“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” – Zen saying.

Article By Andrea

This to me has been an important concept lately, keeping in mind that we are always talking to ourselves anyway, right? So whats the difference? Being Non-attached means being detached, right? Not exactly, or at least not the way I see.

When I am detached from something, I do not care, at all… meaning I do not feel LOVE toward the situation, event, person, etc. I feel NOTHING at all. When I am detached from something, it is almost more of a defense mechanism to protect myself than a spiritual fruit of my practice. Anyone no matter how far along their path can feel detached… its built into the framework of the ego to detach in order to protect us. This is indifference, hidden anger, aloofness.

Non-Attachment however is filled with love. It is filled with action. When I am non-attached I am still 100% involved. I am loving and giving and still put in everything I would put in if my life depended on it, but I am not attaching to a particular outcome. It does not need to end a certain way in order for me to be happy. This is like loving someone and giving them all the love you have to give, while not expecting any in return. It is giving that seminar lecture on A Course In Miracles even if no one shows up other than your mom. It is working hard at whatever you are doing in that moment, regardless of what will come of it.

For me there is a huge difference in my energy between the two. Now sometimes I’m detached, and other times I am embracing non-attachment. Its important to clarify when we are allowing the ego to create defenses that push us further away from love, and when we truly are practicing non-attachment, present, ready and willing. When we are detached, we generally are not showing up at all. We don’t give in our relationship, we don’t show up to the lecture, we do nothing. Essentially we have given up… and not necessarily given up on things we are working towards, but given up our dedication to love.

I often will say in response to a friends ramblings about how this person did this or that, or how this situation ended this way or that way, that they just need to let it go. The pretty standard response I hear I would say nearly 100% of the time is “I know and I have let it go BUT…” Umm yeah? Hello? It’s like they aren’t even hearing what they just said. Oh how attached we are to our story. Forget about letting go of our attachment to outcomes, lets start by letting go of our story that created the attachment to that outcome.

Now if you aren’t familiar with The Work of Byron Katie, I highly suggest purchasing the audiobook of “Loving What Is.” The audiobook has the dialogues on it, so I cannot stress enough that the book will do little for you without listening to her live with people. I will be dedicating a blog to her soon, but for now, I think that it will help to just ask yourself how attached are you to your role? What outcomes does this role bring you to attach to?

I think its important to start for us to really learn to be honest with ourselves. This is not easy to do, as with you heard with the “I have let it go BUT…” We trick ourselves into thinking yeah I don’t really care BUT I mean did you see what he did to me? Or whatever it is. Maybe take a moment and do Byron Katie “Judge Your Neighbor Worksheet” or just write down statements you are feeling or thinking about a situation, a person, an event, and ask yourself if this is coming from a place of Love or fear. What about ourselves or our chosen roles have attracted this situation to us? What can we learn from this? Or even better what HAVE we learned from this?

Focus on the good things, the grand things that did happen in that situation. Maybe you learned how to make better decisions, or to trust your intuition. Look deeply and be honest. Write it down and try to view it as though a friend were saying these things. Bring the emotion out of it and ask yourself what you need to do, personally, in order for you to let this go? By letting in the positives of people or situations, by focusing on the good aspects of it, we can easily let it go because we are coming from that place of love. Fear holds on, love sets free. Think about that for a minute.

I love you guys. More updates to come.

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”
- La Rochefoucauld

Article By Andrea

In the hustle and bustle of today’s society, we ALL can use a little more energy. Why not get it from our foods? With the sale of “5 hour energy” and its myriad of derivatives on the rise, coffee as a daily staple, and over 25% of Americans consuming fast food regularly, I cannot help but think that the idea of “food as fuel” has been lost somewhere along the line. We are what we eat, and most of us are deficient is some vitamin or another.

My disclaimer of course is that I feel its important to take a multivitamin everyday that is packed full of minerals as well as vitamins. Which brings me to disclaimer number two, hydration. Its important to drink several glasses of water everyday. A large percentage of people are dehydrated which leads to fatigue, weakness, headaches, and joint & muscle pain. If that’s not a solid case for drinking more water, I don’t know what is.

