1. I went to the animal hospital to pick up our dogs after they have been boarded for a weekend. They were so excited to see me (at least I assume) that they started to shake out of anticipation. These dogs are old and fat, but that didn't stop them from (attempting) to leap at my face. One of them (the older, fatter one), started to gyrate like furby while making these cute little squealing sounds. Its a pretty neat feeling to have such wonderfully cute creatures so excited to see your face!
2. Went to visit family members in Dana Point today, and they live right next to the beach. It was one of those clear, sunny days where you could see a dolphin. I didn't see the dolphin, but it was the fact that I could have that made it magical.
3. Playing chess with my co-resident. He says, "come, on! Go already, this isn't a thinking game!"
4. I got to meet my sister's little puppy, "Schmidt", for the first time today! He is adorable and cuddly, and he nips at your hands (because he is teething), and he smells like pretzels. My sister is somewhat abusive with him (she taps him on the nose when he nips), so I spent alot of the day chastising her. However it was somewhat "reassuring" to see that she doesn't reserve her abuse for me alone.
5. Today's morning passage was Phillippians 4:6-7:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
'Nough said!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
5 steps in Christ-centered Emotion Focused Therapy
Today I got the chance to attend a lecture on "Christ-centered Emotion Focused Therapy". Here are 5 steps that summarize the process of involving Christ into our corrective emotional experience. Pretty simple, but powerful if actually done with God at the center.
1. Feel the feeling before God.
"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
2. Express the feeling to God.
"Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord" -Lamentations 2:19
3. Surrender the feeling to God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Transform the emotion in Christ.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." -2 Corinthians 3:18
5. Share the work that God does in you with others.
"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." -Hebrews 13:16
1. Feel the feeling before God.
"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
2. Express the feeling to God.
"Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord" -Lamentations 2:19
3. Surrender the feeling to God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Transform the emotion in Christ.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." -2 Corinthians 3:18
5. Share the work that God does in you with others.
"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." -Hebrews 13:16
Monday, December 2, 2013
5 exercises to practice mindfulness
1. Take just 2 "mindful" bites of food. For each meal of snack, try just paying attention to the subtle textures, tastes, appearances, and smells of the first 2 bites of food. The idea is to just be present for the sensory experience.
2. Pay attention to the feeling of air on your skin. Try this exercise for just 30 seconds. It is useful to not be covered in a sweater and to have some skin exposed. The idea is to focus on the "experience" as to being in "judging" mode, which is often our default. I know it kind of sounds silly, but its kind of weird to pay attention to a sensation that is always available to us.
3. Pay attention to just one breath feels like. No need to take a yoga or tai chi pose, but just take a moment to feel the sensation of a breath flowing into and out of your body. Notice where the sensation of the breath seems to be the most noticeable (nostrils, rib cage, belly, etc.)
4. Scan your body. Another one that feels kind of foreign, but try scanning your body from the top to toe for any sensations of discomfort or tension. Pay attention to the position of your various body parts and the feeling of them in space. Attempt to soften the sensations of discomfort.
5. Do one action mindfully. Pick some action that you tend to do daily without thinking (brushing your teeth, taking a shower) and try to participate in that activity mindfully. Using all 5 senses try to make as many observations that you can during this routine activity of what that experience is really like.
2. Pay attention to the feeling of air on your skin. Try this exercise for just 30 seconds. It is useful to not be covered in a sweater and to have some skin exposed. The idea is to focus on the "experience" as to being in "judging" mode, which is often our default. I know it kind of sounds silly, but its kind of weird to pay attention to a sensation that is always available to us.
3. Pay attention to just one breath feels like. No need to take a yoga or tai chi pose, but just take a moment to feel the sensation of a breath flowing into and out of your body. Notice where the sensation of the breath seems to be the most noticeable (nostrils, rib cage, belly, etc.)
4. Scan your body. Another one that feels kind of foreign, but try scanning your body from the top to toe for any sensations of discomfort or tension. Pay attention to the position of your various body parts and the feeling of them in space. Attempt to soften the sensations of discomfort.
