Archive of the Category 'Soul'

Learning To Detach From Outcomes

At Above & Beyond Acupuncture we help patients identify behavioral patterns that can inadvertently cause unnecessary and undesirable results. Expectations—and the emotions they elicit—are a common topic of discussion. It is something we help to address and correct as it can be a source of conflict in interpersonal relationships. Having high expectations can cause high levels of disappointment when one person expects another to respond in a certain way to his or her actions.

What does it mean to detach from outcomes?

Detaching from outcomes means that when you do something for someone else, it is done without any expectation of reward. The act is done solely for the sake of doing it fully and completely.

Many people rarely perform tasks without the motivation that there will be something received from their efforts. When people become overly focused on what to expect from a given activity, they lose the ability to be present. The desired outcome becomes the sole focus of their actions.

Why would I want to detach from outcomes?

By detaching from outcomes in your life, you begin to shift your focus away from the future. You become more present, aware and conscious. One of the biggest problems with being attached to outcomes is that your attention is in the future—where anything is possible. In a previous blog titled “The Power Of Being Present,” we discussed how important it is to be present, and provided some helpful tools to achieve it. If you find yourself thinking about the past or focused on the future, we suggest you take the time to read that article.

Why does it feel so difficult to detach from outcomes?

Living in a capitalist society, people have become ingrained with a reward-based perspective. It starts in school by being rewarded with good grades and continues into a career where a person gets paid to perform well in his chosen career. While it is understandable that many of the actions people take are to obtain something in return, always being attached to specific outcomes can cause conflict and disharmony.

Instead of always looking at the anticipated outcome and using that as the basis for your actions, you should begin to shift your focus to what it is you’re doing in the moment. Being fully engrossed in the present—and accomplishing your objectives to the very best of your abilities—will free you from living a life that is always focused on future outcomes that might never materialize.

If you find that most—if not all—of the things you do in life are geared toward future expectations and rewards, we strongly encourage you to consider changing your perspective and behavior. By learning how to detach from the outcomes, you will free yourself of self-imposed constraints, limitations and conflicts, allowing you to be a more present and fruitful human being.

Speak Less, Mean More

When it comes to personal interactions, verbal communication is an essential component. It is the basis for relaying messages, information, feelings and emotions. As our society has become more dependent on technology, communication has evolved to a point where much of the interaction exists only within a digital domain. This presents an impersonal way of speaking to other people; it strips away any body language and facial expressions that might be conveyed when speaking in person. Regardless of whether the communication is in person or taking place digitally, one problem that many people have is speaking carelessly and unconsciously.

Why is it important to speak less and mean more?

The act of speaking just to speak—without any specific purpose—or to speak without being conscious of the words being used, is not only a waste of time, it is also a poor expenditure of energy. When communication takes place without any thought behind it, there remains a lack of value and definition. Whatever message is being relayed can quickly become discounted, viewed more as unnecessary noise than important information. Many people will spend significant amounts of time speaking for no apparent reason, other than the fact they feel the need for senseless chatter. There are others who find that silence is rather uncomfortable, so filling the void with unconscious communication is preferable.

Communication is an essential part of being a human being in that it fulfills a basic need to interact with others. However, it needs to be consciously metered. Measuring what you say and how you say it will allow you to speak with more meaning and value. Speaking less doesn’t have to mean using fewer words or spending less time doing it. What it means is that when you choose to speak, there is thought, meaning and value in the words you use.

How can I speak less and mean more?

Before making any changes to how you communicate, you must first become more aware of your behavior. Take a moment to think back to the conversations you’ve had over the past day or two and analyze the content. Were you doing your best to talk about issues that were important? Did you make a conscious effort to be concise? Did you spend time focused on the topic or did you find yourself getting off track? Did you find yourself engaged in conversations about nothing in particular? How many conversations did you have that were filled with mindless chatter? Properly understanding your communication patterns and behavior is an essential step toward learning how to speak less and mean more.

One of the easiest ways to speak less and mean more is to be fully present and speak consciously. What this means is that are you engaged with what you are doing in that moment. Being present is something that should be prioritized. It has the ability to change your reality and the communication taking place within it. In a previous blog post titled “The Power Of Being Present,” we discussed what it means to be present and provided some helpful tools. Being present is extremely important. If you’re interested in speaking less and meaning more, we strongly suggest you read that article.

Another effective way to help you speak less and mean more is to start watching your words. While it seems like an obvious way to modify your communication behavior, it’s something many people don’t do. Words create your reality, so when you speak unconsciously you can inadvertently create unwanted situations. In a previous blog post titled “Watch Your Words,” we discussed this topic in some detail. If you find yourself not paying attention to the words you’re using, please read through that article. It will provide useful information that will help you become a more conscious communicator.

Learning how to speak less and mean more is a process that can take some time. The point is not to limit the total number of words that you speak, but more to refine what you do say. If the necessary effort is put forth, a great shift can take place within your daily communications. We encourage you to reduce—and then eliminate—the senseless chatter and replace it with meaningful and thoughtful interactions that will help you lead a more meaningful existence.

