Deepak ChopraDeepak Chopra, an Indian-American author and advocate of alternative medicine,is a prominent figure in the New Age movement.His books and videos have made him one of the best-known and wealthiest figures in the field of alternative medicine. In an interview in early December 2023, he claimedthat psychedelics could help people experiencing mental health illnesses. In the article titled “Deepak Chopra Shares How Psychedelics May Help Treat Depression, PTSD, and More“ he said,“Psilocybin has been used for thousands of years in cultures across the world for depression, but also for the expansion of consciousness. He added that thereis increasing evidence that psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity, which referstothebrain’sabilityto undergo adaptive structural and functional changes.Takealook at the complete article.
To support thegrowing interest in the use of psychedelics in mental health, the California Institute of Integral Studies, a graduate school in San Francisco, has launched the first graduate–level training program in Psychedelic-assisted therapy,which is expected to revolutionize clinical mental health treatment.
Consequently,alladvocatesforthistreatmentmustgrapplewithanimportantquestionregardingappropriatetrainingandethicalstandards;thismattercontinuestobeaconcern. Approval for therapies incorporating MDMA and psilocybin is a possibility, but it is imperative that we have competent guides to steer us through the experience.
During my search for insightson the use of psychedelics in promoting mental well-being, I learned there has been a significant increase in the amount of favorableattentiongivento psychedelics as a potential remedy for a wide range of psychological disorders through various media outlets.
Studies on the use of Psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine and MDMA are at the forefront of pioneering treatmentsfor depression, PTSD, cancer, and other disorders. Theemotionalimpactof cancer patients, who participated in clinical trials and received psilocybin-assisted therapy for extreme depression and demoralization is particularlyprofound.
While describing their “journeys”, they frequently shareaprofound experience of boundless love, forgiveness, and resolution of traumas carried throughout theirlives. Positivetransformations have permanently impacted their remaining days, months, and years.
Aswegrowolder,wemayfind ourselves reflecting, delvingintospirituality, and seekingpurpose; a carefully crafted psychedelic trip can address all of those factors. For a whole cohort of aging baby boomers, the chance to partake in a psychedelic ceremony has the potential to revolutionize our perspectives on aging and mortality. It maybetime to reconsider our views on psychedelics. Abby Rosner stays on her article Are Hallucinogens for You? how ” a changing legal landscape opens psychedelic opportunities for older adults…”. I also chancedupon a compelling article from The Guardian thatwas passed along by a colleague. The topic of Shayla Love’s “Long-lost Best Friends” and the impact of psychedelics on the longevity movement caught my eye. Learn about the compelling correlation between psychedelics and aging as the article delves into the world of individuals who are turningto these substances for their anti-aging and mental health benefits.
Psychedelics can be safely administered to healthy adults but The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, on its article The Safety and Efficacy of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Oldr Adults: Knowns and Unknowns “calls for caution”…However, both psilocybin and MDMA can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which could be a concern if used in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Very few older adults or patients with serious comorbidities have been included in clinical trials of psychedelics to date, raising the question of how generalizable study results are for the patients that most gero-psychiatrists will be treating…” Thepotentialbenefitsofpsychedeliccompoundsforolderadultsaresignificant, but moreresearchis needed to ensure theyaresafe and effective, especiallyfor those with multiple health challenges. While aging can be a challenge, those who embrace it with courage will find limitless opportunities.
The U.S. may approve therapies using MDMA and psilocybin. Long-awaited trial data show drug is effective at treating post-traumatic stress disorder in a diversity of people. Nature, a weekly international journal publishing research in all fields of science and technology, published the news of an imminent approval of these drugs by the FDA. “Psychedelic drug MDMA moves closer to US approval following success in PTSD trial”
National Geographic’s May 2023 issue examines the world of psychedelic-assisted treatments: what’s propelling this new and growing interest in treating a variety of mental health issues, who will most benefit from psychedelic-assisted treatments, and who is leading the way in helping to make these drugs safe, affordable, and accessible to people all over the world. Later in its August 2023 issue, states “Psychedelic drugs such as DMT and Ecstasy may offer a unique treatment pathway for various brain injuries and diseases because of their potency, helping patients learn lost and new skills.”
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is poised to revolutionize clinical mental health treatment, and we are leading the way.”It was the realization that psychedelics might one day be integrated into mainstream medical care that spurred the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco to become the first in the U.S. to offer a psychedelic-assisted therapy training program seven years ago, says Janis Phelps, director of the school’s Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research.”
CIIS is training the psychedelic researchers of the future; driven by a passion to understand the human mind, and supported by decades of rigorous inquiry, CIIS created the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR) in 2015. This included the first-ever university-affiliated certificate program, which continues to serve as the gold standard for safe, effective professional training.