That being said, here are 5 foods that will help fight fatigue, keep your immune system in tip top shape, and get you back on the top of your game:

1. Berries – Berries such as Raspberries and Strawberries are full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and Iron. These aid in cardiovascular health, immune support and that oh so important energy. They are not only delicious but are lower in sugar than other fruits, naturally low in fat, and loaded with fiber. You just can’t go wrong with a cup of Raspberries as a healthy but delicious snack.

Extra Tip: Berries tend to go bad quickly. If you wash the berries, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and seal them tight in plastic tupperware, they can last over a week in the fridge.

2. Salmon – We hear how fish is brain food, but energy food? Salmon is not only packed full of protein, but its high in Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential to our body. We cannot produce them on our own and MUST get them from our diet. Studies done by nutritional experts and dieticians show that a whopping 80% of the population is estimated to be deficient in Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). The most common symptom of which is, you guessed it, fatigue. This is not to mention that EFA help to process other vitamins and minerals that are necessary to keep you going all day, everyday.

3. Nuts & Seeds – Nuts and seeds are not only packed full of healthy fats and oils, but they are naturally high in zinc. Zinc is a powerful antioxidant, and even greater still, it’s believed to help boost your body’s immune system and aid in tissue repair. When you are not expending energy behind the scenes to fight off viruses and heal general wear and tear, you have a lot more energy to go about your daily activities.

4. Eggs, Meat & Cheese – Protein is essential for a healthy mind and body. Not enough protein in your diet can lead to weakness, fatigue and even low immune functioning. Eggs are packed full of protein and zinc for extra protection. Animal meats are complete proteins, packed full of everything you need to combat daily fatigue… Don’t over do it though. Small amounts of meat can go a long way and a full belly can slow you down even more. Keep your servings small (the size of your fist at most) and eat slowly and chew well to save all that extra energy during digestion. Don’t eat meat? Soy is a great alternative for vegan and vegetarians… although it isn’t the perfect substitute for animals fats and proteins, so be sure to take a daily supplement to give you what you aren’t getting from your meals.

5. Yogurt – A natural sugar free yogurt is one of my favorite snacks. I usually eat Fage 0% with a few drops of lemon flavored stevia and fresh raspberries. Its fat free, super low in carbohydrates and packed full of good bacteria. Its pretty tart, but its oh so good. Yogurt is probiotic which means its packed full of “good bacteria” that keep your system healthy. Kefir is a wonderful alternative if you’re not into yogurt. It’ll keep you energized and ready for the day!

Article By Heidi Rushforth

We’ve all heard that stress can be damaging to our health. Most people think that the symptoms of stress are acute; high blood pressure, sleep problems, inability to focus. But I would argue that stressful states of mind (including depression and chronic anxiety) are the culprit of many long-lasting and more serious illnesses.

How does stress lead to serious illness? Dr. Sapolsky, a leading neuroendocrinologist who studies stress and neural degeneration, describes the effects of stress like this: if you’re a zebra, and a hungry lion is chasing you, the adrenaline makes you run faster, think quicker, and helps you remember how you saved your skin the last time.

However, zebras, and most other mammals for that matter, don’t suffer chronic stress the way humans do. Once the zebra escapes, his stress is over, and he goes back to living life in the present-because he knows no other way. Zebras don’t have mortgages, traffic jams, or unpaid overtime.

They don’t worry about paying the bills, getting sick, or being accepted into a good college. All of these stresses that humans deal with on a day to day basis create chronic stress – and simply put, the human body is not designed to withstand chronic stress.

This topic hit close to home for me shortly after high school. I was often sick; when I got a common cold or ear infection, it would escalate to the point of hospitalization. My body could not properly fight off infection. Doctors thought I had an immune disorder – they also diagnosed me with a seizure disorder. At one point I was on anti-seizure medicine, regular doses of antibiotics, anti-depressants, and medicine to help me sleep – all by the age of 20!

After making some serious changes in my life in regards to chronic stress, including removing myself completely from the stressful environment, my health has improved immensely. I have never slept better, been happier, and enjoyed such good health as I do now.

If you are experiencing unexplained illnesses/disorders or issues that you think are related to stress or anxiety, first and foremost, talk to a doctor! Know that you can use your mind to help heal yourself; meditating, positive affirmations, exercise, and humor are all ways to combat stress. Most of all, happiness and contentment (link to Andrea’s article on Happiness 101) are paramount to living healthy lives with healthy bodies.

