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What is Motivation? What do you think has to change? What are you options? Are you clear about your goals? What would be some of the good things about making a change? Where does this leave you? In which situations are you more motivated? Are you successful in both setting and achieving your goals? Can some people destroy your motivation? How are you best motivated? How do you define motivation? What are some of the factors of motivation? What part does motivation plays in effective teaching? What are three things that motivate you? Do you feel motivated when learning something new? How would you describe motivation? Does motivation affect learning?What's the next step for you? In what way can we help people to increase their motivation? What is your proudest accomplishment so far this year? What is the difference between internal and external motivation? Do you find that motivated people are more successful than unmotivated people? What do you do to keep your motivation? Is your goal specific, measurable, with a deadline? How do you maintain your motivation when you fail? Do you share goals and plans with others so that they will help you maintain your motivation and drive? Is your lack of motivation short-term or is it deeper than that? Are you part of a team that makes you feel good? Are you working in isolation? Is that good or bad for you? What are the details of your daily tasks you most enjoy and how can you incorporate more of those into your life? What are the details of your daily tasks that you hate and how can you do less of those? Can you end each day by envisioning the positive outcome of your work and the successes, even the smallest ones? Do you surround yourself with uplifting people? Do you practice good self-care techniques? Can you see the long-term rewards of what you're doing? Are you doing something each day that moves you toward your goal? What do you think you will do? What does this mean about your (habit)? How long have you been considering changing this behavior? What has stopped you from making the change? What would need to happen for you to make the change? What have you heard or would you like to hear from this particular participant? What is Mind? What major developments do you see coming up in the field of mind-body medicine? What do you have in mind? What is mind mapping? Who uses mind mapping? How does the brain work? What is Mind Control/Brainwashing? Is someone trying to unethically influence you? What is mind control? How does mind control work? What are the warning signs of a potentially destructive situation? What do you think of this? What is mind-body medicine? What is the history of mind-body medicine? What are mind-body techniques? Does mind-body medicine work? How does mind-body medicine work? What is mind-body medicine good for? Is there anything I should watch out for? How can I find more information on mind-body medicine? How do they gain mind control? What are the stages of mind control? What do you think of this? What is mind-body medicine? Mind-body medicine is an approach to healing that uses the power of thoughts and emotions to positively influence physical health. As Hippocrates once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well." This is the essence of mind-body medicine. What is the history of mind-body medicine? What are mind-body techniques? The key to any mind-body technique is to "train" the mind to focus on the body without distraction. It is in this state of "focused concentration" that an individual may be able to change their health. The following are some of the most commonly practiced techniques. Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique in which people are trained to improve their health by learning to control certain internal bodily processes that normally occur involuntarily, such as heart rate or blood pressure. These activities can be measured with electrodes and displayed on a monitor viewable to the patient and their health care provider. The monitor provides feedback to the participant about the internal workings of their body. This person can then be taught to use this information to gain control over these "involuntary" activities. Biofeedback is an effective therapy for many conditions, but it is primarily used to treat tension headache, migraine headache, and chronic pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy: This technique is used to help people recognize and change dysfunctional thought patterns. For example, people with phobias might deliberately expose themselves, under the direction and guidance of the therapist, to what they are afraid of. Brain scans show that over time this therapy can actually change how the brain functions. Relaxation Techniques: There are three major types of relaxation techniques: o Autogenic training. This technique uses both visual imagery and body awareness to move a person into a deep state of relaxation. The person imagines a peaceful place and then focuses on different physical sensations, moving from the feet to the head. For example, one might focus on warmth and heaviness in the limbs, easy, natural breathing,or a calm heartbeat. o Progressive muscle relaxation. This technique involves slowly tensing and then releasing each muscle group individually, starting with the muscles in the toes and finishing with those in the head. o Meditation. The two most popular forms of meditation in the U.S. are transcendental meditation [students repeat a mantra (a single word or phrase)] and mindfulness meditation (students focus their attention on their moment-by-moment thoughts and sensations). Hypnosis: During hypnosis (taken from the Greek term hypnos, meaning "sleep") a person's body relaxes while their thoughts become more focused and attentive. It is in this state of deep concentration that people are highly responsive to a hypnotherapist's