July 7, 2011 Bake Off -- Bring any little piece of spirituality that you might have found and observe where this group can take it in discussion.
July 14, 2011 Eric W. will discuss Leaving Lasting Legacies
July 21, 2011 Paul: Shenpa/Pema Chodran
July 28, 2011 Todd: Icons.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June 30, 2011: Gunther Pohlman Society Meeting.
My Grandfather, Guenther Pohlmann, and me, Nikolas his grandson, in January, 1996.
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To commemorate my Grandfather, I will not cook for you…
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…nor will I not put on a magic show….
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However, I will present on a topic my Grandfather and I often discussed together: World War II. More specifically, it is about the bomb.
Indeed, Nik did present a very fine film that he created using many film clips of the preparation of the atomic bomb, through Los Alamos labs, the delivery of Fat Man and Little Boy to the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Film clips showed the devastation and graphic images of the deaths that resulted. There was discussion about the justification for using the bomb to save American lives in a longer dragged out war where the Japanese home islands would have to be invaded. We saw and heard President Truman warning the Japanese. We saw Oppenheimer give his tearful comments on what he and we had wrought. The number of lives involved on all sides is staggering. The film was a very good reminder, lest we forget, about war and its destruction. The members of the group discussed the terror that the use of these bombs produced as most of us were children and growing up in America. Naturally since we used such a weapon, the populace could have nothing but fear for such weapons being used on us. The old "Duck and Cover" technique that was taught in school from kindergarten on and the drills during classwork are only surface remembrances of the deeper concern we all shared and still share.
Members of our group commented on a World War II Museum located in New Orleans, developed by Stephen Ambrose, who wrote a wonderful book about it, among others. I commented about the controversial nature of the Japanese people -- how the soldiers behaved in war: the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor, the refusal to abide by international rules of warfare during WWII, their brutality in Korea and China. I remarked how when we visited China at one tourist site, an elderly Chinese man who was there selling postcards recognized me as American and said "Thank You" to me in English. I asked him what he was thanking me for. He answered, "For what you Americans did for us in World War II, in defeating the Japanese." The Japanese military was particularly brutal in China. But then as one of our members recently circulated by email, the Japanese people during their recent earthquake and tsunami disaster demonstrated a fortitude and a caring for each other that I think few nations would demonstrate today. They did not complain; they waited patiently in line for food relief and medical help; they did not hoard but only purchased or took small amounts of free relief supplies when offered in order to save for other people; they aided each other; gave up things that they possessed to help others; some 50+ workers at the nuclear plant remained voluntarily to try to stop the disaster there,etc. They in short showed remarkable fortitude and caring consideration for their brethren. How do we reconcile these two pictures of the Japanese people? This is a question that is difficult to answer. Japan has two faces, just as the justification for using the atomic bomb in Japan has two faces.
I asked Nik if his grandfather had talked to him about World War II. He said that when he was in first through 5th grade, his grandfather used to walk him to school and they would talk about World War II. Also Nik's father is a history buff. These both have probably influenced Nik to have such an interest in these historical facts. Indeed, it is probably only through such interest that we as a society will learn and hopefully in the future avoid such mass destruction that WWII wrought.
Thank you, Nikolas, for sharing your film with us. Your grandfather would be very proud!
To commemorate my Grandfather, I will not cook for you…
Indeed, Nik did present a very fine film that he created using many film clips of the preparation of the atomic bomb, through Los Alamos labs, the delivery of Fat Man and Little Boy to the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Film clips showed the devastation and graphic images of the deaths that resulted. There was discussion about the justification for using the bomb to save American lives in a longer dragged out war where the Japanese home islands would have to be invaded. We saw and heard President Truman warning the Japanese. We saw Oppenheimer give his tearful comments on what he and we had wrought. The number of lives involved on all sides is staggering. The film was a very good reminder, lest we forget, about war and its destruction. The members of the group discussed the terror that the use of these bombs produced as most of us were children and growing up in America. Naturally since we used such a weapon, the populace could have nothing but fear for such weapons being used on us. The old "Duck and Cover" technique that was taught in school from kindergarten on and the drills during classwork are only surface remembrances of the deeper concern we all shared and still share.