5. Do one action mindfully. Pick some action that you tend to do daily without thinking (brushing your teeth, taking a shower) and try to participate in that activity mindfully. Using all 5 senses try to make as many observations that you can during this routine activity of what that experience is really like.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
5 contrasts between healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships
1. Sacrifice vs. Demand for Sacrifice - I think it is pretty natural to find ourselves demanding sacrifices from our partner over sacrifices ourselves. It is easy to love the other when things are easy or self serving but it is another thing to surrender your preference or privilege. I believe nothing strengthens a relationship more than well intentioned sacrifice.
" Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." -Ephesians 5:1-2
2. Forgiveness vs. Resentment - I remember learning that forgiving is a gift to yourself. I feel like in order for a relationship to flourish it requires that we have to be willing to forgive past hurts and disappointments. Carrying around those past hurts is toxic to a relationship.
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." -Matthew 6:14
3. Security vs. Fear - Some relationships are based on using the partner to satisfy their security. I think healthy relationships shift to trying to meet the security need of their partner. When you are secure in yourself than you are able to focus on meeting the needs of your partner and not our own.
" There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" -1 John 4:18
4. Vulnerability vs. Defensiveness - Just watch this:
http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html
5. Honesty vs. Deception - There is simply no substitute for good old fashioned honesty and transparency. It is hard and scary as all get out at times, but so crucial to a thriving relationship. Keeping this in darkness fosters things like additions.
" Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." -Ephesians 5:1-2
2. Forgiveness vs. Resentment - I remember learning that forgiving is a gift to yourself. I feel like in order for a relationship to flourish it requires that we have to be willing to forgive past hurts and disappointments. Carrying around those past hurts is toxic to a relationship.
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." -Matthew 6:14
3. Security vs. Fear - Some relationships are based on using the partner to satisfy their security. I think healthy relationships shift to trying to meet the security need of their partner. When you are secure in yourself than you are able to focus on meeting the needs of your partner and not our own.
" There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" -1 John 4:18
4. Vulnerability vs. Defensiveness - Just watch this:
http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html
5. Honesty vs. Deception - There is simply no substitute for good old fashioned honesty and transparency. It is hard and scary as all get out at times, but so crucial to a thriving relationship. Keeping this in darkness fosters things like additions.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The 5 parts to Pope Francis' five finger prayer.
1. The THUMB is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a "sweet obligation."
2. The next finger is the INDEX. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others.
3. The following finger is the MIDDLE finger, which is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors, and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is the RING finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick, or those plagued by problems.
5. And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your PINKIE should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective.
2. The next finger is the INDEX. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others.
3. The following finger is the MIDDLE finger, which is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors, and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is the RING finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick, or those plagued by problems.
5. And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your PINKIE should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Top 5 Regrets of the dying
I watched a TED talk that brought up this incredible article from the Huffington Post written by a palliative care worker. She shared a list of the most common regrets she heard from people that were dying. I found them very moving, so I would like to share them here:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
5 mind blowing octupuses (it turns out octopi is actually incorrect!)
1. All species are venomous, but the blue-ringed octopus is the only one dangerous to humans, responsible for at least two deaths!
2. Octopuses are about 90% muscle!
3. Because they don't have bones, even large octopuses can fit through an opening the size of a quarter.
4. An octopus has 3 hearts.
5. Octopuses inject their prey with venom using a beak similar to a bird's made from the same tough material as a lobster shell.
2. Octopuses are about 90% muscle!
4. An octopus has 3 hearts.
5. Octopuses inject their prey with venom using a beak similar to a bird's made from the same tough material as a lobster shell.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
5 bits of wisdom from Cookie Monster
1. "Sometimes me think, 'What is friend?' and then me say, 'friend is someone to share the last cookie with." -Cookie Monster
2. "Today me will live in the moment unless it's unpleasant in which case me will eat a cookie." -Cookie Monster
3. "C is for cookie, and cookie is for me, C is for cookie, and cookie is for me." -Cookie Monster
4. Gordon: "Cookie, haven't you had enough?"
Cookie Monster: "But Gordon, me growing monster!"
5. "Um-num-num-num-num!"
2. "Today me will live in the moment unless it's unpleasant in which case me will eat a cookie." -Cookie Monster
3. "C is for cookie, and cookie is for me, C is for cookie, and cookie is for me." -Cookie Monster
4. Gordon: "Cookie, haven't you had enough?"
Cookie Monster: "But Gordon, me growing monster!"
