Mental Health Week(s)…..Let’s Get Started!

May13

Welcome to Mental Health Week(s) at Authentic Freedom Ministries and Your Spiritual Truth.  During the coming days, we will have an opportunity to read contributions by those who have suffered with mental illness, those who have survived and from practitioners who help to provide support for those experiencing mental illness.   The goal of these coming days is first and foremost to support and secondly, to educate and inform.  A BIG thank you for those who have been willing to come forward with their own stories and for those in the helping fields who have provided information and support.  Let’s get started, shall we?

What is Mental Illness?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); mental illness is:   a medical condition that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Mental Illness covers a broad spectrum of diagnoses including:

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that 25 percent of adults and 20% of children and adolescents are experiencing mental illness of some kind.  Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. What is important to know is that mental illnesses are treatable and that most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.  According to NAMI, an effective treatment plan can include:  medication, psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, peer support groups and the use of other community services.  Diet, exercise, adequate sleep, intimate friendships and meaningful paid or volunteer activities can also contribute to the overall success of any recovery plan.

Obstacles to Diagnosis and Recovery

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to effective diagnosis and treatement is the negative stigma associated with mental illness.  It is important for us to know and to share with others that mental illnesses are serious medical conditions. Contrary to some schools of thought, mental illness cannot be overcome through “will power” and is not related to a person’s “character” or intelligence.  Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, gender, race, religion, income level or  intelligence.  Stigma erodes our ability to recognize that mental disorders are real, treatable health conditions and often halts our search for diagnosis and treatment.  This is a tragedy because the best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective.  NAMI estimates that between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life with a combination of prescription medications and psychosocial treatments and a variety of other supports.

Symptoms of Possible Mental Illness

The symptoms of possible mental illness vary on the type and severity of the condition.  WebMD cites the following as general symptoms that may suggest a mental illness is present:

In adults

  • Confused thinking
  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability
  • Extremely high and low moods
  • Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Strong feelings of anger
  • Delusions or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
  • Increasing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Denial of obvious problems
  • Many unexplained physical problems
  • Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol

In older children and pre-teens

  • Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Changes in school performance, falling grades
  • Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  • Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
  • Excessive complaints of physical problems
  • Defying authority, skipping school, stealing, or damaging property
  • Intense fear of gaining weight
  • Long-lasting negative mood, often along with poor appetite and thoughts of death
  • Frequent outbursts of anger

In younger children

  • Changes in school performance
  • Poor grades despite strong efforts
  • Excessive worry or anxiety
  • Hyperactivity
  • Persistent nightmares
  • Persistent disobedience and/or aggressive behavior
  • Frequent temper tantrums

Where to Go for Support

If you believe that you or someone you care about may be experiencing symptoms of a possible mental illness, early identification and treatment is of vital importance.  Early access to the treatment and recovery supports that are proven effective can accelerate recovery and reduce the potential of further harm related to the course of untreated illness.  For treatment and support, the NAMI website is a great place to start.  Or, talk to your doctor, ask for a referral from friends or relatives (chances are, they are either suffering themselves or know someone who is), talk to your Pastor, seek the help of a professional Counselor.  Whatever you do, get help and seek out support. Current treatments are effective, recovery is possible (especially in cases where the symptoms are largely situational) and you deserve to experience your best life possible.

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom Ministries

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Mental Health Week – My Story

May10

On Sunday, May 13th, I am launching ”Mental Health Week” on the Your Spiritual Truth blog.  In truth, it will more than likely become Mental Health month with the overwhelming response that I have gotten from readers.  An overwhelming number of submissions have been coming in which is FANTASTIC.  All stories of love, support, resources and guidance.  I welcome your contributions as the week(s) unfold! 

Ready, Set, Go

I thought it would be appropriate to launch Mental Health Week(s), by coming out of my own closet of mental illlness.  It’s not really much of a closet as I have been pretty upfront about my own struggles with depression and anxiety, but maybe haven’t shared the “whole” story. So….here we go.

