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Browse published articles attributed to Janis Ericson, with full-archive search.
Individuals who live on or around major fault lines are wise to keep in mind the possibility of an earthquake, and take appropriate precautions. But if the fear of a potential quake that is designed to serve as a warning becomes an obsessive phobia, an individual should seek help from a qualified professional.
In light of current biological research, it seems that the phrase "madly in love" is not merely a metaphor. There is ample evidence to suggest that falling in love is physiologically similar to mental illness. Disorders like OCD are associated with an imbalance of serotonin, and when studied, researchers discovered that both obsessives and lovers had serotonin levels 40% below normal. Hmmm. So why is it that we often recover from the illness of love?
Revenge is a confession of pain.” Today it is hard to think of much else. The news that Osama Bin Laden was dead arrived last night, and I wasn’t alone in my shock. It is news I thought would never arrive. We all remember 9/11 and where we were that day. None of us was alone in our grief and anger. And for some, that suffering has continued for 10 long years. And I, like most Americans, will not grieve the loss of Bin Laden.
In recent years, one conce has continually cropped up in my practice. The conce regards the nature of suffering, and the question that usually arises involves why suffering exists. One recent client asked me, “If God is loving, then why am I constantly faced with pain and suffering?” Others have asked, “If God exists, then why does he let us suffer?” Maybe you’ve even had thoughts along these lines. Now, this post is not meant to be a discourse on the existence of God. It is, however, intended to offer my thoughts on the subject of pain and suffering.
After interviewing 3,200 women in 10 countries, a 2004 study found that only 2% considered themselves beautiful, and nearly 50% believed they were too fat. Every summer I hear moans and groans as men and women alike consider putting on that swim suit. But, can how you feel about yourself actually affect your health?
Every individual develops a way of interpreting the world and what goes on in it. This model establishes how things should or shouldn’t be done and what we believe is possible. For some of us, these mental models severely restrict our potential, our enjoyment of life, and our ability to connect with others. Yet, others have mental models that provide all sorts of positive opportunities. We consider these mental models "reality" and often steadfastly hold on to them even when there is significant evidence that we may be misguided.
Why do some people procrastinate when putting things off eats up their peace of mind and vitality? Most of us put things off because they are too difficult, time-consuming, or unpleasant. Yet putting them off results in more stuff to keep track of and worry about. The two types of motivationr Fundamental to dealing with procrastination is knowing how best to motivate yourself. Towards Motivation emphasizes the benefits of doing something, paying attention to the pleasant feelings, such as achievement, success, enjoyment, and status, experienced as a result of taking action.
My aunt ended her five-year battle with cancer recently. While I was teaching hypnotherapy in south Florida, I visited her at home and knew it would be my last time with her. I am thankful I had the opportunity to sit with her and share my love and respect for her.
Because I have just returned from teaching Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to a group of coaches in Singapore, I’m reminded of one of my favorite NLP processes- the As If Frame. Milton Erickson, my favorite healer of all time, created easily the most clever way around obstacles that arise in the human mind. If you know the history of hypnosis, you know that it has been used for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness. However, there has been no formal record of the way this was done. I believe Milton figured it out. Here is my interpretation of this famous pattern.
Just this morning, I witnessed a large truck speeding down my street, honking at a double-parked car (do cars move themselves??). Over the weekend I heard so much gossip it made my head spin. And tomorrow I’m likely to hear one of my clients badmouthing a co-worker.
This past January, my mate al grandmother, Jessie Hunter, passed away after ninety-five exceptional years. I would like to dedicate this article to her, and share with you the model of her success. Born Jessie M. Culp in Detroit, 1911, she was president of her high school graduating class, not for a small feat for a woman at that time. Her dynamic and gutsy personality sparked the interest of the eligible Fred Hunter, who left his family funeral business to be her husband.
The changing of the seasons always provides an opportunity for personal development. Spring is a time to reflect upon one's self and life, clear out old ideas and beliefs, and cut away things from the past to allow for new growth. From the depth of his trance, Edgar Cayce, the great American psychic, proclaimed, "Plant good seeds in fertile soil." The fertile soil in this metaphor is a healthy state of mind and body, as well as right action. In other readings, Cayce often referred to thought as the seed of intention.
This past January, my mate al grandmother, Jessie Hunter, passed away after ninety-five exceptional years. I would like to dedicate this article to her, and share with you the model of her success. Born Jessie M. Culp in Detroit, 1911, she was president of her high school graduating class, ...