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SOME INSPIRATION TO SHARE |
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- Albert Einstein defined INSANITY as, "...doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
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"October is a symphony of permanence and change."
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"Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process."
- Ann Wilson Schaef
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"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
- Charles Darwin
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"The most difficult phase of life is not when no one understands you; it is when you don't understand yourself."
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
- Mark Twain
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"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom."
- Anais Nin
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"Not to have control over the senses is like sailing in a rudderless ship, bound to break to pieces on coming in contact with the very first rock."
- Mahatma Gandhi
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"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else. It is about your outlook towards life. You can either regret or rejoice."
- Unknown
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"Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint, and the soil and sky as canvas."
-Elizabeth Murray
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"The definition of mantra is 'that which protects the mind.' That which protects the mind from negativity, or that which protects you from your own mind, is called mantra."
- Sogyal Rinpoche
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"...everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms --to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
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| 1 . welcome issue |
oct /nov. 08 |
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B R E A T H E
Please take a moment to relax while we introduce and welcome you to our e-newletter. Let's try this now: Take a deep breath in (from below your navel and expanding your lower back and abdomen)...count slowly, 1-2-3-4; now out...again slowly, 1-2-3-4. Again, in...1-2-3-4; out...1-2-3-4. (While doing this, remember that this is your time to be kind to yourself. Drop your jaw and shoulders, feeling the weight in your arms, and smile inwardly to yourself).
Welcome to B R E A T H E - Network Biofeedback's e-newsletter.
For those of you familiar with Biofeedback, this is probably more of a review. You can continue to read along as we talk a little bit about what Biofeedback is or, if you like, you can continue your deep breathing and when ready, you can continue to the block below, titled: "What to Expect: Regularly B R E A T H E your way into Good Health."
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What is Biofeedback? What about Neurofeedback?
B I O F E E D B A C K
...is a gentle, non-invasive way to access and affirm your natural, self-healing abilities.
Biofeedback uses technology to help you learn to control or manage your stress response. Sensitive instruments are used to measure physical processes with the purpose of "feeding back" the information to an individual in order to control these processes. See the image below, HOW BIOFEEDBACK WORKS, for a visual example of how the biofeedback cycle actually happens.
Like Biofeedback, Neurofeedback is a therapy technique that presents the user with realtime feedback on body activity, only in the case of Neurofeedback, it's specifically brainwave activity. This is measured by sensors on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display, sound or vibration. It is particularly helpful in treating ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, and Insomnia.
As a person becomes more aware of the mind-body connection and learns self-regulation, very often they gain control over their symptoms and their health.
Research has shown that by getting this immediate information about biological functions such as: muscle tension, skin temperature, skin resistance, heart rate, and brain wave activity, a person can better understand the changes that occur during stress, learn to regulate these functions, and reduce the long-range negative effects of stress.
Who and What Symptoms are Treated with Biofeedback/Neurofeedback?
We see Children, Adolescents and Adults who need assistance addressing stress-related symptoms and conditions like:
- ADD/ADHD/Hyperactivity -
- Anxiety/Panic -
- Asthma -
- Chronic Pain -
- Headaches (Migraine/Tension) -
- High Blood Pressure -
- Insomnia -
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome -
- Pregnancy/Labor/Delivery -
- Stress-Related Infertility -
- TMJ/Tinnitus -
...and Others.. |
HOW BIOFEEDBACK WORKS
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Above you will find an example of how the
Biofeedback Cycle works... For more information about:
- What Biofeedback Is
- Techniques Used
- Treatment
- Internships
- The Biofeeback Society
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What to Expect:
Regularly B R E A T H E
Your Way Into Good Health |
Each month from B R E A T H E . . .
You can expect to find INFORMATION about Biofeedback, FREE Stuff, Biofeedback PRODUCTS, UPCOMING EVENTS, and that month's FEATURED RELAXATION TECHNIQUE. |
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Meet the Owner / President of
Network Biofeedback Services, Inc. |
 Susan E. Antelis
MPS, BCIA Certified Sr. Fellow,
EEG Certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
NYS Licensed & Board Certified
Creative Arts Therapist
To Learn More About Susan and Her Affliliations, Please Visit the Following Web Pages:
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An Excerpt from Susan's Upcoming Book:
Like an Orchid in the Desert |
 PART 1: CARE AND FEEDING
The following is an excerpt from an internet piece; try substituting the word "person" for the word "orchid"-if only there were a reliable generic guide to the care of "persons". Although there is only one species of human, there are 6.7 billion of us on the planet and since each of us is unique you could say that there are 6.7 billion varieties of us-where to begin?