Looking Back in Honesty

If I am really honest, depression has been a part of my life for a really long time – certainly since my teens.  I remember periods of feeling really blue and the “obsessive thoughts” and  “mind chatter” that often accompany depression have been my companions for as long as I can remember.  In fact, it wasn’t until I was taking Lexapro (much later in life) and the “mind chatter” was suddenly absent that I realized I even had that symptom and that it might somehow be connected with the unique brain chemistry that predisposes one to depression and/or anxiety disorders.  I also know today that the “vertigo” and “migraine” attack I had in 1985 was more than likely a panic attack that was mis-diagnosed.

The Ceiling Fell In

But it wasn’t until the spring of 2000 or 2001 (I cant’ remember the exact dates), that I became sidelined by the symptoms of depression.  I had suffered a significant loss; been in a traumatic, potentially life-threatening storm while traveling with my two children; experienced a devastating disappointment, I was probably experiencing some post-partum; and my father had a heart-attack – all within a very short period of time. In a time when I should have been basking in the delight of my children, all I could do was sit in the living room chair and watch.  Fortunately a good friend recognized my symptoms as depression.  She suggested counseling and homeopathy (she was a professional homeopathy practitioner).  I accepted both recommendations and added Spiritual Direction to the mix.  With the support of my homeopath, therapist and Spiritual Director, I moved through 30+ years of ungrieved losses and did a lot of healing and releasing all which served to alleviate many of the symptoms of depression.

The Walls Collapse

Enter panic attacks.  Somewhere around 7 years ago, I suffered my first “official” panic attack.  Under the stress of a marriage that was beginning to unravel, my husband’s travel schedule, health concerns around one of our children and while experimenting with a “cleansing” diet, the bottom fell out.  While driving to meet my husband for a weekend out of town, the world started closing in, my heart started pounding, I felt like I couldn’t breathe, my vision started to first get really small, then began to cloud over.  I didn’t know if I was having a heart attack, blood sugar crash or if I was dying.  If you have had a panic attack, you know how terrifying this is!  I pulled off the road as the symptoms “relaxed”.  Somehow got back on the highway, white knuckled it home and collapsed on the couch for what turned into a 3 day paralyzing migraine.  YUK!

The Power of Denial and Bargaining

Do you think I went to the doctor to investigate these symptoms?  No way!  I did not want to face the possibility of diagnosis.  “I could not possibly have had a panic attack.  Those are for my other people….not for me.  I’m perfect, put-together, impervious to mental illness, Lauri, right?!   And besides, I know a better way!”  So….I spent the next 2 1/2 years pursuing EVERY POSSIBLE remedy to these “symptoms” other than diagnosis and pharmaceuticals.  To make a REALLY LONG story short, these alternative methods provided much relief and gave me many tools that I have shared with others as potential sources of not only relief, but support.  But then, after returning from a 10 day pilgrimage to England, I began having panic attacks EVERY NIGHT at 2 am which woke me out of a dead sleep.  After two months of these nightly attacks, I said, “ENOUGH!”  I consulted my physician who released a heavy sigh of relief as she had been encouraging me to accept medical support for these symptoms since my first attack 2 years earlier.

Prayers to the Ancestors

My physician wrote out a prescription to the lowest dose possible of Lexapro and I went home with my little bottle in hand.  I was terrified.  I didn’t want to have a diagnosis.  I didn’t want to take drugs.  I didn’t want to be like my ancestors who had all suffered from depression and anxiety disorders most of whom either became housebound or took to drinking to manage their pain.  I remember sitting in my backyard with the bottle of Lexapro in my hand and praying, “God, please tell me what to do.”  The response was IMMEDIATE.  I suddenly saw before me generation upon generation of my ancestors. They looked at me with desperation in their eyes and collectively begged, “Please help us.”  With tears streaming down my cheeks, I silently opened the bottle of little white pills, took one out, placed it on my tongue and swallowed.

To Hell and Back

After I made it through the initial side effects of Lexapro, I found that it did seem to alleviate many of my symptoms.  I also realized that the “voices in my head” were suddenly absent.  This was the most pleasant surprise.  1) I never knew these voices weren’t “normal” In fact, I didn’t even know I had voices until they were gone. 2) There was an overwhelming sensation of peacefulness when not hounded by the constant chatter of worry, obsessive thoughts, planning, anticipating, etc. etc. etc.   (If you have these voices, you know what I mean.)  My brain was quiet for the first time in my life!  And the timing of all of this could not have been more perfect because now, the true unraveling of my marriage began.