Members of our group commented on a World War II Museum located in New Orleans, developed by Stephen Ambrose, who wrote a wonderful book about it, among others. I commented about the controversial nature of the Japanese people -- how the soldiers behaved in war: the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor, the refusal to abide by international rules of warfare during WWII, their brutality in Korea and China. I remarked how when we visited China at one tourist site, an elderly Chinese man who was there selling postcards recognized me as American and said "Thank You" to me in English. I asked him what he was thanking me for. He answered, "For what you Americans did for us in World War II, in defeating the Japanese." The Japanese military was particularly brutal in China. But then as one of our members recently circulated by email, the Japanese people during their recent earthquake and tsunami disaster demonstrated a fortitude and a caring for each other that I think few nations would demonstrate today. They did not complain; they waited patiently in line for food relief and medical help; they did not hoard but only purchased or took small amounts of free relief supplies when offered in order to save for other people; they aided each other; gave up things that they possessed to help others; some 50+ workers at the nuclear plant remained voluntarily to try to stop the disaster there,etc. They in short showed remarkable fortitude and caring consideration for their brethren. How do we reconcile these two pictures of the Japanese people? This is a question that is difficult to answer. Japan has two faces, just as the justification for using the atomic bomb in Japan has two faces.
I asked Nik if his grandfather had talked to him about World War II. He said that when he was in first through 5th grade, his grandfather used to walk him to school and they would talk about World War II. Also Nik's father is a history buff. These both have probably influenced Nik to have such an interest in these historical facts. Indeed, it is probably only through such interest that we as a society will learn and hopefully in the future avoid such mass destruction that WWII wrought.
Thank you, Nikolas, for sharing your film with us. Your grandfather would be very proud!
June 23, 2011: Etiquette by Margery Sinclair
At this weekly meeting of SpiritMindBodyGroup we had a guest brought by Sue. That guest was Margery Sinclair, international expert and author on Good Manners, and etiquette. I believe I am not just speaking for myself when I say that I learned a tremendous amount on behavior, which will enable all of us to get along better with peers, communicate better what we wish, and spread civility in a world where we all think that commodity is severely lacking. Margery showed us why "People with good manners have a lifetime advantage in their personal and professional lives."
We discussed the E. Q. Test (Etiquette Quotient) and its answers, among other etiquette questions.
1. What is the first and most fundamental rule of etiquette?
2 What is the difference between "thoughtless" and "rude"?
3. What is the correct response to "How do you do?"
4. What is the correct response to "How are you?"
5. What two questions should you ask before repeating gossip?
6. Is profanity ever acceptable?
7. We can compliment people in three areas. Please name them.
8. What does "R.S.V.P. stand for in French? What does it mean in English?
9. You are taking friends out to dinner. The check is $238.73. Quick -- How much is a 15% tip?
10. When and why do you write a thank you note?
11. In which direction do you pass the rolls?
12. True or false: American should eat European style.
13. Should you eat the salad on your left? Or is it for the person on your left?
14. Why might a fork and/or spoon be place above your plate?
15. Where does the napkin go when you are finished eating, but still sitting at the table?
16. Your parents used to cut up all your food into small pieces; should you still do that?
17. Should you turn your glass upside down if you don't want the beverage?
"Those who do not know propriety lack a basis for establishing character." Confucius, 559-449 BCE
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A Year of Good Manners A perpetual, daily calendar to record birthdays, anniversaries, and help you remember good manners every day, all year long. Featuring the etiquette teachings of Margery Sinclair and paintings from Jan Polk’s “respect series” – The Great American Flower Collection. The paintings of Jan Polk remind you to treat yourself and others with respect. The words of Margery Sinclair explain how and why you should. “People with good manners have a lifetime advantage in their personal and professional lives.” Margery Sinclair, Etiquette Consultant Respect and Manners are our common bonds..”
We discussed the E. Q. Test (Etiquette Quotient) and its answers, among other etiquette questions.
1. What is the first and most fundamental rule of etiquette?
2 What is the difference between "thoughtless" and "rude"?
3. What is the correct response to "How do you do?"
4. What is the correct response to "How are you?"
5. What two questions should you ask before repeating gossip?
6. Is profanity ever acceptable?
7. We can compliment people in three areas. Please name them.
8. What does "R.S.V.P. stand for in French? What does it mean in English?
9. You are taking friends out to dinner. The check is $238.73. Quick -- How much is a 15% tip?
10. When and why do you write a thank you note?
11. In which direction do you pass the rolls?
12. True or false: American should eat European style.
13. Should you eat the salad on your left? Or is it for the person on your left?
14. Why might a fork and/or spoon be place above your plate?
15. Where does the napkin go when you are finished eating, but still sitting at the table?
16. Your parents used to cut up all your food into small pieces; should you still do that?
17. Should you turn your glass upside down if you don't want the beverage?
"Those who do not know propriety lack a basis for establishing character." Confucius, 559-449 BCE
June 16, 2011: Nic's Story !
