tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19416677240112012542024-02-20T11:58:23.701-08:00Transforming HealthSelf-Help for Health -- Inspiring articles about natural healing, affirmations, and yoga by Yoga Therapist Luna Anita Perkins. Transform the health of your body, mind, and spirit!Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-55229918122768055462015-10-01T15:35:00.001-07:002015-10-01T15:35:56.047-07:00Mental Illness Does NOT Cause Violence<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 12.88px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the wake of the <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/oregon-community-college-shooting-umpqua-community-college-roseburg/" target="_blank">horrific violence committed today in Roseburg, Oregon,</a> in addition to sympathies for the victims and their loved ones, I'd like to add a few words to address the question, "<b><i>Does mental illness lead to violence?</i></b>" </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Violence Causes Mental Illness, Not Vice Versa</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=210191" target="_blank">The facts are in the article posted here</a>: No causal relationship (between mental illness and violence) has been found. </b>There is a relationship, however, between anger, substance abuse, recent divorce, and violence. Should we fear and shut out everyone who gets angry, d<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">rinks alcohol, or just split with their ex? Yet stigma against the mentally ill persists....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://depts.washington.edu/mhreport/facts_violence.php" target="_blank">The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health found that, “Stigma leads others to avoid living, socializing, or working with, renting to, or employing people with mental disorders - especially severe disorders, such as schizophrenia. It leads to low self-esteem, isolation, and hopelessness. It deters the public from seeking and wanting to pay for care. Responding to stigma, people with mental health problems internalize public attitudes and become so embarrassed or ashamed that they often conceal symptoms and fail to seek treatment (New Freedom Commission, 2003).”</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=210191" target="_blank">"Multivariate analyses revealed that severe mental illness alone did not predict future violence; it was associated instead with historical (past violence, juvenile detention, physical abuse, parental arrest record), clinical (substance abuse, perceived threats), dispositional (age, sex, income), and contextual (recent divorce, unemployment, victimization) factors." (JAMA Psychiatry, 2014)</a></div>
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And yet, the media continues to portray mentally ill people as violently dangerous, and also to portray violently dangerous acts as being <i>caused</i> by mental illness:</div>
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<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/deadliest-mass-shootings-u-s-history-n437086" target="_blank">Today's NBC News' "Tragic List: The Deadliest Mass Shootings in U.S. History" summary, includes the following in each listing:</a></div>
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<li><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 12.88px;">32 Killed: "ranting about rich 'brats'"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 12.88px;">27 Killed: "suffered from extreme mental illness"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 12.88px;">18 Killed: "complained of physical and mental health issues before the attack"</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 12.88px;">The media disproportionately blame violent acts upon people who suffer from mental ills, instead of looking deeper into larger and less popular possible causes, namely societal ills such as disillusionment, disenfranchisement, anger, guns, substance abuse, domestic abuse, and the escalation of historical violence over time. But back to the hard facts:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank"><b>The State of California official document sums up the facts below</b>:</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<li style="color: #141823; line-height: 12.88px;"><span style="line-height: 12.88px;"><a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank"> “The magnitude of the relationship is greatly exaggerated in the
minds of the general population (Institute of Medicine, 2006). Other risk factors have more to do
with violent behavior such as past violent victimization, lack of social supports, and substance abuse."</a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="color: #141823; line-height: 12.88px;"><span style="line-height: 12.88px;"><a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank">“<b>Research has shown that the vast majority of people who are violent do not suffer from
mental illnesses</b> (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).” </a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 12.88px;"><a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank">“People with psychiatric disabilities are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent
crime (Appleby, et al., 2001). Researchers at North Carolina State University and Duke University
found that people with severe mental illnesses, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis, are 2
½ times more likely to be attacked, raped or mugged than the general population (Hiday, et al.,
1999).</a>"</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 12.88px;"><a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank">"<i>People with mental illnesses can and do recover. People with mental illnesses can recover or
manage their conditions and go on to lead happy, healthy, productive lives. They contribute to
society and make the world a better place. People can often benefit from medication, rehabilitation,
talk therapy, self help or a combination of these. One of the most important factors in recovery is
the understanding and acceptance of family and friends</i>."</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Documents/ViolenceandMentalIllnessTheFacts.pdf" target="_blank"> “<b><i>Most people who suffer from a mental disorder are not violent — there is no need to fear them. Embrace them for who they are — normal human beings experiencing a difficult time, who need your open mind, caring attitude, and helpful support</i></b>"</a></li>
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Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-76515650466852329142014-11-18T18:18:00.002-08:002014-11-18T18:18:50.849-08:00The Ring: How Not to Say the Wrong Thing (link)<a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407">http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407</a><br />
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How not to say the wrong thing</h1>
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It works in all kinds of crises -- medical, legal, even existential. It's the 'Ring Theory' of kvetching. The first rule is comfort in, dump out.</h2>
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<span class="pubdate" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">April 07, 2013</a></span><span class="separator" style="border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 5px;">|</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Susan Silk and Barry Goldman</span></div>
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When Susan had breast cancer, we heard a lot of lame remarks, but our favorite came from one of Susan's colleagues. She wanted, she needed, to visit Susan after the surgery, but Susan didn't feel like having visitors, and she said so. Her colleague's response? "This isn't just about you."</div>
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"It's not?" Susan wondered. "My breast cancer is not about me? It's about you?"<img alt="" src="http://articles.latimes.com/images/pixel.gif" style="border: 0px; display: inherit !important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></div>
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The same theme came up again when our friend Katie had a brain aneurysm. She was in intensive care for a long time and finally got out and into a step-down unit. She was no longer covered with tubes and lines and monitors, but she was still in rough shape. A friend came and saw her and then stepped into the hall with Katie's husband, Pat. "I wasn't prepared for this," she told him. "I don't know if I can handle it."</div>
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This woman loves Katie, and she said what she did because the sight of Katie in this condition moved her so deeply. But it was the wrong thing to say. And it was wrong in the same way Susan's colleague's remark was wrong.</div>
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Susan has since developed a simple technique to help people avoid this mistake. It works for all kinds of crises: medical, legal, financial, romantic, even existential. She calls it the Ring Theory.</div>
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Draw a circle. This is the center ring. In it, put the name of the person at the center of the current trauma. For Katie's aneurysm, that's Katie. Now draw a larger circle around the first one. In that ring put the name of the person next closest to the trauma. In the case of Katie's aneurysm, that was Katie's husband, Pat. Repeat the process as many times as you need to. In each larger ring put the next closest people. Parents and children before more distant relatives. Intimate friends in smaller rings, less intimate friends in larger ones. When you are done you have a Kvetching Order. One of Susan's patients found it useful to tape it to her refrigerator.</div>
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Here are the rules. The person in the center ring can say anything she wants to anyone, anywhere. She can kvetch and complain and whine and moan and curse the heavens and say, "Life is unfair" and "Why me?" That's the one payoff for being in the center ring.</div>
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Everyone else can say those things too, but only to people in larger rings.</div>
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When you are talking to a person in a ring smaller than yours, someone closer to the center of the crisis, the goal is to help. Listening is often more helpful than talking. But if you're going to open your mouth, ask yourself if what you are about to say is likely to provide comfort and support. If it isn't, don't say it. Don't, for example, give advice. People who are suffering from trauma don't need advice. They need comfort and support. So say, "I'm sorry" or "This must really be hard for you" or "Can I bring you a pot roast?" Don't say, "You should hear what happened to me" or "Here's what I would do if I were you." And don't say, "This is really bringing me down."</div>
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If you want to scream or cry or complain, if you want to tell someone how shocked you are or how icky you feel, or whine about how it reminds you of all the terrible things that have happened to you lately, that's fine. It's a perfectly normal response. Just do it to someone in a bigger ring.</div>
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Comfort IN, dump OUT.</div>
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There was nothing wrong with Katie's friend saying she was not prepared for how horrible Katie looked, or even that she didn't think she could handle it. The mistake was that she said those things to Pat. She dumped IN.</div>
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Complaining to someone in a smaller ring than yours doesn't do either of you any good. On the other hand, being supportive to her principal caregiver may be the best thing you can do for the patient.</div>
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Most of us know this. Almost nobody would complain to the patient about how rotten she looks. Almost no one would say that looking at her makes them think of the fragility of life and their own closeness to death. In other words, we know enough not to dump into the center ring. Ring Theory merely expands that intuition and makes it more concrete: Don't just avoid dumping into the center ring, avoid dumping into any ring smaller than your own.</div>
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Remember, you can say whatever you want if you just wait until you're talking to someone in a larger ring than yours.</div>
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And don't worry. You'll get your turn in the center ring. You can count on that.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Susan Silk is a clinical psychologist. Barry Goldman is an arbitrator and mediator and the author of "The Science of Settlement: Ideas for Negotiators."</em></div>
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<br />Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-54381787666909190382014-03-01T22:23:00.002-08:002014-03-05T10:36:06.120-08:00Be the Bamboo<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewmcvickar/154654842/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="333"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">I had a vision today down by the creek, at the culmination of my first week of mourning.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">I saw reeds planted deep in the strong current, and remembered the saying, "bend like the reed." Yet I knew I did not want to be like those reeds, drowning and battered by the raging waters. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">I also saw small trees growing up through the concrete, amazing in their ability to survive. Yet I knew I did not want to be so gnarled and twisted, bent and struggling. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">Then, above the reeds and trees, I saw a stand of bamboo. Also growing out of concrete against all odds, I saw the bamboo vibrant, green, straight, and tall, all standing together as one. I saw that the bamboo would survive and THRIVE despite all odds -- hollow and open on the inside, communal and resilient on the outside. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">I knew then: Be the Bamboo. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">Song courtesy of <a href="http://www.anandaseva.org/oregon.html" target="_blank">Ananda Seva Eugene</a> (Baba = The Beloved)</span></blockquote>
Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-29813544552790971292014-02-24T21:12:00.004-08:002014-02-26T10:03:50.311-08:00May My Sweet Boy Rest in Peace -- A Parent Surviving Suicide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you may know, my son, Ben, recently committed suicide. On February 22, 2014, Ben parked his bicycle at the Glenwood Bridge, climbed a ten-foot fence, and jumped to his death. I am experiencing a shifting kaleidoscope of numerous thoughts, memories, and feelings. Essentially, I am strong; I will survive.<br />
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While this is horrifying, shocking, and saddening news, I am not surprised. I have been concerned about this possibility for several years. Ben had autism, and developed mental illness in late adolescence, which made his daily existence a struggle. One of my many feelings is relief that my son is finally at peace.<br />
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After Ben finished high school, he developed an eating disorder, severe depression, worsening anxiety, and increasingly frequent suicidal thoughts. Ben spent months in and out of the Johnson Unit, a local psychiatric facility. After struggling to keep Ben safe while his self-destructive behaviors, including cutting and bingeing, increased, I made the difficult decision to let him be cared for by a 24-hour supervised foster home, selected by Lane County Department of Disabled Services, where he would be closely monitored. Ben moved out of my home in December 2011.<br />
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The strength that is carrying me through the death of my beloved boy was developed over two decades of taking care of such a challenging child, mostly single-handed. The letting go that is now essential, began over two years ago. The worst-case scenario of suicide that just happened, was already worried over hundreds of times in my mind over many years. Somehow, my past struggles with Ben have eased my healing upon his fatal choice.<br />
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Ben was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and began taking psychiatric medications in November 2011. Before my son's 19th birthday, I had already begun letting go of all the hopes and dreams I'd had for my intelligent, caring, dynamic son's future. It all fell away as his inner turmoil intensified. There were many ups and downs during the two years leading up to his death. I continued to love and care for my child through a suicide attempt in the Summer of 2012. While I was deeply frightened for Ben, I was also letting him go, knowing I was already doing all I could. Yes, Ben received psychological counseling, medication management, eating disorder treatment, tons of staff support at his foster home, crisis intervention as needed, extended family support, and my enduring love. Ben's death is therefore terrible, but not surprising.<br />
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Ben was loved not only by myself, but also by his sister, Sequoia, his former step-dad, Rob, his grandparents, Max and Marcia, Glenn, Jim, Al, Aimee, his extended family, his support team, his friends, my friends, his former teachers and classmates, and, clearly, the entire community.<br />
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Ben will be remembered for his sweetness, his loving kindness, his intelligent mind, his sense of humor, his childlike innocence, and his generous heart. Ben loved riding his bicycle, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, video games, card games, skiing, hanging out with his friends, and wheeling and dealing on Ebay and Craigslist. Speaking as the one person who spent just about every single day with him over 19 years of his too-short life, I remember everything: his birth, his childhood, the feel of his hair, his smile. He was loved. Many others remember Ben with love as well. He will never be forgotten.<br />
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Thank you!!! to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support. I have been reading your messages and comments from my healing cocoon at home. I love you all. Please understand that I cannot talk to you right now. I will emerge from my shell in due time. Meanwhile, many kind people have asked what they can do to help. Here are some ways:<br />
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1. Please respect my introverted need to withdraw, in order to process my grief and heal. I need privacy. I will emerge in time. Thank you.<br />
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2. If you see me, just hug me. Loving touch heals.<br />
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3. Please do not ask me "why" this happened. I have told you all I know.<br />
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4. There is a hole in the pit of my stomach. While it is not hunger, I do need to eat. I can barely feed myself on a good day. Anandam Al Perkins at Dharmalaya is coordinating meals at <a href="http://mealbaby.com/viewregistry/17121750">MealBaby Meals </a>. Food is the gift of nourishment and appreciated.<br />
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5. Please hold back your expressions of sympathy. If you cry, I will cry harder. If you pity me, I will pity myself. If you lose it, I will really lose it! I am working VERY hard to hold it together and survive this. Of course I know that losing one's child is the worst thing that can happen, especially to suicide. I need fresh air and a smile, and time. Please affirm Life with me. Please remind me that life goes on, and that my son is now at peace. Please embrace me with your prayers and positive thoughts, and if we meet in person, with your embrace.<br />
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6. If you feel so called, please donate to the charity of your choice. Perhaps Direction Service or an autism advocacy group. Perhaps Center for Appropriate Transport, Ben's last employer.<br />
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7. I am sorry but I cannot bring myself to arrange a funeral at this time. Ben's body will be cremated. Perhaps there will be a memorial service in the future. I will let you know.<br />
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8. Finally, this is a marathon, not a sprint. I will need support over the coming months, since healing of this magnitude does not happen overnight. Your kindness is appreciated now; it will be even more appreciated in the coming weeks and months.<br />
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Blessings and Namaste for you all. Your beautiful kindness is deeply appreciated.