Orchid care is a popular topic. According to beautifulorchids.com, over 35,000 varieties have been discovered in nature. Orchid care is not especially difficult, and many orchid lovers find that it quickly becomes a part of their normal routine. (Having tried my hand at growing these flowers, I would disagree with Ms. Fisher's comments here)
Each variety requires slightly different care, although the basics remain the same. Some varieties are much easier to care for than others are. Your selection of orchid variety will also depend on the conditions under which you plan to grow it. Take the time to learn about different types of orchids and their growing conditions in nature. The key to successful orchid care is the reproduction of the plant's natural environment.[1]
Many books have actually been written about "person" care. My favorite is The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron, PHD[2] It also has a companion workbook and versions for Sensitive children, the Sensitive person in love, at work, etc. Her website is:
Dr. Aron makes some valid and helpful suggestions for underwhelming oneself when one becomes overwhelmed, including proactive plans as well. Other authors noted on Dr. Aron's web site have since joined this crusade to champion the cause of the Sensitive Person, dubbed HSP, for Highly Sensitive Person. These are the only texts I have found to deal with the particular issues of sensitive people. Take her "self-test" to determine if you fall into this category at http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test.htm It is, well, self-scoring. Regarding self-care issues, Aron explains, "If we try to live by the same operating instructions that others use, we develop all kinds of chronic illnesses, as so many of you have learned the hard way. Yet if we overprotect ourselves, our assets go unexpressed, and that can also lead to stress and illness." Relaxation, breathing, and visualization techniques help HSPs deal with over arousal; "script-writing" sections prepare readers for difficult conversations; explorations of self-criticisms heal self-esteem; and dream interpretation exercises allow HSPs to take advantage of their heightened creativity and complex inner life.
Dr. Aron defines a distinct personality trait that affects as many as one out of every five people. According to Dr. Aron's definition, the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment. Additionally, she says, the success of The Highly Sensitive Person is cause for celebration: "We've done it ourselves. And not surprisingly, since we are 15 to 20 percent of the population - that's fifty million in the United States."[3]
Fifty million highly sensitive people in the US,
20 percent of the whole population. Wow!
The following piece speaks to the intricate process of watering orchids - think about all of the different types of bottled water, water filters, etc. available to people.
WATERING YOUR ORCHID Always water early in the day so that your orchids dry out by nighttime. The proper frequency of watering will depend on the climatic conditions where you live. In general, water once a week during the winter and twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry. The size of your orchid container also helps determine how often you need to water, regardless of climate conditions. Typically, a 6-inch pot needs water every 7 days and a 4-inch pot needs water every 5 to 6 days.
The type of potting medium being used can also affect your plant's water requirements. Bark has a tendency to dry out more rapidly than sphagnum moss, for instance. It is important to remember, however, that even when the surface of your pot is dry, the root area may remain moist. Poke your finger or a regular wooden pencil an inch into the pot; if it feels moist to the touch or if the pencil looks moist, do not add additional water. The potting medium should always be damp, but not soggy-neither should it be allowed to get extremely dry.
The quality of water used, whether for spraying or watering, is of great importance. Since tap water has often been chemically treated, generally with chlorine, it should be used with caution. The best water for orchids is undoubtedly rainwater. Rainwater, as it passes through the air, dissolves and absorbs many substances such as dust, pollen and other organic matter. This enriched rainwater contributes to the nourishment of the plant.
THINGS TO CONSIDER The temperature of the water is also important. If the water temperature and the surrounding air temperature are equal, no harm will result, and slight differences either way can be tolerated by healthy plants. Fatal or long-term damage, not easily discernible at first, can result from using water that is too cold.[4]
Hydration of the human brain is a key factor in maintaining emotional stasis or balance. We are 78% water - the brain will go into red alert when it's proper levels of hydration for peak performance are not maintained. This may manifest in fatigue or even in fainting.
This segues into the concept of a kind of "diaper bag" for your inner child, or "Survival Kit" for the Sensitive Person.
Let's see what it would contain:
- a bottle of water, filtered of course
- a protein, like low-fat cheese sticks, or rolled up lean turkey strips - to protect from sudden drops in blood sugar and the unavailability of appropriate food sources
- a complex carbohydrate like whole grain crackers or granola bars or apples
- raw nuts preferably almonds assuming no nut allergies are present
- an ice pack to keep it all fresh
In the side pocket:
o A bottle of purel, Band-Aids, other first aid items
o Plastic silverware and napkins
o Extra vitamin C
o IPOD with Relaxation track
o Book, magazine, knitting for the long waits in the Dr.'s office
o Stress squeeze ball for the long waits on lines
- sunglasses (protection from bright fluorescent lights)
- a sweatshirt (protection from air-conditioning or cold air, etc.)
- optional: someone to carry it for you?
All kidding aside; this would be important in creating "Safe space" for the Sensitive Souls, akin to the metaphor of a watering can for the Orchid in the Desert (OID).
References:
[1] A Beginner's Guide to Orchid Care: Information on How to Care for an Orchid by Lisa Fritscher www.lifescript.com
[2]The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron, PhD
[3]http://www.hsperson.com/index.html
[4]www.beautifulorchids.com
For More Information on Susan's Book, See Our Upcoming e-News!
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Thank you for joining us for our first B R E A T H E issue! We'll see you again very soon!
Sincerely,
Marie Costabile
Research Development/Designer
Network Biofeedback Services, Inc. |
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