintain the illusion,
we are to be big enough to override
and set aside the illusion.

We are to be big enough to be a drop of water dripping from the faucet of all time and space, big enough to be the drop infinitely dripping from that which is behind and beyond the faucet of all time and space.

We are unleashed, to be the drop that is One Drop,
to be the trickle become the flood
overflowing.

Michigan Meditation by Dean Solon

2011-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

living in me
is nothing to acccomplish in this lifetime.
living in me
is there never was anything to be accomplished,
and there may never be.
i was born whole;
that there were holes to be filled
was illusion and ignorance, and
is illusion and ignorance if and when arising.
enlightenment was, is, not needed.

enlightenment was to be, is to be, not sought.
why seek, why search,
for what is, and always is, present moment?
reaching for the sky? here is the sky.
looking for the ground, looking for the floor?
here is the ground. here is the floor.
looking for what is real and true?
here is what is real, here is what is true..
looking for what is not-real, not-true?
here is what is not-real, not-true.

here is what you've been looking for,
where what you've been looking for always has been.

living in you
is nothing to accomplish in this lifetime.
living in you
is there never was anything to be accomplished,
and there may never be.
you were born whole;
that there were holes to be filled
was illusion and ignorance, and
is illusion and ignorance if and when arising.
enlightenment was, is, not needed.

Generosity Of Spirit by Dean Solon

2011-05-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

gentleness with self opens to and reveals a wonderful "secret" teaching: you are perfectly all right as you are.

you are perfectly all right as you are.

this gentleness and generosity with yourself unfolds to a feeling and to a sharing of light and warmth, of compassion and loving kindness, with other living beings.
and so your perception of life and of the world begins to change and to expand...and so the world changes, too.

sitting in this moment...in this present and precious moment.
sitting...in this transitory
                     transparent
                     translucent
                     transcendent
                     transformative moment.
the concoction and connection already residing inside you.
the concoction and connection already and always breathing, already and always living, inside you.

New Life (Easter 2011) by Dean Solon

2011-04-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

a meeting and merging of vision with precision and a big sky view.

an experiencing of the whole shebang in its infinite variety and definitive exactitude.

this...
is seeing what is and what is to be without attaching to outcome or addicting to process (and performance).
is living wthout limits, living with restraint (and integrity).
is living with all seeming paradoxes and without confusion.
this...
is a path requiring practice and purpose, and humility.
is a way of walking as shaman-self and as spiritual friend.
is a journey of participating in time and space without adhering to time and space.
is a coming to personal realizatiom and liberation, to awakening and enlightenment, and is a coming to compassion for all living beings, in any and every form and expression.
this...
is offering and receiving gentleness with oneself.
is attaching no importance to any of all of this.
this...
is being here and now, and being anywhen and everywhere.

Earth Day by Dean Solon

2011-04-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

one hand on the earth.

one hand on the earth, which grounds us, supports us, graces us with life and with presence.

one hand resting on the earth, provider of sustenance, provider of constant companionship during all the moments of our being alive, here.

sitting quietly on the earth, breathing, breathing, feeling a resonating, feeling a connecting and a connection.

sitting quietly, here, now, every day an earth day.

sitting quietly, witnessing the mystery of this, offering gratitude for this.

sitting quietly, one hand on the earth.

A Reminder, A Review by Dean Solon

2011-03-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

what each of us is seeking, is always here, has always been here. the light shines in you and through you, the warmth radiates in you and through you. as you proceed on the life journey, an openness and a spaciousness unfolds, and a place of centering becomes "available" to you. this place, this space, includes experiences of feeling you are waking up, includes experiences of feeling connected and connecting, includes experiences of being saved (of feeling "i was lost, and now, i'm found").

what each of us is seeking, is always here, has always been here. you are a jewel. you are a jewel...in a sea of jewels. your experience of living, of being, becomes more in and of the present moment, allowing a possibility of more sensitivity, more intensity, and---thank God---more patience, more tolerance, and more humor with your own predicament, and with the predicamant of others.

what you are seeking, is always here, has always been here. like all other human beings, you are never more than a moment away from awakening into clarity, bliss...
enlightenment.

let's sit with this...

be with this...