The use of these psychedelic substances has shown promise in therapeutic settings, offering hope for those struggling with mental health conditions. As we continue to explore the ethical and legal implications of their use, it is essential to approach these substances with respect and reverence. For those who embark on this journey, the potential for personal growth and self-discovery awaits, unlocking the doors of perception and unveiling the true essence of the self.
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or psilocybin mushrooms, have long captivated the human imagination with their ability to induce profound psychedelic experiences. These mushrooms contain the chemical compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which have the power to alter one’s perception, leading to hallucinations and a journey into the depths of the mind. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms, particularly in the treatment of addiction, depression, and other psychiatric conditions.
As I embarked on my own exploration of the world of psychedelics, I discovered a transformative and enlightening experience that has left an indelible mark on my life.
The Ethical and Legal Implications of Psilocybin
Before delving into my personal experience with magic mushrooms, it is essential to acknowledge the ethical and legal considerations surrounding their use. While psychedelic drugs have been used as therapeutic tools for centuries, they faced temporary prohibition in the United States during the 1970s. However, in recent years, a resurgence of clinical trials involving psilocybin has shown promising results in the treatment of various mental health conditions. As a result, there is a growing interest in further researching and designing ethical guidelines for the clinical use of psilocybin. This interest prompted my involvement in qualitative research, where I interviewed individuals who had firsthand experience with magic mushrooms.
An Enchanting Journey Begins
With a notebook in hand and a mix of excitement and curiosity, I decided to personally explore the realm of magic mushrooms. I wanted to uncover the truth behind the transformative experiences people claimed to have had. To ensure the purity of my research, I sought out a “psychedelic healer” through a family connection. Clad in white, a color believed to channel positive energy, I embarked on a journey into the world of psychedelics.
Thank goodness for notknowing, because Ihadnoidea what awaitedme behind the doors of this otherwise spacious and beautiful place in a privileged neighborhood in Barcelona. Upon entering the room, I was reminded of the healing power of women’s circles and engaged in exercises to define my intentions for the journey, and examined my sacred gifts and skills. To prepare for the journey ahead, we stimulated the pineal gland with “Rapé“, a traditional Amazonian shamanic medicine. This medicinal powder-composed of various plants and tobacco-is known for its healing and cleansing properties. However, the experience of inhaling the powder, after being blown into your nose with hollow pipes was unpleasant; the powder reached my brain and everything else that was on its path leaving me with a burning sensation and a newfound appreciation for those who indulge in substances through their nostrils.
Letting Go of Emotional Baggage
To soften the blow of the Rapé inhalation, we engaged in a cathartic exercise of verbally expressing our resentments, blame, regrets, shame, and anger toward individuals in our lives. This task served as a preamble to the magic mushroom ceremony, which aimed to help us let go of the emotional burdens that hindered our personal growth and fulfillment. These burdens often manifest as distorted thoughts and beliefs that shape our identities and limit our potential. The magic mushrooms, it is believed, have the power to reveal these distortions and guide us toward a more authentic and liberated sense of self.
A Bonfire of Release and a Bowl of Fire
Continuing our agenda, we embarked on the next step of the journey – the burning of resentments, shame, and blame. In an urban space devoid of a traditional fireplace, we improvised with a stainless-steel bowl, fusing the sacred act of release with the mundane surroundings. This fusion of the ordinary and the extraordinary encapsulated the essence of the psychedelic experience – a profound transformation occurring within the ordinary fabric of our lives.
As the ceremony progressed, we underwent a complete chakra balancing using essential oils. This process aimed to align our energy centers and create a state of relaxation and receptivity. The chakra alignment revealed an imbalance in my fifth chakra, responsible not only for communication but also self-expression and the ability to speak our personal truth. This discovery shed light on my struggle to articulate my thoughts and feelings in my own words, leading me to realize the importance of finding my authentic voice.
The Chocolate Infusion
The next phase of the journey brought forth a delectable treat for my foodie soul – the ingestion of magic mushrooms infused in exquisite Guatemalan dark chocolate. The chocolate, cultivated and harvested by a group of empowered women, added an extra layer of meaning to the experience. Supporting these women entrepreneurs through micro loans added a sense of social justice and equality to the journey. As I savored the chocolate, I couldn’t help but reflect on the interconnectedness of our spiritual and earthly lives, finding beauty in the integration of both realms.