Nic tells about his volunteer day at Schlitz Audobon when he takes one of the raptors, a red tailed hawk for a walk on leash. The majesty of this bird and its wildness leads Nic into some deep thoughts about this majestic bird's origins, as well as our own. He ponders the why of evolution in prose that is very moving and beautifully written. If Nic is unfortunate enough to have no one accept his piece in magazines, then we will be fortunate enough to have it published here. Time will tell.
Everyone in the group was greatly moved by this story. It prompted quite a discussion. One person commented -- when you write you unpack the emotional experience. That is what happened here. Otherwise the experience is ineffable. The possibilities moved the author at that moment.
Gary commented that this is like a field called epigenetics.This is the situation in biology, or really in genetics, where the DNA does not change but the expression of the DNA code does in order to fill a niche in the biology or in an ecosystem. Gary takes this one step further and says, "There is a potential in evolution where the mutations fill a niche. the universe, the consciousness, interacts with the DNA to fill a niche.
Sky asked: "Has anyone tried to go beyond the mechanics of just evolution. Nic tried to include intelligent design a little in his story. Gary commented that a peacock fills a niche, but first there was the niche to be filled.
Another theme that circled the room: Everyone wants to know why. We are the only creature who asks. But we are not going to know the answers to many of the questions that we ask. Maybe we must just embrace the unknowing. There is a feeling if we do enough science we will unravel the answers. Some thought that this idea is an illusion. On the other hand the impetus to find answers has moved us forward. At least we think the direction has been forward. Buddha said: There are all the leaves in the forest. But Buddha picked up a handful and said, "I give these to you. These are all that you need." He meant that sometimes the seeking gets in the way of the the inner journey.
We concluded that there is a tension -- we need both acceptance and asking. Two words express this: Wow! Why!
To put it another way: If we just accept and not ask why, we may be better off. But if we all turn inward, we won't ask why and we will get fewer answers. It is a balancing act of physics and metaphysics.
As someone once said: I was educated once and it's taken years for me to get over it.
Nic, thank you so much for this writing. We were so moved by it.
June 9, 2011: Three Kinds of Spirituality: A Retreat
If you hit the Read More Button you will find a print out of my discussion of the article and our agenda for this retreat. We had good weather, meditation looking at Lake Michigan, a good breakfast, I think a good discussion, and a successful retreat.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Upcoming Retreat: June 9, 2011 Home of Ann Selzer
Spiritual Retreat at Home of Ann Selzer
10522 N. Circle Road
Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: 262 241 5747
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Parking on the street, although there are a couple spots near the garage. Please keep circle in front of home clear in order for people to utilize for drop off and pick up.
Usual meditation from 7:40 AM to 8:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 to 8:30 am
Presentation of article by Ken Wilbur and Andrew Cohen: Integral Philosophy Dialogue, from Enlightenment Mag, 2002.
Included in presentation, contemplation of some Native American camouflage art prints. From 8:30 to 9:30 AM
Break and walking meditation: 9:30 to 10:00 AM
Conclusion of presentation and discussion: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Formal part of morning concludes: 11:00 AM. For any who want to look at other framed prints, or at my toy collection, we can do this informally at and after 11:00 AM
If anyone didn't get or lost the PDF file with the article from Enlightenment Next from 2002 featuring Ken Wilber and Andrew Cohen discussing spirituality, please let me know at annselzer@gmail.com and I will resend the PDF file to you. See you on June 9th.
10522 N. Circle Road
Mequon, WI 53092
Phone: 262 241 5747
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Parking on the street, although there are a couple spots near the garage. Please keep circle in front of home clear in order for people to utilize for drop off and pick up.
Usual meditation from 7:40 AM to 8:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 to 8:30 am
Presentation of article by Ken Wilbur and Andrew Cohen: Integral Philosophy Dialogue, from Enlightenment Mag, 2002.