Poetry by Dean Solon

2011-03-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

the universe is poetry, and we who are humans find poetry demanding, and difficult to process and understand.

we feign ignorance, pretend to be asleep, because we are hiding...we are running [away]...we are addicting to drugs or drama.

we are anxious that we will be found, will be discovered, will be judged harshly
OR will be re-awakened and be reminded
AND will remember who we are:
magicians in a world of magic,
each of us with wands, casting spells and uttering oaths
and waking up princesses and princes from deep sleeps
to remember who they are:
prophets, shamans, teachers, poets,
so that they---we---may understand the universe,
which is poetry.

The Words Of Shantideva by Dean Solon

2011-02-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

"May the fearful become fearless;
May those oppressed by grief find joy;
May those who are anxious
Be rid of their anxiety and feel secure.

May health come to the sick;
May they be free from every bondage;
May those who are weak find strength,
Their minds tender towards each other.

As long as space remains,
As long as sentient beings remain,
Until then, may I too remain
And help dispel the miseries of the world."

(Bodhicaryavatara, Chapter X)

In The Loop by Dean Solon

2011-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

sitting...with the web.

with a web, extending outwards into the furthermost reaches of the Great Big Sky universe. with a thread, connecting all expression and forms of the cosmos, gossamer-like lattice linking everything and every one.

each of us a piece, a portal, a presence. each of us tuning in and tuned in. each of us in the mix, each in the flow, each of us in the loop. the web, a thread connecting, linking, all that is...as Mind, as Consciousness, as White Light, as Sensitivity, as Being.

seeing it, feeling it, being it, now. present-moment alertness and awareness of the web---THIS web of being---now.

being awake to and with and as the web not-limiting to some future moment or to some distant lifetime; seeing this, feeling this, being this...now.

space-time continuum, as the nearly infinite rays of the sun, unfolding, converging, presenting, here, now.

you in the flow, you in the loop. you are the flow, you are the loop. you are the web, you are the thread. you are a piece, a portal, a presence.

you a presence in a vast, expansive and expanding, nearly-infinite ocean of Presence.

sitting, some indeterminate time later, with a vow of intention:
     "As long as space endures
      As long as sentient beings remain
      May i too abide
      And dispel the miseries of the world"
                                                                                           (Shantideva)

Exploring by Dean Solon

2011-01-20T05:07:00.000-08:00

each of us encouraged
to be living a grounded and grounding life
as what is presenting is an earth-plane experience
of no ground, no floor.

each of us is born into THIS.
each of us enters into this which is mysterious and surprising, comes into this which is unexpected and unforeseen...yet somehow familiar.
each of us is born into this,
without a visible road map,
and told to explore.
exploring, it is easy to forget you are exploring.
experimenting, it is easy to forget you are experimenting.
exploring and experimenting, it may be easy to forget, in this world with a nearly infinite possibility of activities, of experiences, of dramas and of distractions...is within each of us a nearly infinite ocean of possibility.
within you is a world of mystery and surprise, is a world of awe and splendor. within you is a possibilty of experiencing connection. within you is who you were as you came into this life, and who you are now:
a being of light and warmth. a being who is, in your heart of hearts, loving and kind, compassionate and merciful, peaceful and joyful.

exploring and experimenting...holding lightly not tightly...
always awaking into this present moment,
always being born into THIS.