Following the chocolate ingestion, we drank a tea prepared with herbs and magicmushroomextract, and then, my friend, the journey truly began. A kaleidoscope of perceptions and colors was available to me. The music filled the room, inducing a range of emotions, setting the stage for a perceptual feast. As the effects of the mushrooms intensified, the ceiling came alive, transforming into undulating branches and serpents. The plants in the room radiated vibrant auras, and a medley of images and patterns danced before my eyes. Voices emerged, seemingly from nowhere, speaking to a part of me that I struggled to comprehend. Time lost its grip, and I found myself in the presence of unknown individuals from different eras. A group of women encircled me, compelling me to deliver something, akin to the birthing process.
The Birthing of Self
In that moment, fear and self-doubt gripped me as I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. The physical sensations overwhelmed me as my body contorted, mimicking the experience of childbirth. I felt supported by the presence of the nameless women, shadows filled with light, who guided me through the labor. In that sacred space, I birthed something from the depths of my being, something that had long been repressed and forbidden. The experience transcended rationalization, leaving me awash with a sense of lightness and liberation. As Marianne Williamson aptly observed, “It is our light and not our darkness that frightens us.” I felt a deep sense of interconnectedness, ego dissolution, and a heightened appreciation for the beauty of existence. This experience manifested as a catalyst for self-discovery, confronting inner fears, and gaining a fresh perspective on life.
A Transformative Journey of Healing and Love
As the journey continued, I found solace in the lyrics of a beautiful song that spoke of healing and love. The words resonated within me, filling my heart with a sense of love for myself and all those who had played a role in my life. The experience opened my heart, allowing me to see relationships for what they truly were, and not what they had become. I reflected on past experiences, both the good and the challenging, gaining a deeper understanding of how my background and circumstances had shaped me. It became clear that while these factors influenced who I was, I held the power to shape who I would become.
As I emerged from the psychedelic journey, I found myself imbued with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. The experience provided me with a fresh perspective on life and allowed me to set new goals and aspirations. The journey reminded me that it is never too late to dream a new dream or set another goal, as C.S. Lewis eloquently stated.
While I still try to make sense of the feelings, insights and memories that emerged while on the psychedelic journey, I re-examine beliefs about myself, reviewing past experiences, the good ones, and the not that-good ones as well—at last l I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. The insights gained from the psychedelic experience surpassed decades of psychotherapy and spiritual practices, leaving an indelible mark on my life. It empowered me to live authentically and embrace the fullness of my being.
Lastly, the journey into the realm of magic mushrooms proved to be a profound and transformative experience. Therefore the importance of approaching these experiences with reverence, intention, and proper guidance to maximize their potential for personal growth and spiritual exploration. Additionally, responsible and informed usage is paramount to ensure personal safety and minimize potential risks. Proper dosing, set, and setting are essential factors to consider when embarking on a psychedelic journey with magic mushrooms.
The use of these psychedelic substances has shown promise in therapeutic settings, offering hope for those struggling with mental health conditions. As we continue to explore the ethical and legal implications of their use, it is essential to approach these substances with respect and reverence. As we navigate the evolving landscape of psychedelic research and society’s perception of these substances, it is crucial to approach their usage with respect, responsibility, and a commitment to personal well-being. For those who embark on this journey, the potential for personal growth and self-discovery awaits, unlocking the doors of perception and unveiling the true essence of the self; a priceless experience!
A new film, now in pre-production, will recall the life of Juana Briones, often remembered as the “Founding Mother of San Francisco.” Briones lived at a time when women didn’t have rights and were often viewed as second-class citizens. Yet during her lifetime Briones raised children as a single mother, owned property, practiced herbal medicine, and was a midwife. She also excelled at business even though she could not read or write.
Briones (1802-1889) was a woman of color, which made her accomplishments even more impressive, given the era in which she lived. Her ties to the city were strong. She had a farm near what’s now the Presidio in San Francisco and owned a home in what is now known as North Beach. Perhaps the most amazing thing that Briones did was to leave her abusive husband, dropping his surname. This was something that wasn’t done during the 19th century. Briones was a feminist long before the word was coined.
Lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, transexuales, intersexo, y otras personas que se identifican con la cultura “queer: enfrentan peligros físicos pero sobre todo emocionales por ser quienes son y atreverse a vivir como quieren y a ejercitar el derecho de libre albedrío que todos tenemos. Existe abundante evidencia de que el prejuicio que enfrentamos, la homofobia, es tóxico y perverso, invade los espacios sociales, familiares y penetra nuestra psique profundamente. Por lo tanto, a pesar de todas las victorias ganadas la homofobia esta “vivita y coleando”.