suggestions. Today, many mental health professionals use hypnosis to treat people with addictions, pain, anxiety disorders, and phobias. Spirituality: Many researchers have been studying how spiritual beliefs, attitudes, and practices influence health. In a recent study on people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), for example, people who had faith in God, compassion toward others, a sense of inner peace, and were religious had a better chance of surviving for a long time with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) than those who did not have such faith or practices. Research suggests that qualities like faith, hope, and forgiveness and the use of social support and prayer have a noticeable effect on health and healing. Does mind-body medicine work? While phrases such as "mind over matter" have been around for years, only recently have scientists found solid evidence that mind-body techniques actually do combat disease and promote health. In 1989, for example, a landmark clinical study by David Spiegel, M.D. at Stanford University School of Medicine dramatically demonstrated the power of the mind to heal. Of 86 women with late-stage breast cancer, half received standard medical care while the other half received the standard care plus weekly support sessions in which the women were able to share both their grief and their triumphs. Spiegel discovered that the women who participated in the social support group lived twice as long as the women who did not. A similar clinical study in 1999 showed that in breast cancer patients, helplessness and hopelessness are linked to lesser chances of survival. Other clinical studies also document the effect of meditation on mood and symptoms in people with different types of conditions (such as high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer) as well as improve quality of life. How does mind-body medicine work? Researchers have found that stress hormones are associated with particular unhealthy emotions. These hormones affect systems and organs throughout the body. For example, stress related to hostility and anxiety can result in disruptions in heart and immune function. Similarly, depression and distress may diminish the body's natural capacity to heal. In contrast, emotional expression that encourages openness and active coping with problems helps stabilize the immune system. Certain emotions have been linked to disease. For example, hostile attitudes may increase your risk for coronary heart disease, obesity (particularly having excess fat around the waist), insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), and abnormal cholesterol (specifically, high triglycerides and low levels of high density lipoprotein or HDL -- the good kind of cholesterol). Generally, research shows that being stressed and having negative emotions is unhealthy. One study found that unconsciously being defensive or stifling feelings resulted in serious medical consequences, such as high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also associated with feelings of hopelessness. How a person processes emotions also affects how long they may survive a chronic illness. The goal of mind-body techniques is to activate the relaxation response and reduce the stress response. When you are relaxed, the levels of hormones related to stress are reduced and your immune system is more efficient. High levels of stress hormones circulating in the body may actually prove to increase one's susceptibility to infection as well. What is mind-body medicine good for? Mind-body techniques are helpful for many conditions because they promote relaxation, improve coping skills, reduce tension and pain, and lessen the need for medication. For example, many mind-body techniques are used (along with medication) to treat acute pain. Symptoms of anxiety and depression also respond well to mind-body techniques. Because they improve coping skills and give a feeling of control over symptoms, mind-body techniques may help treat many different diseases, including: o High blood pressure o Asthma o Coronary heart disease o Obesity o Cancer, such as pain and nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy o Insomnia o Anxiety o Diabetes o Stomach and intestinal disorders [including indigestion (dyspepsia), irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, heartburn, and Crohn's disease] o Fibromyalgia o Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, and irritability In an analysis of mind-body studies, researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy is the most long-lasting treatment for tinnitus (ringing in the ears), but relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and biofeedback were all also effective treatments. Some researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects the immune system, is best understood and treated with mind-body medicine. Is there anything I should watch out for? There is a danger that mind-body medicine might encourage you to feel that you caused your illness because you lacked a healthy mental attitude. This incorrect idea can lead to blame, and blame only causes feelings of distress and guilt. Mind-body medicine is generally very safe and works well as an adjunct to usual medical care. Each mind-body technique may have its own risks and side effects associated with the practice. Talk with your health care provider about any concerns you may have. How can I find more information on mind-body medicine? Biofeedback: Specialists who provide biofeedback training range from psychiatrists and psychologists to nurses, dentists, and physicians. The Association for Applied Psychology and Biofeedback ( www.aapb.org ) is the national membership association for professionals using biofeedback and is a good resource for finding qualified biofeedback practitioners in your area. Relaxation: Numerous clinics and hospitals around the country have integrated