Article by Nonamae Satya

What stands in the way of consistency is not that we don’t know what to do…we do. If I asked you right now what you could be doing to improve your health I’m sure you’d rattle off a list of should’s. So the problem isn’t what we don’t know…

Part of the problem is what we do know, on a deep heart level, but don’t want to fully face.

We haven’t yet dealt with the mental/emotional blocks or life circumstances that keep us eating unconsciously or emotionally.

As a society we’ll do just about anything to not think or feel, and we do this to the point where we weaken our will, we weaken our personal power, and we weaken our bodies.

The truth is…

People just want to be told what to eat.

I hear about this everyday from the media to potential clients. This approach has never lasted for long before, and yet it’s the solution we come back to time and again. “I don’t want to think about it, I don’t want to feel anything, just tell me what to eat…and make it quick and effortless I’ve got things to do today!”

The thing is anyone can pick up just about any “diet” book and find a menu plan. But, does this menu plan fit into your unique lifestyle? Does it feel good in your body and give you the necessary energy for your day? Does it make sense? How does it affect your mood? Are you eating from one extreme to the other? When your life is chaotic, can you keep this up or does it cause more stress? Can you take this “diet” anywhere in the world with you, and into any climate?

Most likely the answer is…NO.

Until we’ve made the solid decision to make health a part of our whole life journey…each diet you take on will feel like you’re just “putting out the fires” and will not bring a sense of stability or peace.

The fast track is a fast track to square one.

It’s time for us to get rooted in our bodies, face our fears, and learn to kindly embrace and support ourselves.

If you find yourself back in the same place again perhaps it’s time to realize that it’s not about knowing what to do or what to eat…it’s about facing yourself, your life circumstances, and finally being ready to make real changes by applying the simple powerful wisdom we all posses.

Think of the power you could take back by having the courage to think and feel. It’s not complicated. We were built to do this…it’s natural…it’s human.

If you feel called to explore this further feel free to contact me.
www.HolisticApproachToWeightLoss.com

Article by Heather Cozen, MS MFTI

A few years ago, I composed a list titled “Resources for Living Cheaper, Greener, Happier and Sexier in Los Angeles.” It is my belief that to be a balanced individual, we must nurture our minds, bodies and spirits. Never has there been a more important time, with the economy as it is, to pull out this awesome list and put it to great use. While many of us are out of a job, looking for jobs, fearing we may lose our job or working really hard so we won’t lose our jobs, it detrimental that we strive for balance so we don’t lose our minds!

Because some of you reading this article will not live in Los Angeles, I will make my suggestions more general so that these things can be found in most cites. However, if you are interested in reading the Los Angeles list, visit my blog at http://heathercozen.blogspot.com/ where you will find my full list. Below are just a few ways to maintain balance in a cost effective way.

FOOD:

Cook! Cooking can not only save you money, but can also be fun, creative, and allow you to feel more connected to what you put in your body. Also, it can really impress someone you are dating or in a relationship with if you have some sweet cooking skills!

FARMER’S MARKETS are a great way to find fresh, locally grown and often organic food. It may not be the cheapest shopping option, but it is high quality and much cheaper than going out to eat. Internet search Farmer’s Markets and the name of the city you live in to find the closest one to you.

HOLISTIC HEALING:

While it may seem like a luxury to receive a massage, acupuncture or chiropractic work, there are ways to do it for a low fee.

TRADE SCHOOLS often offer healings for a low price, performed by students practicing their trade. Acupuncture schools usually charge less than half of what a normal acupuncturist will charge, and are always supervised by a Master Acupuncturist. Massage and chiropractic schools also offer sessions at a low rate. Again, internet search “massage schools,” “acupuncture schools” or “chiropractic schools” and the name of your city to inquire about sessions with students.

BROOKSTONE or other stores that sell massage chairs will usually let you sample their products for free. If you are feeling tense, stop by your local mall and relax in one of these high tech chairs. The technology has gotten really advanced these days and these chairs are heavenly!

COUNSELING:

As an MFT Intern, I know how extensive the training and experience is to get to this point. There are many counseling centers that offer low fee and even free counseling conducted by interns working towards getting their counseling license. These counselors are also supervised by registered Therapists and Psychologists for fantastic support.

COUNSELING CENTERS can be found by searching online for “low fee counseling centers” and the name of your city. Big cities will have many options of places to go, that may specialize in different types of therapy, so choose according to what you are looking for.