Por ejemplo, cuando este prejuicio contra los homosexuales proviene de los padres o de ls entidades religiosas, el efecto es mucho mas profundo. Según el profesor de psicología de la Universidad de Tennessee Knoxville, Dawn Szymanski, la investigación muestra que experimentar el rechazo de los padres de su identidad sexual está relacionado con la negatividad traumática internalizada, lo que los psicólogos llaman “homonegatividad internalizada” o “estigma internalizado”. Lo mismo es cierto cuando una persona pertenece a una religión que rechaza la homosexualidad. Todo esto no solo aumenta el odio y la intolerancia hacia estos grupos pero incrementa la internalization de que algo malo sucede con nosotros, que no somos lo suficiente buenos, lo suficientemente aptos, queridos o dignos de maor yes internalization afecta nuestro auto concepto y la manera como nos vemos a nosotros mismos y como interactuamos con los demás. La homofobia está tan arraigada en el arquetipo colectivo que hacemos chistes y usamos comentarios peyorativos para referirnos a los miembros de esas comunidades “LGBTI” pero a pesar de los esfuerzos por superarlo, incluso en España, considerada como el segundo país, después de Alemania, en recibir y aprobar a los miembros LGBT, todavía se hacen chistes y agresiones de bajo tono contra las personas gays. La Universidad de Barcelona, hace varios meses difundió un estudio de los 12 comentarios homophobic mas usados por nuestra cultura.
De allí que podrás imaginar lo que es crecer escuchando a tus seres queridos afirmando que ciertos grupos de personas son malvados. De hecho, estas personas son tan malas, tan equivocadas, que Dios mismo las castigará. Imagina absorber este odio profundamente en tus huesos. Imagine que luego descubre, en algún momento de su adolescencia, que es una de estas personas. Ellos son los odiados. Eres el odiado y luego la sociedad viene a reforzar que eres anormal, que algo anda mal dentro de ti, en tu cabeza, con sus micro-agresiones o mas abiertos y hóstiles ataques. Estos acosos y ataques son reales y ocurren a nivel físico, amenazando la vida, mientras otros mas soslayados solo socavan tu seguridad emocional y autoestima. Lo aprendemos desde pequeños y terminamos internalizandolo como una realidad.Una consecuencia de este estigma internalizado por nosotros y otros es la violencia entre o contra nosotros mismos: los estudios de parejas del mismo sexo muestran que la homofobia internalizada es un predictor significativo de violencia dentro de una relación. El odio a uno mismo también crea una profunda angustia psicológica: un metaanálisis encontró que los niveles más altos de estigma anti-gay internalizado se correlacionan con una peor salud mental. La angustia psicológica puede incluir ansiedad, depresión, baja autoestima e hiperactivación, un estado de mayor tensión que incluye irritabilidad, ira y agresión.
Hoy en día, la lucha por firmar nuestras identidad gay es tan actual como lo fue en los escondidos bares de la post guerra en incluso los de los tiempos de Stonewall in New York en los 50’s y 60’s por eso, ahora mas que nunca tenemos la responsabilidad de detener el acoso, y abrir nuestros corazones a las diferencias, no basta tolerar pero abrazar las diferencias, hacerlas nuestras para enriquecer el tapizado de la humanidad. Cuando viajamos conocemos nuevas gentes, nuevas comidas, pero si no nos traemos nada de esos lugares a casa, es como ir al zoológico y solo mirar y admirar, para luego dejar altas la experiencia y hacerla ajena, lejana y nunca parte de nuestro diario devenir.
Vemos que aunque mucha agua ha pasado por debajo del puente desde la primera marcha en 1976, de las lesbianas en motos(dykes-on-bykes) en San Francisco, mi antigua casa donde disfrute +20 años de libertad y autodeterminación, todavía usamos términos para intimidar a otros: Dyke Queer Maricón. Las burlas han salido de las lenguas de los matones, pero hemos reclamado las palabras en sus propios términos y continuamos una lista interminable de micro-agresiones contra aquellos cuyo único pecado es ser diferente a la mayoría. Pero si nos unimos todos quien es la mayoría, y cuál mayoría, y la de donde? . Es verdad que no hubo una declaración más fuerte que Dykes en Bikes–el grupo que dirigió formalmente el desfile del Orgullo de San Francisco en 1976– y se trasladó al frente para que las máquinas pudieran pasear a los caminantes, pero cierta historia precede a esa presencia. Cuando las mujeres se ofrecieron como voluntarias en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, tomaron trabajos tradicionalmente reservados para hombres. La literatura lésbica vinculaba a las mujeres y las motocicletas, y los carteles de reclutamiento exudaban el clásico estilo butch de la época. Las mujeres hemos estado en la vanguardia de muchos de los cambios que hemos visto crecer durante la historia de la humanidad, y quizás este sea el tiempo para usar mas de las herramientas femeninas del poder, la sabiduría, y el aspecto enriquecedor y nutritivo para enseñar a nuestros hijos e hijas, hermanos y hermanas que hay otra manera de vivir.