Included in presentation, contemplation of some Native American camouflage art prints. From 8:30 to 9:30 AM
Break and walking meditation: 9:30 to 10:00 AM
Conclusion of presentation and discussion: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Formal part of morning concludes: 11:00 AM. For any who want to look at other framed prints, or at my toy collection, we can do this informally at and after 11:00 AM
If anyone didn't get or lost the PDF file with the article from Enlightenment Next from 2002 featuring Ken Wilber and Andrew Cohen discussing spirituality, please let me know at annselzer@gmail.com and I will resend the PDF file to you. See you on June 9th.
June 2, 2011: Bake Off
Sharleen brought the following: Courtesy is treating others with kindness and tact. We take the time to speak and act graciously, showing people that we value and respect them. We make requests, not demands. We remember our manners, greet others warmly, and listen closely when they speak. Courtesy is a way to honor others, showing them how much they matter to us by how we treat them. Those closest to us need our courtesy most of all. Courtesy is the mirror of their value.
"See ye not, Courtesy is the true Alchemy, turning to gold all it touches and tries?" George Meredith "The Song of Courtesy"
The Practice of Courtesy:
I remember my manners.
I show others that I value and respect them.
I treat others graciously.
I make requests, not demands.
I listen attentively.
I treat my intimates with special care.
"I am thankful for the gift of Courtesy. It sweetens my relationships."
A discussion of courtesy and its lack in today's cultural world. One attendee said, "Courtesy is lovingkindness in work clothes."
Several felt that fear is an issue in the current lack of coutesy. Fear is responsible for aggression. If we meet fire with fire, instead of courtesy, the aggression escalates. It is also felt that there is a fragmentation in our day to day living due to the Internet and a reduction in face to face contact. There is less nationalism, less courtesy, and etiquette is not taught to the young anymore. We do not use honorifics to address people anymore, which perhaps allows more familiarity and less respect, and then more rudeness. What is taught in the home also has a great influence on this. Dave and Judy told how their neighborhood has developed close contacts, regular social picnics and occasions, safe Trick or Treating, and the elimination of crime and drug houses. There has been a move to develop gardens in each lot. They have named their local The Garden District.
One attendee made an interesting observation: Perhaps it is the "naming" that makes a difference, "to concretize social entities and the improvement of society." The naming of that neighborhood "The Garden District" and using honorifics may contribute more than we think to these positive changes.
In last Sunday's paper, there was an article about Marco who has a large space where he has gathered and displayed many vignettes of collectible and perhaps also non collectible objects in a very artistic way. He is now about to lose that space due to inability to pay rent. There have been many photos taken of this space and these things. Some discussion followed about what could be done to save such a collection. This particular collector is notable for his individual uniqueness. Here is a link to several dozen photos of Marco's unique gallery: http://gallery.me.com/elkon#101020
I also told the short story of Dubi Ayalon, an X Israeli Defense Force soldier, and high school principal who has moved with his wife and 8 year old son to a farm in Plain, WI and is, of all things, raising water buffalo for their milk. His story has several morals. Find the newspaper article online in Jewish Chronicle and in Journal Sentinel. Or check out my personal blog where I am soon posting the story and some photos. http://renraeretire.blogspot.com/.
Next week: Retreat at home of Ann Selzer, 10522 N. Circle Rd, Mequon, WI. Phone: 262 241 5747.
"See ye not, Courtesy is the true Alchemy, turning to gold all it touches and tries?" George Meredith "The Song of Courtesy"
The Practice of Courtesy:
I remember my manners.
I show others that I value and respect them.
I treat others graciously.
I make requests, not demands.
I listen attentively.
I treat my intimates with special care.
"I am thankful for the gift of Courtesy. It sweetens my relationships."
A discussion of courtesy and its lack in today's cultural world. One attendee said, "Courtesy is lovingkindness in work clothes."
Several felt that fear is an issue in the current lack of coutesy. Fear is responsible for aggression. If we meet fire with fire, instead of courtesy, the aggression escalates. It is also felt that there is a fragmentation in our day to day living due to the Internet and a reduction in face to face contact. There is less nationalism, less courtesy, and etiquette is not taught to the young anymore. We do not use honorifics to address people anymore, which perhaps allows more familiarity and less respect, and then more rudeness. What is taught in the home also has a great influence on this. Dave and Judy told how their neighborhood has developed close contacts, regular social picnics and occasions, safe Trick or Treating, and the elimination of crime and drug houses. There has been a move to develop gardens in each lot. They have named their local The Garden District.
