Horrific Memories Can Contribute to Illness
Memories are Physiological
Our imagination allows us to go beyond remembering past events and to actually re-experience them. In fact, vivid memories are commonly associated with the same physiological changes we experienced during the original…
Video: Mind-Guided Body Scans to Detect Very Early Signs and Symptoms
Discussion with psychophysiology expert Dr. Erik Peper about the ways that the mind can be trained to detect prodromes (very early symptoms). The discussion also includes the use of the imagination during the scan to improve immune function,…
Chronic Medical Challenges and the Mind
Cognitive Fusion with New Symptoms
A primary source of emotional distress for those living with many diseases relates to panic over new symptoms. Even experienced mindfulness teachers can find it difficult to recognize that the frightening…
Identification with One’s Illness Worsens Disease
In earlier posts, I presented theories of suffering, describing several mental patterns in which the untrained mind can easily become trapped, contributing to unnecessary suffering. Here I will tighten the lens and examine unnecessary suffering…
Video: Mind and Health Seminar by Larry Berkelhammer, PhD at UC San Francisco Medical Center
Discussion of the power of the mind to improve physiological functioning, subjective well–being, and health. Case studies were presented to offer specific examples of instances where the power of the mind dramatically influenced positive…
Psychotherapy, Mental Practices, Core Beliefs, & Moods
Why people seek psychotherapy
According to psychologists Dr. Liz Roemer and Dr. Sue Orsillo
, the most common complaints people bring into their psychotherapy sessions have as their root cause cognitive fusion, lack of acceptance of self…
Video: Cancer, the Immune System, States of Mind, and Health
This interview points out the power of choice and intention to improve health and well-being. Terms like "have to" are deleterious to our health. According to Dr. Erik Peper: "Health is the ability to make choices." People who are empowered…
Mental Training to Reduce Suffering
Many of us living with chronic health challenges often find ourselves thinking that all our suffering stems from pain, fatigue, or physical limitations. But this is not the whole picture. As I have mentioned in other posts, much of our suffering…
Practice Living by Your Personal Life Values—Part 2
In Part 1, which appeared last Monday on June 4th, we explored the connection between mindfulness and intention to live by our values.
Before we consider focusing on values as a practice, let’s examine what values actually are and how they…