Por otra parte, veo con placer que en mi nueva casa, a pesar del lio politico, se refuerza que esta región es tierra de tolerancia y de libertades individuales, han escogido las festividades de San Narciso en Gerona para inaugurar la primera las publica par la comunidad LBTI. Catalunya, es uno de los territorios pioneros en la integración del colectivo LGBTI y en promover leyes contra la homofobia y la discriminación. Cataluña da la bienvenida a gays, lesbianas, bisexuales y transexuales, en una parte pues reconocen el poder adquisitivo y el impacto turístico de dicha comunidad, pero aun con el debido sarcasmo, quizás lo hacen también por sensibilidad y tradición “… Cataluña “es tu casa”, como dice la canción, “si es que hay casas que son de alguien”.
Si mis amigas y amigos, mucha agua ha corrido bajo los puentes y vemos nuevas actitudes pero bajo la solapa, la tolerancia a medias se descubre sin raspar mucho la superficie. Son muchas las ciudades que se declaran “gay-friendly” o abiertas a los miembros de la comunidad LGBTI, pero aun así, encontramos las dobles caras, como esta en Montevideo, Uruguay donde nos dejan saber, que somos aceptados mientras no demostremos nuestro afecto to una a la otra en publico (demostraciones publicas de afecto gay –en inglés se le conoce como Gay PDA = Public Display of Affection). Todos lo vemos y lo sabemos, pero rara vez hablamos de ello: el estigma en torno a las demostraciones públicas de afecto entre parejas del mismo sexo. Como compañera lesbiana, me parece triste y frustrante que la comunidad LGBTQ + sienta que tienen que ocultar su amor y afecto mutuo. ¿Por qué alguien debería sentir que no puede besarse o tomarse de la mano de su pareja en público? Desafortunadamente, hay varias razones por las cuales esto está sucediendo
Aunque algunas encuestas muestran adverso moral en base, a cualquier demostración de afecto en publico, los números incrementan cuando se tratan de parejas delmismo sexo. Una encuesta hecha por Poll PDA Gay – Eonline hacia las demostraciones de afecto en público independientemente sean gay o no y ante la pregunta” Le dan mas asco las demostraciones de afecto en publico de las parejas gay que las de los hetero?se encontraron los siguientes resultados.
16.7% Si, admito que los lenguados de parejas del mismo sexo me hacen brincar el estomago
28.8% No: La batalla de “espadas de saliva” no me molesta, gay o hetero
54.5% Ni lo uno o lo otro: Odio cualquier PDA en general y me gust aria que la prohibieran.
No puedo negar mi sorpresa con las respuestas del 54.5% de personas entrevistadas por la encuesta Eonline donde desaprueban cualquier gesto de afecto en publico. En este momento cuando el mundo esta colapsando en muchos sentidos, los partidos politicos no logran agrupar cohesivamente a sus partidarios, y la tierra sufre por nuestra irresponsabilidad y falta de buentrato, es mucho lo que debemos hacer y demostrar afecto de cualquier manera pudiera ser una respuesta. No importa si mas y mas gobiernos instituyen leyes que protegen el matrimoio del mismo sexo, la adopción para parejas gay, y hasta los mas conservadores como países Asiáticos han abierto la puerta ha la aceptación, tolerancia y reconocimiento de diferente individualidades si no nos comprometemos como individuos a acabar el odio y la segregación, debemos hacer mas. Todavía resuena en el aire la frase enunciada en Mayo 2019 por la presidenta the Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, quien alegre de apoyar la ley de reconocimiento de matrimonios de parejas del mismo sexo, dijera a los diputados, “…tenemos una oportunidad de hacer historia y mostrarle al mundo que los valores progresistas pueden arraigar en las sociedades de Asia Oriental… y mostrar al mundo que el amor gana”.
Junto con legislaciones políticas y edictos gubernamentales, debemos buscar en el fondo de nuestros corazones y revisar nuestros mitos y prejuicios pues después de todo las comunidades no son mas que la suma de individuos, a veces llenos de miedo y paranoia que vemos a los nuevos, los diferentes, gays, inmigrantes, refugiados como enemigos que nos contaminaran de algo horrendo o nos quitaran algo que es solo nuestro. Todos tenemos derecho a vivir en esta tierra, a existir y a hacer uso de nuestros derechos y si lo hacemos juntos, es mejor.