New by Dean Solon

2010-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

sitting...with a heart opening, your new heart.
with a mind opening, your new mind.
with all that has manifested and that has mattered dissipating as the year ends...
as the bubbles blown through the child's wand float past and away, bursting into nothingness...
new heart, new mind, new eyes to see with awe and splendor a new world, a new way, a new life, mystery and surprise unfolding, a new year beginning...

sitting...with a wish and with intention, that the coming year, for you, be the best one yet, the best one ever.
with feeling and an understanding: the coming year, for you, the best one yet.

sitting...with a wish, that the coming year for all your significant others, for all who are near and dear to you, be the best one yet, the best one ever.
with feeling and an understanding: the coming year, for all your beloveds, the best one yet.

sitting...with a holiday wish of wishes, a new year's wish of all wishes, that all 6.8 billion human beings, all 6.8 billion of us on planet earth, each and every one of us, have the best year yet, the best year ever.
you, in the light that shines and in the warmth that penetrates, with a feeling and an understanding: the coming year, for all beings living and breathing on this planet, the best year yet.

the best year yet.

why not?

'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Dean Solon

2010-12-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

life as sacred. living as sacred. breathing as sacred. feeling as sacred. experiencing as sacred. consciousness as sacred. meditation as sacred. participation and activity as sacred. communication as sacred. work as sacred. play as sacred. the profane, as sacred. the sacred, as sacred.

the mountains and the valleys, the rivers and streams...sacred. the oceans and the deserts...sacred. the trees and the grass and the flowers...sacred. the animals who share the planet with us human animals...sacred. the water we drink and the food we eat...sacred. the sky above and the ground beneath our feet...sacred.

christmas...sacred. Jesus, and His Mother, Mary...sacred. christianity...sacred. judaism, from which christianity was born...sacred. islam, which was preceded by judaism and christianity and which gives great respect to Jesus and to the Prophets before Him...sacred.
all the wisdom traditions...sacred.

the caves and the cities...sacred.

all of the planets and stars in all of the near-infinitude of space...sacred.

you...sacred.

each and every being who is living now, who has lived in the past, and who will live in the future, each and every being who is loving now, who has loved in the past, and who will love in the future...sacred.

may the holiday season be happy, safe, and sacred.
may the holidays be holy days.

'Twas The Light Before Christmas by Dean Solon

2010-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

...a light unto the world...

this is IT.
you are IT.
all of this is IT,
including you.

...sitting...feeling...experiencing...breathing...
breathing in breathing out...
letting go of an awareness, if any, of wishing to be somewhere other than here, of wishing to be some when other than now, of wishing to be someone other than who you are ...
breathing in breathing out...
that this is where you are...here,
that this is who you are...and you are all right,
you are perfectly all right.

...sitting with this...

How to Find Meaningful Connections

2010-12-11T14:06:00.001-08:00

By Jeff Katowitz, LMFT

Are you single, married, have children or in committed relationship? Many have shared sentiments regarding lacking connections in their lives even though they are surrounded by a significant other or children and friends. “Community” has been a word that people often reference these days in terms of not feeling a part of group - longing to feel a part of something larger than their immediate family, aspiring to discover a ritual and place to share and convene with others.

While many turn to religious groups and organizations to feel that sense of belonging and enjoy a structure that is consistent and comfortable for them, others look to create more intimate and smaller groups that do not necessarily have spiritual affiliations but provide them with a sense of connection with others who are like-minded and share similar desires, interests and passions.

An essential ingredient in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with others includes surrounding yourself with individuals who may share similar passions and interests and more importantly those who make you feel alive and accepted when in their presence. When you attempt to join, associate, explore and discover new people ask yourself, “Do I feel embraced by a person or group of individuals? Are these people showing interest in my ideas, who I am, what brings me happiness?”

These initial moments of contact whether verbal or non-verbal are essential in the development and sustaining meaningful relationships. Many of you may know what it feels like to be in the presence of another when there are negative and uncomfortable reactions going off in your body. Learn to understand what this means if you are feeling anxious, tired and uncomfortable - this may be a good indicator that the people in your presence may not be healthy for you.