5. "Um-num-num-num-num!"
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
5 strange facts I learned today
1. Dr. Seuss wrote an adult book with nude illustrations.
2. In Japan they have glowing firefly squids that glow as they are pushed to the shore's edge.
3. Scientists have created blue strawberries that can withstand freezing temperatures.
4. Bruce Lee could throw grains of rice in the air and then catch them in mid-flight using chopsticks.
5. This is a real creature. It is called a "Mary River Turtle". Not surprisingly it is endangered.
2. In Japan they have glowing firefly squids that glow as they are pushed to the shore's edge.
3. Scientists have created blue strawberries that can withstand freezing temperatures.
4. Bruce Lee could throw grains of rice in the air and then catch them in mid-flight using chopsticks.
5. This is a real creature. It is called a "Mary River Turtle". Not surprisingly it is endangered.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
5 things that are awesome about the mantis shrimp
INTRODUCING THE INCREDIBLE MANTIS SHRIMP!!!!
Here are 5 reasons why you should adopt this gangsta as your new favorite animal:
1. We have the ability to see colors from cells in the retina of our eye called cones. As humans we see all of our colors from 3 types of these color sensing cells (cones). As a result all of the colors we see derive from either red, green, or blue. The mantis shrimp as 16(!!!!) types of color sensing cells (cones). There is no other animal that has this ability! (The only one that comes close is the butterfly that has 5 types of cones). They see color in an unimaginable way, which is probably why they are so beautiful to look at!
2. The manits shrimp is one of the most creatively violent animals on earth. It has two appendages on the front of its body that they can accelerate with the same velocity as a gunshot from a twenty-two caliber rifle. In less then 3/1,000ths of a second it can strike prey with 1,500 Newtons of force.
3. Their limbs move so quickly the water around them bils, a process known as supercavitation. When these cavitation bubbles collapse it produces an undersea shockwave that can kill prey even if the mantis shrimp misses its target.
4. The force of these collapsing bubbles also produces temperatures in the range of several thousand Kelvis and emits tiny bursts of light. This effect is called sonoluminescnence.
5. Aquariums don't typically house mantis shrimps because they tend to slaughter ever other creature they share a tank with. And they can also break aquarium glass!
Monday, July 8, 2013
5 things I love about traveling with my wife.
1. My wife is the kind of tourist that blatantly love to do touristy things, and is blatantly embarrassing about it. Prime example: while in line to enter the Notre Dame in Paris she loudly shouted to anyone who would tolerate it (in English mind you), "IS THIS THE LINE FOR THE HUNCHBACK?!?!" If she wasn't cute (i.e. if she looked like me) she would have definitely been punched squarely in the nose by an angry Parisian.
2. She loves to speak in English that has been accentified by the native language. For example, the entire time we were in Paris she spoke Frenchified English. To French people. They were surprisingly amused.
3. When we travel we eat a minimum of 8 meals a day. Sometimes walking out of one restaurant into another. As if there is invisible hot lava in all places where there isn't food.
4. She enjoys museums and cultural stuff, but she only has tolerance for about 1 hour of it at a time. Which is awesome, because it turns out that is about as long as I can learn without feeling like the world is ending. Especially since that is an hour when we aren't eating. This hour is learning is usually consolidated by a very serious nap.
5. She is my wife and she is super cute and awesome, and traveling is an excuse to spend quality time with her.
2. She loves to speak in English that has been accentified by the native language. For example, the entire time we were in Paris she spoke Frenchified English. To French people. They were surprisingly amused.
3. When we travel we eat a minimum of 8 meals a day. Sometimes walking out of one restaurant into another. As if there is invisible hot lava in all places where there isn't food.
4. She enjoys museums and cultural stuff, but she only has tolerance for about 1 hour of it at a time. Which is awesome, because it turns out that is about as long as I can learn without feeling like the world is ending. Especially since that is an hour when we aren't eating. This hour is learning is usually consolidated by a very serious nap.
5. She is my wife and she is super cute and awesome, and traveling is an excuse to spend quality time with her.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
5 quotes from a psych ward
1. "Nicotine makes my ovaries hurt."
2. Resident: "How did you sleep last night? Did that new medicine help?"
Patient: "Terrible...because you wasn't with me!"