Where Things Get Really Interesting

This is where things began to get REALLY interesting.  It became obvious to both my husband and me that we had been beating a dead horse and that perhaps we should just let the horse die.  We accepted divorce as the best option.  Then one day, I simply forgot to take my Lexapro.  Then the next day I forgot again.  On the third day I decided, “Let’s see what happens if I just don’t take my pills.” (PS, I’m NOT advocating that anyone do this without the guidance and support of your doctor!!!!!)  What happened was nothing.  No side effects.  No withdrawal.  (unlike when I had tried to wean myself).  No panic.  No depression.  That was two years ago.  Now….does that mean my depression is gone for good and I will never have another panic attack?  NO!!!!!  I still have situational depression.  I still experience anxiety and I have had a few situations of minor panic.  AND…..the voices are back.  BUT…..I am not paralyzed or sidelined by any of these symptoms and I have learned effective tools of self-care, meditation, yoga and mindfulness practices that have helped manage these symptoms.  And the most effective treatment I have found to date?  SPEAKING and WRITING my truth.  Does this mean I won’t need medication again in the future?  Who knows?  But for today, I am happy for the relief that medication, therapy, Spiritual Direction and complementary medicine have given me.  And I know that the journey through depression and anxiety is unique to each individual and to each life situation.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The biggest lesson I have learned in all of this is that I AM NOT ALONE!  Mental illness, especially depression and anxiety are epidemic.  Nearly everyone I know has somehow been touched by mental illness.   And the good news is that today we have effective methods of diagnosis and treatment and most importantly SUPPORT!  So if you are suffering or know someone who is……please get help.  There are therapists, medical doctors, pastors, spiritual directors, teachers, alternative health practitioners out there who are willing and able to help.  And don’t be afraid to share your story with others…..you are not alone and you might just find that the person you share your story with needs your support too.

If you want to learn more about mental illness, check out the NAMI website:  http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=about_mental_illness

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Word Play – Word Pray Part II

May8

Today’s blog explores another aspect of using words as a tool for meditation and prayer.

How Could I Forget?

After posting yesterday’s blog, I attended my morning yoga class.  While moving through the asanas, I found two words kept presenting themselves for my reflection:  Simplicity and Tending.  I allowed myself to simply be present to these words.  I didn’t reflect on them or ponder them.  I simply allowed myself to feel these words.  Simplicity gave me the feeling of breathing room and groundedness.  Being present to the word made me feel as if my own personal energy was relaxing, softening and reaching out toward the earth below my feet.  I felt safe, content, secure, at-ease.  Tending had a whole different feeling altogether.  Being present to tending gave me a warm feeling in my heart.  It felt as if my energy that I usually feel as off in all directions in the universe was turning around and coming back to me.  It felt as if the word tending was some sort of magnet drawing my energy back to me.  The energy returned and came to be anchored in my heart, then it moved down and became rooted in the earth.  Tending me.  Tending me.  Tending me.  Through this experience, I received not only intellectual knowledge of what these words mean to me, but received a felt sense  of what I feel like when I allow myself to be present to and receive Simplicity and Tending in my life.  And I have to say…..it felt REALLY good.

Words have Power

My point of sharing this with you is that when we use words as a tool for meditation and prayer, they have power.  Words are not just something that we roll around on our tongue or tumble around in our brain.  Because of the generation upon generation of people who have used these words, given meaning to them and made them a part of their life, words now carry a vibration.  The ancients knew this and it is for this reason that the most ancient languages are thought to have power in and of themselves:  Sanskrit, Hebrew, Aramaic, for example.  Apparently the same is true of English, Spanish, French, Swahili, etc. etc. etc. as well.  Our words have power because of the power we give to them.

Words as a Compass

When we allow ourselves to move beyond the intellectual constructs of a word, we find its true meaning and its deeper power and it can inform us, challenge us, change us.   For me, the words I have been given are valuable nuggets of guidance, instructing me on what to move toward in my life, what to allow and what to receive.  If something comes to me that feels like something other than Simplicity or Tending, I get to say no.  If something feels like either of these things, I am being invited to say yes.  That is really helpful as I stand at this place of in-between watching specific things in my life depart while waiting for the new life to emerge.  Apparently this new life will have simplicity and tending as two key components.  COOL!

