VENTURE IN THE HIGHEST

SOOOO, this book is pretty incredible. I usually prefer to read, but it's been really helpful to listen to this book, read by the author. Thomas Moore is most famous for his book Care of the Soul, which I plan to read sometime in the near future. Moore spent a lot of his life as a Catholic monk, but eventually became a psychotherapist. The guy has degrees in theology, musicology, and psychology. He's pretty stellar. I can't recommend this book enough. 

Bob Stahl, Ph.D., Calming the Rush of Panic

I've been having a really difficult time maintaining this blog (and, in some ways, life more generally) because my anxiety in the last couple of weeks has been very severe and debilitating. It's largely due to some health issues. And when I am required to face one health problem, the others (be they real or imagined) seem to surface at the same time. I am feeling overwhelmed. The backlash of depression makes things doubly difficult. I've been trying to read through Laurel Ann Reinhardt's Healing Without Fear. I am a skeptical reader, but there are parts that do resonate. There are two specific passages that I'm trying to focus on right now. "Physiologically, the energy produced by fear is meant to move through our bodies like a wave, preparing us for and then being discharged by whatever action we take. It constricts us briefly, much like the constriction a cat experiences as it prepares to pounce on prey. But just as a cat does not hold this tension for long, neither are we meant to remain in such a constricted state for more than the few moments it takes to asses a particular situation, make the choice to fight or flee, and then act on the decision. The entire universe functions on this cycle of expansion, constriction, expansion, constriction. Our breathing is an example of this." (16) "Fear is preparation for movement...Notice that both fight and flight involve movement-- purposeful movement. But most of the things that trigger a fear response are not so simple to deal with; movement often does not happen and the energy gets trapped in the body and mind rather than being released... The movement need not be physical..." (23-24) This is another instance of my understanding the problem, but still not knowing what to do about it. Baby steps.

Due to some poor experiences in my childhood and teenage years, I suffer from extreme medical phobias, and among them is dental phobia. I went in today for a routine teeth cleaning and had an emotional breakdown in the car on the way home. At least I didn't faint in the office this time.  I read this article a few months ago. It's very illuminating, and one of the best that I've read on the topic. I just wish there were more suggestions of ways to cope with the fear.  When I first read the article, it was very triggering for me, so be forewarned and skip it if you're currently feeling susceptible to triggers.

Spring is upon us out here in California. People who suffer from both a mood disorder and allergies can probably intuit a lot of what this article has to say. I find it helpful to know that legitimate research is taking place to help us better understand the mind and body and the ways in which they overlap. Yes, the studies they reference are a bit dated (2008), but still worth a read.

  This book has become an indispensible tool for me, and I suspect that even after I’m out of the woods of anxiety, it will continue to be a staple in my everyday reading. Check it out here. The crux: give attention where it’s due. My takeaway: Judging the “goodness” or “badness” of a feeling is non-essential and serves no purpose. As Stahl writes, “Acknowledge and allow your feelings.”

Another game changer-- meditation as preventative rather than reactive. Nothingness is invaluable. Take ten minutes to revel in it.  Be present.

If you wake feeling anxious or depressed, nothing beats starting the day with surya namaskara/sun salutation. Very simple flow that reaps complex and lasting benefits.