Keeping Your Word… To Yourself

Do you place a lot of value on keeping your word with the people in your life? Do you place the same emphasis on keeping your word to yourself? This blog post is going to address how important it is to keep your word to yourself and how it can positively impact your life. If you’re great at keeping your word with others—but not with yourself—this blog post will provide some valuable insight and tools to help you make some improvements.

Why is it so important to keep my word to myself?

Many people place a lot of importance in living a life filled with integrity and will emphasize the importance of keeping their word to the people with whom they interact. This is not only an admirable quality; it also helps to establish and maintain strong bonds, as you will be viewed as a dependable person. As time goes by, you will become regarded as someone who is trustworthy and of high moral fiber.

But keeping your word to others is only half as important as keeping your word to yourself. While it is nice that other people will place you in high regard, you also need to take stock of what you say to yourself. Having people depend on you can provide a certain level of satisfaction, but being able to depend on yourself is of greater importance.

When trying to evaluate how trustworthy you are with yourself, it is best to start paying more attention to the conversation taking place in your head. When you tell yourself you’re going to do something, do you do it? If you don’t, why not? What excuses do you find yourself using? Is it easy for you to not keep your word to yourself? Do you find this happening time and time again?

The answers to these questions will let you see how consistent—or inconsistent—you are with keeping your word to yourself. The results might prove a little startling if you’ve never before analyzed your record of following through on promises you’ve made to yourself. If you’ve discovered that quite often you can’t—or at least don’t—keep your word, it’s important to start understanding why. The first step is becoming aware of the issue; once that’s accomplished you can move on to changing the behavior.

How can I do a better job at keeping my word to myself?

After you’ve become more aware of the fact that you have difficulty with keeping your word, the next step is to make some changes. The next time you tell yourself that you’re going to do something—no matter how big or how small—make sure you follow through and do it. Whether that means running an errand, making a phone call, sending an email, showing up to an appointment early or meeting a friend, follow through and do it. The action you take is secondary to the effort you make in keeping your word. It’s vital that you don’t make exceptions, that you follow through every time without fail. This can take some practice. At first you might fall short and make some mistakes. That’s okay; don’t be too hard on yourself. Be supportive and persistent with the understanding that your word to yourself is the most important thing. If you keep trying your best and improving every day, you will soon find that being able to depend on yourself is an important part of your reality and a very worthy endeavor.

At Above & Beyond Acupuncture we provide support and guidance for patients who are looking to better themselves. If keeping your word to yourself is something you’d like assistance with, please consider setting up an appointment to work with our practitioners who are ready to help you help yourself.

A New Year, A New You! – Part 2

Please note that this blog post is the second part of a series titled “A New Year, A New You!” The first part provided helpful tools and methods to improve your life for the new year. Please click here to view that post: [Link]

What can I do to make this new year a great one?

In part one of this series we talked about the importance of being present, starting a meditation practice, and finding your life purpose. Each one of these topics has the potential to change your life. If you’ve not already done so, we suggest you take the time to read through and think about each one and how to implement it into your reality. While it may take some time and effort, your hard work will be rewarded.

Many people find it very difficult to say no to family, friends and other people in their lives. Learning to say no is something that can improve your life, especially if you identify as a “people-pleaser.” If this is something you struggle with, then learning how to say no is something that should be prioritized. There is a time and place to say no, so learning when it’s appropriate is also important. An essential part of this process is learning how to prioritize your needs. In a previous blog series titled “Learning To Say No,” we explored this issue and how important it is. We discussed why it can be difficult to say no, but also provided good reasons for saying no and offered some useful tools for those in need of assistance and instruction.

Relinquishing control is also something that can improve your life and lower your stress level in the new year. This is a subject that can be challenging for those people who feel a constant need to be in control of everything. Attempting to control people, places and things can easily become a consuming obsession, creating not only internal stress, but strife and conflict with those around you, as well. If you find yourself always needing to be in control, then we suggest you take the time to read our blog post titled “Relinquishing Control,” as it will help you learn to let go.

At Above & Beyond Acupuncture we firmly believe that nutrition is the cornerstone of health and wellness. Making some dietary changes for the new year is a great idea. You can start with a few modifications and grow from there. Getting gluten out of your diet is highly recommended and will prove to be a worthy endeavor. Removing gluten isn’t just for those people with celiac disease; everyone can benefit from this change. In a previous blog post titled “Getting Rid Of Gluten,” we talked about what gluten is and how it can affect the body. This is important information, so we suggest you take the time to read that article.

