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Holographic Universe
We would have a much easier time of living if we would see life as more of a dream, and less as hard cold "reality." I know there are people who would love to argue this point til the cows come home - that "all the bad stuff in the world is REAL and you can't tell me it's not!!"
Yes, on a certain level of perception you can call it "real." We all suffer. We see bad things happen and bad things happen to us. We watch our loved one's get sick and suffer and die. We read the news, experience loss and fear and stress, and get very stuck in our despair. But when we get out of that place of despair, everything changes. Everything.
The Mind is the final frontier. Experiment with it. See how far you can stretch the bounds of what you believe is possible. Our beliefs and expectations create our experience. If you're stuck in a negative mental state, feeling the aweful effects of your negative, pessimistic, self-limiting beliefs - and perhaps even recognizing that it is not really the Truth - you are left with a choice: Fight against this belief (and probably lose); Submit to the negative belief (and be bitter and disappointed); Accept yourself as you are, and recognize that you have this belief but you are NOT your belief (this will help a lot if you stay with it); Or take measures to clear the mind entirely - through meditation (passive) and meridian tapping (active) methods, until the positive, life affirming, creative forces within you begin to take hold and shift reality to a much more enjoyable state.
A final thought to consider about thinking and "the Law of Attraction:"
If we tend to create and attract our particular version of "reality" based on our personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs from moment to moment...
is it better to go along with the fast pace of life, always thinking ahead to what's coming, what's next, anticipating the day ahead and feeling like a hamster on a wheel? Or is it better for us to focus on the present moment - to be in the here-and-now awareness of our immediate experience, physically, visually, sensually and so on?
The fear we have, is that if we simply focused on this present moment awareness, we would appear to be spaced out, oblivious to plans and schedules and would be useless. We fear that life would spin out of control and we would lose something, or miss out on something critically important....
But if we create what we think about, then thinking always about future, future, future, just creates more "future" and less Now-ness.
And if we dare to place our complete attention on the Present Moment Awareness - if we are crazy enough to risk it - we will in fact, create more Present Moment. Because that's what we're focusing on. The only Real "Reality" exists right Here and Now. And it's infinite, and eternal - the Now. But the only way to begin to experience the majesty of the moment, is to put your attention there and keep it there - instead of forever chasing shadows and an anticipated future that hasn't happened yet.
Try it, you might like it.
"Have you ever had a dream, Neo, that you were so sure it was real? What if you were unable to awake from that dream? How would you know the difference between the dream world, and the real world?"
"What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad."
"You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he expects to wake up. Ironically, that's not far from the truth."
"There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."
- Morpheus, in The Matrix (movie)
Spoon Boy: Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible. Instead... only try to realize the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Spoon boy: There is no spoon.
Neo: There is no spoon?
Spoon boy: Then you'll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.
Holistic Consciousness
Addicted to Thinking
"... most people are not ready to give up the thinking habit. The most common reasons are based on distorted fears and self-defeating beliefs, such as the following:
- “It is not possible to exist without thinking.”
- “I would be incapacitated and useless if I didn't think.”
- “I like thinking too much. I couldn't be happy if I gave up thinking.”
- “I function better when I think.” (not unlike, “I drive better when I drink.”)
- “I'd have nothing to say or talk about if I didn't think.”
- “I'd lose my job if I didn't think.”
- “I'd lose my friends if I didn't think. All my friends are thinkers.”
- “There would be nothing to do if I didn't think. I'd be bored.”
- “I wouldn't know anything. I'd be stupid if I wasn't thinking.”
The fact is, all of these fears are irrational and based on a distorted understanding of how the mind works.
Even a tiny moment of thoughtless awareness is bliss, and rather than a loss of self, it is the doorway to the Supreme Self.
-From the upcoming book: Addicted to Thinking
Bipolar Disorder and Seizure Disorder - Connected?
Is there a connection between bipolar disorder and Seizure Disorder (Epilepsy)?
Some studies suggest that about 12% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy, also have symptoms of bipolar disorder, and as many of 30% of epileptic patients meet criteria for depression.
It is interesting to note also, that the most common "mood stabilizer" medications used to treat Bipolar, are actually anti-seizure medications - including, Valproate (Depakote), Lamotrigine(Lamictal), Carbamazepine (Epitol, Tegretol), Gabapentin (Neurontin), Topiramate (Topamax). The intended effect of these drugs is to prevent neurons (brain cells) from over-firing.
