ok..Herb Benson, M.D., is cute, funny and passionate about his work...of this there is no doubt.
We spent the morning looking at, learning about and practicing the elicitation of the "relaxation response.
This response dates back and is included in every spiritual tradition.
1. A focus and repetition of one single activity.
2. The passive return to the repetition when other thoughts intrude
The goal is the interruption of our usual automatic thinking.
The rest of the day was spent learning about the physiology, on a molecular level, how stress impacts the body and mind.
While I don't feel I have yet to learn anything new, I am glad that this program exists and M.D.'s are learning to understand and appreciate the connection.
The docs that I have spoken with are frustrated by the system they work in and it's often inability to help patients get better.
In mind/body medicine, the role of patient is redefined. No longer is the helping professional doing something to the patient. The patient must pick up the mantel of taking on the role of active collaborator.
Stay tuned to part 2
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