Sigamos luchando, por cambiar lo que es inaceptable y como la activista y profesora Norte Americana, Angela Davis dice:
NO ESTOY ACEPTANDO LAS COSAS QUE NO PUEDO CAMBIAR, ESTOY CAMBIANDO LAS COSAS QUE NO PUEDO ACEPTAR
I was stunned when Debbie—my 67-yer-old client, who has one Ph.D. in American history and a JD—told me that her contract as full-time faculty at a local law school had not been renewed. She is vivacious, energetic, intelligent, and adored by her students. I asked immediately, why? She has always told me she was on the “retire-at-85” plan and as far as I knew, Academia is supposed to be a world of respect and knowledge; a place where attaining knowledge and wisdom are regarded as the ultimate achievements. Nonetheless, Debbie told me she was forced into retirement! Debbie had spent 25 years of her life as a professor for several graduate and law schools, during which time she had received many awards for research and groundbreaking work. Now, she said “retirement has been forced on me, and my courses have been assigned to young-er faculty members, who are less expensive. For the first time, I have faced ageism as never before, and it is not a theoretical concept, anymore. It is real.” She, too, was shocked.
Yes indeed, ageism –although an old paradigm—is still in full force, current and pervasive permeating all layers of our society. Perhaps it is time to kick this new old paradigm with its ill-fated consequences for our society’s well-being to the curb and embrace a different more optimistic, engaging, and active paradigm of aging: one that does not fear aging but embrace it as a very meaningful and with a great potential phase of life.
Sexism
Like we did not have enough with the ageism in our culture, we also need to face Sexism. The prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, against women, on the basis of sex, is a fact very well known on all fronts of society and affects women of all walks of life. Instances of sexism are experienced by our mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters, and all women and girls around the world. It is one of those phenomena would like to have the exclusivity of it but it is not like that. It is pervasive and perverse all around the world.
Sexism is based on the prejudice and extensive generalization that there is something faulty in women and it continues to impede women from their rights to grow and thrive in our society. Perhaps we are not as pretty and firm as we were when young-er but seasoned –or spicy, hot women—had fought for equality, diversity, had raised their self-esteem, run for public office. They have shaved off their internalized ageism and are ready to venture into new characters, created new connections, and created a new wave of accomplished women who give us the inspiration we need to live as first-class citizens and make our golden years shine and count, and do what needs to be done.
Not all of us get to that place and nevertheless, it is worth trying. A place where we can branch out, revolt, or go quietly happily ever after about life. Whatever works for you do it with gusto! Let’s this new woman be at the top of the hill and not over the hill. She can change her image of a raggedy crone to the one of mentor. to be proud and loud.
As many of us who are undertaking the journey through the uncharted land, we become pioneers with no maps but following our moral compass to be the best we can be. Being the eternal optimistic and positive thinker, she is, at 80 Ms. Steinem finds herself more productive and at peace than ever. “…A dwindling libido, she theorized, can be a terrific advantage: “The brain cells that used to be obsessed are now free for all kinds of great things…”
Marcel Proust, a XX century famous writer, author of a masterpiece, In Search of Lost Time, brings to my attention the phenomenon of forgetfulness sometimes attached to the epidemic of dementia. In Search of Lost Time, is one of Proust’s renowned creations (À la recherche du temps perdu published in seven volumes, previously translated as Remembrance of Things Past) (1913–1927).
In this work, Proust recounts his experiences while growing up, participating in society, falling in love, and learning about art. He also discusses memory, separation anxiety, the role of art in life, and homosexuality at length. He described many of the instances of Déjà vu –déjà vécueffects and other phenomena related to memory. Proust shows the similarity between the structures and mechanisms of the human mind related to unfinished business and psycho-dynamic principles he talks about, even without knowing or reading Freud.In this creation, Proust also speaks extensively in this book about the challenges of homosexuality, internalized homophobia, and the challenges of coming out as a homosexual. Although Proust was gay, he had ambivalent feelings around coming out.
Proust stresses those challenges of being and living as homosexual in a society that des not understand or accept it. Identifying oneself as part of the LGBT group is not always easy or welcoming the way we would wish it to be. Although many people find that coming out is a positive experience, coming out has its challenges and it could have both a positive and a negative impact on the person’s life. It could affect the individual’s family relationships, social relationships, school, or work. Some LGBT people fear negative reactions, rejection and upsetting people they are close to. In many parts of the world strong cultural attitudes and discriminatory laws make coming out even harder. In USA things have changed legally, lately but at a personal level, there are still fears and internalized feelings of homophobia.
In a review by Edmund White for the New York Times, he states that among writers, the twentieth-century novelist they most admired–and who they thought would have the most enduring influence on the next century–was Marcel Proust.
An interesting take on Proust’s stance on memory is performed by James Keller a San Francisco Bay Area artist, who guides the audience through the seven volumes of this Marcel Proust’s great 20th century novel, IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME, about the importance of memory and forgetting, using 180 slides and music as part of the narrative in a virtuoso performance which John Lahr (senior drama critic of The New Yorker magazine) called, “A tour de force” and also, has said that “James Keller is the most well-read person I know.”