Bipolar expert and author James Phelps, has written about this and considers the possibility that a bipolar episode is like a "slow seizure."
I have come to view Bipolar Disorder as more of an "Energy Imbalance Disorder" than a "mood disorder." My Bipolar clients often relate to this idea better. Mood is a side effect of changes in mental/emotional/spiritual energy. High energy can cause mania and blissful feelings, or can cause extreme agitation, crying or self-destructive behavior. The mood is not the central issue. It's the energy that is most important to regulate.
Keeping the right/left hemispheres of the brain in balance is one approach to keeping the mood and energy stable.
For more on this, learn about
The Two Brains.
"By its very nature the mind is outward turned; it always tends to seek for the source of things among the things themselves; to be told to look for the source within, is, in a way, the beginning of a new life. Awareness takes the place of consciousness; in consciousness there is the 'I', who is conscious"
- Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Two of the best ways of learning to live in the Here and Now - and realize a more joyful state of inner peace, are Tapping, and Meditation.
I usually prefer to tap first, to remove any negative emotion or runaway thoughts that are burdening the mind and body. Then once this is done - which might only require five minutes of tapping - meditation is much easier.
It might otherwise take up most of your meditation time, just to muddle through the mental-emotional junk in the mind. By tapping first, it tends to be much easier to quickly go into a state of relaxation, inner concentration and self-awareness.
With regular practice, these practices cannot fail to produce very positive results for your peace of mind, for your relationships and for your life.
“If we could make the paradigm shift by seeing ourselves as a soul, and not thinking of ourselves as the body and the mind, this would change the world. We could bring about a harmony, and therefore, bring about the paradigm shift. It would lead us to a Shangri-La, a utopia, the happiness of an ideal society for this world.”
- Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath
"When desires trouble the mind, always remind yourself of this truth: 'When ecstasy comes, everything goes."
-Paramahansa Yogananda
Learn more about iatrogenic (medically caused) illness.
“Why are so many more people disabled by mental illness than ever before? Why are those so diagnosed dying 10-25 years earlier than others? In Anatomy of an Epidemic investigative reporter Robert Whitaker cuts through flawed science, greed and outright lies to reveal that the drugs hailed as the cure for mental disorders instead worsen them over the long term. But Whitaker’s investigation also offers hope for the future: solid science backs nature’s way of healing our mental ills through time and human relationships. Whitaker tenderly interviews children and adults who bear witness to the ravages of mental illness, and testify to their newly found “aliveness” when freed from the prison of mind-numbing drugs.”
—Daniel Dorman, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine and author of Dante’s Cure: A Journey Out of Madness
“This is the most alarming book I’ve read in years. The approach is neither polemical nor ideologically slanted. Relying on medical evidence and historical documentation, Whitaker builds his case like a prosecuting attorney.”
—Carl Elliott, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota and author of Better than Well: American Medicine Meets the American Dream
Bipolar Recovery Coaching and Alternative Bipolar Treatments
Bipolar Recovery Coaching is an individualized program to assist in your recovery from the devastating symptoms of Bipolar Illness.
"Before starting treatment with Ben, I was at my wits end. My life was disintegrating, and I was very close to driving away the most important people in my life....
Fortunately, in searching for an alternative approach, I found Ben's site. Shortly after starting the steps in his Alternative Bipolar Treatment Plan, I began weekly therapy and EFT coaching sessions with Ben. In the six months since, he has helped me completely change my way of being in the world. I've rediscovered what it means to enjoy my life. My days are once again relatively peaceful, and I no longer live in constant fear of lapsing into another violent episode of mania or depression. There is still work to do, but I now feel confident in my ability to stay on track.
Whether you are at your wits end because standard treatment is not helping you, or you are newly diagnosed and looking for an alternative approach, do yourself a favor and give Ben a call. I will be forever thankful that I did just that (and for what it's worth, my sessions are remote, as I couldn't find anyone supporting an alternative treatment approach locally - this has not diminished my results one bit!)"
-Natalie, Bipolar Recovery Coaching Client 2010
This program is for those who:
- Have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and don't know what type of treatment plan to follow.
- Have been taking a cocktail of psychiatric medications and are still experiencing bipolar symptoms and mood episodes.
