How Fast Can I Heal?

I remember asking this question myself many years ago and sometimes I still do.  How fast can I heal?  How quickly can I get beyond this?  Why do I have to go through this stuff over and over with sometimes no end in sight.

There are times when the difficulties mount in life and it is all you can do to hold your head above water long enough to get a gulp of air, before the next wave crashes over your head.  Sometimes, that is enough and all that you need in that moment.  Sometimes anymore than that is setting expectations a tad bit high.

Even in the moment where you think, when will this be over - it is in those moments that your body, mind, and soul are finding a way to connect together and align for your continued development.  It is like each part is trying to come online and sync up with the other.  To hurry that along, may mean you are only operating with partial systems functioning, rather than your entire self.

Rebuilding Neural Pathways...

Sometimes, I think that as you endure the difficult moments for what may seem like an eternity, it is then that you are really going in and processing all the neural pathways.  From all those moments in the past where you built the neural pathways up to survive, you are now going in silently and without knowing as you rebuild and re-evaluate each and every one of them.  This takes time.

I have found that so many times on this path of healing, that I've had so much to deal with and I can only deal with so much at one time.  If you try to force that too quickly or rush it before it is ready, then there's a chance you can just overload your system.   Your system stays in survival mode, rather than learning and growth mode.  Sometimes being okay with taking things slow allows your growth and enhancement mode to take over which really benefits you.

Hurrying the process will exhaust you...

The more you have gone through and experience, the more there is to sort through.  Just like clean up after a storm, you can only accomplish so much at one time.  It literally takes time to complete the storm cleanup.  Trying to hurry through the process will most likely only exhaust you and serve little purpose.  If you pace yourself and take it one step at a time, you'll find the storm clean up goes much better.

It is easy to want to heal and get things over with because who would want to stay in the mess that they see their lives in at that moment.  However, healing is not a linear step 1, step 2, step 3 scenario.  It is going in and finding the root of the pain and despair and hopelessness, trying to turn that into something that is hope, possibility and joy.

Healing takes time.  It is not a race even if we try to make it into one.  It is a matter of continued growth and evolution because I believe that when you've been through horrific experiences in life, there is something that you will see when the rest of the world turns a blind eye.  It is a part of you that is needed for the universe because you will have an understanding far beyond what most people do.

Allow yourself to grow and evolve.  Allow yourself to surrender into the pain and be okay with where you're at in the moment.  That is the point that really gives you the option to go forward, because the more you fight it, the more difficult it gets and the longer it takes.  Both ways get you to the final result, but one will exhaust you quicker than the other.

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Monkey See Monkey Do

Most of our life, we've probably known this, but often we don't put it in perspective.  Monkey see, monkey do is as alive and relevant as it ever has been.  I think one could easily describe this as mirror neurons.

Mirror neurons are those parts of our body that really look towards other humans to help us orient ourselves in the world around us.  What we see others do, we tend to mimic and do this as well.  We mirror what we see.  So, in all reality, it is monkey see, monkey do.

Like the small child who observes a brother or sister doing something and they learn from this so they too do the same thing.  It is the same as a young child who watches their parents do things and somehow all of the sudden they can do those things as well.  It is the way we learn and grow and evolve.

Now, please don't take this to extreme like the church I grew up which thought if you do something wrong, you're responsible for the actions of your brother or sister.  I mean, these people took this to the extreme.  I believe we all still have choices that we make and no matter what another person does, it doesn't mean we have to follow in their actions and footsteps.

I believe mirror neurons though help us find our place among society and with human civilization.  It is to help us learn how to work together and function together for the survival of the species.  Without it, we might all be walking in different directions.

Of course, I believe today there is a warning, because as we look at political leaders, they are performing actions that are less than human.  Unfortunately the mirror neurons of their followers are operating at full peak and does not appear to be any chance of slowing down.  I believe these actions can be harmful because they are not controlled by survival or the heart, but by the power and control of the ego.