3. "If Kobe Bryant lives inside of me, does he have to take medicines too?"
4. Student: "Can you tell me what floor we are on?:
Patient: "I was on the 2nd floor but that could have changed depending on the space-time continuum..."
5. "It takes a village to raise a village idiot."
2. Resident: "How did you sleep last night? Did that new medicine help?"
Patient: "Terrible...because you wasn't with me!"
3. "If Kobe Bryant lives inside of me, does he have to take medicines too?"
4. Student: "Can you tell me what floor we are on?:
Patient: "I was on the 2nd floor but that could have changed depending on the space-time continuum..."
5. "It takes a village to raise a village idiot."
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
5 different kinds of farts (part 1)
This is an area in which I am a qualified expert. This is serious. So serious that it will come in multiple installments.
1. The Silent but Deadly (SBD) - This is the kind of fart that escapes inaudibly but is has the potency in smell and density to make an entire room collapse. They can smell like anything, the only thing that is consistent about these buggers is that they are strong, very strong.
2. The Growling Fart - These farts kind of sound like my dog when someone trys to brush his teeth (and by someone I mean my wife). They orignate deep in the dark places of the bowels and have the same pitch as Mufasa from the Lion King when he speaks from the sky. Other than sounding like an earthquake coming out of your butt they usually are quiet tolerable from the nasal stand point.
3. The Anal Control Fart - Sometimes life puts you in "serious" situations, like fancy restaurants, or business meetings, or funerals. Times when it feels socially inexcusable to release gas (which is perfectly natural). So you clench your buttocks and nearly cause a heart attack in an effort to let the pressure subside and hope for the best.
4. The Gambled 'n' Lost (GNL) Fart - Sometimes you take a gamble and hope to all that is good that its going to be a fart. You feel for a fart bubble and you take a risk. You stay where you are, but then you realize that this is going to be a tragic occasion and that this is much more than a fart....
5. The Squeaky Fart - Sounds like a pig being tickled by a feather. Normally smells foul.
1. The Silent but Deadly (SBD) - This is the kind of fart that escapes inaudibly but is has the potency in smell and density to make an entire room collapse. They can smell like anything, the only thing that is consistent about these buggers is that they are strong, very strong.
2. The Growling Fart - These farts kind of sound like my dog when someone trys to brush his teeth (and by someone I mean my wife). They orignate deep in the dark places of the bowels and have the same pitch as Mufasa from the Lion King when he speaks from the sky. Other than sounding like an earthquake coming out of your butt they usually are quiet tolerable from the nasal stand point.
3. The Anal Control Fart - Sometimes life puts you in "serious" situations, like fancy restaurants, or business meetings, or funerals. Times when it feels socially inexcusable to release gas (which is perfectly natural). So you clench your buttocks and nearly cause a heart attack in an effort to let the pressure subside and hope for the best.
4. The Gambled 'n' Lost (GNL) Fart - Sometimes you take a gamble and hope to all that is good that its going to be a fart. You feel for a fart bubble and you take a risk. You stay where you are, but then you realize that this is going to be a tragic occasion and that this is much more than a fart....
5. The Squeaky Fart - Sounds like a pig being tickled by a feather. Normally smells foul.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
5 animals that I think are ugly cute
When people think of cute animals they usually think of puppies or kittens in tea-cups. In fact, if you don't believe me, visit www.cuteoverload.com and just look and see what percentage of the cuteness on display is made of baby domesticated furballs. I would like to share with you animals that aren't quite as well known that have that special "ugly-cute" quality. Its the kind of cute that makes you pity the creature. My sister would call these animals "frumpy".
1. Sloths - This sloth's looks like he is head of the rasta movement. He has some of the most beautiful dreadlocks. And forgive me for anthropomorphizing, but that expression is fabulous! Maybe its the first time he has come into contact with a mirror.
2. Pangolins - I did not photoshop this picture, this is a real animal. Yes, God did indeed create this little guy! He is like a little walking artichoke. These guys can role up into adorable little spiky balls when threatened.
3. Marmosets - Please watch this video it will change your life....and your perspective on Motown.
4. Tapirs - These cutie pies have such squeedorable snouts! And I love the baby's cute little speckled butt! Swoon!
5. Hedgehogs - I realize that hedgehogs have spines and stuff, but doesn't this little ball of cute just look so edible! But I think I would still choose the chocolate covered caramel over spiky delight any day.