LunaLuna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-36214560931209058662011-08-16T12:24:00.000-07:002011-08-16T12:27:09.477-07:00"So What If I'm Crazy?" Empowering & Right On!Click the title to link to this inspiring article about mental illness and overcoming stigma.Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-72738891965873455692011-07-05T21:29:00.001-07:002011-07-05T21:45:23.398-07:0025 Random Things about Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBD01s17ig4FbNQHC3eGYyHPYo1WYM7-jMZjGO0ErO_kpRZdrR8kw3-FaufTjsCsOoSRzR9RHAEO7oNB3_n4lJcZLBU1BmaTR0vWf7zHiHzjxEiGGif5MokxI9Eg_HL2noSP96VsGmNI/s1600/Luna.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBD01s17ig4FbNQHC3eGYyHPYo1WYM7-jMZjGO0ErO_kpRZdrR8kw3-FaufTjsCsOoSRzR9RHAEO7oNB3_n4lJcZLBU1BmaTR0vWf7zHiHzjxEiGGif5MokxI9Eg_HL2noSP96VsGmNI/s320/Luna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626085144781603906" /></a><br /><br />1. I received the name <strong>Luna</strong> in a dream in 1991. I meditated in the evening, then asked to know my true name, then went to sleep for the night. I dreamed my name was Luna, and when I woke up, I knew that was my name. Interestingly, when I introduce myself by my birth name, Anita, no one can ever remember my name.<br /><br />2. I lived in a rural, intentional <strong>community</strong> (<a href="http://eastwind.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=28">East Wind</a>) for a year in my early 20s, which totally changed my life. I learned about spirituality, nature, organic food, herbs, intentional childrearing, community living, and how to pee standing up!<br /><br />3. I have always loved <strong>art</strong> -- drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, everything. I wanted to go to art school when I was 17, but my parents said <em>no</em>, so I went to university instead. I regretted that decision, so I infuse my life with creativity, share my love of art with my art-loving daughter, and let my artistic temperament out to play.<br /><br />4. I am from <strong><a href="http://www.iloveny.com/">New York</a></strong>. New York culture is an important part of who I am. Born in Queens, raised near Peekskill. No accent, unless I'm inebriated, angry, or on the phone with my mother.<br /><br />5. I <strong>love</strong> many people so much sometimes it hurts.<br /><br />6. I have never learned how to <strong>whistle</strong>.<br /><br />7. I love to ride my <strong>bicycle</strong>, but I have been too scared since I was "car-doored" and injured two years ago. A little PTSD goes a long way.<br /><br />8. I love all <strong>animals</strong>, but have no pets.<br /><br />9. I lived in Portland for a year, attended <a href="http://www.pdx.edu/coun/cmh"><strong>graduate school </strong>in counselor education</a>, got straight A's, then dropped out because I felt I was short-changing my pre-school-aged son. So I returned to Eugene and my child-centered creativity.<br /><br />10. <a href="http://www.SouthHillsYoga.com">Teaching <strong>yoga</strong></a> has been my favorite job, by far, especially prenatal yoga, and I can see myself sharing the joys and benefits of yoga with others far into the future.<br /><br />11. I still crave <strong>chocolate</strong> whenever I'm upset, even though I know better than to expect sweets to feed my inner needs, and I try to avoid sugar and eat healthy. It's an addiction, and sometimes it is stronger than I am.<br /><br />12. I still <strong>love</strong> everyone I have ever loved, even the ones I never want to speak to again.<br /><br />13. I really, really, really hated <strong>high school</strong>.<br /><br />14. I love being near <strong>water</strong>, just to see and hear it makes me happy -- creek, river, lake, waterfall, ocean, fountain, anything.<br /><br />15. My <strong>children</strong>, yoga, and spirituality are by far the most important things in my life.<br /><br />16. I love <a href="http://www.eugeneweekly.com/virtual/"><strong>Eugene</strong>, </a>Oregon completely and hope to live here for the rest of my life.<br /><br />17. I have lived in 8 <strong>U.S.</strong> states and visited 44 states.<br /><br />18. I love to <strong>travel</strong>. I hate to travel with my children (sorry, kids!), so I haven't travelled much since my son was born in 1993. I hope to remedy this as he begins college this Fall (yay!).<br /><br />19. I have intense, life-long, chronic <a href="http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/people_sound_effects/snoring-1.wav"><strong>insomnia</strong>. </a>I have tried every insomnia remedy, natural and not, and could easily write a book about how to sleep. However, some nights, my expertise is humbled...and wide-awake.<br /><br />20. My <strong>nose</strong> was broken in a fist-fight in 1992 by a supposed friend with whom I was in conflict, who happened to be a former gang member (she knew how to fight, and I did not). On that day, I learned the destructive power of outward-directed anger. I wear that lesson on my face as a constant reminder that finding win-win solutions to conflict is the only answer. Now I'm a <a href="http://www.communitymediationservices.com/">certified community mediator :)</a><br /><br />21. I have been pursuing <strong>spiritual development</strong>, holistic health, and personal growth continuously for over 20 years.<br /><br />22. I would much rather snack than <strong>cook</strong>. It amuses me that Cancerians are supposed to be fabulous cooks when I can hardly make toast.<br /><br />23. I mostly listen to mantras, kirtans, and other yoga <strong>music</strong>, but I still rock out sometimes to old fav's from the 80s, and I love to dance to anything danceable.<br /><br />24. I am <strong>learning</strong> to pace myself, and live more in the moment.<br /><br />25. I am <strong>proud</strong> of how far I have come, and accepting of how far I still have to go.Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-83455754130896684852009-06-05T13:11:00.000-07:002009-06-05T13:30:50.055-07:00South Hills Yoga Grand Re-Opening!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3-jZal-eVvZYjEDVn6gVL8-DwZr2PxMcMrSZ9e5caM_0e1mLfb5dZr4IBvNF8mtlXJJ4gb-g3XIfybPjfJEuhd7hqCvXDLyEOJa9Vm4q0bDLvUm5M4Q_3PsjVeuz766H5175cqKQCHM/s1600-h/AnitaLunaPic.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3-jZal-eVvZYjEDVn6gVL8-DwZr2PxMcMrSZ9e5caM_0e1mLfb5dZr4IBvNF8mtlXJJ4gb-g3XIfybPjfJEuhd7hqCvXDLyEOJa9Vm4q0bDLvUm5M4Q_3PsjVeuz766H5175cqKQCHM/s320/AnitaLunaPic.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343943670111089874" /></a><br /><strong><em>After a year-long sabbatical to resolve my health issues, Luna Anita Perkins is feeling great and ready to share the joys and benefits of Yoga with you again!</em></strong><br /><br />Maybe it was all that begging God for mercy. Maybe it was the handfuls of nutritional supplements, or eliminating dairy products from my diet, or the endless cups of licorice tea. Whatever it was, I feel better. I've been feeling well for a few months now -- well enough for long enough that I no longer fear an impending relapse. I am healthy again -- hurray!<br /><br />As I've felt better in my body again, for the first time since my year-long sabbatical began, I have become restless in my mind. For an entire year, both my mind and body were incredibly busy just taking care of my own health, my home and family, researching potential remedies, and struggling to get well. Doing anything else besides self-care and child-care was not an option. But now, with my health revitalized and my body pain-free, my mind has begun searching for ways to focus my renewed energies.<br /><br />I never wanted to quit teaching Yoga. Letting go of teaching was an extremely difficult process for me. As the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia increased, I was forced to drop classes one by one, until my usual 10-12 classes per week became 4 or 5. Still, I felt a commitment to my students' well-being and to the practice of teaching. Then, a major bicycle accident last June left me unable to use my right hand, and subsequent, sudden-onset vulvodynia left me unable to sit down without unbearable pain. I had to quit teaching. I must admit I became depressed.<br /><br />Even after my pain and illness subsided last winter, I still felt unhappy. I love my home and family, but I need to work! I feel fortunate that my husband was able to support us, both financially and pragmatically, while I healed and rested. However, unemployment left me feeling lonely, bored, and unfulfilled, as I sat home knitting or reading while my family went off to school and work. I felt restless and disconnected, and I craved the social and creative outlet of my career.<br /><br />Yoga teaching is my purpose in life, and my source of fulfillment. I just finished reading Edward Hollowell and John Ratey's excellent book, <strong>Delivered from Distraction</strong>, about living with ADD. One chapter quotes Hollowell's <strong>The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness</strong>, which outlines five elements we all need to feel happy and fulfilled:<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>1) CONNECTION </strong><br />Connecting with other people and with something greater than oneself<br /><strong>2) PLAY</strong><br />Exploration and enjoyment evolve from feeling secure into a state of flow<br /><strong>3) PRACTICE</strong><br />Self-improvement through repeating an activity you enjoy playing at<br /><strong>4) MASTERY</strong><br />Achieving a level of ability at the activity you've practiced, enhancing self-esteem<br /><strong>5) RECOGNITION</strong><br />Sharing your mastery with others leads to recognition, which enhances feelings of connection.</blockquote><br /><br />I realized that teaching Yoga is so important for me because it provides all five elements of happiness and fulfillment. I began Yoga practice in 1992 out of a feeling of connection to the Divine that emerged from mystical experiences. I "played" with yoga for many years, practicing on my own, reading books and attending classes at times, but only doing what felt really GOOD in my body. After many years of practice, I began to feel a level of mastery. I attended Yoga Teacher Training in 2002 and began teaching. I kept connecting, playing, and practicing, and teaching stayed enjoyable, creative, and flowing. I completed Yoga Therapy Training, and began my Yoga Therapy practice in early 2006. I began getting positive feedback and glowing testimonials from students. I was actually helping people! I felt more connected than ever. And then my body started hurting….<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>What can I learn from having been ill?</strong><br /><br />To appreciate being well!<br /><br />To have true empathy and compassion for anyone who is ill or in pain<br /><br />To understand the depths of pain and suffering<br /><br />To trust that I can be very ill and then be well again<br /><br />To never give up on myself or on anyone else<br /><br />To appreciate my husband's support<br /><br />To let go and trust the process of Life</blockquote><br /><br /><br />Yoga teaching also provides all five of my personal career needs -- the five elements I need to enjoy and sustain a job or career:<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>1) VARIETY</strong><br />Every student and every class are wonderfully different. Plus, being self-employed, I get to use all of my various skills -- creating lesson plans, reading and researching, counseling, teaching, coaching, marketing, graphic design, web design, and communications -- so I stay busy!<br /><br /><strong>2) EASE</strong><br />Setting my own hours helps me balance work and family in a way that minimizes my stress. And of course Yoga itself relieves stress! When I teach, ideas, words, and poses flow through me, and all is ease.<br /><br /><strong>3) STIMULATION</strong><br />I get bored easily. My mind craves stimulation. The variety and challenges of teaching all levels, and of specializing in teaching students who need individual attention, are endless. Every class is new and interesting, with something for me to offer and something for us both to learn.<br /><br /><strong>4) ACCEPTANCE</strong><br />I spent many years working in offices and retail stores, hiding my spirituality and my flamboyance in order to fit in. As a Yoga teacher, I get to be myself. I share freely of myself with my students, and I feel truly accepted and appreciated by them, just as I accept and appreciate every one of my beloved students.<br /><br /><strong>5) FULFILLMENT</strong><br />This can be elusive, for sure. I believe the previously-stated five elements (connection, play, practice, mastery, and recognition) lead to fulfillment. For me, fulfillment comes from doing something meaningful that helps others and the world in a positive way. Teaching Yoga is filled with meaningful opportunities to promote healing and human development, as well as joy and peace. How fulfilling is that!!</blockquote><br /><br />I feel grateful to once again be able to sit in the seat of the teacher and share the blessings of Yoga with everyone who feels inspired to come to me. Starting now, South Hills Yoga is open for private classes and Yoga therapy sessions (<a href="http://www.southhillsyoga.com">the South Hills Yoga website is back online!</a>). <br /><br />I find private classes, especially one-on-one, to be the most rewarding -- this is the traditional root of Yoga teaching, and it really works. I can tune in, listen, and provide the personalized instruction that each student needs, without the competition, distance, or distractions of a group class. I enjoy helping students develop a home Yoga practice that works for them. And I keep the price reasonable -- only $40 for a full hour, and if that is a hardship, you are welcome to bring up to three friends or relatives and split the cost.