As humans, I believe we have a responsibility to consider the highest good and survival of our species.  It isn't helpful to our civilization when we act as if we have no moral guide and compass.  Spouting hateful rhetoric towards another really shows just how low we have sunk in following the mirror neurons we see before us.

My hope is that we begin to use our mirror neurons to mimic behavior that is for our highest good, not for the lowest common denominator.  We all need to work together to survive in this world and on this planet.  Acting as if it is us against them in no ways brings about the future survival of our species.

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Follow And Believe Sniff Test

Have you ever seen those cartoon characters on TV that their head literally spins round and round?  Some days I feel like that when I see some of the things that people believe and follow.  I'm not here to say what is right or wrong, but I think we follow and believe things that just don't pass the sniff test.

So today, let's consider a few things that would be part of a sniff test.  Hopefully I can write this in a way that is enlightening and not threatening to people.  After all, most people hold their beliefs very close and dear to their heart.  If you challenge them on it, they feel like you are threatening to kill them.

#1 Sniff Test - Your Experience

The way I see this is, has this been your experience?  Do you have some personal narrative to back up what you follow and believe.   Is it just something you think may be possible or it sounds plausible?  If you experience something firsthand, then you know without a shadow of a doubt that it is true for you.  However, even though it is true for you, it may not be truth for everyone.

Opposing Forces

Every day, I see headlines and hear things that make me cringe.  Yes, I realize the media is about sensationalism because if they were not, no one would watch their reporting or read their news.  They are just the medium to highlight the opposing forces in this world.  It isn't just confined to the media either, but people who I interact with in my day.

I'd like to say that this is the worst it has ever been, but that might be nothing more than a sensational statement.  People who have lived much longer than me have most likely seen things much worse.  Yet, in my life span, this does feel like we are nothing more some days than opposing forces.

It almost feels like no matter what one person says, another will completely and vehemently disagree with them, calling them names and questioning their very nature of existence.  It doesn't matter what the issue is or what side of the issue anyone is on.  It just continues day after day after day.

For the most part, I don't watch much news reporting because of this.  I do read headlines and to be honest, that's often more than enough to see.  Not only is the reporting done so poorly these days, but bias runs as deep as it can.  Facts are interspersed in the bias to make it appear that it has substance.

Hopefully We Evolve As Humans

I got chastised not long ago on a website about this concept and I thought it was time I needed to clarify what I mean.  Obviously what I wrote missed the point as to what it means that hopefully we evolve as humans.  The dictionary refers to it as developing gradually or working something out.  It may also refer to the way a biological organism will change and develop through the evolutionary process.

Evolve is not a negative in my mind.  It doesn't mean some horror movie of creating a monster.  It is not harmful.  I see it as completely positive and developing process.  It is an evolutionary process within each one of us and the world or universe at large.

I really don't understand how it can be viewed as a negative unless it is something that makes an individual uncomfortable.  If that's the case, I get it.  Many people don't like our beliefs and opinions challenged.  We tend to go into our respective corners and hold dearly and tightly to everything that we claim as our own.  Unfortunately, the more we do that, the less we evolve.

Financial Struggles

So, how do I be just in this moment with all my stuff, my problems, my difficult moments in life and go on?  This is the thought that seems to be from those enlightened enough to not struggle financially.  Yet, I often wonder, do they really not struggle, or is it that they project a set image to everyone, while hiding their own difficult moments.

I'd like to believe that these financial gurus and all the others that seem to sail through life, really are sailing in life and rolling in the dough.  I'd like to believe that.  It is almost impossible when I keep trying and trying in life, only to come up for a breath of air and once again, get slapped in the face.

Maybe those that are brave and reading this are thinking that I'm out for a pity party.  Unfortunately if you knew me well, you would know that isn't true.  I usually don't ask anyone for anything and I try to find my own way through.  However, I feel so frustrated with life at this moment, that I'm not sure which way to turn.