Another dietary change we recommend is to start taking a high-quality multivitamin. There has been some debate over the necessity of taking a daily multivitamin, with some health professionals arguing there isn’t sufficient data to prove they are necessary. However, the diet of most Americans is far from complete—meaning that most people don’t get a sufficient amount of vitamins from the food they consume on a daily basis. Since this is the case for a large segment of the population, we believe taking a high-quality multivitamin is extremely important. We previously wrote about this subject in an article titled “The Value In Taking Vitamins.” In that post, we discussed what vitamins are, their value, and which ones you should take. We suggest you take the time to read through that blog post.

We hope you will consider implementing some (or all) of these suggestions now that the new year is upon us. We wish you the very best in health, wealth and success!

A New Year, A New You! – Part 1

As one year ends and another begins, we are all presented with an opportunity to move into new and uncharted territory. Some people spend time reflecting on what has taken place over the past year, while others think about what might transpire in the upcoming one. Regardless of which perspective is chosen, you will have an opportunity to refine and improve who you are and what you want to do with your life.

Having the right tools and methodologies at your disposal is essential when trying to change or improve your life. Over the past twelve months we have produced a significant number of blogs that have touched upon a variety of topics having to do with self-development and self-improvement. Our goal is to provide you with information that is easy to understand and which can be applied to improve your life. There is, of course, a lot of variability when it comes to how certain tools and methods can be used in each person’s life. In general, however, most of the topics are relevant—one way or another—to the majority of the population.

One of the fundamental goals that should be given high priority by anyone aiming to improve himself is to fully understand the power of being present. Being present can end so much suffering and internal strife, as it has the power to shift the mind away from ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. Many times anxiety and stress can be eliminated by being present, as these emotions often have very little to do with what is taking place in the moment. It is important to note that when your thoughts begin to race and trigger all kinds of emotions, you have become subservient and are under their control. You can free yourself from the shackles of thinking about the past and worrying about the future by doing one simple thing. Ask yourself, “Does this thought serve me?” If the answer is no, you must let that thought go. By releasing it you are making an active decision to not let that thought control you. More importantly, you are striving to be present. In a previous blog post titled “The Power Of Being Present,” we discussed what the concept means and provided some tools to help you achieve it. If there’s one thing you choose to do to improve your life in the new year, being present should be it.

When you travel down the path of self-improvement, it’s helpful to have mental, physical or spiritual exercises or practices that can help calm your mind and settle your spirit. Having a regular, or semi-regular, meditation practice is something easy that everyone can do. Meditation is also subject to a lot of variability; it is a tool that can be adapted to each person in a unique way. Some people find it helpful to get guidelines, directions or suggestions on how to meditate, but in the end you must choose a style/type of meditation that works best for you. There are many different types of meditations. One of the more popular versions is guided meditation. This is where you listen to a person’s voice guide you through the meditative process. There are over 900,000 different guided meditation videos on YouTube. With a little searching, you can find one that feels right and works well. We spent some time writing about meditation and its many benefits and also provided some suggestions on how you can start your practice. If you get a moment please read that article titled “The Many Benefits Of Meditation.”

Finding your life purpose is something each and every person needs to do, as it is a vital aspect of living a life filled with meaning, direction and value. Many people lead lives in an almost robotic way, going through the motions but not living fully and with purpose. Now that the new year is upon us, it would be a great time to sit and think about what your life purpose is. This isn’t an easy question, nor should it be. Discovering your life purpose can take some time and serious contemplation, so we urge you to be patient but persistent. In a previous blog post titled “What Is Your Life Purpose?” we presented this question to our readers and patients with the intention of raising awareness of its importance.

In part two of this series we will continue our discussion on what you can do to make the upcoming year your very best ever!

Attitude Of Gratitude – Part 2

This post is the second part of a series titled “Attitude Of Gratitude.” If you’ve not already done so, we suggest you first read part one, as it provides information about what gratitude is and why it’s so important. Please click here to view that post: [Link]

How can I be more grateful?

There are many techniques and methods that will allow you to be in a state of gratitude on a regular basis. At Above & Beyond Acupuncture we assign some patients “gratitude homework.” This is a daily assignment that entails writing about something for which the patient is grateful. The first part of the assignment is to focus on something in the external environment—a person, place or thing. After two weeks, the second part of the exercise begins. The focus now shifts toward the internal environment. Patients are instructed to focus on what they are grateful for about themselves. Spending time thinking about—and being grateful for—their skills, traits and personality allows for a deeper sense of appreciation of who they are.

Expressing gratitude is a very effective tool when trying to lead a more grateful existence. When a person sincerely and wholeheartedly tells another person how much they appreciate and are thankful for them, it brings positive feelings to both the sender and the recipient. This can create a cascading effect where the recipient will be in such a deep state of gratitude that they will then express their feelings to someone in their life—thereby creating a stream of positivity that can go on and on. If there are people in your life for whom you are grateful, take the time to let them know. A good goal to set is to give at least one compliment daily for thirty days in a row. It can be a compliment about anything to anyone. Just be sure that it gets accomplished every day. Expressing gratitude will put you in a state of gratitude. It’s as simple as that.