<br /><br /><em>To my friends, family, and loyal students, I thank you so very much for all your loving support through the hard times. And to everyone, I look forward to seeing you at a South Hills Yoga class soon!</em><br /><br /><strong>Namaste'<br />Luna Anita</strong>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-1869686426363177352009-02-26T09:06:00.000-08:002009-02-26T10:14:34.690-08:0010 Things I Have Learned From Being Sick<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaymmJsE6hlDwdnEGnHjt5IqwEyJHzAHs-sm50quPTMuFQdsHIac8WWB01OtPRSpOYWhwYWPZq42-u8RDbq81KRJz_MlwFsI5u-Ugr72WcdWJbIHW6vIB8quA5LDBRhp2DwkhN44fWkCg/s1600-h/image009109.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaymmJsE6hlDwdnEGnHjt5IqwEyJHzAHs-sm50quPTMuFQdsHIac8WWB01OtPRSpOYWhwYWPZq42-u8RDbq81KRJz_MlwFsI5u-Ugr72WcdWJbIHW6vIB8quA5LDBRhp2DwkhN44fWkCg/s400/image009109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307166757577439586" /></a><br /><em>Oh God, please, I don't want to be sick anymore. I want to be well and happy and live my life and attain peace and fulfillment. But if I have to be sick, (and it seems that I do, since I have been sick for so long, and I have already tried everything to become well and failed), then please, please, let it not be for nought. Let my experience of illness benefit myself and others. Let me learn, grow, teach, and touch others' lives in a positive way.</em><br /><br /><strong>10 Things I Have Learned From Being Sick:</strong><br /><br />1. That the Body is not the Self.<br /><br />2. That the body's insistent demands can be heeded or ignored, by conscious choice.<br /><br />3. I have developed self-discipline, at long last. I can swallow terrible-tasting medications daily, if needed. I can abstain from things I love and crave, like sugar, dairy products, chocolate, gluten (pizza and bread!), and even sex, to help myself feel better.<br /><br />4. That so-called "experts" are not necessarily trustworthy. I have been misdiagnosed, wrongly advised, and prescribed medications that made me much worse. Now, I trust my inner voice and my body's clear messages over and above the advice of any doctor or professional. I know myself best.<br /><br />5. I have learned to be an excellent medical researcher and holistic health scholar, out of dire necessity. I have learned so much about yoga, natural healing, nutrition, nutritional supplements, food sensitivities, herbology, homeopathy, ayurveda, amino acid therapy, psychiatric treatments, pain medications, sleep remedies, and much more. Ask me anything!<br /><br />6. I have learned to lean on others for support when needed. I much prefer to be independent, and am very strong-minded. But when the chips are down (and they often have been, in recent years), I have learned to ask for help, and to let others take care of me. I especially thank my husband and my parents for their help in learning this lesson.<br /><br />7. I have learned to let go of perfectionism. I cannot do everything exactly the way I want to do it anymore. For awhile, I was overwhelmingly frustrated by the limitations of being ill. Many days I can barely get out of bed. Even doing one or two things half-assed is a major victory. My ego wants to excel, but my aching body and unstable mind really need to just get by. So I have learned to just get by, and to be okay with that. The girl with a National Merit Scholarship and straight A's at Yale has learned many humbling lessons from being too ill to work.<br /><br />8. I have learned to have so much more compassion for others. I used to be jealous of other people who seemed to have easier lives than mine. I now know that we are all struggling, in our own individual ways, as the wheel of Samsara turns. Having an invisible disability makes me look a little closer at all the "normal," healthy-looking people I meet, since I'm sure I look normal and healthy to you, and I'm not.<br /><br />The more I look and listen, the more I realize we all have problems, we all suffer, we all are learning from our challenges, we are all beautiful, and we are all in this together. No matter what, I try my best to be kind to everyone I encounter. No matter how I'm feeling, I can at least smile and acknowledge each person's humanity and divinity: "Namaste'."<br /><br />9. I have learned to pace myself. Pushing myself makes my illnesses push back. I tend to be driven, but I know now that I am not in the driver's seat. This particular experience of being alive -- with fibromyalgia and manic-depressive illness -- forces me into the passenger seat. <br /><br />I used to convince myself I was in control. Now, I flow with my moods. I yield to my pain cycles. I don't push my body around anymore. I heed my body's wisdom, trust my inner voice, and hand over the steering wheel to my Higher Power. Being ill has taught me to let go and allow my life to unfold, naturally.<br /><br />10. I have learned to let go of the many "should"s and "have-to"s of life -- because I've had to. I used to be ambitious, with a strong, people-pleasing streak, and would do things just to impress others. Now, being ill has given me an excellent alibi for avoiding anything I don't really want to do anyway -- especially things that are not really good for me. <br /><br />For example, I used to drink alcohol and smoke weed and sometimes wind up in the wrong man's bed. Now, thanks to being mentally ill and medicated, I cannot drink or toke at all, and am able to avoid all sorts of unhealthy dramas. I also no longer eat sugar, stay out late, overexercise, overwork, or overstress -- or else I pay an immediate and drastic price. Overindulgence or excess stress leads to mood swings (which often become suicidal thoughts) and pain flares (which often debilitate me completely). <br /><br />So, ironically, being ill has forced me to be healthy. I take really good care of myself now. My diet and lifestyle are balanced and healthy -- no matter what that other people around me are doing, and no matter what other people expect me to do. Bye-bye "should"s -- Hello self-care.<br /><br />So, I've learned a few things from the struggles I've been through in recent years. <em>So, God, what do you think? Maybe I've learned my lessons? Maybe now can I be well again???</em><br /><br />Feel free to comment or email me your own list, or any thoughts. Namaste'.Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-33248135113247478162009-02-02T11:15:00.000-08:002009-02-02T12:21:16.269-08:00Heredity and Environment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKX1R5kWBiRBEIEmTDTKxoL4_e3iv2SMESmCdRLzrRXyCTEhax1iWGkB1MebM1mywwM4TYEBIr25puoasEB-f-2o0taH9uEB_pvhbxBBy-aK34zjM-S61WJ7mEjc0SbY2mMLiWV3HQnVI/s1600-h/enviroment+hills.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKX1R5kWBiRBEIEmTDTKxoL4_e3iv2SMESmCdRLzrRXyCTEhax1iWGkB1MebM1mywwM4TYEBIr25puoasEB-f-2o0taH9uEB_pvhbxBBy-aK34zjM-S61WJ7mEjc0SbY2mMLiWV3HQnVI/s320/enviroment+hills.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298295955161158226" /></a><br />Remember that whole hoopla about "heredity vs. environment"? There was so much debate, for decades, over what the cause of human behavior was -- heredity (i.e. genetics) or environment (i.e. upbringing)? Eventually, everyone agreed that it is <strong>both</strong>, always both -- an interaction between our heredity and our environment makes us who we are. I believe it is time for a similar consensus about the real cause of chronic illness -- it's not just lifestyle (environment) or just biochemistry (heredity) -- it's <strong>both</strong>, and more. Who we are and what we do are both important causative factors of illness.<br /><br /> Who we are -- our genes, our personality, our dosha (ayurvedic type), our innate strengths and weaknesses -- interacts with what we do -- where we live, how we eat, how we use our bodies and minds, how we interact with others and our environment. <em>It is the result of this interaction between who we are and what we do that can lead to chronic illness.</em><br /><br /> A "strong" person -- a person with a strong constitution, a strong will to live, kapha-dosha, resilience, and hardiness -- can withstand a harsh lifestyle -- a stressful environment, say, or an unhealthy diet -- and not get sick. A "weak" person, on the other hand -- timid, sensitive, vata-dosha, prone to self-doubt or inner self-sabotage, perhaps from a long line of malnourished and overworked ancestors -- may succumb to serious illness simply from the stresses of daily life. However, as the stresses of modern life increase, more and stronger individuals will be affected by our common, unhealthy environment.<br /><br /> We cannot change our constitution, or change the past. We can only change our present and future -- reduce stress now and from this day forward, and reduce our probability of becoming or staying ill. But really, it is all a numbers game. Your probability of becoming ill decreases if you reduce stress and live a healthy lifestyle, and it increases if you are under stress or make unhealthy choices. <br /><br />However, not everything is under our control. All of us are exposed to the toxins that modern Western society has created. <a href="http://www.oeconline.org/our-work/kidshealth/pollutioninpeople/report/keyfindings">Here in Oregon, for example, a recent study found that average Oregonians have all six classes of toxic chemicals in their bodies, including mercury, phthalates, PCBs, PFCs, organophospahte pesticides, and bisphenol A.</a> <br /><br /><blockquote>The most serious result of pollution is its harmful biological effects on human health and on the food chain of animals, birds, and marine life. Pollution can destroy vegetation that provides food and shelter. It can seriously disrupt the balance of nature, and, in extreme cases, can cause the death of humans -- <a href="http://www.tpub.com/content/advancement/14325/css/14325_12.htm">http://www.tpub.com/content/advancement/14325/css/14325_12.htm</a></blockquote><br /><br />Healthy lifestyle choices can help mediate and reduce the dangerous health effects of stress and pollution. Relaxation exercises such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and walking can reduce the "stress response" (fight or flight), stimulate the "relaxation response" (parasympathetic dominance), and minimize the impacts of stress on the body. <br /><br />Healthy dietary choices such as eating fresh, raw or lightly-cooked, organic fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lots of filtered water can fortify and cleanse the body to ward off many health threats. <br /><br />Nutritional supplements can also strengthen and shield the body against disease. For example, omega-3 oils protect the heart and connective tissue, and antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, E, selenium, coQ-10, and quercetin can destroy the pollution-created free-radicals that may lead to cancer and other illnesses. So a healthy lifestyle can help protect you, despite the toxicity of our modern world.<br /><br /> So, if you are ill, make new, healthier choices, and you will increase your odds of healing and reduce your odds of getting or staying ill. But remember, if you still don't get better, it is not necessarily your fault. It may not be your fault at all. <br /><br />Perhaps you were never breastfed, you were raised on junk food, and like all of us you were and are exposed to thousands of toxic substances. Perhaps as an adult you have been single-parenting or experiencing major work and financial stresses. And maybe now you have a chronic illness that isn't getting better despite all of the supplements and herbs and medications and exercise and broccoli sprouts in the world. <strong>Please don't blame yourself.</strong> It's not your fault. Just do your best, and let go of the rest.<br /><br /> First, it may take months, years, or even decades of healthy living to heal the injuries of the past. Second, even if healthy-living doesn't "cure" you, it can and will improve your quality of life and prognosis immensely. Third, even if your current illness doesn't disappear or even visibly improve once you've changed your lifestyle, you may be <strong>preventing</strong> the emergence of other, more severe illnesses or a worsening of your current illness. You new life-changes <strong>may</strong> not make you better, but <strong>will </strong>most likely prevent you from getting worse. <br /><br /> <em>Finally, living well is its own reward. By taking care of yourself, you are healing. You are learning to love yourself and live with integrity. You are setting a positive example for your family, your friends, and everyone you know. Your example of holistic living may prevent untold numbers of other people from getting ill. Healing is its own reward.</em><br /><br /> Be well, or die trying. That may sound morbid, but the joy is in the journey. We may never "get healthy" (as in, "get perfect"), but we can live healthy, and enjoy what life we have, with self-love and integrity. Rachel Naomi Remen says it best in her <strong>Kitchen Table Wisdom</strong> essay "Life is for the Well":<br /><br /><strong><blockquote>What she thought was that you had to be without symptoms to enjoy life, to go to the theater, to have children, to love. It was as if life was only lived by well people, could only be lived by well people....She has stopped pursuing the perfect health she once had, and does what she can to strengthen her body in simple, natural ways....Laughingly, she says that she has made a substitution in the cross-stitched sampler that hangs on the walls of her inner life. It used to say, "Life is only for the well." Now it says, "Anything worth doing is worth doing half-assed."