Give Up To Be Happy

Posted on Finerminds website, one of their team members named Dana wrote an article about 15 things you should give up to be happy.  Okay folks, I'm  not going to sit here and tell you what you should give up to be happy or how you should be happy.  That is for each one of you to figure out on your own because when you do, then you have found life.  However, this article had some good information in it that will hopefully get everyone to think about happiness a little more.

Here's a few of my thoughts about some of the points Dana made in this article.  The full article can be found at the following link.  http://www.finerminds.com/happiness/15-things-give-up-happy/

I like the first point Dana makes about giving up the need to be right.  After all, you can be right all the time in your eyes and alienate yourself from the world, or you can back off of this and engage with others.  Sometimes when we are not always right, we give ourselves the opportunity to learn and see new things in a different light.

When We Open Our Eyes

When we open our eyes, we begin to see.  It is then that we find awareness which gives us the choice to grow and evolve or remain where we are.

- Don Shetterly

Make The Choice To Live Differently In Life

Do you ever feel stuck in the same old loops of life where your mind seems to travel familiar pathways?  You know, where an event happens and your mind reacts automatically with essentially the same result.  I'm sure all of us have experienced this at some point in our life or maybe on a daily basis.  I"m sure there are some reading this that are not able to see the old loops of their mind that they are stuck in.

One of the best things anyone can learn in life is that even though you have reacted the same way to some event in your life, does not mean you have to operate the same way in the future.  You do have a choice as to how you react and a choice to do something different.

I am not talking about avoiding something, or passing it off, or thinking a happy thought to make it disappear.  After all, if we hide our self from these things, how will we ever grow and evolve?  What I am talking about is looking hard at these things in your life that you do, and then questioning whether this is what you wish to continue for your life.  Once again, you do have a choice as to how you react and what you do.  You can revisit it as many times as needed.

Finding Freedom In Difficult Circumstances

Finding Freedom In
Difficult Circumstances

It saddens me every time I see someone going through very difficult moments of their life.  I've been through those same moments and I know how others feel.  I know the despair, the frustration, and the anger at life when things just seem to go nowhere.  I know how difficult it is to keep going even in the midst of courage, optimism, and determination.

The only thing I take comfort in is knowing that I have learned so much through these times.  At the moment I was in these difficult circumstances, it was almost impossible for me to see that.  Through each difficult moment, I have grown and evolved into a better person than I was before.  In all reality, that is what these moments are here for.  They are here to teach us and help push us through the lessons of life that we need to learn and understand.  Without these moments, would we really move forward?

I see too many people giving the appearance of wanting to help others struggling through these moments, but they do it through the space of their own pain and suffering, rather than helping the individual see a bigger picture.  Often people resonate with what others are experiencing and because they have not fully dealt with the pain residing in their own life from these moments, they push the other person to just move on.  They don't want the other person to be in that space because it reminds them of something that is still so painful to them.

Evolving In Awareness And Consciousness

Evolving In Awareness
And Consciousness

Have you ever wondered what is out there? You know, the place beyond your own consciousness. Have you ever wondered what it is that you have not seen or understood yet? I'm not talking about seeing little green men walking outside your front door or believing in things because that is what the community you belong to dictates through osmosis. I'm talking about consciousness, awareness and understanding.

We as humans are much more than we see in ourselves and much more than we realize. Life is not just about arriving or feeling like we have found our place, although these are parts of it. Life is about growing and evolving in awareness and consciousness. It is about discovering a deeper part of our self each and every day of our existence.

Why Are We Afraid Of Suffering?

Afraid Of Suffering

So many humans are afraid of suffering in our lives. To be honest, I was very afraid of suffering at one time and thought it was the worst thing that could happen to a person. Before you think I'm some pie-in-the-sky type of thinker, let me assure you that my life has been met with much adversity. All you have to do is read my book and you'll see quickly to what I am referring.