relaxation techniques into their health care programs. To learn more about relaxation techniques and to locate healthcare facilities that include them as part of their practice, contact the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Mass. ( * www.umassmed.edu/cfm/mbsr ) to find a list of the health care facilities in 38 states that offer information on and training in relaxation techniques. Hypnosis: Most hypnotherapists are licensed medical doctors, registered nurses, social workers, or family counselors who have received additional training in hypnotherapy. For example, members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) must hold a doctorate in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, or psychology, or a master's level degree in nursing, social work, psychology, or marital/family therapy with at least 20 hours of ASCH-approved training in hypnotherapy. To receive a directory of professionals practicing hypnotherapy near you, contact: o The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: o www.asch.net o The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: o www.sceh.us/index.htm How do they gain mind control? What are the stages of mind control? Behavior Control Information Control Thought Control Emotional Control It is important to understand that destructive mind control can be determined when the overall effect of these four components promotes dependency and obedience to some leader or cause. It is not necessary for every single item on the list to be present. I. Behavior Control 1. Regulation of individual's physical reality a. Where, how and with whom the member lives and associates with b. What clothes, colors, hairstyles the person wears c. What food the person eats, drinks, adopts, and rejects d. How much sleep the person is able to have e. Financial dependence f. Little or no time spent on leisure, entertainment, vacations 2. Major time commitment required for indoctrination sessions and group rituals 3. Need to ask permission for major decisions 4. Need to report thoughts, feelings and activities to superiors 5. Rewards and punishments (behavior modification techniques- positive and negative). 6. Individualism discouraged; group think prevails 7. Rigid rules and regulations 8. Need for obedience and dependency II. Information Control 1. Use of deception a. Deliberately holding back information b. Distorting information to make it acceptable c. Outright lying 2. Access to non-cult sources of information minimized or discouraged a. Books, articles, newspapers, magazines, TV, radio b. Critical information c. Former members d. Keep members so busy they don't have time to think 3. Compartmentalization of information; Outsider vs. Insider doctrines a. Information is not freely accessible b. Information varies at different levels and missions within pyramid c. Leadership decides who "needs to know" what 4. Spying on other members is encouraged a. Pairing up with "buddy" system to monitor and control b. Reporting deviant thoughts, feelings, and actions to leadership 5. Extensive use of cult generated information and propaganda a. Newsletters, magazines, journals, audio tapes, videotapes, etc. b. Misquotations, statements taken out of context from non-cult sources 6. Unethical use of confession a. Information about "sins" used to abolish identity boundaries b. Past "sins" used to manipulate and control; no forgiveness or absolution III. Thought Control 1. Need to internalize the group's doctrine as "Truth" a. Map = Reality b. Black and White thinking c. Good vs. evil d. Us vs. them (inside vs. outside) 2. Adopt "loaded" language (characterized by "thought-terminating clichés"). Words are the tools we use to think with. These "special" words constrict rather than expand understanding. They function to reduce complexities of experience into trite, platitudinous "buzz words". 3. Only "good" and "proper" thoughts are encouraged. 4. Thought-stopping techniques (to shut down "reality testing" by stopping "negative" thoughts and allowing only "good" thoughts); rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism. a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking b. Chanting c. Meditating d. Praying e. Speaking in "tongues" f. Singing or humming 5. No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate 6. No alternative belief systems viewed as legitimate, good, or useful IV. Emotional Control 1. Manipulate and narrow the range of a person's feelings. 2. Make the person feel like if there are ever any problems it is always their fault, never the leader's or the group's. 3. Excessive use of guilt a. Identity guilt 1. Who you are (not living up to your potential) 2. Your family 3. Your past 4. Your affiliations 5. Your thoughts, feelings, actions b. Social guilt c. Historical guilt 4. Excessive use of fear a. Fear of thinking independently b. Fear of the "outside" world c. Fear of enemies d. Fear of losing one's "salvation" e. Fear of leaving the group or being shunned by group f. Fear of disapproval 5. Extremes of emotional highs and lows. 6. Ritual and often public confession of "sins". 7. Phobia indoctrination : programming of irrational fears of ever leaving the group or even questioning the leader's authority. The person under mind control cannot visualize a positive, fulfilled future without being in the group. a. No happiness or fulfillment "outside"of the group b. Terrible consequences will take place if you leave: "hell"; "demon possession"; "incurable diseases"; "accidents"; "suicide"; "insanity"; "10,000 reincarnations"; etc. c. Shunning of leave takers. Fear of being rejected by friends, peers, and family. d. Never a legitimate reason to leave. From the group's perspective, people who leave are: "weak;" "undisciplined;" "unspiritual;" "worldly;" "brainwashed by family, counselors;" seduced by money, sex, rock and roll. http://www.wholeliving.com/article/mind-body-medicine |