</blockquote></strong>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-74687603421911744912009-01-31T11:23:00.000-08:002009-01-31T12:33:28.373-08:00Mid-Life Mom is Growing Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jx2QwshT7gjjTUmfk_wFPAVBJpeWwEBm_Lj3hrJz8t1p8rS5EdBVxgFszxOXtlrVXc6SuGc9YbSvEbOZmNymz1hxnWjV04mNuFDa05gWbTJ6-tBrh-K11xH7tdUVjlwo-plZrQcyXJc/s1600-h/mother+kali.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jx2QwshT7gjjTUmfk_wFPAVBJpeWwEBm_Lj3hrJz8t1p8rS5EdBVxgFszxOXtlrVXc6SuGc9YbSvEbOZmNymz1hxnWjV04mNuFDa05gWbTJ6-tBrh-K11xH7tdUVjlwo-plZrQcyXJc/s320/mother+kali.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297550637289666962" /></a><br />I look at how happily married I am, and I believe it's because I was single for so long first (finally married at 38), and I therefore got the full single experience out of my system. I look at how happily parenting my new-mom friends are, and I believe it's because they were childless for so long first, and they therefore got the full childless experience out of their systems.<br /><br />However, I started parenting young -- solo-parenting a child with autism -- and I am still busy parenting, and I feel somehow cheated out of the life-phase of childlessness. I finished school and less than 18 months later I was expecting a baby. I never got my "ya-ya's" out; never got that "me" time all young adults crave. <br /><br />Perhaps, developmentally, I am stuck at <a href="http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm">Erikson's "identity versus role confusion" stage</a>. When it comes to my identity, I certainly feel confused! Well, of course, I <strong>am</strong> 40, and I have in many ways progressed in my spiritual and emotional evolution. I <strong>always</strong> put my kids' needs first. I don't drink or get high (anymore), I'm in bed by 10 (p.m.), I attend parent-teacher meetings and help with homework, etc. etc. I'm a <strong>mom</strong>. That part of my identity is clear.<br /><br />But part of me never got to finish growing up. Part of me wants to experiment and explore and finish figuring out who <strong>I</strong> am. I know I'm a mother; I fully accept and cherish that role. But, what <strong>else</strong> am I? Who else am I? I never got a chance to answer those questions, because I was too busy changing diapers and arranging play dates. <br /><br />My children are growing up and will someday move on. Meanwhile, any jobs I have held besides mother-in-chief have been the kind that let me put my kids first -- in other words, low-paying and part-time, with no hope for advancement. In other words, my resume is a tangled mess of underemployment and unemployment -- a bridge to nowhere. I hope it's not too late to finally blossom into my fully realized adult self. <br /><br />I realize my timing's a bit lousy, this being the world's worst economic recession and all. Still, I need some time to learn about and develop my individual identity, so I can better contribute to the larger society. <br /><br />That means completing my education -- graduate or professional school -- and experimenting with roles and occupations -- am I an artist? a counselor? a mediator? a yoga-communitarian? What are my true priorities? Assuming parenting tops the list, what else is most important to me? <br /><br />With my kids born 10 years apart, I've been home playing Lego's far too much, for far too long. My mid-life crisis feels like a deep desire to step out and define myself in the world. I will keep one foot firmly grounded at home on "mother" earth, as I step boldly into the unknown to "find myself." Despite being a responsible, middle-aged, mother-of-three, I am eager, and ready, to finally grow up.<br /><br /><blockquote>We all need to do what we need to do. Listen to your inner voice. Follow your excitement. We are not just doing or being; we are continually becoming. Allow your blossoming to unfold. Blessings to all....</blockquote>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-87465635527551457952009-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:002009-01-26T11:10:19.212-08:00Leap of Faith<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVJkXlZgFenm7hmx2uP5-oJ170od1-UQeTRC27dKADjpOxH5CYtKLFGDF17vBwi-XTAdINm-GBWpvDfihmIj7TvsXdGQ89qFIrLmDlhH5_6_0sF9u-EQ40LiQUZE2giAkugKxTphN9Wk/s1600-h/Pictures+2004+-+2007+147.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVJkXlZgFenm7hmx2uP5-oJ170od1-UQeTRC27dKADjpOxH5CYtKLFGDF17vBwi-XTAdINm-GBWpvDfihmIj7TvsXdGQ89qFIrLmDlhH5_6_0sF9u-EQ40LiQUZE2giAkugKxTphN9Wk/s320/Pictures+2004+-+2007+147.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295681823121883090" /></a><br /><blockquote><strong>Leap of Faith<br />by Wendy L. Brown<br />copyright 2007</strong><br /><br />Standing before a fork<br />in the road<br />there is not a right answer<br /><br />or truth cast in stone, there are <br />choices and plans and desire,<br /><br />there is the heart of fire and <br />twist of fate,<br />there is the unveiling<br /><br />of who you are and who you<br />are becoming.<br /><br />This I have found after <br />bargaining with my hopes<br /><br />and my destiny. There is only<br />a still quiet voice within<br /><br />that tells me trust what you<br />know and then surrender,<br /><br />leap if you must, let your wings<br />unfurl, let your angels play catch.<br /><br />We drink dreams from a <br />sliver of moon.</blockquote>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-57090765421271399482009-01-20T12:55:00.000-08:002009-01-20T13:21:05.386-08:00Eugene Yoga News & Events - January/February2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5xggTImu7SfYytIhsPkImZCgPy9-7x_2row_K4GvYjMAl3SZn8nyQvK0W4JvIudDKFjlq0tvf0oYjhbGCJiRJ0ApdYqEV5icxD0leng1VnV_eczMuxrJDHuDgQ1ViWJlm_-1tRj683Y/s1600-h/kidyogacobrapose.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5xggTImu7SfYytIhsPkImZCgPy9-7x_2row_K4GvYjMAl3SZn8nyQvK0W4JvIudDKFjlq0tvf0oYjhbGCJiRJ0ApdYqEV5icxD0leng1VnV_eczMuxrJDHuDgQ1ViWJlm_-1tRj683Y/s320/kidyogacobrapose.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293483006464813282" /></a><br /><strong>Eugene Yoga - Lots to Do!</strong><br /> <br /><strong>Yoga Day USA - Free Yoga for All Ages - this Saturday, Jan. 24th</strong><br />National Yoga Day is In Eugene! - Enrich Your Life, Participate!<br /> <br />Yoga Day USA is sponsored by Yoga Alliance. A non-profit organization, Yoga Alliance is the leader in setting standards for yoga education and teaching. This local event is also sponsored by the Eugene Holistic Healing institute (<a href="http://www.holistichealinginstitute.org">www.holistichealinginstitute.org</a>).<br /> <br />There is a style of Yoga to suit everyone regardless of age, body type, or fitness level. You don't need to be flexible; you just need to be open to the possibilities. <br /> <br /><strong>What to bring:</strong> your own yoga mat if you have one, or if not, just bring a bath towel or folded blanket, plus bring couple of pillows for the relaxation in the end of each yoga class. <br /> <br /><strong>Location:<br />River Road Park Recreation Center:</strong><br />1400 Lake Dr. <br />Eugene, Oregon 97404 Visit: <a href="http://www.rrpark.org">www.rrpark.org</a><br /> <br /><strong>Saturday, January 24 , 11:00am - 3:00pm<br />Schedule of classes:</strong> <br />-11:00 - 11:45 am: <strong>Intro- Yoga for Beginners/All</strong> ( by Suman)<br />-11:00 - 11:45 am: <strong>Yoga for Kids</strong> (by Min Yi)<br />-12:00 - 12:45 pm: <strong>Yoga for Seniors </strong>(by Glenda)<br />-12:00 - 12:45 pm: <strong>Yoga therapy/personalized yoga </strong>(by Suman)<br />-1:00 - 1:45pm: <strong>Yogic dances and relaxation </strong>(by Madhu and Suman)<br />-1:00 - 1:45pm: <strong>Chair Yoga </strong>(by Lila )<br />-2:00 - 2:45pm: <strong>Chanting, Bhajan, Kiirtan </strong>(by Shanti Shivani) <a href="http://http://www.shantishivani.com/">http://www.shantishivani.com</a>/<br /><strong>Pre-registration is required for Yoga Day USA:<br />Call Park office <br />541 688-4052 to sign up!</strong> <br />Cost: A donation of $5 is requested (to benefit local homeless youth at Station 7)<br /><br />---------------------------------------------<br /> <br /><strong>Kirtan Concert - this Friday, Jan 23rd - 7:30-9:30 pm </strong><br /><strong>Location: Yoga West</strong>, 3635 Hilyard Street, South Eugene<br /><strong>Artist & Music: Sat Kartar Kaur</strong> - Ethereal devotional chants to groove-driven mantra dance anthems. She has recorded and led sacred music events worldwide for over 30 years. She has wonderful audience participation and has received critical acclaim in Yoga Journal magazine. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets can be bought locally at Tsunami books, 2585 Willamette street, or Yoga West before or after class. <br /> <br /><strong>Prenatal Yoga at Yoga West</strong>, 541-343-7825<br /><strong>Pre-Natal Partners workshop</strong> - Friday Jan. 30th, 7-9pm. <br />$15 per couple in advance/$20 at the door. <br />For pregnant couples, or those considering pregnancy.<br /> <br /><strong>Pre-Natal Yoga classes</strong> <br />Sundays, 3:00 - 4:30 pm. - February 1st. - April 26th.<br />For more info see <a href="http://www.yogawesteugene.com">www.yogawesteugene.com</a>.<br /> <br />------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /><em><strong>Eugene Yoga Network</strong></em><br />A new group is forming for all Yoga Teachers, Yoga Students, and Yoga Practitioners in the Eugene area who are interested in networking, community (satsang), and working together to promote the benefits of Yoga for our larger community.<br /> <br /><strong>Next meeting: Sunday, February 8th - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.</strong><br /><strong>Where</strong>: Dharmalaya Center, 356 Horn Lane (off River Road)<br /><em>Ideas for the Agenda:</em><br />--<strong>Outreach Yoga</strong> - yoga for service to our community (yoga for the homeless, street youth, women escaping domestic violence, etc.)<br />--<strong>Local Yoga Teacher Training</strong> opportunities<br />--<strong>Yoga Conference</strong> - opportunities to contribute to planning and organizing a Local Yoga Conference in 2009<br />--<strong>Networking and Fellowship</strong><br />-- Bring your ideas and enthusiasm!<br /><strong>For information</strong>: Call Luna 556-7144 or Dharmalaya 342-7621<br /> <br />Also at Dharmalaya:<br /><strong>Yoga Day - Saturday, February 7th - 10:00am - 4:00pm</strong><br />A full day of immersion into yoga practices and lifestyle, including vegetarian lunch, yoga, meditation, kiirtan, and yoga philosophy.<br /><strong>Call Dharmalaya for more information and to register: 342-7621</strong><br /> <br />-------------------------<br /> <br /><strong>Freedom Yoga classes</strong><br />See <a href="http://www.freedomyoga.org">www.freedomyoga.org</a> for a complete schedule.<br /> <br /><strong>Children's Yoga Classes</strong> at Freedom Yoga Studio, 1633 Willamette<br />with Kelly Merrill<br />For Grades 1 - 5<br />Wednesdays 3:15 - 4:15 pm<br />Email Kelly for details: <a href="kelka4@aol.com ">kelka4@aol.com </a>or call 465-9642<br /> <br /> <br />------------------------------------------<br /> <br /><strong>Inspiring Kirtan and Devotional Music with Fearless Love:</strong><br /><strong>Location: Tamarack Wellness Center</strong>, 3575 Donald Street<br /><strong>Saturday, January 24th at 7:15 pm<br />Saturday, February 21st at 7:15 pm</strong><br />Eostar and friends sing and chant inspiring spiritual music to uplift the heart and soul. You're invited to sing along in the ancient language of Sanskrit - no experience required! Listen at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/eostarkamala">http://www.myspace.com/eostarkamala</a>. Donations accepted.<br /> <br />------------------------<br /> <br />And finally, despite the mysterious disappearance of my website,<br /><strong>South Hills Yoga</strong> is reemerging in 2009, with a renewed focus on providing <strong>Yoga Therapy </strong>(therapeutic yoga for healing and holistic development that goes "beyond asana"). <br /> <br />To provide a healthy balance, I will be scheduling a limited number of <strong>private yoga therapy sessions</strong> for individuals in our community, with workshops to come. Cost is $40/hour. <br />Location is the South Hills Yoga Studio. Call or email for more info:<br />Luna 556-7144 - <a href="southhillsyoga@gmail.com">southhillsyoga@gmail.com</a>. <br /> <br />-------------------------<br /><em>May 2009 usher in a new era of peace and blessings for all beings. May the Light shine brighter and brighter within each of us, and may it radiate outwards and light up the world! ~Namaste'</em>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-85618816574692993382009-01-12T11:06:00.000-08:002009-01-12T12:31:12.338-08:00Obstacles are Question Marks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6wYrwY7tv03b3pD3pLgyTMllai2T4KwaCRq_BXaNFzr32nrXSmr_btVgdsAPAM3SkyDiGOWVzedlti2FCTQt2xKZa902xX1xlRNFcvjs5zkgy9j9Xz-icWW6bjU8vYJRmeSwXqWYUcM/s1600-h/question+mark.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6wYrwY7tv03b3pD3pLgyTMllai2T4KwaCRq_BXaNFzr32nrXSmr_btVgdsAPAM3SkyDiGOWVzedlti2FCTQt2xKZa902xX1xlRNFcvjs5zkgy9j9Xz-icWW6bjU8vYJRmeSwXqWYUcM/s320/question+mark.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290501374892977250" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote><strong>Even if you don't like the music,<br />Get up and dance!</strong></blockquote><br /><br /><em>Even if you don't like the situation you are in, you still must somehow respond to it -- so why not respond with joyous enthusiasm?</em><br /><br />I used to think that obstacles were stop signs. When life put up road blocks, I would take that as a sign that it was "not meant to be," and I'd turn around and go back. In response to an obstacle, I would often completely reverse course. After 40 years of that, my Life Map looks like an arcade paintball room -- splashy ricochets in all directions. I never knew which way to go -- I just kept doing U-turns in the hope of finding an obstacle-free path. I never did.