Often though, people just want us to think about thoughts of being happy or love and forget all the suffering we are going through. Many urge us to quit crying, move on from the pain and the struggles in life. While these people purport to desire that others find their true calling or purpose, I actually believe, pushing someone to "quit suffering" is doing more of a harm than a disservice.

Why The Charlie Sheen Roast Isn't Well Done!

Charlie Sheen Roast 9/19/11
on Comedy Central

I saw the headline of a Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen on TV (air date 9/19/11).  I’m going to classify this as ridiculous.  It is important to note that I don’t claim to be a fan and I don’t claim to not be a fan of Charlie Sheen.  I am aware of who he is, but to be honest, it makes no difference to me in life. 

The thing is, this roast and all roasts are ridiculous as far as I’m concerned!  What do these accomplish?  They make fun of the person and joke about them.  The roast leaves people laughing at others in a public way almost as if to humiliate them.  We in this world claim it is comedy and done in fun.  Of course to that, I say hogwash!

Fear Is The Weapon Of Control

Fear is alive and rampant in our society and every day life. Most of us go through life, not even recognizing just how intimately involved we are with fear. It is as if we are having a secret affair with fear, yet no one including our self knows about it.

Where does fear show up? There are so many ways that it is hard to list them all. However, let me start with some of the top ones that I see displayed throughout our society.


The Government
The government which is by the people, for the people and of the people or namely, each one of us, is one of the greatest sources of fear. Through our "boogieman" that has been created, we are scared into complacency. Since our government has the truth and information that we are all led to believe in, we succumb to the fear that the "boogieman" is around the corner, hiding and waiting to attack us. One could argue that this is truly the case but just as I want to believe that, I so remember the drills in elementary school of getting under the desk in case the communists came and bombed us. Of course, I never did know what a communist was but I was taught to be very afraid of it. Today, we have replaced the communists with other "boogieman" as fear is the weapon of control.



The Media
One of the biggest purveyors of fear is the media. They have this down to a science. The stories are about the most sensationalized events. Often, they talk about the what if scenarios and the calamity that would follow if a fictionalized event unfolded. Day in and day out, the media does this with graphic images that captivate our brain and seize every logical thought we hold. The repetition of these stories of calamity adds to the imprint of fears that we live with in our day. In fact, the fears that are reported begin to feed off of one another until they take on a life of their own. Again, fear is the weapon of control.


The Church
While I realize many people follow the tenants of church, at the heart of religious institutions, fear is used to control the masses. The fear of dying and spending an eternity in a lake of fiery hell is a strong motivation for people to donate to the church, follow without question what they say or hold the church and its leaders up on pedestals. I realize that many people who go to church and attend religious institutions claim to think logically for themselves but in many ways, they are only fooling themselves. If you are an observer, you will see quickly how much fear rules the lives of the church followers. Of course, this does not just stop with the church but it has permeated the new age practices of the day. Fear is the weapon of control in the church.


The Economic Markets
In our day and age where the economy and the markets have taken a beating, we are taught that if we don't do our part and spend our money, the economic conditions of this country will decline. I am still mesmerized by the movie, I Am, where the person was demonstrating how the Stock Markets were created as if they were a human entity. When in fact, we as humans created this system and we control it. Yet, we live in fear of this system as it appears to control each one of us, whether we invest or we don't invest our money. As I go around a city on trash day, or to the thrift stores, or even view the stuff being given away online, I see the evidence of what consumerism does to us as a people. We have so much stuff and we are so attracted to our stuff that we are losing sight of what really matters. The fear of the economy has attacked us and I don't believe it is for the best. Again, fear is the weapon of control to keep us spending more so that the collective "we" don't let the economy crumble!