CLOTHING:

How can you be fashionable with little money?

SECOND HAND SHOPS have become much classier these days. While it used to be embarrassing to say your clothes were from a thrift shop, now it makes you hip and creative! And cost effective! Again, internet search for second hand stores in your area and have fun!

CLOTHING EXCHANGES can be organized with your friends! Invite a bunch of your friends over and tell them to bring all the clothes they don’t wear anymore. Put them in the center of a large room and have at it! You get amazing free clothes and whatever no one wants, take to a local thrift store or drop box.

BEAUTY:

BEAUTY SCHOOLS, much like acupuncture, massage and chiropractic schools, offer very low priced haircuts, manicures, pedicures and even facials. Internet search local beauty schools to find out if they offer this.

MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUTY PRODUCTS. There are literally zillions of websites like this, just do a search of Homemade Beauty Remedies and begin making natural products from things you already have in your kitchen or can buy for very cheap.

ENTERTAINMENT:

THE LIBRARY will often let you use the internet for free there, check out countless books, rent CDs and movies!

CLASSES:

LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES offer classes for a very low fee. You can indulge in any hobby you have always been interested in without putting a dent in your wallet.

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS are offered at many yoga studios and are often half price of a normal yoga class. Call various yoga studios and see which have lower fee classes. Some studios may also give you a discount if you are a student.

EXERCISE:

Talk walks outside. Go into nature and move your body!

I hope this list has proved to be helpful for you! I would love to hear feedback if you try any of these things out!

“Seek not to change the World, but choose to change your mind about the World” – A Course In Miracles

Article By Andrea

We’ve heard it before right, that happiness comes from the inside. That money and fast cars won’t make you happy. But how do we know? I mean I FEEL happy when I get that new car, or when all my bills are paid and there’s still some money left over, don’t I?

Of course I feel good…but when we talk about happiness, we don’t really mean fleeting happiness. When we think about happiness, we mean lasting happiness; the kind of happiness that doesn’t go away when you lose everything. How long do external circumstances really keep you happy; until the money is gone? Until someone cuts you off on the freeway or until that new car smell disappears? With everyone from our President to our next door neighbor reminding us about what difficult times we are in, its a good time to ask ourselves how we create lasting happiness in our lives right now.

Here are a few things that have really helped me throughout the years to bring about a lasting feeling of peace and contentment, in my everyday life, despite external circumstances.

Don’t sweat the small stuff… I know this sounds really cliche but let me tell you it can be a daily lifesaver. One technique I try use for this is my “5 Year Rule”. It goes like this… say someone cuts you off on the freeway, and you feel angry, then you stop, and you ask yourself “will this guy cutting me off right now make a difference in my life in 5 years?” You’d be hard pressed to find a time when you can genuinely answer yes to that question… which leads me to my next tip.

Perspective. Ask yourself if there is another possibility than the one you are assuming as truth. Try to look at things from all possible angles. Just allowing an additional possibility into your mind can create a sense of uncertainty which can dissolve negative emotion on the spot. For instance your first instinct when that new guy at the water cooler gives you a dirty look is to think that he doesn’t like you. Try to ask yourself if its possible that he is just having a bad day, or maybe that he is shy or overwhelmed by the new position. If you can allow the possibility of not knowing, its much easier to move on with your day and be happy.

Compassion is a wonderful resource available to us, especially in our personal relationships. As a Buddhist, and an Ordained Minister, you had to know I would talk about this at some point (and probably will again). For me its the easiest to be compassionate when I am able to view not only myself, but others as “human”. To me that means understanding that we are all allowed to make mistakes and that we are all perfect, in that we are flawed. I know for me personally, when I am able to see someones “humanness”, something changes inside of me. I remember times when maybe I have felt the same, or when I have even done the same thing. In remembering those and remembering our own paths, we can learn to be compassionate of others and ourselves.

This entire compassion concept reminds me of a Buddhist philosophy known as Maitri. It can be translated to mean “Unconditional Love for One Self” and I think it needs its own paragraph here. Self-love is probably the most important factor in creating lasting happiness. Maitri is not just unconditional love, but gentleness toward yourself, as you would be with a child who has fallen, as they are just learning to walk. Its not angry or self-loathing. It’s not superior or inferior for that matter. Its gentle, its loving, and its ALWAYS kind. If we can learn to be kind to ourselves, happiness is bound to follow. All too often I see that people really are their own worst critics. More love and kindness in the World starts from right here, in your very own mirror.