<br /><br />So now, at midlife, I'm experimenting with a new life philosophy. Obstacles are NOT stop signs. Obstacles are question marks. When you're moving forward in a certain direction, an obstacle will likely appear, in order to ask you, "Do you REALLY want this?" or "How BADLY do you want this?" <br /><br />If you want to continue on your current path passionately enough, or if you desire the intended outcome badly enough, you will leap over, circumvent, or plow through any obstacle along the way. In Yoga, we call that fierce determination "<strong>Tapas</strong>" -- the inner fire. If you don't want it that much, you'll see the obstacle as a brick wall and give up.<br /><br />Obstacles are tests of your intention and determination. If you see an obstacle, don't just turn around and go back. Pause, tune in with your inner voice, and then follow your excitement. Your intuition will respond to an obstacle either with "Nah, it's not worth all that trouble," or "I don't care what it takes, I'm DOING this!" Listen to your intuition, and respond appropriately.<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>Here's a personal story for you that illustrates the point:</strong></blockquote><br /><br />Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved art, and was really talented at it. She was ably drawing faces when she was only 20 months old. She loved to draw and paint and play with clay. She impressed her parents and everyone she met with her artistic abilities and creative enthusiasm. Her parents nurtured her with praise and enrichment activities. The girl also loved to dance and sing and make up stories. She even invented her own language, and wrote and illustrated her own books. She was very creative and imaginative throughout her childhood.<br /><br />In high school, the girl took every art class available. Unfortunately, the art teacher there was not nurturing, and treated the girl harshly. The teacher told the girl's mother, "even though she is talented, she will never make it as an artist." The girl, then 17, told her mother she wanted to go to art school. The mother said, "no" and insisted the girl do something more "practical."<br /><br />When faced with this obstacle, the naive girl turned around and went the other way. She attended university instead of art school, and majored in psychology instead of fine arts (which she minored in instead). She received a bachelor's degree, got her first job in advertising, which she was very good at, but disliked. <br /><br />She was disillusioned by her options in society, and galvanized by her work in the peace and women's movements. She wanted to do something positive and alternative. The girl, by then a young woman of 22, moved to an intentional community, and learned about natural living, whole foods, communal childcare, and how to live happily in nature with other people and less stuff. <br /><br />A year later, she came to Eugene and became pregnant. She focused her life on her child's needs and wants, putting her own life second. Her son, it turned out, had autism, and needed extra care. She tried to pursue a "practical" graduate degree in counseling, but she did not enjoy her classes. In the face of the many obstacles faced by the single parent of an autistic preschooler attending graduate school, she gave up and returned to Eugene.<br /><br />After being inspired by <a href="http://www.theartistsway.com/index.php?section=4&sub=9&id=190">The Artist's Way</a>, the young woman tried to fulfill her dream of becoming an artist, working alone several hours a day in her garage. But without training or support, she floundered, and soon took a retail job in a bookstore. Many boring and low-paying office jobs later, she worked for awhile as an interior designer for a home builder. She enjoyed the creativity, but selling carpet for subdivisions felt like selling out. She quit. She became a yoga teacher, and later a yoga therapist. Yoga teaching fulfilled her social and spiritual needs, and was also somewhat creative.<br /><br />She had another baby, a girl who began to show signs of artistic enthusiasm and talent. Watching her young daughter's love for drawing, painting, and clay, listening to her stories, songs, and imagination, the mother remembered her own childhood and her own creativity. As she spent many hours drawing and sculpting with her little daughter, the mom's love and passion for art reemerged, as did her dream to attend art school. She decided to try again.<br /><br />She signed up for a sculpture class at the community college. One week before class started, she was involved in a debilitating bicycle crash. Her shoulder was in pain for many weeks, and her right hand was in a splint for a month. She dropped the class.<br /><br />The next term, she tried again. She signed up for a drawing class. A month before the class started, she had a toxic, allergic reaction to an antibiotic, which made her so sick she could not work or barely leave the house for several months. She could not even sit comfortably in a chair. She dropped the class again.<br /><br />But she did not give up. The desire did not fade; it grew stronger. The following term, she signed up for another drawing class. So far she has completed the first week of class, and is doing well. She is enjoying it, and her enthusiasm is bubbling up from under the surface. <br /><br />She is going to keep trying, keep overcoming obstacles, and keep pursuing the long-dormant, neglected childhood dream. She, and her daughter, are artists. When the question mark was raised, "Do you REALLY want this?" -- the mom said "YES!"<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>Samskara</strong> Subtle impressions of one's own past karmas, or actions. Fixed notion or habitual reaction formed by one's past. The innermost wall of the city of life is constructed by the samskaras that hold the aspirant's attachments and pleasure-seeking desires. </blockquote><br /><br /><em><strong>When the need to move forward is stronger than any obstacle, there are often deeper forces at work. Respect what you cannot understand, listen to your inner voice, and follow your excitement.</strong></em><br /><br /><blockquote><strong>“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.”<br />--Joseph Campbell</strong></blockquote>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-8786240099651079562009-01-06T10:37:00.000-08:002009-01-06T12:23:05.480-08:00Even Moms Need to Live Fully<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn35Mfc3HXpcGsKBlUNZxvtC5DCFLbxfzbDJ7HnJQ5G3QFBG1XPOtoqcowzwvo09G9ONKURRRWAbx8GF5MeN0SUULZGI4_zYNUrblhyjn2FmBEnXooxnfNjGlCAWc5mSZBZ1mkxd2zmTU/s1600-h/sun.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn35Mfc3HXpcGsKBlUNZxvtC5DCFLbxfzbDJ7HnJQ5G3QFBG1XPOtoqcowzwvo09G9ONKURRRWAbx8GF5MeN0SUULZGI4_zYNUrblhyjn2FmBEnXooxnfNjGlCAWc5mSZBZ1mkxd2zmTU/s200/sun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288265400387499058" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote><strong>And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. <br />Anaïs Nin (1903 - 1977)</strong></blockquote><br /><br />Fear tends to paralyze me. I tend to avoid taking risks and hide under the covers, in a futile attempt to avoid bad things happening. Risk-taking, however, does not always lead to tragedy; sometimes wonderful things happen. And sometimes bad things happen even when you're home sitting on the couch -- or <strong>because</strong> you're home sitting on the couch! You may be doing something routine and familiar, and when you least expect it...<strong>WHAM-O!</strong> Yet what at first seems like a catastrophe may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you... or at least a rewarding learning experience.<br /><br />Ever since I became unexpectedly pregnant at the age of 23, I have been mostly conservative in my ways (especially compared to the wildness that got me pregnant in the first place). Since fate hit me over the head with that surprise sledge-hammer, I have been mainly self-protective, sedentary, housebound, and hiding from the world that so shockingly side-swiped me. Children are a blessing, of course, and I "took the high road" and dedicated my life to being a good mother, but what a devastating shock when I was just a child myself!!<br /><br />At times I've reached out from my Cancerian shell, only to scurry back into my safe haven at the first sign of adversity. I attempted to pursue a graduate degree, for example, when my son was in preschool, but gave up because I felt I was shortchanging him by being gone too much. <strong>The biggest risk that I have always been unwilling to take is to be a "bad mother."</strong> My own mother went back to work 80 hours a week when I was 9, and I swore I would never do that to my own children. So anything I've tried to do that risked my prioritization of parenthood has been short lived at best.<br /><br />And now I'm 40, half my life is over, I've spent the past 16+ years playing it safe, and where has that gotten me? The kids are fine, and they'd rather interact with their computers and their friends than with me. Meanwhile, I'm middle-aged, with two chronic, incurable illnesses, and a very boring, pedestrian life that isn't much fun, isn't fulfilling, and doesn't really suit me at all! <strong>I've been living for the children, waiting for my turn to come first. If not now, when?</strong><br /><br /><strong><blockquote>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. <br />-- Mark Twain.</blockquote></strong><br /><br />Of course, I'm not going to abandon my kids or my husband, and I don't advise throwing the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. I'm not advocating <strong>stupid</strong> risk-taking, like having unprotected sex with strangers, ignoring your doctor's advice, or binging on junk foods. <em>Take care of yourself, and act consciously and conscientiously. But even if you are ill, or have five kids, or had a run of really bad luck that made you scared to leave the house, <strong>get up in the morning and live your life to the fullest.</strong></em><br /><br />Each day is precious, and no one is getting any younger. <em>Remember what you liked to do when you were young and carefree, and add some of that excitement back into your hum-drum life. </em> I like: art, dance, music, writing, reading, nature, sunshine, travel, walking, hiking, biking, taking classes, learning new things, exploring, creativity, lovemaking, cuddling, flirting, talking, listening, communication, touch, spirituality, yoga, meditation, being near water, boating, playing with kids, making something new, working, playing, resting, balance and harmony. <strong>What do you like, that you haven't done in awhile?</strong><br /><br /><strong><blockquote>Dare to Live Fully<br />Say Yes to What You Want<br />Experiment and Explore<br />Don't Be Afraid<br />Hiding Won't Protect You<br />Risking Won't Hurt You<br />Life is To Be Lived<br />Keep Your Eyes, Hands, Mind, and Heart Wide Open<br />Apply Yourself <br />Let Nothing Go To Waste<br />The World Needs All of You at this critical time in history.</blockquote></strong><br /><br /><strong>SHINE Your Light in the World</strong>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-69073946625382714262009-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:002009-01-01T13:34:28.062-08:00Happy New Year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj078BmjdNHiww88GkgJgM01T1nGXs6kxmKvZ8DFk279L2iuM2ZUmokAE4fr1QVxEGQr1Iwc3XDDYfmO2ujwXP7m3kbIXYpNpL9rI8JFh2gSV4FQIpeNGcaHi-goSxPO6KnPvW5WaHPLDY/s1600-h/happy_new_year.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj078BmjdNHiww88GkgJgM01T1nGXs6kxmKvZ8DFk279L2iuM2ZUmokAE4fr1QVxEGQr1Iwc3XDDYfmO2ujwXP7m3kbIXYpNpL9rI8JFh2gSV4FQIpeNGcaHi-goSxPO6KnPvW5WaHPLDY/s320/happy_new_year.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286439350755736114" /></a><br /><strong>Here are my three New Year's resolutions for 2009:</strong><br /><br /><strong><blockquote>"We are all one."</blockquote></strong><br />I want to connect and contribute to community and society. Working with others to serve the greater good, with integrity, would bring more fulfillment than being isolated at home. These four walls have been closing in more and more since my health has declined, and I yearn to reach out and rejoin society in a meaningful and helpful way.<br /><br /><strong><blockquote>"It's never too late to have a happy childhood."</blockquote></strong><br />I want to reawaken my dormant childhood dreams and live them! If not now, when? Art, writing, travel, and other creative adventures beckon.... I already feel old at mid-life, and I'm not getting any younger. I have my share of family responsibilities and personal challenges, no doubt. Still, I'm eager to play and enjoy my life while I still can. <br /><br /><strong><blockquote>"I'm ill -- not dead!"</blockquote></strong><br />So, I'm sick... so what? I've spent most of my time, energy, and money during the past six months struggling to get well. I am about 80% better now, and that's good enough. To spend any more time-energy-money trying cure my incurable illnesses (and likely failing) would waste more precious months of my life. I've been home sick far too long already, and time's a-wastin'. <strong>Even though I am ill, I am still going to LIVE my life!</strong><br /><br /><strong><em><blockquote>"L'Chaim" -- to life!</blockquote></em></strong><br /><em>May we all live life fully and completely in the coming year, and contribute whatever we can to the evolution of society and the healing and happiness of all beings.</em><br /><br /><strong>Happy New Year to All!