One attendee made an interesting observation: Perhaps it is the "naming" that makes a difference, "to concretize social entities and the improvement of society." The naming of that neighborhood "The Garden District" and using honorifics may contribute more than we think to these positive changes.
In last Sunday's paper, there was an article about Marco who has a large space where he has gathered and displayed many vignettes of collectible and perhaps also non collectible objects in a very artistic way. He is now about to lose that space due to inability to pay rent. There have been many photos taken of this space and these things. Some discussion followed about what could be done to save such a collection. This particular collector is notable for his individual uniqueness. Here is a link to several dozen photos of Marco's unique gallery: http://gallery.me.com/elkon#101020
I also told the short story of Dubi Ayalon, an X Israeli Defense Force soldier, and high school principal who has moved with his wife and 8 year old son to a farm in Plain, WI and is, of all things, raising water buffalo for their milk. His story has several morals. Find the newspaper article online in Jewish Chronicle and in Journal Sentinel. Or check out my personal blog where I am soon posting the story and some photos. http://renraeretire.blogspot.com/.
Next week: Retreat at home of Ann Selzer, 10522 N. Circle Rd, Mequon, WI. Phone: 262 241 5747.
May 26, 2011: Sharleen presents the Seven Spiritual Laws of success by Deepak Chopra.
First Sharleen defined success for us in several ways and from various sources: Success is = "continued expansion of happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals. The ability to fulfill your desires with effortless ease. A journey, not a destination. Material abundance is one component and can make the journey more enjoyable. Success also includes good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional psychological stability, a sense of well being and peace of mind. True success is the experience of the miraculous, the unfolding of the divinity within us. The standard of success in life is not the things or the money, the standard of success is absolutely the amount of joy you feel.
A law is defined by Chopra as a process by which the unmanifest becomes manifest. The dictionary defines a law as --a rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement, or authority. The body of principles held to express the divine will. A code based on morality, conscience, or nature.
Here are the seven laws as outlined by Deepak Chopra:
Sharleen summarized them for us. They can be found online if you enter the title of the book. Dr. Chopra discusses their application to daily life.
1. The Law of Pure Potentiality.
2. Law of Giving and Receiving
3. Law of Karma or Cause and Effect.
4. Law of Least Effort
5. Law of Intention and Desire
6. Law of Detachment
7. The Law of Dharma or Purpose in Life
Summary: The Law of Pure Potentiality is experienced through silence, through meditation, through non-judgement, through communion with nature.
It is activated by the Law of Giving, when you learn to give that which you seek. If you seek money, give money, if you seek love, give love; if you seek peace, give peace.
Through your actions in the Law of Giving, you activate the Law of Karma.
Creating good karma makes life easy and you don't have to expend a lot of effort to fulfill your desires, which leads to an understanding of the Law of Least Effort.
This leads to an understanding of the Law of Intention and Desire, which makes it easy to practice the Law of Detachment.
As you understand the above laws, you begin to focus on your true purpose.
You then "create whatever you want, whenever you want and your life becomes an expression of unbounded love."
Group discussion followed:
Our discussion then branched off into the subject of karma. Some members have a hard time understanding karma when it is defined as a payback for past bad deeds. Paul told of a group of blind kids who climbed Mount Everest. They were Eastern Buddhists and all of those kids and those who knew them thought those kids earned their blindness. But Paul agrees that Western Buddhism has trouble with the idea of karma, and probably most Western Buddhist groups have rejected the idea of a karmic bank account. Those of us in the group who are physicians certainly know that it often seems that good people get bad diseases, and often people whom we regard as bad breeze through life without suffering. But perhaps karma should better be understood as our planting seeds of conscious behavior during our life. We then should not water or nourish the bad seeds. Good karma is watering the good seeds. This can be done in individual consciousness and probably also in collective consciousness.
Todd said that a long meditation retreat makes you face all your emotions and you reach a place of gratitude and peace. Such an experience helps you get to a place where you can empty your mind.
