I could listen to Esther Perel talk about relationships forever. She's a highly well respected couple therapist who was recently interviewed on the Huberman podcast on finding, building and maintaining healthy romantic relationships. I tend to listen to his episodes on 1.2-2.0 speed, so although it's 2 hrs, you can listen in less time.
Poem Sent From A Client #mindfulness #acceptance #compassion
For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet
Joy Harjo - 1951
Put down that bag of potato chips, that white bread, that bottle of pop.
Turn off that cellphone, computer, and remote control.
Open the door, then close it behind you.
Take a breath offered by friendly winds. They travel the earth gathering essences of plants to clean.
Give it back with gratitude.
If you sing it will give your spirit lift to fly to the stars’ ears and back.
Acknowledge this earth who has cared for you since you were a dream planting itself precisely within your parents’ desire.
Let your moccasin feet take you to the encampment of the guardians who have known you before time, who will be there after time. They sit before the fire that has been there without time.
Let the earth stabilize your postcolonial insecure jitters.
Be respectful of the small insects, birds and animal people who accompany you.
Ask their forgiveness for the harm we humans have brought down upon them.
Don’t worry.
The heart knows the way though there may be high-rises, interstates, checkpoints, armed soldiers, massacres, wars, and those who will despise you because they despise themselves.
The journey might take you a few hours, a day, a year, a few years, a hundred, a thousand or even more.
Watch your mind. Without training it might run away and leave your heart for the immense human feast set by the thieves of time.
Do not hold regrets.
When you find your way to the circle, to the fire kept burning by the keepers of your soul, you will be welcomed.
You must clean yourself with cedar, sage, or other healing plant.
Cut the ties you have to failure and shame.
Let go the pain you are holding in your mind, your shoulders, your heart, all the way to your feet. Let go the pain of your ancestors to make way for those who are heading in our direction.
Ask for forgiveness.
Call upon the help of those who love you. These helpers take many forms: animal, element, bird, angel, saint, stone, or ancestor.
Call your spirit back. It may be caught in corners and creases of shame, judgment, and human abuse.
You must call in a way that your spirit will want to return.
Speak to it as you would to a beloved child.
Welcome your spirit back from its wandering. It may return in pieces, in tatters. Gather them together. They will be happy to be found after being lost for so long.
Your spirit will need to sleep awhile after it is bathed and given clean clothes.
Now you can have a party. Invite everyone you know who loves and supports you. Keep room for those who have no place else to go.
Make a giveaway, and remember, keep the speeches short.
Then, you must do this: help the next person find their way through the dark.
Cracking the Code of Love w/ Dr. Sue Johnson
From The Knowledge Project: https://fs.blog/sue-johnson/
“Dr. Sue Johnson is a researcher, clinical psychologist, and the developer of EFT or Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. In this interview, we discuss how to create, protect, and nourish fulfilling sexual and emotional relationships.
… The EFT model is considered to be one of the most effective evidence-based therapy methods available and is currently taught to over 3000 health care professionals every year. Countless couples’ relationships have been repaired and strengthened because of Sue’s work.
Sue is also the author of several books, including Love Sense and her breakout bestseller, Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, which is hands down the best relationship book I’ve ever read.
In this discussion, Sue and I walk through the life cycle of human relationships, from early infatuation to dating, marriage, and beyond while taking short detours to explore many of the hazards that are common in each stage.
Sue talks about finding, sparking and rekindling connection with our partner, why emotional responsiveness is critical to a healthy relationship, and she shares the recipe to a great sex life that all the popular online and magazine articles are missing.”
Hot off the press! Largest genetics study of anorexia nervosa to date!
One of the largest genetic studies of anorexia nervosa conducted to date was recently published in Nature Genetics, a highly reputable, high impact factor, journal. Briefly, in a sample of ~17,000 individuals with anorexia nervosa and ~56,000 individuals without a history of an eating disorder, researchers found:
- 8 genetic variants associated with anorexia nervosa risk.
- Individuals with anorexia nervosa were more likely to carry genetic variants that predispose them to: (1) other psychiatric disorders such as OCD and major depression; (2) lower body weight and fat mass; (3) lower levels of unfavorable metabolic markers such as fasting insulin; (4) higher levels of favorable metabolic markers such as HDL cholesterol; and (5) increased levels of physical activity.
- Anorexia nervosa may be better conceptualized as a metabo-psychiatric disorder, meaning that there may be an important metabolic component to anorexia nervosa in addition to its psychiatric roots.
**Easy-to-read summary of the study and findings: uncexchanges.org/…/anorexia-nervosa-genetics-initiative-an…/
**Original Nature Genetics publication (behind paywall): www.nature.com/articles/s41588-019-0439-2
This Year, Consider Giving Presence Instead Of Presents
"...micro-moments of positivity, like a kind word, cuddling with a child, or receiving compassion make people feel most loved," says Dr. Zita Oravecz via NPR
Read the full article.