</strong>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-88280312736551574422008-12-30T16:08:00.000-08:002008-12-30T16:25:03.439-08:00New Year's Resolutions and Mid-Life Crises<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xiq7R2-_dTPSjcMnwRjq7Ejp0yqWrodBX_ZgLwbDvifzdLq2-98p5viBK83xXbEWcZHpBVk4F0xvLtbxyviEGAADnRp60Af9RG-3Fb6UDdIMI013GNFffffWTlYfDG_4Gz-2_oUwySs/s1600-h/college.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xiq7R2-_dTPSjcMnwRjq7Ejp0yqWrodBX_ZgLwbDvifzdLq2-98p5viBK83xXbEWcZHpBVk4F0xvLtbxyviEGAADnRp60Af9RG-3Fb6UDdIMI013GNFffffWTlYfDG_4Gz-2_oUwySs/s200/college.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285742138156412434" /></a><br /><blockquote>"I hope and pray that in the days ahead, each of us does all we can to see that the goal of creating a happier, more harmonious, and healthier world is achieved." -- The Dalai Lama</blockquote><br /><br />I can see why some people buy red sports cars or run off with underage mistresses near their 40th birthdays. I feel a similar, but somewhat more ethical, urge to run off and do something wild. But instead of race cars or racy affairs, I want to do something good, really good, something bigger and (seemingly) better than being home with my kids and writing on a blog that hardly anyone reads. <br /><br />I want to bust loose and contribute to the larger society, in a larger way. I want to be more and do more, though not necessarily to have more. I want to express myself and share myself more with others. In honor of my midlife crisis and the beginning of 2009, I'm brainstorming how to do just that.<br /><br />One of my New Year's Resolutions is to write more -- to write more frequently, in greater quantity, reaching a wider audience, and making writing a priority in my life. Another resolution is to buy local -- supporting local businesses with my consumer dollars instead of sending my money to multinational corporations and their overseas sweatshops. <br /><br />My most ambitious resolution is to begin pursuing the graduate studies that I postponed when I became surprisingly pregnant at age 23. I'm not sure yet what I'll study, but an advanced degree has been a priority since I realized that my bachelor's degree in psychology makes me highly qualified for a career in retail or as an administrative assistant (especially in a glutted college town like Eugene, where the waiters have PhD's). <br /><br />Plus, I want to learn, grow, and expand my horizons beyond home and family. Teaching yoga has been a wonderful experience, but my fibromyalgiac body just doesn't want to demonstrate triangle pose three times a day anymore. The kids are getting older, so am I, and I need to find a new career.<br /><br />So my winter project is to research, network, and explore possible paths into the future. An online degree program? Community college classes? A master's degree? A professional certificate? A volunteer training program? <br /><br />Something to apply my nimble mind, to help others and the world, and to pay the bills once my dear, older husband retires. Something not too hard on my aching body, nor too stressful for my frazzled mind. Something I can do part-time until the kids are older. Something creative, caring, conscientious, and fulfilling.<br /><br />For now, I'll write. Perhaps I'll also dip my toe into the academic waters and take a community college class. I may return tentatively to seeing clients in my Yoga Therapy practice, with ahimsa (non-harming) and moderation in the forefront of my mind. <br /><br />May my process help me and everyone around me, to learn and to grow, without causing any harm to anyone. And may it show me the way forward into the future.<br /><br /><em><strong>Happy New Year 2009 everyone!</strong></em>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-58037693059075519612008-12-12T18:47:00.000-08:002008-12-12T19:01:22.268-08:00Back on the Wagon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMawcxdn_MnckyJeEmzYv04TLP7UU0rfaywcefGOqXQ-A4gF64xqLmYBs7hI5wD5dTwVaTV7DeZ59_str4E4iGdbeJGJYnt1zqKPHmwxik542epHH9tL1u2j-arsPebIRVVJoUNiVXwg/s1600-h/wagon+wheel.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMawcxdn_MnckyJeEmzYv04TLP7UU0rfaywcefGOqXQ-A4gF64xqLmYBs7hI5wD5dTwVaTV7DeZ59_str4E4iGdbeJGJYnt1zqKPHmwxik542epHH9tL1u2j-arsPebIRVVJoUNiVXwg/s320/wagon+wheel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279102694495569922" /></a><br />We all fall off the wagon sometimes, and then must somehow figure out how to climb back on. Life is a process, and often a challenging one. No one gets it right all the time. Even those of us devoted to self-improvement and healthy habits will occasionally indulge in self-destructiveness or poor choices. Sometimes an occasional indulgence devolves into a full-fledged relapse, and instead of being on the wagon, on track as usual, we find ourselves on our rumps in the mud.<br /><br />That's when it's time to start over. Life is filled with second chances, and third, fourth, and fortieth chances. It is never too late to begin anew. No matter what has gone wrong, or how far off track you've strayed, it is never too late to climb back on that wagon. Whether you've broken your diet and gained ten pounds, or abandoned your exercise routine in favor of channel surfing, you can renew your commitment to health again today. Whether you've given in to the darkness of depression, or to the paralysis of anxiety, you can shake off your demons and reemerge.<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>"No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back." -- Turkish Proverb</strong></blockquote><br /><br />I have been able to maintain excellent emotional health and worldly success for months and even years at a time. And I have, countless times, succumbed to my inner demons, lapsing into lethargy and depression, debilitating anxiety, and even suicidal fantasies. I have been as physically healthy as anyone I know, masterfully fit and strong, with a two-hour-a-day yoga practice. And I have felt as much pain, fatigue, and weakness as someone twice my age or older. Surely, I have seen many highs and lows in this life, and I understand how tempting it is to give up during the dark times.<br /><br />But I'm still here. I keep working at it; I keep trying. Perhaps on a Tuesday night I'll give up on myself completely, but by Wednesday morning I wake up and try again. I lean on my husband, my friends, my family. I reach out for the assistance of holistic healers and alternative medicine. When necessary, I depend on western medicine. I rely on my spiritual beliefs, yoga and meditation practices, and faith. I lose my way, and then, somehow, eventually, I find it again. I climb out of the mud, get back on the wagon, and begin again.<br /><br />As a society, we are certainly, collectively, in a very dark time. At the darkest time of the year, we are in the midst of an economic collapse of epic proportions. We are struggling at the tail end of perhaps the most destructive presidency the United States has ever experienced. Yet we will get through this. We have lost our way, yes, but together we will find our way back onto the right track. <br /><br />It is never too late. Never give up. Life is a circle, and it turns like a wheel. Things will turn around again, for all of us. We will get back on the wagon again.Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-433834397200405602008-12-01T17:00:00.000-08:002008-12-01T17:15:32.711-08:00Live Well Now for a Bright Future<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBkcUNR4rG0ACE_anCfz4KMrW0E7zdbZ0pIrzqe6GaK47rpjqzSc4JY3ZnU2A8Gr6CNIRpFYDHZm11mZlKr3n7D3rmouYiY41d2F1bxKIgrB-FcbokPOVOSR0W2P-achhM6a6kbk1Duw/s1600-h/Food+Face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBkcUNR4rG0ACE_anCfz4KMrW0E7zdbZ0pIrzqe6GaK47rpjqzSc4JY3ZnU2A8Gr6CNIRpFYDHZm11mZlKr3n7D3rmouYiY41d2F1bxKIgrB-FcbokPOVOSR0W2P-achhM6a6kbk1Duw/s320/Food+Face.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274993987425283634" /></a><br /><em>By Anita Perkins</em><br /><br /><strong>It's How You Do It</strong><br /><br /> It's not what you do, but how you do it, that matters. Acrobatic yoga poses, for example, can strengthen the ego along with the body, OR they can liberate you from self-imposed limitations and stretch you into fearlessness. It’s all HOW you do it. Even charitable giving, of one's time and energy or one's money -- even into the millions of dollars -- can be motivated by selflessness or by self-interest. Is it really charity, or just a public-relations tax write-off? It's all how you do it.<br /> <br /> Living one's life can bring you into deeper bondage, or total liberation, depending on how it's done, and why. Intention is the key. Surrender all you do to your Higher Power. Live to grow and love and serve, and not to feed your limited ego, and you will fly.<br /><strong><br />See the Big Picture</strong><br /><br /> Doing what's expedient in the short-term may have dire long-term consequences. Eating fast-food may seem quick and convenient, allowing you to be more productive today, but add up too many fast-food days, and by next year you'll be overweight with clogged arteries, and in ten years you might be too sick to work at all! (The movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Size_Me">Super Size Me </a>and the book <a href="http://www.foodrevolution.org/market/products1.htm">Diet for a New America </a>are great resources about the evils of Fast Food.)<br /><br /> Feeding your toddler sugary treats may be expedient today, promoting good behavior through bribery or reward, but by next year obesity and cavities may be the undesired consequences, and in ten years your sweet-toothed toddler might be a troubled teen with ADHD. <br /> <br /> So do your future self and your family a big favor -- don't just do what's quick-and-easy today. Do what's best for all your tomorrows.<br /><br />Providing wisdom to its people and the inspiration for the United States Constitution, the Gayaneshakgowa (the Iroquois Constitution) urges us to:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground -- the unborn of the future Nation." </blockquote><br /><br /> As a society, we all need to be thinking, planning, and acting for the benefit of ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren into the future. See the big picture. Today's easy way out is tomorrow's major headache. Take it from me -- after being a sickly child raised on McDonald's and Poptarts, I am now lovingly cooking brown rice and organic vegetables for myself and my family, and I am finally feeling better. And you will, too! You can live well now and create a bright future of health and happiness.Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-82384532663609554582008-12-01T16:56:00.000-08:002008-12-01T16:59:27.237-08:00AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS<blockquote><br /><strong>by Portia Nelson</strong><br /><br />I <br /><br />I walk down the street. <br />There is a deep hole in the sidewalk <br />I fall in. <br />I am lost ... I am helpless. <br />It isn't my fault. <br />It takes me forever to find a way out. <br /><br />II <br /><br />I walk down the same street. <br />There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. <br />I pretend I don't see it. <br />I fall in again. <br />I can't believe I am in the same place <br />but, it isn't my fault. <br />It still takes a long time to get out. <br /><br />III <br /><br />I walk down the same street. <br />There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. <br />I see it is there. <br />I still fall in ... it's a habit. <br />my eyes are open <br />I know where I am. <br />It is my fault. <br />I get out immediately. <br /><br />IV <br /><br />I walk down the same street. <br />There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. <br />I walk around it. <br /><br />V <br /><br />I walk down another street.<br /> <br /> </blockquote>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-615888638493065552008-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:002008-11-23T16:45:48.951-08:00Ayurveda, Crimes against Wisdom, and Forgiveness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aEgG1pVnVOboxVxBMvsLfldNeagapaHqBfDzBhmeT4FAOey1yJJouj_45koW2VWk30WnBublbQ_WYNfguFvMponZpLrAbevBfqGGBlMJo12wt7pXXXIDQGp6xG8yGB-pmLakCsOrqxM/s1600-h/Chakras.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 47px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aEgG1pVnVOboxVxBMvsLfldNeagapaHqBfDzBhmeT4FAOey1yJJouj_45koW2VWk30WnBublbQ_WYNfguFvMponZpLrAbevBfqGGBlMJo12wt7pXXXIDQGp6xG8yGB-pmLakCsOrqxM/s320/Chakras.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272009238106006162" /></a><br /><br /><strong>by Anita Perkins</strong><br /><br /><strong><blockquote>"Prajnaparadha" (<em>noun, Sanskrit</em>) -- "Crimes against Wisdom"</blockquote></strong><br /><br /> Charaka, the ancient healer and sage, was perhaps the first to codify the world's oldest continually practiced medical system, Ayurveda. For over 5000 years, Ayurveda has been the holistic medical system practiced by millions in India and beyond, and now this ancient wisdom is coming to the West, as a result of the popularity of Ayurveda's sister-science, Yoga. <br /> <br /><strong>Ayurveda, Yoga, and Tantra</strong> are a sacred trinity of systems the ancient <em>Rishis</em> (seers) practiced to develop the individual towards liberation. <em>Ayurveda develops the individual's body, Tantra the mind, and Yoga the spirit.</em> Practiced together, the individual achieves an ideal, integrated balance of physical health, mental focus, and spiritual enlightenment.<br /><br /> By studying these ancient practices -- Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda -- we can learn what is necessary to maintain -- or if necessary regain -- physical, mental, and spiritual balance. <br /><br /><blockquote>check back: links coming soon....