The more you begin to reflect and explore the feelings, emotions and responses that arise inside you in any given moment, the more you will begin to gravitate towards and maintain healthy and joyous relationships with others. You have the choice and ability to distance and move away from relationships where you don’t feel connected and alive. Begin making those life-changing decisions today and find those new people who will embrace and accept you - and create those new communities where the love you give will be shown to you in return.

Jeff Katowitz, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing individual, couples, family counseling, and parent coordinating. Specialties include adolescent development, separation, divorce, adoption, and blended families. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Jeffrey at 215-307-0055 or email him at jpkatowitz@verizon.net. Read more on our blog [Insert link to: http://resiliency.blogspot.com/2010/10/families-and-divorce.html]

What the Recession Can Teach Us About Ourselves

2010-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

- by Jeff Katowitz, LMFT

What a mess we are in - 2010. Families are complaining about debt, poor decisions, if they could only go back they would have done things differently. They worry about their job security and their ability to make ends meet. Will they be able stay in their home? Should they down-size? Have they been living beyond their means? These are many of the questions that I have been hearing lately. What is significant and perhaps more difficult to examine is how did they get here and what can they learn from their actions?
Embedded in the fear, doubt and frustration is an opportunity. This is a time for families to make real changes. Unfortunately, many are forced into making them sooner than they could have ever imagined. But if real changes are to occur and be maintained, individuals and families may feel less pressured as a result of a shift in life style – from one that is overwhelming to one that is more manageable. Many find it hard to make concrete changes in their behavior, fearing that they will have to make sacrifices, and they struggle with the perception of a future that somehow appears to be defined as "losing something."

It may benefit each of us to take a little inventory or our daily behaviors, particularly how we spend our money. Begin to question your spending habits. Is it necessary to buy that cup of coffee on our way to work or the matching pair of shoes that we convince ourselves we need to go with a particular outfit? The bottom line is the bottom line, and when we get close to either not having money or begin a process of creating more debt for ourselves, this is where we get into problems. One habit that may be constructive moving forward is to ask yourself a simple question when feeling the urge to purchase something that we desire - "Do I need it or do I want it?" If you simply want something but it is not something that is essential in terms of your daily living, then this item should not be purchased. It's that simple. Just walk right past it when you see that thing that you "have to have" and say to yourself that you have plenty of time to purchase this item but, at this juncture, you’re fine waiting. At a time where it is more practical and appropriate, you will make the purchase.

By taking little steps, mini revisions and subtle changes in our daily lives can yield significant outcomes that result in making us feel better. Now imagine stringing together moments and perhaps consecutive days of healthy decisions and truly being able to find contentment and gratitude for what we have.

Passing Clouds In The Big Sky by Dean Solon

2010-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

what is separating us from present-moment awareness?
what is separating us from being AWAKE?

residuals of attaching, inclinations to distracting,
accumulations of sanskaras (karmic material),
motes in the eyes, passing clouds in the Big Sky,
lightly placed impediments and lightly held illusions
separating you from enlightenment in this lifetime,
in THIS moment.

stuff unreleased,
to be released...
at your convenience, of your choosing.

wisdom and compassion
living in and through you,
never more than a wake-up-Call away.

A Thanks-Giving Meditation by Dean Solon

2010-11-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

are you experiencing joy in this life? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing joy in this life," then certainly there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving....and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing joy in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving, because joy is never more than a moment away.

are you experiencing love in this life? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing love in this life," then surely there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving....and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing love in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving, because love is never more than a moment away.

are you experiencing peace in this life? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing peace in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving....and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing peace in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving, because peace is never more than a moment away.

are you experiencing compassion in this life? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing compassion in this life," then there is great good fortune reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving....and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing compassion in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving, because compassion is never more than a moment away.

are you experiencing equanimity in this life? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing equanimity in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving....and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing equanimity in this life," then there is reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving, because equanimity is never more than a moment away.

are you experiencing bliss in this life? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing bliss in this life," then there is good reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving....and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing bliss in this life," then there is good reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving, because bliss is never more than a moment away.

are you experiencing enlightenment in THIS lifetime? if you are answering "yes, i am experiencing enlightenment in this lifetime," then there is every good reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving.
and if you are answering "no, i am not experiencing enlightenment in this lifetime," then there is every good reason to be feeling gratitude and thanks-giving...because enlightenment is never more than a moment away.