Now lets not forget that nasty 10 letter word, “attachment”. I don’t necessarily mean things, or material objects as much as I mean ideas, concepts and outcomes. If you want to be unhappy, start being attached to the way things are “supposed to be”. There will always be times when things aren’t ideal and there will be times that things are. Try to do things for the joy of doing them, including going to work, or being in a relationship, or going to the gym. If you can love every moment of whatever it is you are doing, then if the outcome isn’t exactly what you imagined, its not really a let down. Its a lot easier to stay happy when you let the journey be the prize.

Focus on the positive… at every moment in your life, there are always things that bring you down, and things that bring you up. If a difficult situation is pressing, notice it, and then let it go. When you find that you are heading in a downward spiral of listing the negatives, try to force yourself to make a written list of positives. Train your brain to focus on the “Happy.”  You can call it your “Happy List” and really write those positive things down on paper. This will give you something visual to look at. If you have the pleasure of reading this, chances are you have running water, a roof over your head and a handful of people that love you.

Lastly, find ways to be in the moment. The only thing that is true and real is this very moment. This morning has already happened, and it only lives in your mind and thoughts if you let it. Tomorrow isn’t here and again, only lives in your mind. Be here now, focus on this moment; whatever is happening right now. Obviously meditation is a wonderful tool to bring you back to the moment, but for me, sometimes just talking a walk, listening to my desk fountain trickle, or just doing sun salutations helps me re-center and reconnect to this present moment!

Remember happiness and peace are not a destination but a journey. Enjoy the experience of being alive, and the myriad of emotions we have the pleasure of experiencing!

Photo Credit: Bruce Rolff

Article by Nonamae Satya
http://www.HolisticApproachToWeightLoss.com

Cleanses are spiritual in nature…

We need awareness and space in our spiritual lives to thrive and develop. Cleansing provides one platform in which to explore space and spirituality.

A cleanse will give you the physical benefits of clarity of mind and body, increased energy, possible jump start to releasing unnecessary weight, etc. It will also, if you allow it, gift you a greater sense of self, closer relationship with your body, and increase your spiritual awareness.

We create clarity in the body as we cleanse and remove toxins. There is a space created with our relationship to food when we are not tied up in our habitual patterns. This awareness allows us to be the observer and recognize the patterns we are entrenched in on a daily basis; our patterns with emotional eating, our ideas about what we should eat, clarity about the physical sensation of true hunger, most importantly it allows us to tune into our body – to be in communication with it, to drop in and to know our true needs.

When we are not feeding the body constantly life begins to slow and we are not caught up in the fast paced flow around us, and so…our life naturally slows down. This much needed break from the demands of city life shifts our perspective so that we can evaluate where we are, where we’re going, and whether or not we truly want to be swept away in that direction. We finally have insight into situations that caused stress: career, relationships with family and friends, passions to follow, forgotten adventures, our connection and relationship to the self.

Cleansing brings a heightened sense of awareness to all aspects of life: natural food is more vibrant and flavorful, our sense of smell is potent, our emotions are vivid, and our sense of touch is alive. Likewise, unhealthy food becomes abrasive, chemical scents become nauseating, anger or ignorance are avoided, unnatural clothing becomes unbearable, and so on.

For those of us who have spiritual practices (meditation, ritual, etc) a cleanse will enhance spiritual abilities. Why? Because the energetic fields are being cleared which brings more focus, presence, and awareness to be fully in our practice.

A cleanse gives us the opportunity to experience what it would feel like to live in a healthier body, which can shift our perspective enough to jump start any health goals.

Make no mistake…this is NOT a quick fix.

The positive results experienced will not continually be so drastic as you traverse your path to health. This glimpse into what it would be like to live in a cleaner body is meant to inspire you, to know that you have the potential to live in an energetic body, to allow you to dwell in possibility. If you recognize this experience as a gift of inspiration and journey into the self, you will be able to weather the journey to optimal health.

The potential for all of this lies in your hands…in the way you approach it, in your commitment, and the energy you put in. I am here as a facilitator and guide to your experience, as one who has been there before, and as one who is, like us all, traversing the path of continual growth and optimal health now.