Watching your words is an important tool when learning to be more grateful. By using words that are positive, uplifting and enlightening, you will feel better. You then eliminate words that are negative, constricting and harmful. Those words create unnecessary stress. This is especially key when describing your life and the people who surround you. In a previous blog post titled “Watch Your Words,” we discussed why it’s so important to watch the words you use. If you’ve been using words that need to be improved, this is an important article to read.

When you find yourself in a situation that is unpleasant or uncomfortable, you can take a moment to ask yourself what can be learned from it. By taking this approach (instead of avoiding it or becoming adverse), you can look for what to be grateful for. These situations can become valuable lessons in helping you grow. All that is required is a shift of perspective. Being grateful for the challenges in your life is as important as being grateful for the things that make you happy. Both serve your greatest good, providing useful experience and knowledge.

These are only a few ways to become more grateful; the full list is endless. If you’re interested in learning more, please get in touch with the practitioners at Above & Beyond Acupuncture. We are here to help.

Attitude Of Gratitude – Part 1

Life in the 21st century can be overwhelming at times. We are constantly bombarded with the notion that having more possessions is important and of value. Whether it is material objects, wealth or relationships, the premise is—if you are able to acquire new and greater objects, you will be happy. If this were true, every rich person would be among the happiest human beings in the world. Oftentimes, however, this idea only leads to a lust for further acquisition.

There is enormous variance in terms of what people consider to be “sufficient.” Each person’s view of reality can differ greatly from the next. But there is one thing that can help create internal peace and harmony in all people when it comes to having enough stuff. Gratitude is the one thing that helps shift from a perspective of always needing more to a place of satisfaction with what one already has.

What is gratitude?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines gratitude as “a feeling of appreciation or thanks”. While this is a rather simple definition, it provides a concise and palatable explanation of the term. Feeling appreciative or thankful is a state of being that can quickly shift a person’s emotional state from one of lack and limitation to one of peace and harmony.

Why is it important to be grateful?

Being grateful for the people and possessions you have in your life is extremely important. When you are grateful for these things, your energy shifts to a place where you truly appreciate all that you have. You are far less focused on what you don’t have. People who spend time in a state of gratitude are often more happy with their position in life; they are not expending energy focused on a perceived need to acquire more and more possessions.

What you think affects how you feel; this is a simple truth. When you spend time being grateful, you elicit a positive feeling and a greater sense of well-being. This state of being can improve your health, strengthening your immune system and positively impacting other bodily functions. In contrast, when you spend time focused on all the things you don’t have, you elicit feelings of lack and limitation. These thoughts and feelings can potentially cause disease and illness, as the body will begin to mirror your negative emotional state.

In part two of this series we will provide information on how you can become more grateful. We hope you will find this series useful in helping you strive for an attitude of gratitude!

Embracing Change – Part 2

Please note that this post is the second part of a series titled “Embracing Change.” If you’ve not already done so, we suggest that you read part one, as it addresses some of the reasons why people fear change. Please click here to view that post: [Link]

How can I embrace change?

Before you can learn to embrace change, you must first identify why you are afraid of it. This is an important part of the process. In part 1 we provided a few causes that can trigger fear and concern when confronted with a change in your life. Having a proper understanding as to why you’re feeling adverse to change is an essential step towards learning how to embrace it. Now that you are aware of your fear(s), it’s time to learn some helpful tools and methods.

Perception is one of the most important factors when it comes to learning how to embrace change. “Perception is reality” is a famous phrase, and it’s applicable to this subject. What it means is that the way you see something (like change) is the way it will become. If you perceive something to be hard, tough or bad, it will become those things because that’s what you believe. The best thing you can do is to start watching your words. Eliminate the negative ones and replace them with more positive and constructive descriptors. In a previous blog post titled “Watch Your Words,” we addressed the importance of watching the words that come out of your mouth. You can shift your perspective by simply using words that make you feel good, while eliminating those words that generate negative or constricting sentiments.

Being courageous in the face of change is not only helpful but oftentimes necessary. Summoning courage is not always an easy thing; it can take time to build. This will require practice and the ability to quiet your mind, as it is the mind that can create roadblocks and obstacles when seeking to embrace change. One very useful tool that can be used to settle the thoughts running through your head is meditation. In a previous blog post titled “The Many Benefits Of Meditation,” we discussed what it is and provided some suggestions on how to start practicing it. Everyone can benefit from daily meditation. Once you are able to quiet your mind, you can look deep within yourself to understand why you lack courage and then start building it. Then, the next time you are confronted with change, you will be able to use your new-found courage to embrace it, while not allowing your fears to defeat the effort.

When learning to embrace change, it is important that you eliminate any preconceived expectations and potential outcomes. The truth is that high expectations often lead to high levels of disappointment. Expectations are created within your mind and are based on past memories that are then projected into the future. Memories of the past are not always accurate, and when they are used in this manner, they often cause interference and bring about fear and concern. Being present—living in the present moment—is the most effective way to absolve you from expectations and detach you from potential outcomes. In a previous blog titled “The Power Of Being Present,” we provided some useful tools to help you stay in the present moment.