The Medical Establishment
One of the greatest weapons of fear in the medical establishment is that the medical establishment holds all the answers to our health. What happens when you get a cold or get sick, you run to the medicine cabinet or the pharmacy or health care provider and get something to take, to get rid of what it is that you have. Unfortunately, many things that make us sick are a result of stress, overworking and past traumas that have went unresolved. Yet, we don't stop and take an inventory of our life or see what may be linked to these moments. All we do is run to someone or something to relieve us from what we fear most, our health. Today, there are drugs and procedures and practices for everything that promise to make you better. The sad part is, unless we go in and do what we need to for our body, all the health care practices in the world will not make us well. They will just mask the underlying problem until something else comes along and gets our attention.

I could go on and on about the fears that permeate every part of our society. They are the weapons of control and if we don't begin to become aware of them, they will be our biggest enemies. It does not mean we have to throw everything away that we have come to know and believe in our lives. However, if we do not evolve and grow in awareness of reality, than none of it will matter any longer. If we continue on the path we are on, we will succumb to the fears and it will no longer be just a weapon of control. It will be one and the same.


Further Reading:
1) Fear Not (Blog Post Mar 26, 2011)
2) The Fear Of The Climb (Blog Post Sep 28, 2010)



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Pray Away The STUPID

We pause from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this breaking news update! Please stand by for an important announcement!

And now, an address from our local news pundits of the day all speaking in unison which is a first for our world.

Researchers have just discovered that you can pray away the stupid. Yes, folks, you heard it here first. One individual that was drugged, tortured and manipulated went from being utterly stupid, to intelligent. It was a remarkable achievement and only took 6 months. The researchers are now writing books based upon these findings and treatment centers are expected to crop up in cities and towns all across our news land.

Just think of what that does for our world. No more stupid people! Everyone is intelligent! No longer do we have to operate to accept stupid people as we all know this can be changed. So rush all your stupid friends and family into these clinics so they can be treated and cured! We no longer have to accept that they live a stupid life! It is after all, a choice!


Of course - don't buy into what I just wrote for one minute! It really isn't true that you can pray away the stupid, although I wish it was at times. I know that many out there use this tag-line to talk about praying away the gay. That is as stupid as what I just wrote and even more stupid in my view. (Blog Post June 12, 2011 - Anti Sissy Therapist).

We all spend our time watching and listening to what the various news channels, newspapers, commentators and pundits say. We've all got our attractions to the various points of view and that's where we go for our information. However, if you took the 30 day challenge, I would almost guarantee that life would begin to look different. (Blog Post April 8, 2011 - Clutter In Our Life, 30 Day Challenge) We are so taken in by the glitz of what is on TV, that inherently, our brains shut down. Yes, we can argue the points of the day based upon what the TV pundits we watch are talking about but does that really make us intelligent?

There is so much more to us as humans. We truly can evolve and become more aware of who we are and the role we are to play in helping advance the universe as a whole. However, we aren't going to find that listening to the current pundits of the day. In many ways, we have almost made the TV and the news that it purports to display, out to be the God we pray to. It has been a subtle shift over the years and the only fix is to take 30 days and stop watching the news on TV. Your life will be forever changed (in a good way).

We apologize for this interruption to your life and now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Please come back at 11 for the important news of the day.


Further Reading:
1) Anti Sissy Therapist (Blog Post June 12, 2011)
2) Clutter In Our Life, Part 1 (Blog Post March 29. 2011)
3) 30 Day Challenge (Blog Post April 8, 2011)


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Evolved Beliefs

When our beliefs become how we see the world, it is time to question these beliefs. While many in our country and throughout our world give lip service to this concept, many fall short.

Growing up, I remember being taught many beliefs by my family, the church and society. Many of those beliefs no longer serve me in my life because as I have grown and evolved.

Here are a few examples of the beliefs I grew up with which were challenged in a very difficult way.