What If? by Dean Solon

2010-11-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

what if each of us is a project in the making---one of billions, and billions, of projects in the making---of God...and-or of a big bang unfolding of energy and mass and light and possibility and potentiality manifesting, and crawling ashore and breathing and becoming and being
all of this?

what if the moment of nothing exploding into someThing was a shard of Mastery and Mystery touching everything and every one, including you and including me:
one astonishing wake-up Call
to be more than nothing...
to be someThing?

In Balance

2010-11-10T18:34:00.001-08:00

I recently visited a local suburban elementary school and was profoundly moved by the feedback teachers were providing to the administration regarding their jobs and feeling pressure to expand their roles. The visit inspired me to explore the issue of balance and how many are experiencing a lack of balance in their personal and professional lives.

So how does one create balance for themselves in their everyday lives and what does it mean to be “in” or “out” of balance. During the last year in particular as I met with schools systems, individual clients, families and couples, all conveyed similar sentiments - lacking focus and feeling desperate. So what is happening to everyone? Many of my clients report experiencing chronic stress and not being able to focus, blaming the economy, uncertainty about their future and projecting or prognosticating negative outcomes. Being “out of balance” is also a way of saying that someone could be “out of alignment” which by definition could mean that they are not able to focus or be present, lacking patience, confidence, an energy of hopefulness or just not being “themselves.”

During a recent session with one of my teenage clients a question was posed regarding being "in alignment.” My client responded by saying "everyone is in alignment because they are where they are." I was captivated by this response as it was so simple but also so true. Let's look more closely at this response. Why must we create such angst and confusion, falling into deep bouts of anxiety, depressed and negative thoughts when we can simply catch ourselves and ask a simple question of "what is so wrong with our lives right now or in this very moment?" Our minds are racing saying things like "I don't have enough time, how am I going to complete everything I need to do, how am I going to possibly pay for this bill, he or she or "they" need me and I can't do or be there for them."

One problem is that we choose to define balance in our ability to complete tasks or being able to "get everything done." The reality is that everything never really gets done. There are merely just things or tasks that we all need to do on an everyday basis and tend to get caught in a viscous pattern of self-doubt and fear. Finding a balance is merely an illusion that we create in our minds, somehow convincing ourselves that we are going to be o.k. or that if and when these various tasks are completed somehow equates to us being or feeling "well". So to reference the teenager who so eloquently and succinctly stated "we are where we are" really is a valuable statement. I love taking life lessons from our children and the youth in this world. They constantly remind us that balance always exists we just have to not convince ourselves otherwise.

Jeffrey Katowitz, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing individual, couples, family counseling, and parent coordinating. Specialties include adolescent development, separation, divorce, adoption, and blended families. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Jeffrey at 215-307-0055 or email him at jpkatowitz@verizon.net. Read more on our blog [Insert link to: http://resiliency.blogspot.com/2010/10/families-and-divorce.html]

The Whole Shebang - by Dean Solon

2010-11-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

during the night i am understanding a friend's retreating from the world. this world where each is a jewel, each a gem glittering in a sea of gems...is a world of sorrow and suffering, an experiencing that is nearly too much to be living with.

with this understanding i awaken from sleep a couple of hours later, feeling-experiencing near-despair...in a reality where no one lives for more than a short time, where so many are without needed food, water, shelter, freedom, justice, safety, peace.

to be alert to, to be sensitive to, a world where so many are crying for help, a world so many are living with despair, is nearly too much to bear. thus there arises an inclination to be retreating, and an attempting not to be hearing the cries and feeling the despair.

thus there arises a wishing to be separate from a world of sorrow and suffering, which comes with an attendant consequence of being separate from a world of gems glittering in a sea of gems.

to be truly awake, to be truly alive, is to be living with all of it, with all of this---

the sorrow and the suffering,

the peace and the love and the mercy.