What are the words that are currently speaking to you?

How are you being invited to simple BE with that word?

What is the felt-sense you receive when allowing yourself to be present to that word?

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Word Play/Word Pray

May7

Today’s blog explores the way in which individual words can serve as a source of insight, wisdom, healing, comfort and support and offers a specific meditation/prayer practice using words as the tool.

Word Play

The other day as I was looking for an answer to a specific life-path quandary, I turned to a deck of inspirational cards that I own that focuses on specific words.  The cards are intended to provide a source of focus, reflection and meditation and for me, the word that “showed up” was a surprise.  The word was tending.  Tending?  What the heck does that mean?  Since I didn’t receive an answer right away, I decided to apply a writer’s tool to this word.  I put my pen to paper, and just starting writing about “tending.”  I was shocked and amazed at what came through and it definitely provided for me a greater sense of direction – the thing I had been looking for.  Below, you will find the results of my writing exercise.  But before I bore you with my own drivel, I will invite you to enter into your own Word Play/Word Pray

Word Pray

1) Choose an Action Word.  (Here’s a list to get you started):  Standing  Holding  Energizing  Co-Creating Nurturing Inhabiting Changing Connecting Creating Engaging Focusing Keeping Learning Loving Listening Opening Optimizing Playing Reflecting Releasing Seeing Serving Sharing Tending Waiting Opening Allowing

2) Write to or about the word. Put your pen to paper and just start writing.  Don’t stop writing.  Don’t censor.  Just write write write about the word until there is nothing left to write.

3) Read and Reflect Read what you wrote.  What new insights might have surfaced?  What is this word now saying to you?  How are you being invited to respond?

Now for the drivel:

Tending

Tending my soul.  Tending myself.  Attentive focus on ME!  BE HERE NOW.  What do I need?  What does my heart want?  Are my feet planted firmly on the ground?  Can I feel the earth beneath my feet?

Tending.  Tending me.  Preparing the soil.  What do I need to feel safe and secure?  What is it that allows me to breathe?  Some sunshine and water.  Something for nourishment.  Seeds planted. taking root, germinating, growing.  bearing fruit.  A fence to keep out the weeds and the pests.

Tending me with music, melodies, vibrations and sounds that grab my heart.  Songs of praise.  Chants of devotion.  Compositions that confront, challenge, wring us dry, leave us breathless, inspire movement and change.  Arias that make me weep.

Tending me.  Paper and pen.  Lots of paper, bound in leather.  Indigo ink ONLY.  Soul friends with which to share my life, my hopes, dreams, tragedies and triumphs.  And to share theirs in return.

Tending me.  To teach.  To share.  To encourage.  To support.  To love with understanding and compassion.  To allow. To forgive.  Honoring when “yes means yes” and “no means no.”  Allowing myself to be loved, to be held, to be comforted, to be listened to and to be heard.  To be supported.  To be treated with kindness and honored with fidelity.  To be adored and respected and understood.  To be loved for WHO I AM.

Tending me.  Quiet.  Quiet so I can hear.  Quiet so I can see.  Quiet so I can take the time to feel.  Quiet to make sense of it all.  Quiet so I can breathe.

Tending.  Tend.  Tender.  Tenderness.  Tenderly.  Tendency. Attend.  Attending.  Attendance.  Attentive.  Attentiveness.  Attention.  Intention.  Intentional.  Intend.  Intending.  Intended.

Now it’s your turn!

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom Ministries

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Teen Suicide, Depression and Mental Illness – Repeat

May6

NOTE:  This is a repeat of yesterday’s blog.  I felt the topic to be of such urgent nature it bore repeating.  My invitation to the readers is to share this blog.  Share it on your social networks.  Share it with your family and friends.  As many of yesterday’s comments stated, “It takes a village.”  Teenage suicide is largely preventable if we know the signs and symptoms of the underlying mental disorders that can leave a teen feeling as if suicide is their only option and we do something about it.  This is an opportunity to educate and inform, guide and support.  Thank you for your loving and generous assistance!