<br />Introduction to Yoga as a Spiritual Discipline. <br />Introduction to Tantra as a Mental Discipline. <br />Here is an introduction to Ayurveda. </blockquote><br /><br />Through the study and practice of Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda, we can learn what we need to do and not do, to be vibrantly healthy in body, mind, and spirit, and how exactly to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual health and liberation. <br /><br />In Ayurveda, health is more than the absence of disease; it is a state of optimal wellness, of thriving. Just as consuming the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C will prevent scurvy, but ingesting a larger dose will also support your immune system, Ayurveda not only helps you avoid disease, but promotes ideal wellness. <br /> <br />If we know how we need to behave or not behave, and yet we do not act in accordance with this knowledge, we have committed a "crime against wisdom." <strong>"Prajnaparadha" ("crime against wisdom" in Sanskrit) is considered by Ayurveda to be the root cause of all disease.</strong> "Prajnaparadha" is willfully ignoring one's inner knowing -- going against your intuition and common sense -- and is the source of all health problems. For example, eating ice cream on a cold, winter day is counter-intuitive. In Ayurveda, eating a frozen dairy product in freezing weather aggravates Kapha dosha, which leads to excess phlegm and mucus production. Really, it just violates common sense.<br /><br />I've heard many yoga therapy clients, after I've interviewed them about their dietary habits, say "I know I should eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains, but..." or "I know I should drink less coffee, but...." <em>But, they don't do what they know they should do, and they do what they know they shouldn’t. And what happens? Their health suffers for it.</em> Someone who is irritable and jittery and has trouble sleeping, and who knows their caffeine intake is contributing to their imbalanced health, and yet drinks a quart of coffee a day, is committing Prajnaparadha. So is the person who eats few if any fruits or vegetables or whole grains, knowing they should, and suffers from constipation (from lack of fiber) and frequent colds (from lack of antioxidants).<br /> <br />We create our own illnesses by violating our own common sense. Excess or deficiency of anything, especially excess of harmful substances or deficiency of helpful ones, throws us out of balance and into illness. Chronically, over time, these excesses and/or deficiencies add up, and can lead to debilitating chronic illnesses.<br /><br />Even something as seemingly unrelated as choosing to work at a job you hate is a case of Prajnaparadha, and may be a primary source of your ill health. You may blame your job for your unhappiness, but ultimately, your unhappiness will manifest as illness, and essentially, your unwillingness to let go of the job you hate is a crime against wisdom. Why are you choosing to remain in a miserable situation? There are thousands of jobs, careers, schools, and job trainings out there, in thousands of locations all over the country and the world. <a href="http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/62/2/105">Your rotten job is not the cause of your ill health, but your choice to work there very well may be. </a><br /><br />And that goes for any choice you make to remain stuck in an unhappy situation, whether that choice involves work or school, home or family, or any other environment where we spend our time. Being happy is intimately linked with health, and being unhappy with illness. <strong>It comes down to this: Do you want to make a happy life for yourself, or would you rather just make yourself sick?</strong> <em>Would you rather make yourself happy, or would you rather just make excuses for your unhappiness? There is no "can't" -- there is only "won't." "Where there's a will, there's a way." <br /><br /><blockquote>There is only your conscious or unconscious willfulness, your own mentally created self-limitations. There is only you.</em></blockquote><br /><br />So what do we do? Beat ourselves up for deliberately violating such basic shoulds and shouldn'ts? Lash ourselves with guilt and shame for staying stuck in a dead-end job? Arrest us all for committing crimes against wisdom, and put everyone in Ayurvedic prison? Not even close. Just the opposite really: <strong>Love</strong>. <strong>More love, more compassion, from ourselves, for ourselves.</strong> Make friends with yourself. <em>Be willing to truly know who you are, what you're doing or not doing, and why. And then team up with yourself to do whatever is necessary to bring yourself back into balance and health.</em><br /><br />The necessary attribute for self-change is "<strong>Tapas</strong>," Sanskrit for "<em>inner fire</em>." This yogic concept refers to austerity, determination, and the willingness to do <em>whatever is necessary </em>to bring yourself back into balance and health. First, identify and acknowledge your crimes against wisdom -- your contributions to your own ill health. Then, instead of beating yourself up about it, realize your inner empowerment. <strong>Think about it -- the fact that you've helped <em>cause</em> your illness gives you the power to <em>stop</em> causing your illness. </strong> This realization brings you back onto the path of Dharma and renewed health.<br /> <br />Once you feel empowered to do something about your health, to take action to change how you are feeling for the better, the healing process really begins. Draw upon your inner resources, your courage and resolve, your patience and perseverance. Reach out to your family and friends, books, therapists, the internet, get all the information and assistance you can. <em>Change your diet, change your job, change your life – be willing to let go of the past to move forward into a future of wellness. Reach down inside yourself and find the Tapas to heal yourself.</em> <strong>You can do this!</strong><br /><br />And what should you do when you falter? Believe me, you will, my friend, because we all do sometimes -- the road to healing is rocky and paved with good intentions and backsliding -- it's two steps forward and one step back the whole way there. So, what do you do when you stumble and fall -- off the wagon, or off the healing path altogether? Kick yourself? Give up? Not even close! <em>Love. Compassion. Be your own best friend.</em><br /><br /><strong>Most of us treat our friends way better than we ever treat ourselves.</strong> Do we give up on our loved ones when they make a mistake? Do we berate them when they stumble, sneer at them when they fall? No, we forgive them, we cut them slack, we give them another chance. That's exactly what we need to do for ourselves, especially in the beginning, as we make our tenuous way on the challenging journey towards wellness. <em>Treat yourself as you would your dearest and most beloved friend. Offer yourself love and compassion, a cup of tea and a hot bath, words of encouragement and support.</em> You deserve it! <br /><br /><strong>No one can heal you, only <em>you</em> can heal yourself.</strong> And you can only heal yourself if you are kind enough to forgive yourself, and courageous enough to stop blaming your mother, your job, the government, your addiction, and everything but the kitchen sink that is not you, and accept your own culpability in your own disease. Then, you apologize sincerely to yourself for you past transgressions, forgive yourself fully and completely, and vow from this day forward to change. You commit yourself fully to being your own true friend and partner in your own healing. And then, and only then, the true healing begins.<br /><br />I need to be clear on one very important point: <strong>Even though healing yourself IS your responsibility, being ill or out of balance is NOT your fault.</strong> Yes, your actions have contributed to the outcome. Your smoking or poor diet or stressful lifestyle have contributed to your becoming unwell. But saying that is NOT the same as saying "it's your fault." First of all, it is evident that environmental factors, including our increasingly toxic soil, air, and water, contribute much more to the onset of disease than an addiction to soda pop.<br /><br />Also, knowing your choices and actions contributed to the formation and maintenance of your illness is ultimately incredibly empowering. Since you helped cause it, and you have been maintaining it, you know you can stop it. You cannot single-handedly purify our global environment (although we should all work together to do that!), you CAN purify and strengthen your internal environment with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. <strong>You CAN change your life, and transform your health, for the better!</strong><br /> <br />And finally, <em>your self-awareness must come with self-acceptance</em>. You did the best you could, knowing what you did, being who you were, in your past circumstances. You really did. You are human. <strong>You are wonderful. But you are not perfect, never were, and never will be, and neither is anyone else. And that is perfectly okay.</strong> What you were, are, and always will be, are perfectly loveable and forgivable. <br /><br />So, please, don't waste time and energy blaming yourself for past mistakes. Let go of the past, love yourself, and forgive yourself completely. <strong>Self-love liberates you from repeating the self-destructive habit patterns from the past that helped make you sick in the first place. Self-love frees you to finally and fully get well. </strong><br /><br />Confess your crimes against wisdom, whatever they are, and turn over a new leaf. Begin anew with a healthy respect for your intuition, your self-care, and common sense, and pardon yourself fully and completely for the past. <em>Today is the day to begin.</em> Today is the day to transform your health.Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-51874791450018734682008-11-16T19:18:00.000-08:002008-11-16T19:34:35.059-08:00How to Get What You Want<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH0PXuUzBGKwnhMGfzPDLC5nDb-BufFXK0unaRBxla7JAb0watbzO7LNv8kJTwLofE30bKuQg_993bIgjon5JoefPAgkKxxeMET-dJM9q14TqxjPcA9HODoPw9jrNzEhyS-7yHp0P5P0/s1600-h/Leonardo's+Man.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH0PXuUzBGKwnhMGfzPDLC5nDb-BufFXK0unaRBxla7JAb0watbzO7LNv8kJTwLofE30bKuQg_993bIgjon5JoefPAgkKxxeMET-dJM9q14TqxjPcA9HODoPw9jrNzEhyS-7yHp0P5P0/s320/Leonardo's+Man.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269462398816482354" /></a><br /><strong>How to release your own resistance to getting everything you want<br /><br />By Anita Perkins</strong><br /><br /><em>So you really want to change, to improve yourself and transform your health? But every time you try, you fall back into the same old bad habit patterns? You can change. Here's how to get what you want, by releasing your resistance to change:</em><br /><br /><blockquote><strong>1) Feel the resistance in your body.</strong><br />Where is it? How does it feel? Stay in your body, pay attention to your breath, and don't "check out."<br /><br /><strong>2) Name the belief or emotion behind the resistance.</strong> <br />Some examples of resistance are: Fear, I can't, I'm a bad person if I do, I shouldn’t, I'm not good enough, Blame, Punishment, Self-punishment, Guilt, Scarcity, etc.<br /><br /><strong>3) Counteract the negative belief or emotion with <a href="http://transforminghealth.blogspot.com/2008/10/affirmations-rule.html">affirmations</a>.</strong> <br /><a href="http://transforminghealth.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-create-your-own-affirmations-in.html">See How to Create Affirmations here.</a><br /><br /><strong>4) Release the resistance.</strong><br />Release the need to hold onto the negative belief or emotion, no matter what originally caused it, and let it go.<br /><br /><strong>5) Accept the process.</strong><br />Accept that emotions and other forms of resistance will come up as you try to change old habit patterns, and release the resistance as it emerges. Don't use emotions such as fear or guilt as an excuse to give up on your path towards positive change.<br /><br /><strong>6) Be kind to yourself.</strong><br />Provide yourself the love, nurturing, patience, and self-acceptance that you need during this or any life transition.</blockquote><br /><br /><strong>Here's an example of how these six steps to self-change work in real life:</strong><br /><br /><em>I tend to procrastinate and then feel guilty about it. For example, I don't want to sit down and work on my writing right now, but I don't know why, or how to feel better about it.<br /><br />1) I feel the resistance in my jaw. My jaw feels tight and clenched.<br />2) The emotion is anger. I feel anger because I'm hungry and haven't had lunch yet and I'm forcing myself to write anyway. The belief is "I can't take care of myself AND be a successful writer. If I stop to eat, I'll slack off, not get anything done, and be a loser."<br />3) The affirmation to counteract that belief is "I can take care of myself AND write successfully. I create an easy ebb and flow between self-care, family responsibilities, and writing. I can take breaks and do the other things I need to do, and writing will still get done. No matter how much I write or don't write, I am a good person and a success."<br />4) I release any and all need to believe that I must choose between self-care and creativity. I believe that I can have both self-care and creativity, in harmonious balance.<br />5) I accept, understand, and release my anger. I am at peace with the process of writing this book.<br />6) I am going to have a quick-and-nourishing meal, and then come back to work on my writing.</em><br /><br /><strong>You can do it! You can change, for the better.