Each of Us a Jewel by Dean Solon

2010-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

...with gratitude to Avalokitesvara, Buddha of compassion...

Rumi...ecstatic poet...lover of God and presence of love...mirror.

Rumi:

"you are the unconditioned spirit

trapped in conditions,

the sun in eclipse."

you...you...the sun in eclipse.

each of us a jewel. each of us a sacred jewel.

each of us shining in this world of world of activity and phenomena.

each of us with a gleaming, a glittering, a glowing.

each of us a gem in a sea of gems.

each of us a source of light, a beacon of hope and possibility.

each of us mysterious and surprising.

because each of us and all of us jewels, there is no reason or need to be big-headed---"hey, look at me!";---instead, there is reason to be big-hearted---if each of us a sacred jewel, then each of us may be co-creating sacred space, wherever you walk, wherever you are, and so you may be offering and sharing the light and the warmth...and the present moment sanctifying of time and space.

the inner landscape, the mind's eye,..looking out upon a view, a big view, of sky, of ocean, of mountains and valleys, of towns and cities, of people, so many of us people, all of it---all of this and all of us---streaming and stretching to distant horizons...a big view, a very big view, of sky, of space, light-miles and light-years of space, of solar system, of universe, and cosmos.

you with big eyes to see, with big ears to hear, and to listen, with big hands to touch and to hold and to let go, with big feet to stand and to walk, with big lungs to breathe, with a big heart to feel...to feel...so much to feel. with a big mind to think and to understand and to live with a possibility, a potentiality, of clarity and wisdom.

each of us a jewel.

each of us a gem glittering in a sea of gems.

Thriving in the Process of Creating a Thriving Practice

2010-10-30T09:01:00.001-07:00

There are a multitude of people and places where you can go to get advice on building your practice. You can hire a business consultant, read a book on someone else's success story, visit www.beawealthytherapist.com for tips on how to do "pink spoon marketing," and attend networking events to glean insight into what others have learned on their journey. Looking outside yourself, you may find some real wisdom and support and concrete information to aid you in building your practice. But the process of building a thriving business begins by looking inside yourself, with reflection on what you truly wish to create. How do you want to spend your time? What interests you? What topics inspire your passion? If money were not a concern, how would you choose to structure your day and organize your professional life?

Each of us has within an internal compass we can rely upon to guide us at the crossroads we encounter - personally and professionally. By developing our ability to tune in to this inner wisdom, trust our intuition, and make choices that reflect our desires (rather than our fears), we can create a life that sustains and inspires us. When we make conscious choices for our business that reflect our values and interests, rather than reacting based on news of the latest trends, we nourish ourselves - and this, in turn, nourishes our business. Staying connected to our intuition, we can thrive in the process of creating a thriving practice.

Dialoguing with others can be instrumental in helping us discover when our inner dialogue reveals inner wisdom and when it reflects fear. Connection with others also provides a safe environment from which we can take the risks necessary to face our fears and move forward. Those of us who have chosen to devote our lives to being of service to others are often not nearly as good at accepting support as we are at providing it. However, nourishing ourselves through meaningful connection and support can sustain us - and make it more possible to keep giving without feeling depleted in the process.

During this Fall and Winter, I'll begin leading workshops on building a thriving practice, and I'll also begin facilitating a six-month group on building a thriving private practice. This is an opportunity to come together with others who wish to create more prosperity in their professional lives, to dialogue about what works and where we struggle, and to engage in a meaningful process of change. We'll be using Lynn Grodzki's 12 months to your ideal private practice workbook as a resource for the journey. I love her workbook, because she not only provides a ton of useful information but also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in the process. If you are interested in learning more about the group, please see my website at www.elizabethvenart.com, call me at 215-542-5004, or send me an email at evenart@verizon.net. I look forward to connecting!