1. Sloths - This sloth's looks like he is head of the rasta movement. He has some of the most beautiful dreadlocks. And forgive me for anthropomorphizing, but that expression is fabulous! Maybe its the first time he has come into contact with a mirror.
2. Pangolins - I did not photoshop this picture, this is a real animal. Yes, God did indeed create this little guy! He is like a little walking artichoke. These guys can role up into adorable little spiky balls when threatened.
4. Tapirs - These cutie pies have such squeedorable snouts! And I love the baby's cute little speckled butt! Swoon!
5. Hedgehogs - I realize that hedgehogs have spines and stuff, but doesn't this little ball of cute just look so edible! But I think I would still choose the chocolate covered caramel over spiky delight any day.
Monday, March 4, 2013
5 things I appreciate about my friends.
1. I appreciate when I get the chance to witness my friends' creative genius. I find nothing cooler than watching a friend tear up a guitar or nimbly crochet an intricate blanket. I have found over and over that my friends can surprise me real good with the creative stuff that they have hidden up their sleeve! So if you are a friend and you are reading this, I would LOVE to watch you play the sport you love to play, or the look at the art work that you are like to draw, or the rap song you like to...well...rap. Sometime I feel like people don't feel like its cool to share with others the things that you like to do. Like its showing off, or its nerdy or something. I don't care! Share with me, I think its really beautiful to share with people, especially people you love, the super cool talents God has given you!
2. I appreciate good solid hugs. I have alot to say about hugs, so I will save it for another post. But a good hug is a warm pocket of safety where you can just forget about what is cool or kosher and just express "I love you" without having to say a darn word. I LOVE them.
3. I appreciate good hearty laughter. Some of you guys have the best laughs. I remember one time being with a group of friends who decided to start laughing for no good reason. We were guffawing for a good 5 minutes straight, to the point where I was expecting my six pack to become an eight pack. And it was crazy, we couldn't stop laughing, even though we were only laughing because everyone else is laughing. Laughing is wonderfully contagious. And it is wonderfully mood altering. A good and sincere laugh is surprisingly healing. Forgive me for sounding Patch Adamsy, but you tell me if you havent found someone bringing a sense of humor to a difficult situation helpful (when done gracefully).
4. I appreciate when they share some awesome insight. As I continue studying the field of psychiatry, I become painfully aware of my limitation of my own perspective. Friends who know you, have the valuable advantage of being able to shed light on your character and how you affect the outside work.
5. I appreciate when they encourage and push me to be a better person. Just today I got a fabulous text from a friend who reminded me to blog, and that she was expecting me to blog. I feel like so much of the growth I have made in my life thus far has come from friends pushing my fat butt up a hill I am too lazy or stupid to climb on my own.
So in short. Thank you to all of you for the gift of friendship! No really, thank you!
2. I appreciate good solid hugs. I have alot to say about hugs, so I will save it for another post. But a good hug is a warm pocket of safety where you can just forget about what is cool or kosher and just express "I love you" without having to say a darn word. I LOVE them.
3. I appreciate good hearty laughter. Some of you guys have the best laughs. I remember one time being with a group of friends who decided to start laughing for no good reason. We were guffawing for a good 5 minutes straight, to the point where I was expecting my six pack to become an eight pack. And it was crazy, we couldn't stop laughing, even though we were only laughing because everyone else is laughing. Laughing is wonderfully contagious. And it is wonderfully mood altering. A good and sincere laugh is surprisingly healing. Forgive me for sounding Patch Adamsy, but you tell me if you havent found someone bringing a sense of humor to a difficult situation helpful (when done gracefully).
4. I appreciate when they share some awesome insight. As I continue studying the field of psychiatry, I become painfully aware of my limitation of my own perspective. Friends who know you, have the valuable advantage of being able to shed light on your character and how you affect the outside work.
5. I appreciate when they encourage and push me to be a better person. Just today I got a fabulous text from a friend who reminded me to blog, and that she was expecting me to blog. I feel like so much of the growth I have made in my life thus far has come from friends pushing my fat butt up a hill I am too lazy or stupid to climb on my own.
So in short. Thank you to all of you for the gift of friendship! No really, thank you!
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