Change is something everyone has to deal with—regardless of who you are and where you’re at in life. Because this is so, the best thing you can do is to learn to love change, which is something that might be difficult at first but can become easier with practice. Look at change with a positive perspective; understand that change can help you and be a wonderful motivator for growth.

We hope this blog series has provided you with some valuable information and tools. The next time change presents itself in your life, do your best to embrace it!

Embracing Change – Part 1

One of the most common issues patients talk about at Above & Beyond Acupuncture is change. One of the few guarantees in life is that change will take place, as it is the only constant and dependable force within nature. Human beings tend to have an innate resistance to change and often fight hard to maintain the status quo. These efforts are in vain, despite the expenditure of a tremendous amount of energy, time and resources. Learning to embrace change is truly a valuable skill, one that has the ability to end physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. Change is a vital part of life and should be welcomed. It has the potential to improve one’s life if properly embraced. This subject is essential to those looking to improve themselves, so we hope you will take the time to read this blog post as many times as needed to grasp the concepts.

Why am I so scared of change?

People in general are creatures of habit, creating lives that are filled with comfort and repetition. Knowing what to expect from the things and people around us is often desired and created; yet, in reality, life is full of variables and unexpected events.

One of the biggest factors when it comes to being scared of change is the fear of the unknown. Not knowing what to expect can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety and stress in people, leading them to make decisions from a place of fear. These decisions can have a systemic and negative effect on their lives, as they are not thinking clearly. While it is understandable that not knowing what to expect could potentially lead to adverse conditions, it can also be a source of great possibility and potential. Being present—striving to live in the moment—is extremely important and can help to alleviate the fear of the unknown. When a person is living in the present, he is no longer spending time thinking about the past or the future; he is living in the moment. People who are filled with fears of the unknown take memories from the past (usually negative ones) and shade their future with these thoughts. Any positive potential for change is quickly negated as fears and other limitations set in. In a previous blog post titled “The Power Of Being Present,” we provided information and tools to help learn about being present. If you have a fear of the unknown, we suggest you read that post and strive to be present, as it will help you embrace change more easily.

Another reason many people fear change is that they doubt themselves and don’t know their true potential. A lack of self-confidence and proper understanding of what is possible can create an internal environment of fear, especially with regard to change. When people doubt themselves, they will think that change can overcome them and force them out of their comfort zone. These doubts and a lack of confidence can also alter the way a person perceives change, making it seem a lot bigger and more complicated than it really is. Believing in yourself is an important facet of life. Without confidence in your capabilities, there will always be doubts. Learning to trust yourself is a process; it is a worthy endeavor that can improve your reality. If you’ve experienced these issues, the first step towards shifting is to do your best day in and day out. Your best might vary from day to day. However, if you strive to do your best, you will slowly build confidence and start feeling better about yourself. Regardless of the challenge, be the very best person you can be.

Having strong attachments to people, places and things will often cause a significant fear of change. Since change is the only constant in life, there is almost 100% certainty that your life and the things in it will change. The harder a person holds on to people, places and things, the harder life becomes. It is far easier to allow the change to take place. Learning to let go and allowing things to come in and out of your life is an important skill—one that should be worked on. When you respect the flow of life, change can be effortless. Things will come and go without causing unnecessary suffering.

In part 2 of this series we will go into detail on what you can do to embrace change. We hope you will begin to understand that change is not to be feared. It can be an amazing motivator and creator when viewed with a positive perspective.

Be The Living Example – Part 2

This post is the second part of a series titled “Be The Living Example”. If you’ve not already done so, we recommend that you first read part one, as it provides a proper introduction to this topic. Please click here to view that post: [Link]

How can I be the living example?

Before you can take any steps toward being the living example, you should first make sure it is something you truly desire to do. Desire is the fire; it is the fuel it takes to propel you forward—toward accomplishing a change in your life. You must ask yourself if this is something you really want and if you’re willing to make the necessary changes and sacrifices to get there. If you’d like to delve into learning more about desire, please check out our post titled “What Do You Desire?”

After you have found the desire to become the living example, the first step is to start watching the words you use. In a previous blog post titled “Watch Your Words,” we discussed how important it is to observe the words the come out of your mouth. Oftentimes people will speak without thinking—or use words that carry negative, limiting and constricting connotations. It’s vital that you become aware of your words, as they have the potential to create your reality. If you’re looking to become the living example, then watching your words is the first place to start.