Families and Divorce

2010-10-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

By Jeffrey Katowitz, LMFT

   Treating couples and families in transition can be very challenging. Struggles within marriages often lead to separation and divorce. Main topics in treatment often center around infidelity, financial pressures and co-parenting conflict. Many parents articulate a concern regarding how the relationships with their children will change as a result of a separation and divorce. It appears that more effort is being directed towards examining the harsh realities associated with a separation and divorce. Many spouses also question the fairness of the judicial system and the process in which others determine what is in the best interest of their children. Many fear engaging in the legal system and what they could lose in terms of having access to their children.
   It can be a difficult predicament for couples, particularly those who are in a state of contention where communication is significantly compromised, and they must rely on their own intuition and instinct. They struggle with the conflict between their desire for emotional freedom and the possibility of going in a new direction in their lives versus the loss of time and experiences with their children should they separate and divorce.
   A healthy route or beginning place for couples to start as they ponder separation and divorce is to define the process as a potential "shift" rather than a "loss." Though invariably the feelings of loss will be an emotion felt and experienced by many, the redefining of the process may aid the family as they navigate through difficult periods of separation and divorce. There are many children who desire a "shift" to occur where their parents do move in a direction of divorce. Many of these children have evolved and arrived at a place of acceptance, letting go of the fantasy of their parents staying together and look forward to a change. Many conceptualize their parents being happy unattached or with a new partner.
   As spouses navigate through difficult and challenging moments of separation and divorce, those who can successfully work together, along with their children, in making decisions and engaging in a process that is collaborative create greater possibilities for healing, forgiveness, and charting a new course – one that is filled with hope.

The 10 Million Dollar Question

2010-10-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Venart, Founder & Director of The Resiliency Center, LLC

Learning that the Mega Millions lottery game had reached a peak payout of $191 Million Dollars in May, I bought a ticket. I infrequently play the lottery, and on the rare occasion when I do, it is usually an impulse buy after hearing about the total reaching some astronomical figure. I buy one ticket, and my rationale is, “Someone has to win, and that could be me. It only takes one ticket, so why not?” On the evening of the drawing, I played a favorite game of mine. I call it the “10 Million Dollar Question Game” – although in this case it was the $191 Million Dollar Question. It is a simple game requiring no fancy gameboards, tokens, or equipment. You can play along with me at home. J The game goes like this: “If you learned tonight that you had won $10 Million Dollars (or $191 Million), how would you begin living your life differently tomorrow? What would you be doing differently? How would you spend your time? How would your life look and feel different than it does today?” I love this game, because it really helps me clarify what it is that is most important to me in my life, and whether or not what I am currently doing is in alignment with how I ultimately envision my life. It also helps me unlock possibilities, identify any fear that may be holding me back, and see what new energies and passions I may want to manifest more fully. In my explorations last week, I was happy to see that more than 75% of my life would stay the same – as I truly love my work and relationships and find great meaning and satisfaction in how I am living. What did I change? I decided to create more open space in my schedule and surroundings, more time for creativity and travel, and more opportunities for connection and nurturing of self and others. A personal chef and trainer, weekly massage, an art studio in my home, to name a few of my own specifics. What I love about this game is that, by identifying what it is that I desire, I am closer to creating that change one step at a time. My vision for The Resiliency Center was born and developed through visualization exercises such as this. After a decade of seeing this dream more and more clearly in my mind’s eye, I took the concrete steps forward to make this vision a reality. I am so glad I did! J

I invite you to play the 10 Million Dollar Question game yourselves! With limitless money and the freedom that brings, how will you change your life? What will you create? How will you spend your time? Think BIG! Try to stay with how vast the possibilities can be – and don’t worry about whether or not there is any possibility of moving forward with any of it. Just have fun! I look forward to hearing your insights and dreams.