Someone recommended the books of Rich Fields. Here is a short vignette from the Internet on this journalist and poet. Rick Fields, 57, Poet and Expert on Buddhism
By NICK RAVO Published: June 11, 1999
Rick Fields, a journalist, poet and leading authority on Buddhism's history and development in the United States, died on Sunday at his home in Fairfax, Calif. He was 57. he cause was lung cancer, said Helen Tworkov, a longtime friend and the editor in chief of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, a magazine that Mr. Field helped found in 1991 and that he had worked for as a contributing editor. r. Fields wrote several books, the best known of which is ''How the Swans Came to the Lake: A Narrative History of Buddhism in America'' (Shambhala, 1981). Traces Buddhism's origins in the United States from Chinese railroad workers and American transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau in the mid-19th century, to Japanese immigrants on the West Coast at the turn of the century, to the writer Alan Watts and Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg in the 1950's, to the mass popularity of Zen Buddhism and the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism in the 1960's and 70's.
There is an idea that if you just follow the rules: 1-2-3 etc. you will then be fine. But that doesn't occur. Life is suffering. So these books and even the words of Depok Chopra may be too simplistic. Three ways to have success seem to be: reduce expectations; take joy from little things; and have a good support system. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Happiness Hypothesis states that community of family and friends is the number one correlate of happiness.
May 19: Tom Ryan on "Focusing"
I am afraid our group almost didn't let Tom complete his presentation on focusing. We couldn't focus or else everyone just had a lot to contribute.
Tom presented some ideas about focusing. He has long experience in working with people who need such instruction. Several practices for learning to focus were discussed.
Several books came up in the discussions: Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy by Eugene Gendler. There is a Phase I self exploration. Notice what is going on as when we do Heart Math. Then we take an inventory of our body and the inner self. Try to take control of the issues and ask the heart for guidance.
Also Working with the Dreaming Body by Mendel. In this case you amplify what you are feeling. This drives you to a different state of mind. The brainstem contracts what you don't like. So if you amplify you drive it from the brainstem to the neocortex.
The psychologist Carl Rogers says to amplify changes what the person thinks. We tend to do opposite in psychiatry. We try to talk people out of bad feelings, and make people pick out good things to think about if they are depressed. By amplifying, we can change the thinking.
Another model outlines that you enter into a dialogue with parts of your body, as in negotiation. Get two sides to agree on what they disagree on. We don't realize that two parts of us can be fighting with each other. We denigrate ourselves when we think about this. If you can embrace your two different sides, it allows freedom.
Anger sometimes comes up frequently in our discussions. We all agree sometimes anger is hard to let go. On the other hand, you do need to deal with anger for a while. You need to face it, and not get rid of it too soon. It is a fallacy that you can get stuck on anger. The only way you get stuck on anger is that you deny it. If you are inviting it in to deal with it, you must experience the feelings associated with that anger, not just verbalize it. Anger is a very basic feeling, but we need to ask: "What fear am I feeling? What am I afraid of?"
Religion tells us to deny the anger, or ignore it, or give it to God, but organized religion usually doesn't encourage us to embrace or accept the anger.
Tom presented some ideas about focusing. He has long experience in working with people who need such instruction. Several practices for learning to focus were discussed.
Several books came up in the discussions: Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy by Eugene Gendler. There is a Phase I self exploration. Notice what is going on as when we do Heart Math. Then we take an inventory of our body and the inner self. Try to take control of the issues and ask the heart for guidance.
Also Working with the Dreaming Body by Mendel. In this case you amplify what you are feeling. This drives you to a different state of mind. The brainstem contracts what you don't like. So if you amplify you drive it from the brainstem to the neocortex.
The psychologist Carl Rogers says to amplify changes what the person thinks. We tend to do opposite in psychiatry. We try to talk people out of bad feelings, and make people pick out good things to think about if they are depressed. By amplifying, we can change the thinking.
Another model outlines that you enter into a dialogue with parts of your body, as in negotiation. Get two sides to agree on what they disagree on. We don't realize that two parts of us can be fighting with each other. We denigrate ourselves when we think about this. If you can embrace your two different sides, it allows freedom.
Anger sometimes comes up frequently in our discussions. We all agree sometimes anger is hard to let go. On the other hand, you do need to deal with anger for a while. You need to face it, and not get rid of it too soon. It is a fallacy that you can get stuck on anger. The only way you get stuck on anger is that you deny it. If you are inviting it in to deal with it, you must experience the feelings associated with that anger, not just verbalize it. Anger is a very basic feeling, but we need to ask: "What fear am I feeling? What am I afraid of?"
Religion tells us to deny the anger, or ignore it, or give it to God, but organized religion usually doesn't encourage us to embrace or accept the anger.
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