- Lauri

This Thursday, a second classmate of my fourteen year old daughter, committed suicide.  In the past several months, a third failed in their attempt and a fourth has been making regular threats.  What is happening in our community is happening everywhere.  Suicide is epidemic among our teens and while I am not a therapist or a psychiatrist, I can Google as well as anyone.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “scientific evidence has shown that almost all people who take their own lives have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder, and the majority have more than one disorder.   In other words, the feelings that often lead to suicide are highly treatable.”  ( http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Teenage_Suicide.htm  ) 

While bullying, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, experiencing stress, rejection or loss may be the catalyst, it is most often a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder (depression, anxiety disorders, bi-polar, manic depression, etc.) that is the underlying cause of a teen choosing suicide as the coping mechanism for dealing with life’s challenges.  According to teendepression.org, TWENTY percent of teens will experience depression sometime before adulthood.  That is a STAGGERING statistic.  That is two out of every ten teens.  I believe the statistic is much greater than that.  And this statistic is only for depression, this does not take into consideration schizophrenia, bi-polar disease, anxiety disorders, etc.  It is for this reason that education, diagnosis, treatement and support are so important.  In order to help our teens, we need to be EDUCATED on the symptoms of potential mental illness and to seek proper support and treatment when we suspect there might be an issue.

So, what are we to look for as signs that our teens might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder that could lead to suicide?  This is what the NAMI website says to look for:

Some common symptoms of these disorders include:

  • Extreme personality changes
  • Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
  • Significant loss or gain in appetite
  • Difficulty falling asleep or wanting to sleep all day
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
  • Sadness, irritability, or indifference
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Extreme anxiety or panic
  • Drug or alcohol use or abuse
  • Aggressive, destructive, or defiant behavior
  • Poor school performance
  • Hallucinations or unusual beliefs

If we want to be a source of support for our teens, it is our job to become educated and to communicate.  We cannot hide behind our fear of confrontation or our denial of the situation.  If you suspect your child or one of their friends might be exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety or is making threats of suicide….GET HELP immediately.  If it is a crisis situation and suicide seems imminent, call 911.  It was through this kind of intervention that at least one Oshkosh teen was saved. If it is one of your children’s friends, CALL THEIR PARENTS and let them know your concerns.   For education, counseling referrals and support, contact your local NAMI chapter, a local counseling center or your pastor.    In Oshkosh, you can contact NAMI at 651-1148 or go to their website:  http://www.namioshkosh.org.  Let us be a source of support for our teens so that we can help to prevent these unnecessary deaths!

Lauri Lumby

Merrill Middle School Parent

Authentic Freedom Ministries

Oshkosh, WI

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Teen Suicide, Depression and Mental Illness

May5

This Thursday, a second classmate of my fourteen year old daughter, committed suicide.  A third failed in their attempt and a fourth has been making regular threats.  What is happening in our community is happening everywhere as I recall the suicide of nine teenages in the Anoka Hennepin school district- a suburban community just outside of Minneapolis.  Suicide is epidemic among our teens and while I am not a therapist or a psychiatrist, I can Google as well as anyone.  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “scientific evidence has shown that almost all people who take their own lives have a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder, and the majority have more than one disorder.   In other words, the feelings that often lead to suicide are highly treatable.”  ( http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Teenage_Suicide.htm  ) 

While bullying, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, experiencing stress, rejection or loss may be the catalyst, it is most often a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder (depression, anxiety disorders, bi-polar, manic depression, etc.) that is the underlying cause of a teen choosing suicide as the coping mechanism for dealing with life’s challenges.  According to teendepression.org, TWENTY percent of teens will experience depression sometime before adulthood.  That is a STAGGERING statistic.  That is two out of every ten teens.  I believe the statistic is much greater than that.  And this statistic is only for depression, this does not take into consideration schizophrenia, bi-polar disease, anxiety disorders, etc.  It is for this reason that education, diagnosis, treatement and support are so important.  In order to help our teens, we need to be EDUCATED on the symptoms of potential mental illness and to seek proper support and treatment when we suspect there might be an issue.