If you feel called to explore this further feel free to contact me.

Article by Dr. Sara Lederer
http://www.davidplotkinphd.com/

Establishing and engaging in self-care techniques are a salient function of our ability to thrive as human beings. Self-care can be defined as anything that makes us feel whole, nourished, good about ourselves, brings about relaxation and has little to no negative consequences. Engaging in a lifestyle embedded with self-care- things that make us feel good about ourselves- as well as enhance our daily existences is quintessential. Self-care not only supports our daily functioning, but prepares us with coping skills for difficult times.

The following is an exploration of self-care techniques:

Social support has been extensively documented as stress-reducing and can supply some of an individual’s most nourishing rewards and offers health benefits. Social support may be experienced through engaging in interpersonal relationships such as family, friends and colleagues.

Aside from family and friends, there are many social activities that offer personal social support. For example, children—one’s own or those of a friend—can offer a breath of fresh air and foster a sense of being in the present moment. They distribute their own feelings of joy, hope, fun, innocence, and playfulness, which counteract many of the difficulties clients experience. Further, joining a gym, health club, country club, personal interest group, social or civic organization, taking an adult education class or getting more involved in one’s religious organization or child’s school can offer an opportunity to connect with others, since these activities foster a shared interest or focus. Many of our clients are socially isolated, and can benefit greatly from the encouragement of expanding their current networks.

Other self-care or coping techniques include engaging in personal writing, creativity, rest, gardening, or humor, and taking personal space or a vacation, or spending time in nature. These self-care activities are a good place to begin, since these are techniques that can for the most part be picked up spontaneously.

Researchers have documented the positive relationship between meditation and the body relative to relaxation, lowered metabolic rate, heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, stabilized breathing, more relaxed muscles, and enhanced perceptual sensitivity. Studies have found positive correlations between meditation and mental well-being in areas such as increased self-compassion and self-awareness, self-confidence, harmony, and empathy. A decrease in feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness and inner conflicts has also been documented, all of which can contribute to well-being.

Researchers have also documented the connection between the breath and stress and emotions. The autonomic nervous system controls basic body functions such as heartbeat and frequency of respiration. Breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing can be used to decrease stress and increase relaxation.

Physical activities are essential forms of self-care. Types of physical self-care techniques range from cardiovascular exercise to more meditative types such as yoga or martial arts. Taking a bath, getting a massage, or receiving acupuncture are other possibilities. Diet and nutrition are other important facets of physical self-care. All of the physical activities mentioned have extensive research documenting the many benefits for the mind and body, and can provide our clients with increased mental clarity and relaxation.

Finally, our interpretation of events greatly impacts how we feel overall and our energy levels as well as well-being. There are many pre-existing activities one already engages in that can be considered self-care, with a touch of cognitive transformation. For example, the drive to work in the morning can be used as a self-care opportunity by taking time to breathe deeply and prepare for the day, enjoy the time alone in silence, or listen to favorite music, soul-connecting music. If we are able to transform portions of our daily routine into opportunities for self-care, the energy derived from them becomes more fulfilling and we feel more nourished. Other areas this can apply are our exercise routines, meals, beauty rituals and time with loved ones.

Dr. Sara Lederer can be contacted for counseling services through http://www.davidplotkinphd.com/

Article By Heather Cozen, M.S.

A psychology professor once asked my class, “What do you think the biggest form of stress relief is?” Students began to shout out the answers.

“Meditation!”

“Yoga!”

“Exercise!”

Our professor merely shook her head and stood for a moment in silence. Finally, she said, “None of these answers are correct. The biggest stress relief is actually FUN!” In this moment, the class let out simultaneous exhales, and my life was forever changed.

I went to college at UC Santa Cruz and spent three years after graduating living there. Lifestyles that are considered obscure in Los Angeles are the norm in Santa Cruz, such as being a vegan, macrobiotic, yoga junkie or guru follower. I grew up in a Jewish household with a fair amount of anxiety, and so naturally I was attracted to methods of stress relief upon leaving home for the first time. After 7 years of Santa Cruz, I began to internalize the concept that stress relief comes from silent, serious and somewhat strict daily practices.

While I still deeply believe that eating healthy, exercising, practicing yoga and having some type of spiritual belief are of the utmost importance for living a balanced life, I now believe that many of these practices lack a central element— FUN! After my professor mentioned this concept in class, I became particularly fascinated with how fun can enrich our lives, and even more specifically, how adding humor can make life more fun.