1) The family that fights together does so because they love one another.
2) Boys that cry or are sensitive need to grow up and be a man.
3) Give 80% in marriage and expect only 20% in return if that much.
4) Daddy does these things to you because God tells him to.
5) Do what your father tells you to do without question.
6) You just have to suck it up and move on - feelings are for wimps.
7) Don't do as I do, do as I tell you to do.
8) Dancing and drinking are sinful (except when we do it in private).
9) Family secrets are best left in the closet.

This list could be endless for me. These beliefs were ones that we were taught that you neither questioned, nor disobeyed. Disobeying meant you were not only disrespecting your father but you were turning your back on God. Turning your back on God, meant you would suffer throughout life and end up in the fiery place called hell.

As I have grown in life, it has taken me some very difficult moments to learn that most of these things were rules and beliefs dreamed up by some adult to fit me into the mold they wanted me to be. It had nothing to do with how I would discover who I was as a person. It was more about control, manipulation and adherence to a set of derived vantage points.

We've all got our beliefs and teachings we grew up with. While some of these may serve us well in our life, we need to be careful. If our beliefs control us, than we not evolving in life. We did not come to this world to leave without becoming more evolved and aware. Unfortunately, far too many in this world do just that.


Further Reading:
1) Beliefs Often Are Regurgitated Rhetoric
2) Truth That Is Now Foolish
3) What Do You Believe?




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Reason For Challenges

The reason for challenges is to help us grow and evolve.

Sometimes the statement above is a very difficult thing to hear especially when you're in the midst of challenges. After you've been beaten and bruised to the bone, it is almost difficult to think of something good coming out of the challenges. Yet, we all know that this is true.

If you're not following me, then think back to the times you've gone through some of the most difficult times of your life. Picture all that it was about and focus on how at the time you thought there was no end in sight. You didn't think you were going to make it.

Now contrast that to this day (hopefully there is a difference to where you are now). Take note of how things appear now as you look back at the situation compared to how they were when you were going through it. You made it through that time, didn't you?

Our human nature and courage is very strong and no matter what, we find a way through things. Yes, there are stories of people giving up but humans have a way of finding the path forward for the most part.

So, if you're in one of those moments where things look dark, just compare and contrast. Know that this too shall pass if you just keep trying to put one foot in front of the other. Don't give up on your courage or your hope that things will improve.



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Two Frogs and Perception

A number of frogs were traveling through the woods. Two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.


When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

Sometimes it is all in our perception of how we see the world and those people around us. What one sees and hears is often different than what others see and hear. Let us be mindful of our perception and evolve our awareness to perceive more than we already do in life.

By: Author Unknown



Blog Post & Images (c) 3/31/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
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Are We Human?

These days, I feel tired and worn out with what goes on in the world around me. I see a bunch of greedy people all out for themselves hoping to either score "goodies", "lawsuit wins", "rewards" or "more control". It feels like no one is really even thinking about what lies ahead or what our actions will bring about tomorrow. In case you misunderstand me, this post is not about politics. It is much greater than that.

Most people don't even bother to ponder what life is about or why they are here. Some go to church once a Sunday and then exclaim they have the answer. Others, feel like they should deviate from the church and religion, only to bundle spirituality up into something that resembles that which they long to flee. You've got others that chase every ounce of snake oil offered up in philosophies, facebook forwarded messages and tabloid magazines. Yet, there are people who chase the corporate dream, hoping to save enough money for later years that they can enjoy if a heart attack or some other disease doesn't take them out first.

At the end of the day, we as humans spend very little time on what truly matters in life. We walk around with our heads in the clouds, acting as if we have the answers. We forget that life is more than just having the answers. Life is about searching, evolving and discovering all there is to know.

We can listen all day long to the speakers of our time and our location but if we fail to listen to what is within, what have we profited. We end up with a head full of regurgitated facts and a body so out of touch, that life is forever altered. The messages we seek are there within us, but yet we look to so many others, so many systems and so many ways of thought to find them.

I hope that we will begin to wake up as a human species and really and truly begin to understand that there is so much more out there. We are not the sum total of all that we can be. In fact, in many ways, we have only begun on our journey of discovery. My hope is that we as a human species will learn to harness the power of fear so that it will transform us into a more evolved human.