</strong>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-55678302525700618352008-11-10T10:53:00.000-08:002008-11-10T11:43:07.470-08:00Anita's Health Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP47VYfatvRZg7hRblRVwOF5nniKTuktZM5pomP9tpZjpmd8nfEJ-GNT3uG88MafprqNFc9gOKiRJukvRARovUqYiGHh4TOXt_2x2XpZR2b_sZp5AAc4iZJfmpIZggcD6YRJUzgzGvmo/s1600-h/cartoon+tree.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP47VYfatvRZg7hRblRVwOF5nniKTuktZM5pomP9tpZjpmd8nfEJ-GNT3uG88MafprqNFc9gOKiRJukvRARovUqYiGHh4TOXt_2x2XpZR2b_sZp5AAc4iZJfmpIZggcD6YRJUzgzGvmo/s200/cartoon+tree.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267110665284403586" /></a><br />I'm feeling gradually better. I'm learning and growing as I heal. It's been quite an interesting process!<br /><br /><blockquote><em>The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it. <br />John Ruskin, 1819-1900</em></blockquote><br /><br /><strong>Here's what's helping:</strong><br /><br />Recent blood test results showed low iron (anemia), low protein, low thyroid, and low cortisol, which all explained my overwhelming fatigue, dryness, and intolerance to stress. I've begun adding iron supplements, protein powder, kelp tablets, and adaptagen tincture to re-balance the deficiencies, and my energy levels are gradually improving.<br /><br />Vulvodynia is about 80% improved, mostly due to avoidance of any and all irritation. (Skip this paragraph unless you want all the gory details.) I've avoided most sitting. I've been rinsing with water and patting dry after urination. I've avoided any soaps, used only hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent, and have gotten used to wearing silk slips with long skirts. I have been on a low oxalate diet and drink lots of water with a little lemon to keep my urine diluted and alkaline. Supplements include: Calcium Citrate, Magnesium Glycinate, N-Acetyl-Glucosamine, Probiotics, Quercetin, LOTS of Omega-3 Oils (Fish and Flax Oils), Vitamin E, and more.<br /><br />Daily affirmations and yoga have kept my mind positive and my body limber as I've been home recuperating.<br /><br /><blockquote><em>Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside. – Albert Schweitzer</em></blockquote><br /><br />Based on both my research and my intuition, I believe I am in early perimenopause, and that that is the root of my recent health problems. For example, perimenopausal hormone changes are known to cause frequent urination, vaginal dryness, and a tendency to urinary tract infections. My body is changing, and I can feel it! <br /><br />At 40, my sleep is already being disrupted by hot flashes and night sweats. My mood swings are typical companions to perimenopausal hormonal swings. Hormonal changes would also explain the palpitations and anxiety I have recently experienced. And my periods vary from 4 days light to 10 days heavy, from a 21-day cycle, to a 36-day cycle, when they were always regular before. So, I'm going to try some natural progesterone cream during my next cycle, and research herbal remedies, and I will let you know how that goes.<br /><br />I am working on creating a CD of healing affirmations, <strong>"Affirmations for Transforming Health."</strong> The CD will include a brief relaxation exercise following by positive statements you can listen to, to promote your mental and physical health. I plan to have it available to purchase soon. If you are interested, <a>please send me an email at southhillsyoga@gmail.com.</a><br /><br /><blockquote><em>The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend. – Benjamin Disraeli</em></blockquote><br /><br />I've been very happy about the results of our national and local elections, and feel optimistic about the healing and rejuvenation of both myself and our society as a whole. <br /> <br /><strong>"Yes We Can!"</strong><br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-60680126700746801992008-11-10T10:49:00.000-08:002008-11-10T10:52:23.792-08:00New Will.i.am Video Celebrates Obama Victory<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RHWByjoQrR8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RHWByjoQrR8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHWByjoQrR8">New Will.i.am Video "It's a New Day" Celebrates Obama's Historic Victory!</a>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-40839284672034638732008-10-29T11:59:00.000-07:002008-10-29T12:35:32.946-07:00Don't Try to Relax<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LJwh4QShGcOpLQXdRSvjBOXjPU6kvjlA4YHtPG1VMUDnBNlwd3rDusHoSkDFHASbzfvcadFMLn-mS9dGvaZffrfl9iwIs1BwBobVC1jVuKIwm8aOB65UTHCXK6T1BYpsUNDiAeh3smU/s1600-h/savasana+photo.GIF"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LJwh4QShGcOpLQXdRSvjBOXjPU6kvjlA4YHtPG1VMUDnBNlwd3rDusHoSkDFHASbzfvcadFMLn-mS9dGvaZffrfl9iwIs1BwBobVC1jVuKIwm8aOB65UTHCXK6T1BYpsUNDiAeh3smU/s320/savasana+photo.GIF" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262654289247426562" /></a><br /> Don't try to relax. Trying to relax is NOT relaxing, it's <em>working</em>! When you tell yourself, "try to relax," you're actually creating pressure, effort, and therefore, stress. So, <em>allow yourself to relax, let yourself relax</em>. Relaxation is the absence of effort, the absence of pressure. <em>Allow, let go, float on the surface of a crystal-clear lake of stillness</em>. <br /> <br /> Learning to relax is remembering your childhood innocence -- the time before illness, pain, work, bills, parenting, errands, chores, and grown-up responsibilities. Watch a young child sleeping, their face calm, peaceful, belly-breathing, effortless. Remember your own innocence.<br /><br /> <em>Everything is okay. It's all going to be fine. Nothing is more important than your health. Let go of the past -- you did your best, it's all over and done. Let go of the future -- life is unfolding and evolving naturally, it will all take care of itself in its own time. <br /><br />Be here now. Be fully present in this moment. Here and now, everything is all right. Allow yourself to relax. Do nothing. Just be. You are a human being, not a human doing. Let yourself relax. Let go. Be well.</em><br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>Helpful Hints:</strong><br /><br />• Accept pain as a message that you are doing something that is out of sync with your natural rhythm, or that you don’t really want to do.<br /><br />• Make decisions that honor your body's needs.<br /><br />• Create a new paradigm wherein you don't need pain as an excuse to take it easy and take care of yourself.<br /><br />• When you help others, let it be from integrity and self-love (serve in a way that respects ahimsa towards yourself, too).<br /><br />• To relax, you need to NOT do all the other things you could be doing instead (give yourself permission to do less, to REST).<br /><br />• Don't "try" to relax. You can't MAKE yourself relax. Just let yourself relax. <br /><br />• Surrender to your Higher Power, and Let Go.</em></blockquote>Luna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941667724011201254.post-10399298581620415172008-10-26T15:12:00.000-07:002008-10-26T15:32:08.454-07:00Positive Birth Story... at Home!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnEegnkFDbjW_yv7eglzlOmsT2JesAtH6_-kCf8xbc9ZIwF3hwcb0ZVkHSA8fitHcITwnyM1lKk89tPI5ZS6jsnmL1NRbS3AzDl5fpDi23QMrpae9ZSm3PmiCv_uEsb1eD5IhITSNVE4/s1600-h/Just+Born+Today.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnEegnkFDbjW_yv7eglzlOmsT2JesAtH6_-kCf8xbc9ZIwF3hwcb0ZVkHSA8fitHcITwnyM1lKk89tPI5ZS6jsnmL1NRbS3AzDl5fpDi23QMrpae9ZSm3PmiCv_uEsb1eD5IhITSNVE4/s320/Just+Born+Today.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261592194897517538" /></a><br /><em><strong>Positive Birth Story... at Home!</strong></em><br /><br />We've all heard (or experienced) our share of negative birth stories. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16753484?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=5&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed">The c-section rate is astronomical</a> (33%), and tales of marathon labors, multiple medical interventions, and tragic outcomes overwhelm and frighten us. But <em>positive birth experiences ARE possible</em>, and if your pregnancy is low-risk, a positive experience is more likely with a trained <a href="http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/midwives.html">midwife</a> and/or <a href="http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/midwives_doulas/doula-difference.html">doula</a> at your side.<br /><br /><strong>Here is the positive birth story of my daughter, Sequoia, born five years ago:</strong><br /><br />The morning of my son Ben's 10th birthday, I sat on the edge of his bed, reminiscing with him about his birth, and discussing our plans to celebrate his birthday that evening. Meanwhile, I could feel mild contractions, which felt like uterine deja-vu. I didn't think much of it at the time. I was six days past my due-date, and had been having mild contractions (false alarms) on and off for about three weeks, to no avail. Ben went off to school, and I took a nap.<br /><br />The mild contractions resumed in the mid-afternoon, so I called our lay midwife, Lara, to come over. We were planning a home birth, and at this point, she was making house calls. She said I was 3-1/2 centimeters dilated, but not yet in active labor. She gave me a brief cervical massage, to try to gently help things along. Like most women who have carried past their due date, I was quite ready to "get this over with"!<br /><br />At 4:00 p.m., while my partner, Rob, was picking up Ben from school, I felt a warm gush of fluid. My water broke! Now we were getting somewhere. Rob came home and sat with me in our living room as my contractions intensified. <a href="http://yoga.about.com/od/prenatalyoga/a/prenatalintro.htm">All the yoga and breathing techniques I'd been practicing were VERY helpful</a>! I was able to stay focused and relaxed as the sensations got stronger. <br /><br />Lara returned, and my friend Phoebe, a doula and massage therapist, arrived. Phoebe was supposed to me at my side, but surprisingly, Rob was able to be all the support I needed. That was great news, so Phoebe could take Ben out for his birthday for some pizza and ice cream, while Rob and I focused on birthing our baby.<br /><br />We moved upstairs to the comfort of our bedroom. The midwife laid absorbent pads all over the floor and bed, so I could move around freely, and then she left us to labor in peace. I mostly leaned on Rob, standing and swaying my hips, as he leaned against the support of the wall. All the daily walks and yoga practice had strengthened my legs, so I was able to stand for the next few hours and allow gravity to encourage labor to progress.<br /><br />I focused on breathing slowly, grounding with the support of my partner, and relaxing into the contractions. Often I would moan, in low, steady tones. In the background, a subliminal relaxation tape played softly in a continuous loop. Labor felt like a long, intense meditation.<br /><br />By around 8:30 p.m., however, I had "hit a wall." The contractions had gotten so strong I was no longer able to stay calm, and I was instead literally rolling around on the floor in anguish. I kept saying, "I don't know, I don't know if I can do this." I was in the transition phase of labor. Lara gave me some motherwort tincture in a little water. Within a short time, I had calmed down, and she went back downstairs. <br /><br />Suddenly, it felt like my whole body opened up, and I could feel the baby moving down the birth canal. The baby was coming out! The intensity of feeling the baby's head crowning stunned me speechless. Meanwhile, as through most of the labor, only Rob and I were in the room, but it was time for the midwife, pronto! I shouted the only word that came to mind: "Burning!" Well, that got everyone running up the stairs.<br /><br />I wanted to stand, so Rob held me under one arm, and Lara's assistant held me under the other arm. Ben and Phoebe watched from behind, as Lara supported my perineum to try to avoid tearing. Since I had torn in the front at my first birth (the nurse-midwives at the birth center had refused to let me squat, and insisted I lean back), I supported my own labia with my hand as the baby's head crowned. <br /><br />In just a few pushes (with lots of low, open sounds from the big cavewoman I had suddenly become), the baby's head was out! From behind, I heard a stunned Ben exclaim, "it's a head!" (I don't think he was REALLY sure there was a baby in there until that moment!)<br /><br />The baby was in an awkward position, with her right hand tucked under her left cheek. Lara skillfully maneuvered the baby's protruding right elbow out, and I did not tear. At 9:38 p.m., on my son's 10th birthday, our baby was born, on our bed, in our home. <br /><br />As I held the baby for the first time, Ben asked the inevitable question, "is it a boy or a girl?" It hadn't even occurred to me to check, but then I did -- "it's a girl!" "Welcome to the world, little girl," I told her, and then nursed her for the first time, as our family cuddled in our bed. We named her Sequoia. Then I had a shower while they changed the bed-sheets and cleaned, weighed, and measured little Sequoia -- 6 lbs., 15 oz. Two children born exactly ten years apart to the day -- life is so interesting!<br /><br />By 11:00 p.m., our visitors were gone, Ben was tucked in, and Rob, Sequoia, and I were snuggled in the same bed in which our baby had just been born. How wonderful to be able to give birth naturally at home! What a miracle! I believe Sequoia's positive home birth gave our family a wonderful bonding experience and healthy start. <br /><br /><strong>I wish the blessings of natural childbirth for more women and babies everywhere...</strong><br /><br />Namaste'<br />AnitaLuna Anita Perkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692710072493480512noreply@blogger.com2