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Greetings
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." Thornton Wilder
As we move into the holiday season of November and December, we are often caught up in the anxiety surrounding perfection: the perfect dinner, the perfect gift, the perfect family, the perfect party, the perfect holiday. I have often written about the idea of moving away from perfect and into noticing the unexpected and unplanned beauty that often surrounds us when we bring mindful attention to the "what is" instead of the "should be". The Japanese call this Wabi-Sabi: the beauty and wholeness found within the imperfection of life. So, during this month of November, I invite you to become alive in the moments that surprise and surround you each and every day, ones that you can't anticipate or expect. Here is a YouTube clip (sorry, there is a short ad before the clip) of world famous violinist Joshua Bell playing in a Washington DC Metro station in 2007 -- only a few people stopped to listen. Were the others too busy to notice the beauty that surrounded them, did they even hear the sounds...would you have stopped and noticed? Wishing you a month of unexpected treasures and gratitude,
Pam
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ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK?
Stress Resources has an active Facebook Page with frequent links to articles, research and events related to resiliency, mindfulness and stress management.
"LIKE US" today!
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Pam Ressler
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I invite you to read AND comment on my blog. I write reflections and post links to articles of interest on the intersecting topic areas of resiliency, healthcare, stress management, mindfulness, and life!
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Meditation Maintenance
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 Meditation Maintenance Sessions are a great way to give yourself a monthly self-care "tune-up" by joining with fellow meditators to discuss insights and challenges of your practice. You are welcome to attend each month or simply on an occasional basis. You will find a supportive and welcoming respite in the midst of your busyness.
Fall/Winter Schedule
Evening sessions meet 7-9 PM
Wed, Nov 14
Wed, Dec 12
Wed, Jan 9
Daytime sessions meet 12:30-2:30 PMFri, Nov 16
Fri, Dec 14
Fri, Jan 11 Both evening and daytime sessions are held at Stress Resources' office (97 Lowell Rd, Concord, MA). Please pre-register for sessions as space is limited. Meditation Maintenance sessions are $15 per session. Register by e-mail or by phone (978-369-5243). | |
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Stress Resources and Pam Ressler are on TWITTER
Follow @pamressler
and @stressresources
for updated resources and links to relevant healthcare articles and research
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Communicating the Experience of Chronic Pain and Illness through Blogging
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People are often surprised when I tell them that my academic research focuses on the intersection of social media and healthcare -- especially surrounding how our online writing and interactions may be associated with our resiliency and perceived coping with chronic pain and illness.
My research with colleagues at Tufts University School of Medicine on this topic was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Medical Internet Research. As far as we know, this is one of the largest studies to date that has investigated how patients with chronic pain and illness are using blogging. One of our conclusions is that blogging may indeed help to decrease isolation and increase connection in some patients.
Here is a link to the paper: Ressler, et al. Communicating the Experience of Chronic Pain and Illness through Blogging |
November 26: A Mindful Nation
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 We have just survived a very divisive election season. How can we take stock in what is right in this country and move forward together? Perhaps mindfulness can play a role in creating our national future. For those of you in the greater Boston area, consider joining me in attending : A Mindful Nation with Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) on Monday November 26 at 7 PM at Newton South High School in Newton, MA.
Tickets are $10 and books will be available for purchase and signing. Advance tickets are recommended due to space constraints. To register, call 617-559-6999 or register online
To watch Congressman Tim Ryan discuss his book, here is a YouTube clip.
I hope to see you there!
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The Ultimate in Continuing Education Events...Cruise with Me to Bermuda and Earn 6 Contact Hours
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I can't wait...will you join me in cultivating relaxation and mindfulness on this special CE cruise to Bermuda?
Travel with me and other nurses on the Norwegian Dawn from May 3-May 10, 2013. Best of all the cruise leaves from Boston -- so no airfare for those of you in New England.
Continuing education programming for nurses will be held only in the mornings while we are at sea...leaving lots of time for relaxation, renewal and exploration. Bring along non-nurse friends and family and make it a wonderful vacation.
I am pleased to be partnering with TLC Travel to offer Stress Resources' highly acclaimed ANCC-approved continuing education workshops on this very special cruise.
Non-nurses are welcome to register and attend the workshops!
Take a look at the schedule with descriptions of each workshop on the TLC Travel website (please note: You must book your cruise through TLC travel to attend the CE workshops).
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Learn to Meditate with a Friend
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Stress Resources offers individual and semi-private training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Sign up for semi-private sessions with a friend and one of you trains for 1/2 price ($200 savings).
Flexible MBSR/Private and Semi-Private  Mindfulness Training: This unique option offered by Stress Resources allows the individual to set the pace for training but maintains the essential framework of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in private or semi-private sessions.
The Flexible Mindfulness Training:- Includes four 1-hour sessions that may be scheduled in the morning, afternoon or evening to meet your scheduling needs.
- Materials provided include 5 CDs (downloadable to mp3), copy of Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, training workbook and reference guide.
- Allows your MBSR training to take place over 8-12 weeks at your own pace and schedule with individualized coaching.
- Add a friend option allows you to learn the skills of MBSR with a friend and train for 1/2 price! (BCBS discount cannot be combined with this special rate)
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Do You Have Arthritis in Your Hands?
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 Harvard University researchers are enrolling participants in a current study that will look at mindfulness and arthritis. Criteria for inclusion in the study include a diagnosis of arthritis (can be any type of arthritis) in the hands, over 18 years of age (no upper age limit), and enjoy listening to the piano. For more information about the study, click here.
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