We should never settle for what we know today or what we think today is all about. For tomorrow may not come as we think it will. Life can change in the blink of an eye and the more we understand our purpose, our role and the process, the more we truly will become human.


Blog Post & Images (c) 4/9/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
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Medication Side Effects, Part 5

This is a continuation from part 4 of the Medication Side Effects series. It is the final part in this series. Please read part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4 before reading this part so this particular blog entry will make sense. Again, this is for information purposes and is not meant to be considered as medical advice. Please read the disclaimer below for more details.

While I realize I am not a medical professional and that I don't know all there is to know about health and medications, the one thing I do know is that when you look at all the drug advertisements on TV, the list of side effects is frightening.

According to KaiserEDU.org, health care costs rose 2.3 trillion dollars in 2008 from 714 billion dollars in 1990. This equates to about $7,681 per resident and about 16.2% of the nations GDP. It is among the highest of all industrialized nations. Those numbers are so staggering that one can hardly put them in perspective.

Yet, as we have spent great amounts of money to heal us and make us well in this country, we are still not healthier than we were back in 1990. We have continued down the same track and I would suggest that we have done this in a blind fashion.

You see, when we fail to take care of ourselves and heal our life from the inside out (the mind body connection), we then end up running to the doctor and hospital for tests to determine which type of medication we should be taking. Yet, in our quest to be "healed" and to "get better", we fail to see just how harmful the side effects of these medications are to our bodies.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers want you to keep coming back and they want you addicted to their drugs. For if you don't, than where will their profits come from for their shareholders and where will increased earnings come from for the stocks? When over 16% of our GDP is spent on health care, something is completely wrong with the picture.

I offer that we cannot continue down this path. There is going to be a point of no return for our civilization and our bodies. When you take some medicine to alter the function of one part of your body (get rid of the symptoms you are experiencing), you impact other body systems. The impact may go unnoticed for some time but eventually it will catch up with you.

We can continue to go down the path we are on or we can begin to wake up and question what it is we are doing in our life and to our bodies. Accepting the status quo or going along with what the establishment tells you to think is no longer good enough. It does not support optimal health. Of course, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know deep down inside but of course when fear gets ahold of you, these words become nothing more than garbled noise.

My hope through this series of blog posts is that it will being to wake you up to medications and how we treat our bodies. I'm not asking you to immediately stop taking any medication you are taking. That is not my intent. My purpose is to get you to look at this and begin using your conscious brain to make the best choices possible for your life.

Within humans, we do have the genetic code to produce healthy cells but every time we douse them in poor nutrition, habits, exercise and health care, we are altering how our cells function. We can continue to spend trillions each year on the latest health care fad or we can begin to change who we are and evolve our awareness. This is up to each one of us to discover but if we sit there on our butts, we'll be like a long lost voyager lost at sea.



Here are the links to each of the parts of the series on Medication Side Effects.
Part 1 (Posted 4/22/11)
Part 2 (Posted 4/23/11)
Part 3 (Posted 4/24/11)
Part 4 (Posted 4/25/11)
Part 5 (Posted 4/26/11)



Further Information:
1) Drugs.com
2) Forbes.com - The Most Popular Prescription Drugs
3) High Pulse Rate and Heart Disease
4) KaiserEDU.org - US Health Care Costs



Disclaimer:
This blog post series is not meant as medical advice nor is it meant for you to stop taking medications prescribed by your doctor. You should always make those decisions with a qualified medical doctor. I am merely pointing out information my own study of a different way to view the body. Remember, the more you understand about how your body works, the more impact you can have upon your life. Just to make this crystal clear, consult your medical professional before making any changes with your medications and health. This is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.



Blog Post & Images (c) 4/7/11 Don Shetterly - use by permission only
http://www.donshetterly.com