- Are tired of the debilitating side effects of psychiatric medications and are seeking natural and complimentary treatments.
- Reject the idea that Bipolar Disorder is a chronic, life-long illness that will require drugs for the rest of their lives.
- Are ready to take full control of their lives and their health by learning to live in a disciplined and balanced manner, giving full support to their mind and body.
- Want to continue using psychiatric meds while also exploring other means of improving your quality of life.
- Want to try a model of recovery, rather than blindly accepting that traditional approaches are the only way.
Bipolar Recovery Coaching is an individualized program to suit your unique needs, utilizing a variety of methods, stress-reduction techniques, trauma-release techniques such as EFT/Meridian Tapping, goal setting, mood tracking and more. Most of my coaching clients are not local, and we work together by phone or Skype video calls. Call for details.
Learn more about Bipolar Recovery Coaching program
Meridian Tapping: Learn the Basic Technique
EFT/Meridian Tapping Sessions by Phone (or Skype)
Schedule a Session Now!
A Trauma can be created in a matter of seconds, and with Meridian Tapping/EFT it can
heal in the same amount of time. So let go of your ideas about “deeply ingrained
trauma,”.... it's much easier to change than you ever thought possible.
Tapping Into Joy: Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness for Depression
The basic technique is simple to learn. Coming up with the right words or phrases takes a little more practice. Experiment with it and as they say, "try it on everything." It's the only way to prove to yourself that this is actually a powerful tool worth an absolute fortune.
By learning to use Meridian Tapping/EFT for yourself and your family, you will be saving yourself from pain, poor health, and even expensive medical treatments, just by activating your body's own natural healing abilities. You will have a tool that can overcome virtually any emotional or mental obstacle to your peace, happiness and success in life. It pays to be persistent!
Learn the Basic EFT/Meridian Tapping Technique
Energy Psychology and Meridian Tapping (EFT)
Learn more about Meridian Tapping and EFT
Learn to Meditate: The True Self Is Ever-New Bliss
Healing The Apparent Self
Of The Ignorance Of
The True Self Is The Ultimate
Essence Of All Healing"
-Yogiraj Siddhanath
"The 'here' is everywhere and the now -- always. Go beyond the 'I-am-the-body' idea and you will find that space and time are in you and not you in space and time. Once you have understood this, the main obstacle to realisation is removed."
-Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Realization is our true nature. It is nothing new to be gained. What is new cannot be eternal. Therefore there is no need to be doubting whether we would gain or lose the self."
-Sri Ramana Maharshi
"Learn to be calm and you will always be happy."
-Paramahansa Yogananda
Try My Meditation Audio by Clinking the Link Below:
You always have the ability to go within and to surrender to your own Higher Self - your eternal and ever present Consciousness. Here is the source of your true happiness, bliss and contentment. That which you seek in the world is already here, within you Now.
Try my guided meditation here and now. Just make yourself comfortable, stop what you're doing and take a 15 minute break to feed your soul:
Yogic Breathing Techniques to Supercharge and Balance You
Learn Pranayama techniques - Bhastrika, Ujjai, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Surya Bheda and more
Learn more about yoga and meditation for health, happiness and vitality.
Stay Tuned for the next Newsletter -
Don't Give Up!
Every life challenge is an opportunity to awaken. There is no situation that is hopeless. Something positive, healing and transformative is possible in all circumstances, even when we can't recognize it at the time. Sometimes we forge ourselves out of the fire of suffering and loss, and it isn't until the end that we realize what a beautiful work of art has emerged within. The glory of waking up can't be experienced if you don't first accept that you are asleep.
May we all find peace. May we all know joy. May we all be liberated from fear, and released from illusions. May we all return to the Truth of our inner Light.
Watch EFT-Meridian Tapping Instructional Videos and Connect with me on Facebook:
I value your opinions and your feedback. Please let me know if this newsletter was helpful and feel free to ask questions. I update my website regularly, so check the site for new information, and if you like what you see, let others know about it.
Wishing you health and great joy!
Ben Schwarcz
Benjamin Schwarcz, MFT is licensed psychotherapist (#mfc35606), meditation teacher, and energy coach with a private practice at 509 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401. He can be reached at 707-326-5566.
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As with any drug, not all supplements are safe for all individuals and there may be risks and contraindications for people with certain conditions. Always consult a professional health care provider before before trying to treat a serious condition on your own.
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