The next step is to take note of your behavior. If you find yourself trapped in repetitive behavioral patterns, it may be time to make some changes. Are you happy with how you treat other people? Are you happy with how you react in situations where you are uncomfortable? Are you easily shaken, stressed or disturbed? Do you have regrets about how you’ve behaved soon after a situation takes place? These questions are of value, but perhaps the most important question is, do you advise people on how to handle challenging situations, yet you struggle with them yourself? If the answer is yes, you should take some time to think about why you feel qualified to advise others on things you cannot personally accomplish. Being a living contradiction is the antithesis to being the living example—something that should be avoided. If you want to give people advice about something, you must be sure it is something you’ve done, are currently doing, or will do in the very near future.

Learning how to be present is a very helpful step towards becoming the living example. Thinking about the past and worrying about the future detract from your ability to live fully in the present moment. Many people struggle with this. Regret about the past or rumination about the future can weigh heavily on a person’s thoughts and emotions. One of our most important blogs goes into detail about being present; it’s titled “The Power Of The Present Moment”. We suggest you take the time to read through it.

We do hope you found this post to be useful. It’s important to note that life is full of surprises, so striving to always be the living example can be difficult at times. We want to stress that it is the effort that matters the most. You might find it difficult at times to live in alignment with your words, but you should always strive to do so, regardless of whether you sometimes fall short.

Be The Living Example – Part 1

Throughout life we encounter situations where we are asked for advice, suggestions, and critiques. Being a source of knowledge and wisdom can be of tremendous benefit to yourself and the people around you. Yet, if the life you lead is in stark contrast to your own words and beliefs, then a state of hypocrisy is created, leading to incongruity and doubt—amongst others and within yourself. Being the living example is an extremely important trait/characteristic—one that needs to be developed and prioritized. When your beliefs, words and actions are in alignment, clarity and truth become a part of your reality. We find this subject to be integral for anyone interested in personal development, people working through issues/conflicts, and those wanting to live a more balanced and peaceful existence.

What does it mean to be the living example?

Before we can go into why you should be the living example and how this is accomplished, it’s important to discuss what it means. Being the living example means that your words, actions and behaviors are all in alignment. When you speak, the words you use and the advice you offer are a direct representation of how you live your life. This eliminates hypocrisy—saying one thing and then doing another.

More importantly, the way you live your life should be with integrity, honor and substance. When you act, you should act in a moral way and always strive to do the right thing. When this is accomplished, the people around you will take note. Their observations of you are more powerful than any advice you might offer. This is important because people tend to emulate the behavior of others. Children do this all the time; it’s an integral part of their social development.

Why should I be the living example?

Having a life filled with integrity is one of the best reasons to be the living example. Integrity is something most people believe to be a worthy trait—and they strive to achieve and maintain it. Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair. The state of being complete or whole.” [Link] By being the living example, you will embody the very definition of integrity, as you will be living an honest, balanced and peaceful existence.

One of the best reasons to be the living example is to be a better and more effective parent, teacher, friend, mentor and/or person. The people in our lives who know us, who trust us and love us, are best served not by directions, suggestions or criticisms. If you can live your truth and live in congruence with your words and actions, then those people will want to learn more about you. They will observe you; they will become curious and begin to start looking at their own actions, words and behaviors in comparison to yours. Teaching by example is the most authentic and efficient way possible.

In part 2 of this series we will provide steps that you can take towards being the living example. We hope these blog posts will provide you with the necessary information and motivation to make some positive changes in your life.

What Is Your Life Purpose?

In a previous blog titled “What Do You Desire?” we examined the importance of this question and how beneficial it can be to spend some time contemplating what you desire from life. We do hope that post was a sufficient motivator for you to take the necessary time to think about what it is you truly desire and what you’re willing to do to achieve it.

Traveling along a similar thought process, we’d like to talk about life purpose, a subject so existentially important to your reality that it should be made a priority. When was the last time you thought about your life purpose? Do you even understand what a life purpose entails? So many people are caught up in their day-to-day schedules and responsibilities that they neglect to spend time thinking about this subject.

What is my life purpose?

Before we can help you answer that question, it’s important to note that no two people are likely to describe the exact same life purpose. The question elicits an unlimited number of possible answers. So when searching for your own life purpose, you should avoid trying to compare and contrast your purpose with those around you.

To properly understand what your life purpose may be, you need to first take some time to think about those things that you find truly satisfying. What makes you happy? What inspires you? What motivates you? What feels good to you? What would your ideal job be? What would the life of your dreams feel like? Each of these questions requires thought and introspection. There is also a dynamic element to these questions; the answers will evolve and change as you go through life.

By taking the time to contemplate and explore the things that provide meaning to your life, you can start to piece together your life-purpose narrative. Some people find that being of service to others is their life purpose. Others find that self-exploration is what gives their life meaning. There are people whose life purpose is to change the world, while others aspire only to effect change in the lives of those in their local communities.

If you can’t immediately figure out what your life purpose is, that is OK; the goal is to start thinking about it. The process is much like planting seeds in a garden. It takes time for the plants to grow, and it will take time for you to discover what your life purpose may be. Just as a garden needs to be tended, you will need to cultivate your thoughts and insights—devoting attention and energy into discovering your life purpose. When a garden flourishes, it is a beautiful thing. Likewise, when you discover your purpose for living, your life will gain a higher sense of meaning and value.

