MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'compassion'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:41 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169553&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgreat-clinical-care-and-excellent-bedside-manner-are-they-mutually-exclusive%2F2011.08.26 The New York Times recently published an article titled, Finding a Quality Doctor, Dr. Danielle Ofri an internist at NYU, laments how she was unable to perform as well as expected in the areas of patient care as it related to diabetes.  From the August 2010 New England Journal of Medicine article, Dr. Ofri notes that her report card showed the following – 33% of patients with diabetes have glycated hemoglobin levels at goal, 44% have cholesterol levels at goal, and a measly 26% have blood pressure at goal.  She correctly notes that these measurements alone aren’t what makes a doctor a good quality one, but rather the areas of interpersonal skills, compassion, and empathy, which most of us would agree constitute a doctor’s bedside manner, should count as well. Her articl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169553 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5169553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159215&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34786&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrmichelletempest.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fparagraph-from-compassionate-mind.html "Our world is changing. Unregulated 'competitive edge', possessive and wealth-seeking psychologies have set us (and those who will follow us) really tough challenges and, quite probably, tragedies in waiting. This is no one's fault; it's what happens when we simply act out blindly the self passions of our 'old brains/minds'. However, we can no longer allow our minds to be so undisciplined. We require mature compassion-focused politics to help us build a foundation on which we can train our compassionate minds and create compassionate societies, and we need a nourishing spirituality that's science based. In our hearts, we know that most of our problems - of the environment, tribal violence and terrorism, social injustice and human exploitation - are only going to be resolved through out rel... The Psychiatrist Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159215 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:23:00 +0100 5159215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159203&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-23-2011%2F Every once in awhile, I like to snoop around my old diaries. Besides personally being one of the best non-fiction reads to me, it gives good insight into who I was and potentially who I will be. One of the jewels of wisdom I recently picked up from a 7 year old Winnie the Pooh journal contained information on my state of mind at the time. The details are not important. But the general feeling of that entire year was one of heartache and confusion. There was this sense of longing, emptiness, a feeling that whatever I was going through was not only uncomfortable, but unfair. I even wrote: “When I’m 50, I’ll probably look back on this moment and it will be a fleeting and insignificant memory. But right now, I’m having a hard time with it.” I smiled reading it bec... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159203 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:39:33 +0100 5159203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159936&cid=t_118600_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FER0ZwakDAC8%2F I’ve discovered a powerful remedy for self-destructive habits that is so simple I wondered how I missed it over the years. My self-destructive habit involved eating junk food late at night, yet my discovery will work for any chronic, self-defeating behavior. Do you do things every day that you wish you didn’t? Most people wish they had control over certain behaviors, from addictions like smoking, drinking, gambling and junk food to emotional behaviors such as anger outbursts and yelling. Other seemingly stress related habits plague millions, such as biting fingernails, fidgeting or even shopping too much. We are creatures of habit, but sometimes our habits get the best of us, even though we understand the consequences. Science Daily recently reported on a University of Alberta study in... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159936 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 06:26:34 +0100 5159936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139874&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F19%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-19-2011%2F Ask me about a trip I took with my dad to Maui ten years ago and I can barely recall what we did. But ask me about my childhood toys and suddenly I remember every detail, every curve of a ball, color, texture and even the faint smell of a favorite toy. There is one toy I remember in particular. It was a half red, half blue sphere covered with different shaped holes and yellow plastic shapes (triangles, stars, circles, etc.) meant to fit through them. If you’re curious, this is what it looked like. What I remember is being very young and feeling frustrated because no matter how hard I pushed I could never get all of those puzzle pieces into the holes. It was only when I got older that I realized every piece had its place. I was wasting my energy trying to force pieces where they didn&... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139874 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:11:34 +0100 5139874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107599&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F09%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-9-2011%2F On most days, I try to live healthy. Healthy for me means a combination of whole foods (none of that processed stuff), vitamins, walking, some kind of meditative exercise (yoga, tai chi, meditation), getting as much sleep as I can and trying to make myself smile for at least 40-50% of the day. This is a very different picture then where I was ten years ago. My main focus at that time was looking good instead of feeling good. I worked out 6-7 days a week. I highlighted my hair, went out in the sun to get a “summer glow,” and slept at weird times. My eating habits were not the best either. But perhaps the biggest change is that I used to ignore how I really felt and forced myself to do what I thought was “right.” I exercised when I was tired. I took jobs I didn’... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107599 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:04:22 +0100 5107599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069533&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F26%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-26-2011%2F I call one of my relatives a “bad news bear.” Although he has good intentions, his spewing out the world’s greatest tragedies every few minutes does not help me. In fact, all that worrying and anxiety could hurt. After calling him out on it, he said his main intention was concern. I get that. I think parents today are like him. They just want to protect their children from the onslaught of offenders who are posted up all over the news 24/7. If you love someone, however, how do you best protect them? I think there is a balance between caring and being overprotective. And everyone deals with this in their own way. Some loved ones may minimize your pain because they hurt seeing you upset. That’s why they say things like, “I’m sure you’ll feel better s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069533 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:02:25 +0100 5069533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029222&cid=t_118600_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fbeyond-co-dependency%2F : And Getting Better All the Time By Melody Beattie A book for any one who has had a relationship with an alcohol, addict or compulsive gambler. Adult Children of Alcoholism / addiction, wives, husbands, parents &etc. Review By Neal J. Pollock (VA USA) While I have not read Melody Beattie’s other works, I thought this a very valuable book in and of itself. It sheds much light on the topic and helped me to become sensitized to the obvious signs of co-dependency in people. By doing this, it enabled me to avoid situations where I could become codependent in a relationship. I think that, as in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, there are levels of psychological situations and/or problems. Thus, there may be people inherently inclined towards co-dependency, but there may also be peopl... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029222 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:47:07 +0100 5029222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997614&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F04%2Fliving-the-compassionate-life%2F In November 2007, religious historian Karen Armstrong won the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) award because of her many contributions that have made a profound difference in the world. Each recipient is given $100,000 and a wish for a better world. So, three months later, when Armstrong accepted the award, she asked TED to help her create, launch, and propagate a Charter for Compassion that would be designed by prominent thinkers, philosophers, and leaders from a variety of different faiths. Its mission? To restore compassion to the heart of religious and moral life at a time of such flagrant violence and terrorism in the name of race and religion. As I read through excerpts of Armstrong’s book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, and reviewed her interview earlier this year wi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997614 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:18:22 +0100 4997614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960121&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fcultivating-self-compassion%2F When something has gone wrong, when there’s been a mistake made, no matter how small, many people are all too quick to point the finger — at themselves. They flog themselves for any failure, letting their self-esteem bend and bow at the face of disappointments and triumphs. For many, self-esteem is shaky at best. But there’s something you can build that’s more substantial than self-esteem. Something that doesn’t waver and can actually boost your well-being — and your performance isn’t a factor. According to psychologist Kristin Neff, Ph.D, in her book Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, that something is self-compassion. Being self-compassionate means that whether you win or lose, surpass your sky-high expectations or fall short, you sti... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960121 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:12:04 +0100 4960121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883852&cid=t_118600_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancerlifeandme.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fall-about-wellness%2F A while back, I posted about where and how I purchased cannabis (The Kind Budtender). I never updated the blog with the unfortunate news that the dispensary closed. This was months ago. At first, I was, of course, worried about finding an equally compassionate dispensary in the Sacramento area. I then began visiting various other local Continue reading All About Wellness (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883852 Tue, 31 May 2011 21:10:29 +0100 4883852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883748&cid=t_118600_123_f&fid=39035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liddlekidzblog.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fbe-change.html I was driving in the rainy streets of Chicago a couple of days ago, flipping through radio stations when I paused to hear the next song. It was John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change.” In that moment, driving along, those lyrics really resonated with me. I got to thinking . . .why are people waiting on the world change? Why are we not doing what we can, to change the things we can? Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I agree with this! So, how do you start? It can be something that appears so little, such as coming through security at the airport. I was just in Chicago Midway Airport and I saw a mom was struggling to put her shoes back on and get everything stuffed back into her bags. Her little daughter struggled to get her bag off of the secu... Liddle Kidz Infant and Pediatric Massage Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883748 Mon, 30 May 2011 15:46:00 +0100 4883748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872162&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F27%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-27-2011%2F I remember the first time I ever felt in control of my life. I was about 8 or 9 years old at the time and had a reoccurring nightmare about two kids chasing me down the street. When I told my dad about it he said, “You know you can control your dreams right?” He told me all I had to do was visualize what I wanted to happen in the dream before I went to sleep. Because I had the kind of faith in magic and pure wonder that only occurs in childhood, I wholeheartedly believed him. The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face. In my dream, the two kids that were chasing me finally caught up. But in their hands were melting ice-cream cones they had been trying to give me. That dream was years ago, but I will never forget it. More than teaching me how to control my dreams, it tau... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872162 Fri, 27 May 2011 10:40:45 +0100 4872162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862632&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F24%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-may-24-2011%2F Saturday’s end of the world scare probably didn’t send you in a panic. Or maybe it did. Just a little? I know it wasn’t on my mind until two baristas decided to turn a boring day into an exciting one by counting down the last ten seconds to the end of the world. I started to think about how sad it would be if it were to all end here… before I had the chance to write that book I’ve always wanted to write, travel the world or own a home. A few days later, I began to think about the people in my life that I was unintentionally taking for granted (including me!). It turned a false alarm into an opportunity to revisit my priorities and rethink the way I was treating loved ones in my life. This week’s top posts reminded me of that. I think you will find new co... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862632 Tue, 24 May 2011 10:42:40 +0100 4862632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852941&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F22%2F5-ways-to-silence-your-inner-critic%2F A few years back, Health Journal columnist Melinda Beck penned an amazingly accurate and helpful article in the Wall Street Journal about the self-criticism that so often accompanies depression and anxiety. Not only was I delighted that she approached such a difficult and complicated aspect of our illness with compassion and insight, but I was ecstatic to see myself as one of the “experts” mentioned with suggestions on how to silent the annoying voice that says we are incapable, weak, and worthless. Depression and self-criticism, of course, are great companions. Beck writes: Unrelenting self-criticism often goes hand in hand with depression and anxiety, and it may even predict depression. In a study of 107 patients in the latest issue of Comprehensive Psychiatry, David M. Dunkl... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852941 Sun, 22 May 2011 10:35:44 +0100 4852941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795077&cid=t_118600_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F4XTLWXn6G4Q%2F The Dividends of Understanding and Embracing Your Failures No one likes to talk about the dreaded “F” word. No…not that one. The meaning of the word Failure has joined the ranks of words and phrases that traditionally are regarded as lewd or vulgar – to the point that it’s almost taboo to discuss someone’s failures. But in some arenas, the tide may be shifting a bit. Recognizing that innovation comes only from risk taking and that employees will shy away from experimentation if they fear retribution, some companies have begun rewarding employees courageous enough to seek new, creative ways to solve problems. That concept signals a fundamental shift in perspective about what it means to fail. Under this emerging theory, a failure merely represents a bump ... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795077 Sat, 07 May 2011 06:21:55 +0100 4795077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653379&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F29%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-29-2011%2F As a dental hygienist, my mom not only cleans people’s teeth, but listens to do them as she does so every day. And like hair stylists and therapists, she often hears their problems too. One of the most valuable advice she has ever given me is to not judge what other people are going through. “You never know what you would do in that situation unless it happened to you.” Our posts this week makes me think about what she said. You may have lived through difficulty, failure, loss of self-respect. You may, in fact, be going through this right now. If so, remember to find the people in your life who won’t judge you, but have compassion for your situation. That person may even be you. I hope you will enjoy our top posts this week! There are some good ones everything from ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653379 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:31:31 +0100 4653379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600490&cid=t_118600_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fnursing-times-2011-vol-107-no-8%2F Fade Fave: What can we learn from the Ombudsman? Fade Skinny: The health service ombudsman has published a damning report on failures to care for older people. Nursing Times has asked a range of expert nurses and commentators to analyse what this report means for nursing and what the profession can learn from it’s findings. Contact the Library for a copy of this article Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Compassion, Dignity, Older People, Ombudsman (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600490 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:46:24 +0100 4600490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536145&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fcompassion-from-day-to-day.html I find that my days are simply filled with opportunities for feeling compassion for others. Consequently, it is those moments when I can connect with my compassion when I feel most connected, optimistic and part of something bigger than my little life.As a nurse, one can often be consistently confronted with chances to be compassionate. In fact, nurses are often rated in surveys as some of the most trustworthy and compassionate people around, so I see my vocation as a professional doorway to practicing "compassion in action".Working one-on-one with an elderly gentleman who lives with a variety of complaints and ailments, I use my compassion to see his suffering as no different than mine, and I strive to be free of judgment and frustration when he refuses to do what I think might be in his ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536145 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:54:00 +0100 4536145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419210&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F01%2Fcan-meditation-make-us-more-compassionate%2F Last Friday, Sindya Bhanoo had an interesting little post on one of the New York Times blogs concerning recent research on the impact of meditation on the brain. As is often the case in these mainstream media reports, I was left wanting more about the studies and less about the personal interest hook (in this case, the story of Sindya’s husband’s experiences meditating), but that was remedied easily enough by utilizing the wonders of the internet. To me, the most interesting referenced article was a 2008 study by Antoine Lutz, Julie Brefczynski-Lewis, Tom Johnstone, and Richard Davidson on the regulation of our emotional neural circuitry through compassion meditation. Here is the abstract: Recent brain imaging studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have impl... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419210 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:01:59 +0100 4419210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394528&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F25%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-25-2011%2F Almost a decade ago, I had a conversation with a friend that made me both infuriated and grateful. I don’t know how it started, but somehow we got to talking about depression. Essentially, he told me that depression was a made up disorder that helped put money in the pockets of mental health professionals. He didn’t see the need for medication and thought people should just buck up and be happy instead of feeling sad. Having a grandfather who suffered from depression, I was certain that depression was not only real, but a serious illness. And I was not only disturbed by his reaction, but angry. Although it’s been 10 years since the conversation, I often think about it. I’m not as upset as I was before. Although I still don’t agree with his statement, I ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394528 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:43:59 +0100 4394528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382799&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F21%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-21-2011%2F I often wonder how much of the world’s problems can be solved with a little bit of empathy. If you think about your own life and the mini-village it takes to run it, how much would it change if we learned to bring more compassion to ourselves and those in it? Would accepting our own mishaps help heal our own wounds and would listening, really listening to those around us, help them as well? It’s a question worth reflecting on. As we get more busy with stuff (our digital toys, job, family, our own problems), are we missing out on the opportunity to connect with those we love? It’s Friday, the end of another week. As we wind down with another list of our popular posts this week, I hope you take the time to think about compassion, presence, and empathy. Then, I hope you will... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382799 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:57:40 +0100 4382799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361068&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F18%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-18-2011%2F No matter who we are, where we live, how much money we have or what we do for a living, we all essentially want the same thing. We want to feel validated that our worries, feelings and emotions are justified. We want to be seen, heard and felt valued for who we are. We want to know that how we feel and what we think is normal. And most important, we want to be both loved and understood. Knowing these things, can we change the way we perceive our relationships? Can we change the way we treat ourselves and others? That’s a hope I have and a realistic resolution you could have for 2011. A simple change to gain a worthy result. Recently, my great aunt was snappy on the phone with my dad, I took the chance and spoke to her, validating her concerns, calming her fears, and noticed an instan... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361068 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:52:11 +0100 4361068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322550&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F07%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-7-2011%2F The first month in the new year is often filled with reflections. We reflect on the past year. We reflect on what’s still to come. We reflect on the choices we made, good and bad, and wonder what we can do better for the coming year. Do you feel the inner struggle with the past in one hand and your future on the other? Reflections often bring both excitement for the new year and a mourning for what we haven’t yet achieved. As we sink our toes into 2011, what will you wish for? What are your dreams? Whether you want to create a more healthy work/life balance, be happier, or more compassionate, these posts will help you get there. It’s 5 posts to start the ending of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 right. Enjoy! Does Work/Life Conflict Cause You Stress? Dialectical Behavior T... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322550 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:48:40 +0100 4322550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133835&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F02%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-2-2010%2F Something I both admire and enjoy about our Facebook community is how honest everyone has been about their experiences. Besides divulging their feelings on everything from Seasonal Affective Disorder to the holidays (Yay or Bah Humbug!), many of our fans have comforted each other, provided tips and shared their own personal stories and life lessons that got them through some tough times. It’s just a reminder of how much we all go through on a daily basis, how important compassion is and how influential a community can have on the lives of individuals. Pretty powerful stuff! With that being said, I’d like to thank our Facebook community, blog commenters, and Twitter followers. And hopefully return the support and love with these fabulous five posts. It’s all about betterin... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133835 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:30:58 +0100 4133835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077536&cid=t_118600_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fhoney-in-my-cup.html The half-moon hangs like a dollop of gold, the honey in the bottom of my tea cup.It is late at night, past midnight really, and we are heading home from a night bathed in music.  Just me and my oldest girl.  She sleeps now, beside me in the front seat of our 1984 beater, bathed in the warm light of the dashboard lights.  I am surrounded by the glory of God in the nightscape, and my heart is at peace tonight.It's been a few weeks since I felt His peace so deep.My seven-year-old, with her delightfully still dimpled hands the only remnant of babyhood about this blossom of a girl - she lifts those hands into the dark haze of the arena as we worship, and sings aloud with all her heart, her two grown-up teeth glittering in the stage lights with two matching black gaps where the te... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077536 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:43:00 +0100 4077536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074059&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthcare-staff-please-hold-the-snark%2F2010.10.16 Every once in awhile I have the distinct “pleasure” of being a patient. This week I was reminded about how awful it is. I didn’t mind the blood draws, poking and prodding, injections, or interaction with my physician, but it was the rudeness of the ancillary and administrative staff that really got under my skin. I had forgotten how unfriendly people can be, and how especially hard it is to deal with when you’re not feeling well. Context is everything when it comes to rolling your eyes and sighing heavily. Let me explain. (more…) (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074059 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 17:00:26 +0100 4074059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074149&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F15%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-15-2010%2F Do you smell it? That’s change in the air. There may have been slight shifts and evidence lurking for some time now, but now here it is. If you resist change, life feels so much harder. Like walking uphill or swimming against the current, for example. But accepting something unfamiliar can be so anxiety provoking that we’d rather look the other way. Instead, you may forget about that looming bill and stuff it in a drawer. Or your dog’s illness may be so overwhelming that the thought of his death is too much to handle. A few months later the bills are piling up and your best pet pal dies. How do you deal with the change? These are difficult times. Yet, there is hope. The light at the end of the tunnel is nearby and there are resources that can get you through it. Here&#821... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074149 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:56:18 +0100 4074149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065416&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F13%2F3-danger-signs-your-partner-may-be-having-an-affair%2F Mira Kirshenbaum is one of my favorite relationship experts. She has written two books that I often recommend to my clients: Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay and Women and Love. They are easy reads, full of compassion and insight. As I contemplated writing a post about how couples become vulnerable to affairs I read this interview of Ms. Kirshenbaum where she really says it all: Is Your Partner Cheating on You? on Mira’s blog. Here she talks not only about real risk factors, she also rules out signs that could be misread. In other words, not all suspicious signs point to an affair. “…it’s not so much about warning signs. It’s about risk factors. And if you know what the risk factors are, you can do something about them and have a better relationship to boot…&#... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065416 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:02:28 +0100 4065416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876716&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F17%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-17-2010%2F I was touched by a Facebook fan’s message today. Mostly because a seemingly benign update affected her in such a way that it in turn had an impact on me. It made me appreciate all the different stages of life that we’re in. Some of you are going through heartbreak while others are celebrating personal victories. I hope that we can all meet somewhere in the middle and provide support, empathy and compassion for one another no matter what stage we’re in. I don’t know about you, but it’s a reminder to not just be compassionate to others, but to myself. When push comes to shove, we often neglect the most important person-ourselves. We forget how much we’ve gone through and how far we’ve come. Grieving over our loved ones, dealing with a broken heart, f... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876716 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:47:55 +0100 3876716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3813033&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F02%2Fall-you-need-is-love-and-compassion%2F When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you. — African Proverb Although I am in the business of hope through understanding, hot meteors of negativity break through the atmosphere of my serenity and occasionally derail me. I am jealous, angry or judgmental, or sometimes indifferent or overwhelmed. But more often than not these uncomfortable feelings are not meteors at all. They aren’t streaking across my mind and crashing into my psyche. Rather, they are a thick, murky fog of thoughts and feelings that slowly but steadily eclipse my optimism. And that’s only half of it. Then I feel bad for having the thoughts. This makes it worse. Now, regardless of the form they come in, the conflict moves to an inner theater. I’m aggravated at whatever got me going in t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3813033 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:08:34 +0100 3813033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798561&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffailure-for-a-doctor%2F2010.07.28 I went to a patient’s funeral this past weekend. I generally don’t do that for people whose relationship I’ve built in the exam room. It’s a complex set of emotions, but invariably some family member will start telling others what a nice doctor I am and how much the person had liked me as a doctor. It’s awkward getting a eulogy (literally good words) spoken about me at someone else’s funeral. This patient I had known prior to them becoming my patient, and his wife had been very nice to us when we first moved here from up north. But that’s not why I am writing this. As I was sitting in the service, the thought occurred to me that a patient’s funeral would be considered by many to be a failure for a doctor. Certainly there are times when that is the case — when the... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798561 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:12 +0100 3798561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3762902&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-beauty-of-life-and-death-too-easily-forgotten%2F2010.07.17 Yesterday I had a university student shadowing me in the emergency department. AF is a bright student, a hard worker who will make a wonderful physician. She is always curious and insightful when I ask her questions, or show her new things. Today,  she saw something that was new for her, but perhaps too common for me. I walked into the room of an infirm, frail old gentleman who was gracious and polite, as was his family. It turns out he came to us with a terminal illness. I did not know it, but his physician was meeting him. So, as AF and I walked into the room, the patient’s physician walked in after us, and continued a conversation about hospice that he had apparently begun earlier in the day. Realizing I had nothing to add, and would not be needed, I slipped away with my shadow... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3762902 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:00:09 +0100 3762902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3658956&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmourning-the-death-of-strangers%2F2010.06.13 I was about to leave work a few nights ago when EMS was dispatched to a 10-50, which is a motor vehicle accident. Enough years in emergency care and that tone makes your radar, but doesn’t create much of a blip. Many of those crashes have EMS arrive, only to discover no injuries. Some have patients transported, with minor problems that lead to their speedy evaluation and discharge from our ER. A few have serious, life-threatening injuries. They take all our speed, skill and attention to save life and limb. And often, require transfer to other facilities. But this last call was none of those. Around 1AM the radio traffic crackled back to dispatch (which we could hear in the emergency department): “Probable Signal Nine.” Signal Nine means the victim is dead at the sc... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3658956 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:16 +0100 3658956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652469&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-11-2010%2F There’s a side of us that we want to keep from the rest of the world. We put our best face forward while hiding the parts of ourselves we deem too unlovable to reveal to outsiders. Sometimes we do it out of fear of being rejected and other times we do it out of habit. For example, can you count the number of times today when someone asked how you were doing and you automatically answered “fine” even when you didn’t feel that way? Maybe it’s our society that values doing so or maybe we don’t believe that others can hold our own truth. We all have hidden our true selves at one time or another, yet I can’t help but wonder at what expense? Being honest about who we are and what situation we are in good or bad, may have a positive effect on others as we... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652469 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:00:13 +0100 3652469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573825&cid=t_118600_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fthings-weve-learned-from-ms%2F Please do not get me wrong; I HATE multiple sclerosis!  The content of this posting does not, in ANY WAY, hint that I’m ok with having this disease.  Like every circumstance in my life, however, I believe it is my task to learn something from and advance myself because of the experience. That said, I have learned much from living with MS. This weekend friends from Europe called to let us know they were arriving (in hours).  We knew they would be coming sometime this month, but weren’t exactly sure (as they have been driving around the western states on holidays). A quick phone call from a national forest in California and we were in full planning mode! On Saturday, just hours before a welcoming party, I suffered a couple of back-to-back self-inflicted injuries which lay me down for ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573825 Mon, 17 May 2010 19:23:36 +0100 3573825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556350&cid=t_118600_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fhelping-parents-with-really-sick-kids.html Ever have a friend whose child is hospitalized? I found an excellent resource online today, with a list of things to put in a gift basket for a parent whose child is in the hospital. This is THE LIST I've given a dear friend twice now (thank you - you know who you are!) when a day in the hospital turned into a week. It would greatly bless any friend of yours facing similar difficulty, and may be a good idea for hospitals or even church small groups to provide as a service to those thrust suddenly into need.Survival itemsphone card for long distancetooth brush/tooth pasteshampoo and hand creamsmall box tissuesTylenol (adult)sanitary padsrazor (there are never ANY in the hospital, for whatever reason)mints, gum, instant breakfast, calming herb tea, chocolatetrial size antibacterial hand gels... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556350 Wed, 12 May 2010 09:37:00 +0100 3556350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499197&cid=t_118600_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fms-and-compassion%2F Do you ever feel like you maybe don’t give yourself enough credit for doing as much as you do…MS and all? I had a very busy work weekend (which ran into Tuesday).  I had every intention of waking up on Wednesday, banging out a blog for posting and getting on with a productive day. And now, it’s Thursday! I really have no idea where yesterday went. By the evening I was beating myself up pretty good over what didn’t get done; including (but FAR from limited to) that blog… But this morning, even though I don’t feel 100%, I think I’ll get a little more done.  Certainly, I’ll not get everything done I want.  In fact I hope to get everything done I need and will call that a successful day.  But, here I am writing this blog so things are at least a bit better than yesterday. P... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499197 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:32:31 +0100 3499197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403926&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F25%2Fintroducing-light-laughter-and-life%2F I’m pleased to introduce you to our blog, Light, Laughter and Life with Leslie Hull. Leslie hopes that with a blend of humor, compassion and healing, Light, Laughter and Life will present the perspective of a woman who has realized that bipolar is such an integral part of her foundation, that the castles we build each day could never be achieved without this component that makes us who we are. Here’s an excerpt from her first entry, A Case for Staying In: A couple of weeks ago, I begrudgingly attended a singles event at a local museum. Depression can often keep me safely tucked away in my apartment, but in the spirit of not wanting to further cultivate my reputation of being a stick in the mud, I went. Besides, visions of fancy steak on a stick h’or dourves and a complimentary c... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403926 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:44:51 +0100 3403926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197928&cid=t_118600_180_f&fid=38616&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifelearningtoday%2Fwlyf%2F%7E3%2FM2iFTCp2sgg%2F photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography The other day, I took a wrong turn while driving in a parking lot. I immediately realized my mistake, but before I could wave “sorry” to the driver next to me, she was beeping and cursing me out furiously. If this had happened in the grocery store with a shopping cart instead of a car, I hardly think most people would unload that kind of anger. It would be quite shocking and scary if they did. When I saw the look of rage on this woman’s face as she drove by me, it was still shocking even though I couldn’t hear her. I just wanted to say sorry, but she didn’t give me the chance. Then I felt angry at her impatience. And then I thought about it. I’m sure I’ve done the same thing to other people myself. *shame* In fact, I was doing it immedia... Life Learning Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197928 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:33:47 +0100 3197928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115296&cid=t_118600_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FjmVcVWvqcFU%2F : And Getting Better All the Time By Melody Beattie A book for any one who has had a relationship with an alcohol, addict or compulsive gambler. Adult Children of Alcoholism / addiction, wives, husbands, parents &etc. Review By Neal J. Pollock (VA USA) While I have not read Melody Beattie’s other works, I thought this a very valuable book in and of itself. It sheds much light on the topic and helped me to become sensitized to the obvious signs of co-dependency in people. By doing this, it enabled me to avoid situations where I could become codependent in a relationship. I think that, as in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, there are levels of psychological situations and/or problems. Thus, there may be people inherently inclined towards co-dependency, but there may also be peopl... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115296 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:29:45 +0100 3115296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052428&cid=t_118600_180_f&fid=38616&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifelearningtoday%2Fwlyf%2F%7E3%2FfjCgXlCNihs%2F photo credit: Chrysaora If you’re like most people you engage in negative self-talk quite a bit. In fact, it probably happens a whole lot more than you realize and causes a lot more limitations on your life than you want. The good news is that there is a key that will unlock this door. On the other side of that self-negativity door is a brighter, happier reality for you. I started thinking about this subject when I recently listened to Pema Chodron’s audio program “Bodhisattva Mind,” (which I highly recommend. She is an amazing buddhist teacher with a light and humorous style.) In her program a student had a question for her that went something like “How is it that I can meditate for so long and still always wake up as my same shitty self.” Pema’s... Life Learning Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052428 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:34:21 +0100 3052428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999694&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FMRDJKneVQC8%2F Welcome to the 16th edition  of Scientia Pro Publica, the blog carnival  that celebrates the best science, nature and medical writing published in the blogosphere within the past 60 days. What are some of the fascinating topics you can explore and discuss with this group of bloggers? Science & Us The Evolving Mind: What’s the point of daydreaming? Credit: Johan Stigwall, via Flickr Generally Thinking: What is the brain impact of different types of meditation (focused, open monitoring, compassion)? The Emotion Machine: Can blogging help you control your environment and manage stress? Greater Good Magazine: Want to live longer and bettter? Collective Imagination: Can you share a powerful uncanny experience? Science & Friends via LiveScience Lab Rat: Pros and Cons of havin... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999694 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:20:08 +0100 2999694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958990&cid=t_118600_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fdo-you-have-to-like-your-doctor-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F If there is one area of life those of us with chronic disease or daily pain know all about, it’s doctors. Some of us have the benefit of experience from a background in medicine. For others, you just get one whale of an education by going from doctor to doctor. How important is it, in your opinion, to like the doctor who treats you? We often elect our politicians based on their affability, their charm, their ability to give a crowd stirring speech. In my career as a nurse I’ve met many doctors who would have made interesting politicians, however effective or ineffective they would be in the follow through. In fact, there are quite a few doctors already serving in Congress. I’ve known doctors, both male and female who are sincerely devout healers. During the last swine flu outbreak in... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958990 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:15:12 +0100 2958990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865748&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Farousing-compassion.html One technique for arousing compassion for a person who is suffering is to imagine one of your dearest friends, or someone you really love, in that person’s place. Imagine your brother or daughter or parent or best friend in the same kind of painful situation. Quite naturally your heart will open, and compassion will awaken in you: What more would you want than to free your loved one from his or her torment? Now take this compassion released in your heart and transfer it to the person who needs your help: You will find that your help is inspired more naturally and that you can direct it more easily.---Sogyal Rinpoche (Source: Digital Doorway) Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865748 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:40:00 +0100 2865748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678907&cid=t_118600_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2F7XQnvt11AqQ%2F Do you always think the best of people – or do you think the worst? It’s so easy to make assumptions and to find ourselves falling into a judgmental or critical frame of mind – both about people we know well (like family members) and about complete strangers. So why worry about changing your thoughts? So long as you don’t go around being verbally or physically abusive towards others, what does it matter what you think of them? The danger of letting yourself think angrily or negatively about others is that the thoughts tend to rebound on you: your internal voice will start to be more self-critical. Plus, your relationships will suffer; perhaps you won’t make contact with a potential new friend, just because you had a bad first impression, or you might find yourself unable to patch... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678907 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:58:48 +0100 2678907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2610985&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fcompassion-law-and-judge-sonia-sotomayor%2F Situationist contributor Michael McCann has posted on SSRN a draft of his forthcoming law review essay, Judge Sonia Sotomayor and the Relationship between Leagues and Players: Insights and Implications, 42 Connecticut Law Review __ (forthcoming, 2009). The essay examines two of Judge Sotomayor’s most notable sports law decisions, Silverman v. Major League Baseball Player Relations Committee and Clarett v. National Football.  In doing so, the essay challenges prevailing criticisms of Judge Sotomayor–namely, that her “compassion” distorts her understanding and application of the law.  An excerpt is below. * * * Politicians and commentators are vigorously debating the judicial philosophy of federal appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor, whom President Barack Obama has nominated... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2610985 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:01:53 +0100 2610985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859116&cid=t_118600_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-loving-wife-a-k-a-super-woman%2F 29 years ago on this very day, an Angel was born. Today will be a good day. It is my wife’s birthday! In honor of her, I’d like to reach into the old memory bag and pull out the proposal video that I used to ask her to marry me. The original font I used is not friendly to small screens, so I tweaked the lettering throughout, but everything else remains identical: I would also like to take a moment to recognize my lovely wife, who has done so much for me and our family. This one’s for you, Bebe: Thank you. I can’t say it enough. You are the first person that allowed me to open up. You encourage me every step of the way. And when I am stubborn and upset, you keep me going. It is you who helped me unmask the silence. Your warmth and loving spirit is a daily reminder o... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859116 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:01:44 +0100 2859116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576649&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fdepression-theres-a-person-underneath-the-illness%2F I think one of the most consoling things a fellow manic depressive ever told me was that I (the person known as Therese) never disappeared during my severe depression. It felt like I did, of course. Because I could barely recognize myself. I would stare into a mirror and question the identity of the ugly chick staring back. People couldn’t recognize me … especially from the back, since I had dropped a few pant sizes. But my friend reassured me that I was there all along. In a letter dated around May of 2006, just as I was starting to ascend from the Black Hole, she wrote me this: Once one walks in the door of a good psychiatrist, the scientist, and finds a good therapist as well as cognitive-thinking help, she realizes how alone she has been most of her life. Your success is ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576649 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:03:59 +0100 2576649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441697&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F23%2Fvideo-change-your-thoughts-change-your-brain%2F Sharon Begley, author of “Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain” explains how training your thoughts actually changes the hard matter of your brain. She writes, “Something as seemingly insubstantial as a thought can affect the very stuff of the brain, altering neuronal connections in a way that can treat mental illness, or perhaps, lead to a greater capacity for empathy and compassion. It may even dial up the supposedly immovable happiness set point.” In this video I demonstrate, as usual. Click through to watch the video. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441697 Sat, 23 May 2009 15:15:43 +0100 2441697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441271&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F05%2Ffirst-washington-legal-assisted-suicide.html The first Washington State legal assisted suicide has happened. C and C, of course, promptly issued a press release. From the story: The woman, Linda Fleming, 66, of Sequim, Wash., on the Olympic Peninsula, died Thursday evening after taking lethal medication prescribed by a doctor under the law, according to a news release by the group, Compassion and Choices of Washington. The release said the woman received a diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer a month ago, and “she was told she was actively dying.”Ms. Fleming was quoted in the release as saying: "I am a very spiritual person, and it was very important to me to be conscious, clear-minded and alert at the time of my death. The powerful pain medications were making it difficult to maintain the state of mind I wanted to have at my d... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441271 Fri, 22 May 2009 21:01:00 +0100 2441271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375955&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fcoming-medical-conscription-to-require.html The day may be coming, and it might not be that far away, when doctors who are asked to help kill a patient--that is, to intentionally cause the patient's life to end--will be forced to either do the deed or refer to a doctor her or she knows will do the deed.We are seeing this conscription approach promoted in Washington State where many hospitals and doctors are refusing to participate in legalized assisted suicide, as is their right under the new law. This has angered assisted suicide advocates, who are now planting articles in newspapers and writing opinion articles trying to guilt doctors into violating their own consciences.The granddaughter of a man unable to commit assisted suicide has written such an article. She is a college student, and grieving her loss: Thus, I am not especial... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375955 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:37:00 +0100 2375955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349598&cid=t_118600_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FKXxdhmaDTfc%2Fcommunicating-with-dementia-or.html Careful Observation. Like babies, people afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s will provide subtle cues or signals indicating their level of comfort or distress. By paying careful attention to their cues, we are able to compassionately respond to their needs.--Charlotte ParkerSubscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via EmailThe following article was contributed by Charlotte Parker. If you have the time, please let her know your reaction.5 Steps to Compassionate CaregivingCommunicating with the Dementia or Alzheimer’s AfflictedBy Charlotte ParkerWe are all born with a desire to give and receive love. Circumstances we encounter throughout our lives may callous that need, but it never fully dissipates. Sadly, as we grow older, we oftentimes become more challenging to love, and illness... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349598 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:52:50 +0100 2349598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349357&cid=t_118600_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FY8EIAWWY6Zk%2Fautists-like-jezus-autists-and-easter.html Autists might like Jezus. If you believe (it) or not, the things Jezus goes through during Easter and autism have more in common then you might think. This story is not written to offend anyone. If someone may feel harmed in any way, I therefore apologize. I acknowledge Jezus stands above all standards and people and there is nothing or no one which can be compared to his kindness. He died for us, he carries all our sins and has sacrificed his own live in order to set us free.Jezus was special. He was gifted with many talents. His wisdom was one of them. He acted in his own way. He lived among the people on earth in his own world.People with autism often are seen as and feel like they are strangers in his world. Just like Jezus. Jezus was different from the mass of people too. Jezus was bu... The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349357 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:21:00 +0100 2349357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306944&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fcalling-dr-death-calling-dr-death.html Compassion and Choices (formerly Hemlock Society) has been mighty peeved lately that so many ethical doctors are refusing to supply assisted suicide prescriptions to their patients. As I noted yesterday, Montana's doctors are apparently refusing to cooperate with the suicide agenda, and so C and C has issued a pitch for willing death doctors to jump to the fore in Montana with their prescription pads in hand.It's ethical. Really! And polls show that many doctors support "aid in dying," don't you know? (Unmentioned is that virtually every professional medical organization in the world opposes euthanasia/assisted suicide.) And, why, did you know that assisted suicide is consistent with the Hippocratic Oath? From its blog: "The Hippocratic Oath demands this foremost from physicians: Do No Har... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306944 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:28:00 +0100 2306944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2270320&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fcompassion-and-choices-admits-to.html Compassion and Choices, the assisted suicide advocacy group, has admitted to undermining proper hospice care. That's not how they put it, of course. It brags that nearly 100% of Oregon assisted suicides last year--88% with which their representatives were involved--were in hospice. From the C and C press release:Compassion and Choices, the nation's largest advocate for end-of-life care and choices and steward of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, today noted that nearly 100% of terminally ill individuals using the law in 2008 were enrolled in hospice. Hospice enrollment among those using the Act increased to 98%, with 59 of the 60 individuals enrolled. Over the prior 10 years of the Act's existence, 86% of patients using the Act were enrolled in hospice, in itself a very high rate of use.T... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2270320 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:12:00 +0100 2270320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2270322&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Foregon-compassion-and-choices-assisted.html The assisted suicide law called the Oregon Death with Dignity Act--as if dying without poisoning yourself to death isn't dignified--should instead be called the Oregon Compassion and Choices Assisted Suicide Enabling Act. It turns out that representatives of the assisted suicide advocacy organization--formerly the Hemlock Society-- are involved with the great majority of the assisted suicide deaths that take place in Oregon.Physicians for Compassionate Care former president Kenneth Stevens, MD, has gone through the statistics and come up with some startling--and telling--numbers. From his report:Officers of the assisted-suicide-proponent organization Compassion in Dying/Compassion and Choices of Oregon are authors of Oregon's physician-assisted suicide law and self-proclaim they are the st... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2270322 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:56:00 +0100 2270322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222389&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2Fresisting-assisted-suicide-guidelines.html Compassion and Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society) has played a crafty game of pretense about the ultimate goals of its assisted suicide campaign. In debates (including those in which I have participated), in media interviews, in press releases, etc., its representatives have claimed that C and C wants only a very narrow legalization of "aid in dying," and that to be under strict regulatory control to ensure against abuse.Well, now that the drive to legalize assisted suicide has gained some traction, the ideological zeal of the group's leadership has caused them to go off that carefully tailored script. Kathryn Tucker is the legal director of C and C who got a sympathetic judge to impose a state constitutional right to "die with dignity" on Montana. As I noted in the Weekly Standard--co... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222389 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:12:00 +0100 2222389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182386&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2Fcompassion-and-choices-seven-principles.html Compassion and Choices (formerly Hemlock Society) is the abundantly funded, prime mover and shaker for the assisted suicide movement in the USA. It unquestionably had a good year in 2008 with the passage of I-1000 in Washington and the imposition of a fundamental state constitutional right to "die with dignity" in Montana. It has now issued its "Seven Principles" to "improve end-of-life care and expand patient choices." A clear and literal reading of these "principles," demonstrate that the goal is an essential death on demand. From its press release: Our Seven Principles can help guide lawmakers and policy experts to remember what’s important, and make sure our health care system and its providers are putting the patient first: 1. Focus. End of life care should focus on the patient’s ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182386 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:46:00 +0100 2182386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073991&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fwelcoming-2009-with-compassion.html Well, here we are looking 2009 square in the face, with our hopes, dreams, prayers and aspirations floating up into the ethers.For myself, on a very personal level, I am wishing for an end to my chronic pain, a complete remission from depression, regular exercise, stable weight, improved sleep, and more connection with others. I plan to be proactive about my health, reach out socially and professionally, and embrace the challenges and opportunities afforded me by my new job as a Public Health Nurse. In terms of writing, Digital Doorway will very soon celebrate its fourth birthday, and I plan to continue to seek out opportunities to have my work published both online and in print.As for this world of ours, I am hopeful that Barack Obama's rise to power will lead to some startlingly refreshi... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073991 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:06:00 +0100 2073991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2067391&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fpersonal-suffering-and-experience-of.html Compassion for those who are suffering is a very human emotion which, when filtered through the lens of one's own suffering, can be honed and developed into a powerful tool of perception and empathy. I have found that my work as a nurse has been directly informed by my ability to empathize with the suffering of others, and my own personal challenges do indeed increase my level of compassion for those with whom I come into contact.Grief, for example, is a universal human emotional experience common to anyone who has suffered a significant loss, and the nature of that loss is not necessarily a determining factor vis-a-vis the severity, breadth and depth of the suffering that thereby ensues. The loss of a job, a career, a pet, a loved one, a way of life, one's independence, a home, a long che... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2067391 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 07:39:00 +0100 2067391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2026821&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F12%2Fassisted-suicide-advocates-dont-really.html Kathryn Tucker, the lawyer for the euphemistically named Compassion and Choices, who won the trial court ruling establishing a right to assisted suicide in Oregon (and I contend, much more) has shown a bit of the real agenda behind the movement. In reacting to the victory, she suggested that the state would look to Oregon for guidance on death regulations, but would have to be less stringent. From the story: Attorney Kathryn Tucker--who brought the case for right to die groups--expects Montana to look to Oregon and Washington for guidance. But she says Montana will have more freedom. Kathryn Tucker: "Let's just take the example of the waiting period. In Oregon there's a minimum 15-day waiting period. That provision very possibly would not survive constitutional scrutiny because it would be... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2026821 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:12:00 +0100 2026821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018550&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F474885607%2F Dr. Andrew Newberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Psychiatry and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He has published a variety of neuroimaging studies related to aging and dementia. He has also researched the neurophysiological correlates of meditation, prayer, and how brain function is associated with mystical and religious experiences. Dr. Newberg, thank you for being with us today. Can you please explain the source of your interests at the intersection of brain research and spirituality? Since I was a kid, I had a keen interest in spiritual practice. I always wondered how spirituality and religion affect us, and over time I came to appreciate how science can help us explore and understand th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018550 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:01:43 +0100 2018550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960634&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fcharter-for-compassion.html A new organization and movement have been founded with the goal "to build a peaceful and harmonious global community".Utilizing the minds of some of the greatest religious thinkers of our time---including Archbishop Desmond Tutu---The Charter for Compassion "seeks to remind the world that while all faiths are not the same, they all share the core principle of compassion and the Golden Rule. The Charter will change the tenor of the conversation around religion. It will be a clarion call to the world."The following video clearly illustrates the goals of this burgeoning global movement, and simply and coherently verbalizes the widely accepted need for a universal propagation of compassionate tolerance.The Charter for Compassion will be collaboratively created using input from people from ever... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960634 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:31:00 +0100 1960634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856010&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Farousing-compassion.html One technique for arousing compassion for a person who is suffering is to imagine one of your dearest friends, or someone you really love, in that person’s place. Imagine your brother or daughter or parent or best friend in the same kind of painful situation. Quite naturally your heart will open, and compassion will awaken in you: What more would you want than to free your loved one from his or her torment? Now take this compassion released in your heart and transfer it to the person who needs your help: You will find that your help is inspired more naturally and that you can direct it more easily.----Sogyal Rinpoche (Source: Digital Doorway) Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856010 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:29:00 +0100 1856010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833696&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F403898522%2F Playing the Blame Game -- Video games stand accused of causing obesity, violence, and lousy grades. But new research paints a surprisingly complicated and positive picture, reports Greater Good Magazine's Jeremy Adam Smith. Cheryl Olson had seen her teenage son play video games. But like many parents, she didn't know much about them. Then in 2004 the U.S. Department of Justice asked Olson and her husband, Lawrence Kutner, to run a federally funded study of how video games affect adolescents. Olson and Kutner are the co-founders and directors of the Harvard Medical School's Center for Mental Health and Media. Olson, a public health researcher, had studied the effects of media on behavior but had never examined video games, either in her research or in her personal life. And so the first thi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833696 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:05:04 +0100 1833696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1783878&cid=t_118600_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F11%2Fit-just-hurts%2F This article from Positive Psychology Daily discusses meaningful work. Perhaps one way of reminding ourselves to be empathic, compassionate and human is to remember the meaning in our work. If you’ve enjoyed the post and want to read more like it - you can subscribe using the RSS feed button above. Or you can bookmark this page and come on back! I love comments and do respond, and if you want to contact me, drop into my ‘About’ page and you’ll find out how. Have a great day! (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1783878 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:27:22 +0100 1783878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1768860&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fexchanging-yourself-for-others.html When someone is suffering and you find yourself at a loss to know how to help, put yourself unflinchingly in his or her place. Imagine as vividly as possible what you would be going through if you were suffering the same pain. Ask yourself: “How would I feel? How would I want my friends to treat me? What would I most want from them?” When you exchange yourself for others in this way, you are directly transferring your cherishing from its usual object, yourself, to other beings. So exchanging yourself for others is a very powerful way of loosening the hold on you of the self-cherishing and the self-grasping of ego, and so of releasing the heart of your compassion.---Sogyal Rinpoche (Source: Digital Doorway) Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1768860 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:01:00 +0100 1768860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1693719&cid=t_118600_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FJ-k2zJE2LvE%2F Compassion Deficit Disorder is the title of an August 7th article by writer Judith Warner in the New York Times. Starting with Michael Savage’s over-the-top claims that autism is incorrectly diagnosed in 99% of cases and that it’s just a way to seek “undue sympathy, victim status, and services” for autistic children, Warner writes in the next paragraph about comments by Rick Davis, Senator John McCain’s campaign manager, last week about Barack Obama as ….[playing] “the race card” by noting that Republicans appeared to be trying to suggest to voters that the Democratic candidate “doesn’t look like all those other presidents on those dollar bills.” There’s a perception—amorphous and not fully acknowledged—out there, Warner writes, t... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1693719 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:07:07 +0100 1693719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616822&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F332710581%2F Daniel Goleman requires no introduction. Personally, of all his books I have read, the one I found most stimulating was Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue With the Dalai Lama, a superb overview of what emotions are and how we can put them to good use. He is now conducting a great series of audio interviews including one with George Lucas on Educating Hearts and Minds: Rethinking Education. We are honored to bring you a guest post by Daniel Goleman, thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine, a UC-Berkeley-based quarterly magazine that highlights ground breaking scientific research into the roots of compassion and altruism. Enjoy! -------------------- Hot To Help: When can empathy move us to action? By Daniel Goleman We often emphasize the importance of keeping cool in ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616822 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:09:42 +0100 1616822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1597292&cid=t_118600_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fabortion-of-autistics-is-apparently-compassionate%2F I was chatting with a ‘friend’ - or someone that I thought was one about some of my issues with Autism Speaks a while back and she made some horrific comments on IM.  This has been on my personal blog for quite some time now.  After kinda wrestling with it I want to post it [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1597292 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:55:50 +0100 1597292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424072&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F284403277%2F As you have probably noticed, a growing number of Expert Contributors are writing in our blog, so that we can collectively discuss the latest research and trends on cognitive and brain health, and the implications of brain research in general for our everyday lives.  If you haven't done so already, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter (above) and our RSS feed (on the right). Below you have the profiles of some of our Contributors and links to their best articles with us so far. Enjoy! Dr. Pascale Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424072 Tue, 06 May 2008 05:16:08 +0100 1424072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1399183&cid=t_118600_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F277757263%2Funtouchable-woman-dies-after-birth.html Maya Devi, a Dalit woman in India, died yesterday, 24 hours after an unassisted birth outside the Kanpur Medical College maternity ward in Uttar Pradesh. Her son died almost immediately after being... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1399183 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:27:29 +0100 1399183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1353966&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F04%2F07%2Fself-empowerment-through-running%2F If you live in any decent-sized city in the U.S., chances are you drive or walk by a person who’s homeless every day. People who are homeless exist in most industrialized societies, and it’s an issue that has no easy solutions. Anne Mahlum jogged by homeless people every day, like thousands of others do. But one day, she decided to take action. “Why am I running past these guys?” recalls Mahlum, 27, on CNN.com. “I’m moving my life forward every day — and these guys are standing in the same spot.” Instead of continuing to pass them by, the veteran marathoner sprang into action so they could join her. She contacted the shelter, got donations of running gear, and in July 2007 the “Back On My Feet” running club hit the streets. ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1353966 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:01:10 +0100 1353966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1335412&cid=t_118600_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fdo-you-think-caregivers-are-different.html Do caregivers have a different personality type from the type of people who don't stop to help others who are in pain, injured, ill or suffering? Psychiatrists, psychologists, and social scientists have many personality theories about types. Is the empathetic caregiver, who generously gives time and energy for others, who never abandons those in need or pain, different from the people who callously walk on by? What is the personality trait that a heroic caregiver with high ideals has that is different from a selfish, cold person who abandons those who are suffering? Or who runs away when others are suffering?Some people provide such tender loving care as caregivers, and others are neglectful, or even abandon those who are ill or injured.According to personality theories, for instance such ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1335412 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:01:00 +0100 1335412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1329439&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F258486560%2F Superb blog article by Newsweek's Sharon Begley: The Lotus and the Synapse, introducing a new Study that shows compassion meditation changes the brain. To read the original paper led by Richard Davidson and Antoine Kutz, click Here. We will be covering this in more detail next week. Antoine Kutz, compassion meditation, meditation, Meditation and The Brain, Newsweek, Richard Davidson, Sharon Begley (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1329439 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:51:54 +0100 1329439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1276180&cid=t_118600_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F245276026%2F Daniel Goleman requires no introduction. Personally, of all his books I have read, the one I found most stimulating was Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue With the Dalai Lama, a superb overview of what emotions are and how we can put them to good use. These days he also offers a series of interviews including a great one with George Lucas on Educating Hearts and Minds: Rethinking Education. We are honored to bring you a guest post by Daniel Goleman, thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine, a UC-Berkeley-based quarterly magazine that highlights ground breaking scientific research into the roots of compassion and altruism. Enjoy! ---------------- The Power of Mindsight How can we free ourselves from prisons of the past? -- By Daniel Goleman When you were young, which... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1276180 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:26:50 +0100 1276180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1028178&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fearly-morning-musings.html 5:30 am---woken by back pain, restless and uncomfortable. I had acupuncture yesterday for the fourth week in a row, and despite the application of specific needles for back pain, there is no relief (although I have a deep, deep restorative sleep on the table each time). My mood has been very uplifted, although the acupuncture is simultaneous with my leave of absence from work, so it's difficult to parse out what is the true cause of these emotional shifts for the better. Anyway, does it even really matter?Last night, we went to the local university to see a few more short films on the genocide in Darfur. As an individual, I still feel somewhat powerless in the face of such a human travesty, but I blog about Darfur regularly, sign petitions, boycott Chinese products to a large extent, call ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1028178 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:27:00 +0100 1028178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1022153&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fcompassion-on-my-mothers-birthday.html I received the following email today, my mother's 75th birthday, her first birthday as a widow......Evoking the power of compassion in us is not always easy. I find myself that the simplest ways are the best and the most direct. Every day, life gives us innumerable chances to open our hearts, if we can only take them. An old woman passes you with a sad and lonely face and two heavy plastic bags full of shopping she can hardly carry. Switch on a television, and there on the news is a mother in Beirut kneeling above the body of her murdered son, or an old grandmother in Moscow pointing to the thin soup that is her only food. . . . Any one of these sights could open the eyes of your heart to the fact of vast suffering in the world. Let it. Don’t waste the love and grief it arouses. In the m... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1022153 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:40:00 +0100 1022153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=988421&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fvicarious-traumatization.html After eleven years of providing direct nursing care---all in ambulatory settings, mind you---I wonder when it will be time to take a break and approach my work in the healthcare field from another vantage point. While I, like many nurses, thrive on the interpersonal relationships which nursing engenders, I also long for a rest from the emotional tugging which is part and parcel of my work.But what is it about that "emotional tugging" that is so exhausting, you ask? The answer, to a large extent, is vicarious traumatization, wherein the act of bearing witness to the trauma of others can lead to internalization of trauma and psychic distress by the clinician. Several studies cited on the American Psychological Association website conclude that clinicians with their own personal trauma histor... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=988421 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:47:00 +0100 988421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=987117&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fon-compassion.html Compassion is not true compassion unless it is active. Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, is often represented in Tibetan iconography as having a thousand eyes that see the pain in all corners of the universe, and a thousand arms to reach out to all corners of the universe to extend his help.---Sogyal Rinpoche (Source: Digital Doorway) Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=987117 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 11:36:00 +0100 987117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948654&cid=t_118600_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F169443281%2Ftone_transforms_the_face_of_co.html Tone separates critics from creators when problems strike. How so? Tone’s a mind-bending skill that successful leaders use to get past overload, or stress, or exhaustion. Problems … magnified perhaps … by those who resist change become stepping stones to growth by those who cultivate tone. Have you seen it? Let’s say you start a new program where the learning curve is too high, and the leader too hard to handle.  Or you name the most frustrating problems that smack back daily. Watch the next conflict … and observe how people who lack tone skills,  react with meta messages, and resort to rants. Watch how a skilled leader weaves tone skills to help people build goodwill in times of conflict. It may mean risk though. Tone also takes brain chemicals t... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948654 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:01:19 +0100 948654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675117&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fmy-grandfathers-blessings.html I am reading “My Grandfather’s Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging” by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., a book which appeared in our house from an unknown source. Many books grace our shelves and I personally have no recollection of how they landed there. More fool me. But these organically-acquired books which seem to grow from the very shelves out of nothing often seem to hold wisdom and messages far exceeding their exterior qualities or appearance. “My Grandfather’s Blessings” seems to be just one of those sorts of books indeed. Dr. Remen writes: “We bless the life around us far more than we realize. Many simple, ordinary things that we do can affect those around us in profound ways: the unexpected phone call, the brief touch, the willingness to listen generou... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675117 Sat, 09 Jun 2007 04:01:00 +0100 675117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=611810&cid=t_118600_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fschwartz-center-rounds.html A new concept made its way into my personal and professional orbit today and I wanted to share it here. This concept is something called "Schwartz Center Rounds", which, according to the official website, is "a multidisciplinary forum where caregivers discuss difficult emotional and social issues that arise in caring for patients." The organization is doing some very interesting and thought-provoking work, and we are considering applying for a grant to bring Schwartz Center Rounds into our workplace, where the stress of our work takes its toll daily.The Schwartz Center website explains further: "Over 26,000 clinicians across the country participate in these interactive discussions and share their experiences, thoughts and feelings on different topics. Schwartz Center Rounds take place at o... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=611810 Thu, 10 May 2007 23:08:00 +0100 611810