One of the big accomplishments of In Search of the lost time, is Proust’s position about the impossibility to recover the time we lose, the forfeiture of innocence through experience, the emptiness of love and friendship, the vanity of human endeavors, and the triumph of sin and despair; but Proust’s conclusion is that the life of every day is supremely important, full of moral joy and beauty, which, though they may be lost through faults inherent in human nature, are indestructible and recoverable.
In a personal level, one of Proust’s marvels as a writer was projecting his own homosexuality upon his characters, treating them, as well as snob, vane, and cruel, but able to love even if considered it as a sin.
Just food for thought in some of Proust’s famous and inspiring quotes are:
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
If a little dreaming is dangerous, the cure for it is not to dream less but to dream more, to dream all the time.
After 9 years of his suicide Robin Williams continue to be remembered, as we also remember how depression kills. Robin Williams’ Son Zak Honors His Father on 9th Anniversary of Actor’s Death: ‘These Days Are Always Hard’ . He wrote: “Dad, on the 9th anniversary of your passing, I’m remembering you for your most excellent fashion choices,” Zak wrote in his caption. In the photo he shared, Robin was seen on a tennis court holding up a tennis racket while wearing a printed T-shirt and baggy cargo shorts. “I love remembering you for being so very, very YOU,” he continued. “Love you so much!”
9 years ago, I wrote in disbelief about the news about Robin Williams’ apparent suicide shocked me beyond what I expected my own reactions to this phenomenon would be. Few months ago, Philip Seymour Hoffman saddened me when dying of a drug overdose yet another consumed suicide. What has become apparent to me after these events is how much depression is underestimated by the general public and even by professionals and how, sometimes, it’s plays down as a personality fault, like not trying hard, being lazy.
How many times had we said to somebody who expresses feeling depressed…”comm’on …try it this or that…eventually it is about trying and you will be out of it.
Free Wallpapers by Karl
Well, the true facts show us that sometimes like in Williams; case or even Hoffman’s one, it is not that simple.The suffering created by mental illness is misunderstood by some people and the lack of empathy and support can be lethal for those affected by it.Millions of U.S. adults struggle with depression. Often, medication and psychotherapy help their moods and outlook. That said there is an optimal time to deal with the issue and a far-gone time when all hopes are over. Then we need to try to act upon the right timing and provide the help the person is looking for. Yet when depression kills, who is to blame, then? Is it the system, the therapist, the lack of willingness to work on the issues from the patients’ perspective, the despondence after trying tons of times?
Let’s face it, there is not a one size fits all answer and it is difficult to blame only one factor on why depression turn deadly for some and others seem to overcome it. Although they can be many factors affecting how bad depression can go like chronic mental illness, physical illness, untreated depression, feelings of hopelessness and emptiness, depression can be conquered. We need to continue talking about it and being alert and attentive to the signs of profound depression among us to support people affected by and encourage them to seek help.
Not all therapists are the same but if you are ready to do the “work”, therapy and the right therapist will help tremendously. Treatment works when done right. Medications help but alone it is just a palliative intervention and without diving into the deep waters of your mental issues, you are just masking the real reasons for your hopelessness. Look for someone who is a licensed therapist, with expertise in the area in which you are seeking help and combine it with supportive medication and be ready to walk through the dark night of the soul with the conviction that there is alight at the end of the tunnel.
Lord Buddha had already said 2,500 years ago that life is full of unpleasant moments and experiences and that there is pain in the world and it is unavoidable.
“Each life is filled with 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows.” But suffering, he said, is the response, “the relationship” we maintain, to the pain. He stated that one could experience pain without experiencing suffering. Even physical pain seems to reduce if we don’t resist it. Thus, there is hope, if we change the way we approach our suffering, we change the results of it. One valuable resource is mindfulness practice, used these days to work with pain, people with dementia, ADD, an other conditions and it teach us to breath and being in the moment, which, can help with the feelings of despondency and depressive thoughts. The breath calms the body and calms the mind. Mindfulness is about being aware of all this. It’s about stepping back and taking a different view of things, as the observer, rather than the participant. Of course, easier said than done and yet, we should have hope and seek professional help.
Diving into the deep sea of your issues is not comfortable or easy but very rewarding once you close some of the unfinished business that originate your current issues while gaining awareness of how your life became what is today. Yes, we are the product of the past but gaining that awareness here and now, helps us take the reins of our lives and make the changes we need to make to keep going in a different path from now on. Appreciate the opportunity to immerse yourself in anew path, one of change and hope. Start anew!