So, what are we to look for as signs that our teens might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder that could lead to suicide?  This is what the NAMI website says to look for:

Some common symptoms of these disorders include:

  • Extreme personality changes
  • Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
  • Significant loss or gain in appetite
  • Difficulty falling asleep or wanting to sleep all day
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
  • Sadness, irritability, or indifference
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Extreme anxiety or panic
  • Drug or alcohol use or abuse
  • Aggressive, destructive, or defiant behavior
  • Poor school performance
  • Hallucinations or unusual beliefs

If we want to be a source of support for our teens, it is our job to become educated and to communicate.  We cannot hide behind our fear of confrontation or our denial of the situation.  If you suspect your child or one of their friends might be exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety or is making threats of suicide….GET HELP immediately.  If it is a crisis situation and suicide seems imminent, call 911.  It was through this kind of intervention that at least one Oshkosh teen was saved. If it is one of your children’s friends, CALL THEIR PARENTS and let them know your concerns.   For education, counseling referrals and support, contact your local NAMI chapter, a local counseling center or your pastor.    In Oshkosh, you can contact NAMI at 651-1148 or go to their website:  http://www.namioshkosh.org.  Let us be a source of support for our teens so that we can help to prevent these unnecessary deaths!

Lauri Lumby

Merrill Middle School Parent

Authentic Freedom Ministries

Oshkosh, WI

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Support for Mental Illness

May4

In the past several months, I have been witness to several individuals, about whom I care deeply, suffer what Western medicine would identify as a psychotic break.  To say that the effects of these experiences were devastating would be an understatement.  In fact, it initially felt as if the Universe had pulled the very ground from beneath my feet.  I have been quiet about these experiences until I could grasp the higher purpose.  I’m still uncovering what that purpose might be, but it felt like it was time to come out of the closet in support of practitioners, patients and family members who might be facing mental illness – either in themselves or in someone they care about.

There are several lessons that I have learned so far as a result of these experiences:

1)      There is a fine line between mysticism and psychosis and many are ill-equipped at identifying when that line has been crossed.

2)     The powerful role of denial and bargaining in those exhibiting symptoms of psychosis and in those who have already been diagnosed.

3)     The powerful role of denial and bargaining in those who have been diagnosed and even in those who have been effectively treated in the past.

4)     The lack of education and support (other than pharmaceuticals) for those who have been diagnosed.

5)     The COMPLETE lack of education and support for family members of those who are suffering psychosis or any other forms of mental illness.

6)     The potential danger alternative healing practices (especially those that can facilitate deeply meditative or other states of higher consciousness) can cause those who might be suffering with psychosis.

7)     The role alternative healing practices can play in enabling the denial, bargaining and delusions of those suffering with untreated psychosis and other forms of mental illness.

As a Spiritual Director and Reiki Practitioner, I do not have the tools, nor do I have the training to diagnosis or treat serious mental illness.  But, I know people who do.  As such, I am dubbing May 13 – May 19 Mental Health Week at Authentic Freedom Ministries.  I have invited the contribution of experts in the field, along with those who have either suffered with Mental Illness themselves or have witnessed the suffering of people they care about.

And….I am inviting your participation!  If you are an expert in the field of mental health, have experienced mental illness yourself or have accompanied someone who has, I am asking for your help.  Write an essay of less than 1000 words and submit it to lauri@yourspiritualtruth.com.  I want to hear what you have to say, and so do those who are in need of help and support.  And I will extend Mental Health Week as long as we need to in order to get the help and support out there that is needed.  And if you are a professional or provide a website or blog in support of those who are suffering or their families, please include your bio, website address and photo if you so desire.

Now, I wish I could say that these individuals that I have witnessed are receiving the help they need and are on the road to recovery….unfortunately, they are not.  Instead, they are still trapped within the prison of denial and they along with their families are suffering because of it.  It is for them and for others like them that I offer this week of education and support.  And I thank you for your participation in it.

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom
Ministries

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

lauri@yourspiritualtruth.com

PS:  Helpful links:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

http://www.nami.org/

Pearls of Wisdom Blog Tour – Patricia Cohen

May2

Patricia Cohen is a Minister of Spiritual Peacemaking through the Beloved Community.  Having six brothers and a sister launched her on a journey of exploring and working in the world of children, searching for a better way to help them thrive.  A former President of the Board of the Nevada County Jewish Community Center, Vice President of the Board of the Mariposa Waldorf School, Vice President of the Board and Program Coordinator of New Frontiers of the Gold Country with her education in human development and working with children in the religious school, private school, public school, day care center and juvenile hall has qualified her to bring the benefit of ritual and tradition to the forefront of our lives for the unification of families.

