Reality of Caregiving

"We live in an intensity that most people don't." caregiver speaking of experience

Yes, caregiving puts us in a situation of intensity.  Depending on the type of disability and whether difficult behavior is involved, the intensity can increase.  Even when my loved one was in a care facility, I noticed I was anxious every time I went to see him.  I never knew what would be the condition he was in, whether he would be lucid, whether he would be belligerent; and, of course, that sense of anxiety was much worse when I was the 24/7 caregiver.  I speak of this so that each of us caregivers knows the extent of the intensity of the situations we are trying to manage.  There are some good tips in the Oct/Nov AARP magazine.

Living a Life of Truth

"When a person 'cracks' during a lie detector test and tells the truth, their physiology becomes peaceful." Joan Borysenko

A good reminder for us all of how important it is for us to live from our truth.  Lying and/or denying who we are is stressful on our body systems.  That does not mean, as some people might think, that we can tell our truth to the point of hurting other people.  That is just using freedom of expression as a weapon.  But, it does mean that, to the extent we can remain true to our essence, we are more at peace throughout our bodies.  

Distortion of Terrorists

"May the healing stream of Allah's forgiveness bathe the hearts of all human beings, cleansing every channel in their spiritual bodies from the subtle fire of the negation of love, the rebellion against love, the self-centered distortion of love." Mohammed

Along with the rest of the civilized world, I am deeply saddened by the horrific acts of terrorism in Paris last weekend.  It is amazing how the jihadists distort the message of Mohammed to serve their own violent acts.  I pray for peace in every human's heart and peace on earth,  

What Heals

"Please remember, that it is what you are that heals, not what you know." Carl Jung

A wonderful argument for congruence.  Are we a healing presence in the world, or are we a diminishing presence?  I don't think our presence can ever be truly neutral.  Either we are adding to peace in the world, or we are adding discord.  Our choice.

Research on Lewy Bodies Dementia

"It takes an average of 18 months for Lewy Bodies Dementia to be diagnosed at this time." Medical Report on PBS

Wow.  18 months.  It seemed forever in our case, but I don't think it was 18 months.  Finally, research is being pointed at Lewy Bodies Dementia.  It seems that has taken forever.  Lewy Bodies Dementia is the second most occurring form of dementia, after Alzheimer's, and yet, largely unknown.  There is even finally research being conducted to develop a medicine that will be specific to Lewy Bodies Dementia.  This will probably not help anyone currently caregiving, but it is hopeful to those yet to come.

Judgments

Every crack is also an opening." Mark Nepo

I was talking with a friend about some rifts in various arenas of her life.  We all have them.  Sometimes the rifts are in relationships in families, sometimes in religious settings, sometimes in work environments.  They are difficult to traverse.  There are often strong feelings as people react out of fear, and hurtful words and actions can occur.  These might be times of closure on the way that relationship has been.  While that is painful, it is also hopeful -- because with every closure there is also a new beginning.  Different, perhaps uncomfortable, but a new beginning.

Merging Our Body and Soul

"Stay committed to your inner path.  Love yourself no matter how others see you." Mark Nepo

Nepo talks about the marriage of the body and soul.   He says it is as important a commitment as the marriage between two people, and should include the promises to oneself that 'for better or worse, in sickness or health, to death do we part'.  He suggests that honoring our soul's journey and living the essential parts of ourselves is possible only when we make a commitment to have our soul be as important a part of our life as our body.  What do you think about marrying your soul to your body?  Perhaps it is time for a ritual to honor the integrity of living life fully with our soul and our humanness united.