I began to remember that during various challenging times in my life, I naturally gravitated towards watching funny movies, listening to hilarious comedians, and reading light-hearted books and magazines. While these forms of entertainment may seem superficial or unrelated to times of sadness, I now view them as a spiritual and psychological journey that shifted my perspective for the better.

Comedy provides us with the opportunity to not take ourselves and our issues so seriously. Laughing at ourselves and life serves to help us detach from our ego, and rising above the small individual “self.” Remember “Annie Hall” with Woody Allen? They took serious relationship issues and made them comical and light-hearted. At times, the characters even turn into cartoons, talked to the camera and had humorous flashbacks to when they were children. How fantastic is that? It personally provided me with a lot of food for thought, and also with a way to depersonalize and laugh at severe relationship issues that might otherwise bring me down.

I’ve spent countless hours researching the effects of humor on psychological health, and the research seems to be piling up. I even discovered that Sigmund Freud, who many consider to be the founding father of psychotherapy, said that humor is “a means to gain pleasure despite the painful affects which disturb it.” Two existential psychologists, Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, believed that using humor with clients increased their self-awareness, allowing them to decrease their anxiety and accept themselves and others more. May also saw humor as a way to distance oneself from their issues, giving and the individual a different perspective on it. What I found most fascinating is what May words, “people cannot laugh when anxious or panic-stricken.” You can’t laugh and feel bad at the same time, so laugh away! Have some fun.

I have to say, with all of the personal and professional evidence I’ve accumulated on the importance of humor for psychological healing, I know this will be an important part of my private practice in the future. I even try to use small bits of appropriate humor when supporting a struggling friend or when going through my own issues. I urge anyone reading this article to experiment with being a silly fool next time you’re are feeling sad, anxious, angry or stressed out. Pop on a stand up comedy CD, rent a Woody Allen movie or a season of Sex and The City, get together with a friend and make weird faces in the mirror, or simply sit back in a comfy chair and laugh about the sheer silliness and absurdity of being human, because after all we are quite the zany species!

Article by Heidi Rushforth

What does it take to make a transformative change in one’s life? How many times have you made New Year’s resolutions, just to fall back into those old habits you wanted so badly to change?

Sadly, many of us need to ‘hit rock bottom’, as the expression goes, before we will make a lasting change. That may sound a little extreme – why would any sane person wait until things are absolutely at their lowest before they get serious about changing their lives?

The trouble is, why would we feel the need to change when we’re getting by quite comfortably? Many people believe that health is simply ‘the absence of disease’. I don’t think I have to pull out the statistics and quotes to convince you that America is not exactly ‘healthy’! We are more obese than ever; we have actually crossed the tipping point where, for the first time in recorded history, the youngest generation of children is now expected to live shorter lives than their parents*

However, the news is not all bad! If you have gone to school, quit smoking, quit drinking, set out to learn chess, done research for a work presentation, or even brushed your teeth regularly for the better part of your life – you have the power to change your health! It starts in the mind – just as it did when you reached an age where it was no longer your parent’s responsibility to tell you to brush your teeth. You just decided to one day – for your own health, and then it became habit.

Not to oversimplify, but this is very much like the decision to be healthy. You don’t have to let it get to ‘rock bottom’. Choosing health for your mind and your body is saying ‘Yes’ to a longer, fuller, and better quality of life. You simply have to choose to start doing it – and once you do it for a while, it will become habit, and even a necessity!

Start small if you need to: a twenty minute walk each day after work will do wonders! Or try this: replace just one unhealthy food in your diet (soda, cheezits, cookies) with REAL food (cucumbers, berries, or an apple). If you make just one small change, you will be amazed and encouraged at how your body reacts! These small steps, coupled with the strength of your own mind, can lead to transformative change.

Transformative change is powerful; it is significant and lasting change. It’s like learning to read – you don’t go back to the way you were before, unable to read. You are transformed into a new way of thinking and doing life.
It is important to affirm your decision – be positive and kind to yourself. Start small or jump right in, whatever works best for you! Above all, know that strength and health are a beautiful part of life that shouldn’t be missed. Each and every person is deserving of this, it is simply a matter of choice.

*Strength for Life, Phillips, Shawn. p. 4