A very commonly used terms in our society, nowadays, gay or not gay is “coming out” that refers to disclose something that has been otherwise hidden. Dr. Jack Drescher, MD in 2004 already said the experience could be extremely dissociative for the individual “in the closet”. He said: … Coming out may be the most commonly shared cultural experience that defines the modern gay identity. Historically, the term was an ironic reference to debutantes “coming out into society” (Chauncey, 1994). In contemporary usage, “coming out of the closet” means telling another person that one is gay…Years spent in the closet can make the prospect of revealing oneself an emotionally charged experience. However, the process is not just about revealing oneself to others–in coming out, gay people integrate, as best they can, dissociated aspects of the self…” Many LGBT clients had expressed their relief after coming out and finding themselves able to live a life they could not live freely while “in-the-closet”. The University of Montreal published an article in 2013 supporting the health benefits of coming out. They found:…” Lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGBs) who are out to others have lower stress hormone levels and fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout, according to researchers. Cortisol is a stress hormone in our body. When chronically strained, cortisol contributes to the ‘wear and tear’ exerted on multiple biological systems…Contrary to our expectations, gay and bisexual men had lower depressive symptoms and allostatic load levels than heterosexual men. Lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals who were out to family and friends had lower levels of psychiatric symptoms and lower morning cortisol levels than those who were still in the closet…”
The study found that LGBT people who needs to ‘fight-for-life” and their rights develop better coping skills and strategies to deal with social stressors. Coming out is a major milestone in our lives as LGBT and sometimes supportive guidance through the process makes it easier and really meaningful.
The Association of Gay & Lesbian Psychiatrists stresses that coming out is a very individual process and that “… the therapist needs to become familiar with issues specific to being GLB, and in particular the issue of coming out. The assumption that GLB identities are normal need not lead to “cheer leading,” nor should the therapist encourage patients who are questioning their identities to come out prematurely or to simply reassure them that “it is ok to be gay.” Therapists can be most helpful if they have no agenda as to how patients resolve complex issues of identity, affiliation, and openness, and do not push for premature resolution in these areas… The process of coming out is complex and can take years. The process is not linear. In therapy, there can be times of great movement and change interspersed with long, seemingly quiescent periods. Therapists need to be patient, respectful and open to many possible end points – including a straight identity, a gay or lesbian identity, bisexual experiences and identity, or even the patient’s rejection of a traditional identity label altogether…” (Read more)
Lately, in the New York Time, Elizabeth Keranen wrote ‘We Are Never Going Back to the Closet Darkness’ emphasizing the LGBTQ community now has many, many straight allies, and no matter the critics and attacks from religious groups and extreme right activists and followers, they are never going back to the closet darkness. A perspective bringing a new reality where “many Americans are finally moving from condemnation to acceptance.”
Despite of progress, openness towards LGBTQ people, respecting the client’s tempo and examining his societal circumstances (family, workplace, profession), relationships, clinical stance, and psychological assets and challenges need to be part of the coming-out assessment to guide the process towards the client wants to guide it at her/his own pace. Remember one size does not fit all and what suits one client can be very risky and detrimental to other person’s reality and life experience. Supportive? Yes, Overbearing? Never.
ack Drescher,: “…Coming out may be the most commonly shared cultural experience that defines the modern gay identity. Historically, the term was an ironic reference to debutantes “coming out into society” (Chauncey, 1994). In contemporary usage, “coming out of the closet” means telling another person that one is gayYears spent in the closet can make the prospect of revealing oneself an emotionally charged experience. However, the process is not just about revealing oneself to others–in coming out, gay people integrate, as best they can, dissociated aspects of the self.
Coming out may be the most commonly shared cultural experience that defines the modern gay identity. Historically, the term was an ironic reference to debutantes “coming out into society” (Chauncey, 1994). In contemporary usage, “coming out of the closet” means telling another person that one is gay.
Years spent in the closet can make the prospect of revealing oneself an emotionally charged experience. However, the process is not just about revealing oneself to others–in coming out, gay people integrate, as best they can, dissociated aspects of the self.
– See more at: http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/closet-psychological-issues-being-and-coming-out/page/0/2#sthash.4EU15UvJ.dpuf
Coming out may be the most commonly shared cultural experience that defines the modern gay identity. Historically, the term was an ironic reference to debutantes “coming out into society” (Chauncey, 1994). In contemporary usage, “coming out of the closet” means telling another person that one is gay.
Years spent in the closet can make the prospect of revealing oneself an emotionally charged experience. However, the process is not just about revealing oneself to others–in coming out, gay people integrate, as best they can, dissociated aspects of the self.
– See more at: http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/closet-psychological-issues-being-and-coming-out/page/0/2#sthash.4EU15UvJ.dpuf