1.        How did you get into this collection of inspiration with folks like Jack Canfield?

I got into this collection when I attended a Full Time Messenger conference and attended a presentation with Randy Davila who invited my to submit my manuscript.

2.        What is your chapter about?

My chapter is about the need for rituals and rites of passage for Americans.

3.        What do you think makes this book unique and who would want to read it?

I think my book is unique because we don’t have regular rites of passage that are considered American and I propose we adopt them.  I think parents will want to read this to help their children mature into healthy responsible adults, I think everyone can benefit from recognizing that each milestone we pass in life can be a rite of passage and brings with it a new status that empowers us to be more than we were before.

4.         What kind of wisdom do you have to offer the reader?

The wisdom I offer the reader is that ceremonies and rites of passage have empowered people of all ages in healthy development from their first birthday to their last.

5.        The publisher promises that the authors such as yourself are “up and coming” leaders in self-help.  How does the publisher know this and what is your expertise in “self-help”?

The publisher knows I am a leader in self-help as I am compiling the rites of passage from all cultures that now reside in the United States and am presenting them as American for the spiritual development of all of us.

6.        Most people know about Jack Canfield from the Chicken Soup books and Marci Shimoff from her Happy book … How would you like your readers to think of you?  What is your “signature niche”?

My signature “niche” is “Every breath you take is sacred”  and every birthday is a sacred graduation, a celebration of your accomplishments and an initiation into your new status.”

7.        We often hear that the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” – how does that proverb apply to the 30 authors in this book?

The 30 authors in this book combine to create a message of peace, love and hope that is current to this moment in time.

8.        What is your most central and compelling “pearl of wisdom”?

My most central and compelling “Pearl of Wisdom” is that Every breath you take is sacred, and if you know that from birth to the end of life, you will remember that all of your life and all life itself is sacred.

9.        How can our readers/listeners find you?

My listeners and readers can find me at www.sacredamerican.com

To learn more about the inspirational book, Pearls of Wisdom, go to the following link:  http://www.amazon.com/Pearls-Wisdom-Inspirational-Ideas-Live/dp/098187715X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335955983&sr=1-1

God Has a Sick Sense of Humor!

Apr30

Today’s blog explores the inexplicable nature of God and the sometimes illogical path of our highest good.

God is Weird!

Just had to get that off my chest.  As I continue this journey of allowing the Universe (aka G0d) to help me to understand what the heck I am supposed to do when I grow up (about time I figured this out….I am 47 for God’s sake!)  I have been watching doors closing, while waiting to see what (if any) doors the Universe does want me to step through and in the midst of this wondering “Where is the money coming from?”   Yesterday was one of those days where three very specific doors were opened and I willingly stepped into two of them and the third I am in the midst of discerning.  The first door was facilitating a meditation workshop at a local community center.  The second was facilitating the Contemplative Sunday service that I offer weekly at a local wellness center.  Between the two, I shared roughly four hours of my time, not including prep and made $14.00.  This is what makes me laugh.  I was 100% sure that I was supposed to say yes to both of these opportunities and I did so with no attachment to the money.  And the small return on my investment (of time, talent, education, training, experience) makes me laugh at God’s sick sense of humor.  Apparently, these are not the areas from which the money will be coming – but I’m still supposed to be doing this.  (not only that, but I am feeling called to offer a second weekly service – again, knowing this will not be a significant source of income.)  Ha Ha…very funny God! 

The Bigger Picture

When I look through the money situation through a small lens, it would strike fear and terror in my soul (as I imagine would be true of most people).  But since last spring when I had my “fear of money” meltdown I have for the most part felt a strange sense of peace around the issue of money.  Admittedly, it could just be cold, hard denial….but somehow, someway, what I really need to survive is there.  What I have been learning through all of this is the TRUST IN GOD…..to trust that my needs and the needs of my family will be met – possibly in strange and unexpected ways.  And to LIVE IN THE MOMENT….to not get taken off task by those darn nagging money worries and to simply take ONE STEP AT A TIME trusting that each step is leading me SOMEWHERE.