Treating PTSD – Part 2

Please note that this blog post is the second part of a series in which we discuss PTSD, its symptoms and treatment methods. We suggest you read the first part, as it will provide foundational information about PTSD. Please click here to view that post: Treating PTSD – Part 1

What are some types of treatment for PTSD?

Western medicine, particularly the fields of psychology and psychiatry, provide treatment options for those who have been diagnosed with PTSD. One option that has been widely used is trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a type of therapy that methodically and slowly reintroduces the individual to stimuli (feelings, thoughts, situations, sounds) that are reminiscent of the original trauma. In addition to this re-exposure, there is an effort to identify disturbing thoughts about the trauma that may have been convoluted due to the nature of the experience. Once these thoughts are brought to light, a new, balanced and positive perspective is introduced. [Link]

Psychotropic medications are another option presented by Western medicine that can be used for those people who suffer with PTSD and also are experiencing anxiety and depression. These types of medications can improve the quality of life but will not address the root cause, yet many people suffering with PTSD choose this option as it can provide some relief.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new treatment method that has found success in reducing symptoms of PTSD. EMDR involves making side-to-side eye movements, usually by following the movement while recalling the traumatic incident. Currently there is no definitive explanation as to how EMDR works; it is believed that it may affect the part of the brain which is tasked with storing traumatic memories. [Link]

From an Eastern medical perspective, the symptoms presented by those who have PTSD can be classified as disharmonies within the body. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are effective, natural and holistic options that can be used individually or combined together to synergistically provide relief and improve quality of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine’s main focus is on bringing the body back to balance. A licensed acupuncturist accomplishes this task by using differential diagnoses to identify what the root cause is of the symptoms that are being experienced. They will then create a treatment plan that will alleviate the symptoms while focusing on resolving the core issue(s).

Is acupuncture effective for treating PTSD?

Acupuncture, along with Chinese herbs, has been proven to help provide significant relief to individuals suffering with symptoms of PTSD. As the number of people affected by this disorder increases, more attention and studies have taken place in an effort to find viable treatment options. The effectiveness of acupuncture on resolving PTSD was discussed in an article published in the Natural Medicine Journal titled “Acupuncture for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Evidence-Based Research”. [Link]

Testing was performed on a control group that was composed of individuals diagnosed with PTSD. The conclusion was that acupuncture demonstrated a significant reduction in the symptoms of PTSD. They had also found that acupuncture was extremely effective at reducing, and at times completely alleviating, symptoms such as migraines, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

While this is only one scientific study, it helps bolster support for a treatment method that has successfully helped many people who suffer with this anxiety disorder. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are a legitimate, effective and natural way of healing the body and calming the mind. By bringing balance and harmony to the body and spirit, peace can be attained, helping to alleviate needless suffering.

Treating PTSD – Part 1

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that a portion of the population is challenged with on a regular basis. A considerable percentage of that group is composed of veterans, yet there are many civilians who have suffered traumatic experiences that cause them to suffer from PTSD. Recent studies have shown that alternative medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbs, are effective treatment modalities to help alleviate the symptoms of this disorder. Due to the rising number of people who are living with PTSD we wanted to share information in regards to what it is, how it can be treated and the effectiveness of using acupuncture and Chinese herbs to alleviate the symptoms of this disorder.

What is PTSD?

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative medicine defines post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical (or emotional) harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat. [Link]

Having exposure to any traumatic event can have lasting effects that can alter a person’s life. This can occur during any time to anyone; there is no way to fully avoid these situations. Whether as a child, adult or senior citizen, the entire population can be subject to trauma that can cause PTSD. Veterans are one group that is disproportionately affected by PTSD, due to the nature of their profession. Having experienced combat, being exposed to human suffering or enduring long and arduous deployments, their experiences can cause them to suffer from PTSD.

What are symptoms of PTSD?

Since we now have a definition for what PTSD is, it’s important to understand some of the symptoms that can afflict an individual with PTSD.

The symptoms of PTSD can potentially arise soon after the event that caused the disorder, but some individuals won’t show signs until months, possibly years, later. These effects can be present for long durations of time or they can come and go, remaining dormant for durations of time.

There are four main types of PTSD symptoms, they are: reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind you of the event, feeling numb and feeling keyed up. [Link]

The first symptom of PTSD occurs when an individual relives an event and experiences the same traumatic feelings they did during the original situation that caused the disorder. This can happen over and over again and is also known as a flashback. A trigger (a person, place, memory, sound, smell, etc.) can take place that will cause the individual to relive the event.

The second symptom of PTSD is avoiding situations that are reminiscent of the original event. Avoidance of anything that can remotely be associated with the source of the trauma can be a sign that an individual is suffering from this disorder. An example would be when a person who has been the victim of a robbery during a bank heist avoids going into a bank or depositing any money into a bank account out of fear that their money will be taken.