Enter the Unexpected

So, here’s the other “God is weird and has a really strange sense of humor” part.  Last night at 9:30 pm, I received a phone call on my office line.  I can’t even tell you the details of this phone call because I am still discerning my response.  Suffice it to say that the call was an offer to receive, allow and say yes to something that I would NEVER even consider asking of for myself.  It is an offer that is at once humbling and overwhelming in its scope and its potential impact.  When I have completed my time of discernment around this offer and if I decide to say yes, I will then share with you how REALLY humbling this opportunity is.  Suffice it to say that in accepting this offer, I (and the world along with me) will be the recipients of God’s weird sense of humor!  Oh yeah, and the answer to the “where is the money coming from” question is “Wherever it is right now.” 

Where do you struggle with fears around money, abundance, security, etc.?

How are you being invited to LIVE IN THE MOMENT…..TRUST…..?

What tools do you use in discerning where God is calling you to share your gifts?

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom Ministries

http://yourspiritualtruth.com

Moving with Simplicity

Apr29

Ok, Now What?  Part III (or is it 10?)

Still discerning over here.   Actually, not really.  Instead, it seems that the active stage of searching, exploring, asking, digging, weighing, has shifted to simply allowing.  This is a strange and unfamiliar landscape for one such as myself who has spent the vast majority of my 47 years in compulsive planning, anticipating, preparing for various potential outcomes.  Instead, I am simply allowing myself to step into whatever the Universe places at my feet or in my lap.  For example, this week, I had three paying clients.  In the coming week, zero.  I should be freaking out, right?  Nope.  Admittedly, I could be in a profound state of denial, but I don’t think so.  Instead, I am embracing the three things the Universe apparently DOES want me to be present to:  my children, working on my novel and teaching my Living in Freedom which has been organized, recruited for and scheduled with virtually no effort on my part.  On Wednesday of this week, 12 participants will begin the journey of identifying the unique lens through which they see the world (from the perspective of the Enneagram) and how to embrace the gifts of this lens, while transcending its shadow.  As I am allowing the Universe to unfold my life for me, I am also aware of a little word that keeps creeping into my consciousness and what seems like an invitation, direct from the Universe (aka God) to embrace this word in my life and to allow this word to direct my future actions….and that word is…..(drum roll please)……Simplicity.

Felt Sense as a Compass

Simplicity?  What is that?  What does it look like? And how do I make that part of my life?  This weekend, I was reminded that in order to allow something into our lives, in order to “manifest” something, we need to know what it feels like.   I have applied these principles in the past, especially in regards to relationship  and have found them to be successful, so why wouldn’t I apply them here?  So, for the past several days, I have been sitting in contemplation with the concept of simplicity and what it might feel like to me.  This morning, I penned a piece of prose that expresses what I know today about simplicity and I share it with you below.  As you are reading, you may want to ask yourself a couple questions:

1) In one word, what are you being called to in your life right now (love, peace, joy, abundance, passion, partnership, etc.)

2) What does that feel like to you?

Moving with Simplicity

Simplicity feels like ease…a gentle, graceful flow.  And image of the tide coming in and surrounding me in support, then gently receeding, moving out into the world in all directions.

Simplicity feels like right here, right now.  It feels like breathing and the gentle, persistent beating of the heart.  It feels like staying in this moment and BE. HERE. NOW.

Simplicity feels like a stately oak deeply rooted; and the boughs of the pine which tenderly hold.

Simplicity feels like effortless flow – the tide that comes and goes on its own – we know not how; the waves of the ocean, the flow of the rivers and streams. The movement of the wind – moving here and there unseen, but recognized in its effects.

Simplicity feels like a sliver of the moon, a shooting star and the silence of the night before dawn.

Simplicity feels like grass growing, daisies waving in the breeze, a robin’s song, the air after a spring rain and the scent of autumn.

Simplicity feels like a butterfly’s wing, dandelion fluff, and a young child dancing in the sun.

Lauri Lumby

Authentic Freedom Ministries

http://yourspiritualtruth.com