The third symptom of PTSD is feeling numb, having a difficult time with properly expressing feelings. This sense of numbness can be pervasive and create a disassociation with the people, places and memories. A person experiencing this type of symptom will often times lack any interest in partaking in activities, interests or hobbies that once were a source of passion and joy.

The fourth symptom of PTSD is feeling keyed up, which can lead to a host of other extreme emotions including anger and frustration. Individuals who experience this symptom will be on alert, looking around for some perceived danger/threat. Unexpected sounds, as well as surprises, can easily startle an individual who suffers with PTSD.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing any of these symptoms it is very important to seek help as soon as possible from a licensed professional. The practitioners at Above & Beyond Acupuncture can provide relief to those suffering with PTSD; make an appointment today to get some help.

The Power Of Positive Affirmations

When patients come for treatment at Above & Beyond Acupuncture in Scottsdale, AZ, they are looking for help feeling better physically, emotionally and/or spiritually.  Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide the relief they seek, but we also like to provide tools that can work synergistically to help these patients gain wellness and balance in their lives.  Using positive affirmations is one tool that patients use to create a more peaceful existence.

So you might be wondering: what are positive affirmations? Affirmations refer primarily to the practice of positive thinking—fostering a belief that “a positive mental attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything.” More specifically an affirmation is a carefully formatted statement that should be repeated to one’s self and written down frequently. [Link]

By repeating positive affirmations, you will bring new beliefs into your conscious and subconscious minds, allowing you to transform old and limiting mental constructs.  This is a way of reprogramming your thought process: by bringing in new and positive thoughts you can eliminate negative and limiting beliefs.  It is extremely important that these positive affirmations are repeated consistently and with feeling; the more emotion you attach to this new belief, the more easily it can become a part of your reality.

There are many different positive affirmations that can be used for a variety of purposes, including health, love, abundance, joy, weight loss and peace.  When choosing an affirmation, it’s important to see how it feels when you recite it.  Look deep inside and ask yourself if this is the right one for you.  Here are a few sample positive affirmations: [Link]

• My body heals quickly and easily
• I know that I deserve love and accept it now
• I choose to make positive, healthy choices for myself
• When I believe in myself, so do others
• I am at peace in mind, body and soul
• I am worthy of the best life has to offer

In a previous blog post, we discussed a technique called reframing, which is extremely useful as it encourages an individual to reframe the words they use so they can lead a positive life. We also shared some valuable information about meditation and how helpful it can be in calming the mind, body and spirit.  By combining positive affirmations, reframing and meditation, you will help shift your state of being quickly, effectively and efficiently if used regularly.

The Many Benefits Of Meditation

We live in a busy world with lots of distractions and noise; we are constantly inundated with information and stimulation. With so many different external stimuli, it can be difficult to find peace and achieve a state of balance because the mind is frequently analyzing and churning away. If the mind is not at peace, the body will often be in a state of unease that prevents it from properly repairing and rejuvenating itself. It’s important that we use tools to help bring us back to balance, to help us quiet our minds and allow our bodies to enter a state of rest and relaxation. Meditation is one such tool that can, and ideally should, be used on a regular basis.

So what exactly is meditation? A helpful definition is that meditation encompasses a variety of practices that are somewhat different, while holding to the same basic principles: consideration and quiet thought to bring about a state of rumination. Some methods of meditation may require the body to be absolutely still, while there are other types that allow for free movement of the body. The end goal of all styles of meditation is a mind that is quieted and free from stress, via the use of quiet contemplation and reflection. [Link]

Now that you have a proper definition, you might be wondering what some of the specific benefits of meditation are. To name a few: meditation can help improve sleep; it can reduce depression and help relieve stress by providing emotional balance; it can strengthen the immune system, it can lower blood pressure; it may provide a greater sense of clarity; tension and body pain can be reduced; headaches can be alleviated. This is only an abbreviated list of the numerous other significant results of meditation.

Many times, patients at Above & Beyond Acupuncture will inquire about the type and duration of meditation that is used by the practitioners here, and which would be recommended to use. Personally speaking, I spend anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes every morning seated on my couch with my eyes closed and my feet crossed, as this is the position I am most comfortable with. I close my eyes; take deep breaths in with my nose and out through my mouth. I don’t attempt to control my thoughts; rather I allow whatever thoughts enter my consciousness to remain there. I will look at them to see what they are and why they are there.

Often I find that once I provide acknowledgement, my thoughts will disappear and I will enter a state where none are present. While this type of meditation works well for me, I recommend that each person do some research and find a method that he or she would find appealing, easy to learn and achievable. As for the length of time in meditation, in my experience, there will be days when you will be able to sit for twenty minutes and other days that you will only be able to be still for two minutes. Regardless of the amount of time, it is the effort that counts, as two minutes of meditation is better than none.