Have you ever wondered what happens to our body and spirit when we are angry all the time? We become addicted to the anger, and the addiction cries to be fed. The media know this and profit from it. Recently NPR pointed out what a problem this has become. They also noted that in the media anger sells, and it sells big. So, who actually profits from this? Why, it is the radio and TV personalities who specialize in keeping the anger pot well stirred.

We all have run across them, and we know that they have discovered a faithfully addicted audience who keep coming back to feed the habit. Even more to the point, the faithful keep the ratings high, the show on the air, and their own pockets well lined. The downside of raging against people and politics simply reinforces a stance of helplessness that is only alleviated by the expression of more anger. This creates a feedback loop with no end. The upside is feeling good while venting. It is no wonder that some even try to push the cycle of rage even further by seeking to harm the object(s) of their dissatisfaction.

As a society we need to understand how debilitating this cycle really is. It never allows opportunity for constructive change because it stays caught in a repetitive emotional loop. For anyone caught in this loop, moving out of it can mean breaking their very real addiction to anger, and we all know how difficult it is to end any addiction. If we become aware that it is an addictive cycle beforehand we are in a better position to make change. The fact that listening to and becoming deeply involved with anger-driven talking heads may take years off our life is good motivation to break such a cycle. The body just can’t thrive on addictive anger. Ultimately it starts to break down.

The past few months have shaken us all as we watch so many of the institutions that we believe to be solid and indestructible crumble and fail. Along with banks and financial institutions our homes and jobs are in jeopardy. Our belief in what is safe and solid has come under fire. Friends and acquaintances are sharing stories of layoffs and personal hardship, and most of all, sharing their fear for the future. Observing this meltdown process raises an important question. What will be left when it ends, and what internal resources do I need to draw upon to cope with all this disarray?

It may be that our most important resources are not external, but are the internal ones. At such times we find our inner strengths and self-discipline to be most important. These are the qualities that we usually think of as ‘integrity ‘and ‘character.’ We need these to surface and come into play. Resiliency, resourcefulness, and our relationships all contribute to hope. They are important elements of our internal arsenal. Our beliefs and our values strengthen our ability to determine what really matters and what gives life meaning. Yes, it is the internal resources that really count in uncertain times.

If we take the long view, it could even be said that we need such opportunities to uncover and utilize these internal resources. Our understanding of real meaning in life does not always come from the good times. Neither is it destroyed by changing external circumstances in bad times. Meaning endures, and more importantly it has the ability to help us move to an internal space where we are more resilient and hopeful as we embrace the unknown future.

Snow is plastered to the side of the tree as bare braches move slowly in the wind. The snow is falling again, maybe for the last time, maybe not. It is still winter, but if you look closely you can see the buds. The wise old tree is getting ready for another season. I watch from the window as the buds turn red, fatten, and grow. It seems to me that the tree is a more reliable barometer of change than calendar or clock. It has an unerring sense of time measured in light and subtle shifts of earth. It understands nature’s way, not mine. Perhaps that is why I trust it so.

The tree is in tune with the long strides of life. It is a follower of cycles, not daily events. If I were to measure my living in such a manner I would know the strength of my roots and feel the width of my reach. I would understand beyond any doubt that I, too, am reaching for the Light. Knowing this, I would grow toward Source trusting fully that I would be sustained.

I try to remember this wisdom in my busy day. I try to keep this knowledge rooted in the back of my mind as I hurry from one task to another. I try to acknowledge that all I need to do is to reach toward the Light and trust that I will be sustained. I try, and I forget. I remember, and then try again. However, I do know that when I return to the window the tree will be there, and it will be holding the ancient wisdom. The tree will remind me, and I will again remember to grow toward the Light.

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009

Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Location: Rothman Institute, Fairleigh Dickinson University. Madison, NJ

Workshop led by Dr. Jeanne Weikert, Founder of New Life Institute

In this workshop, “From Anxiety to Trust”, Dr. Weikert and the New Life Institute staff will help you to:

* Understand the emotional impact of anxiety
* Experience the way emotions impact your thinking and decisions
* Redefine your power to take constructive action
* Explore your power to define what is most meaningful to you

Why Should I Attend?

At the New Life Institute, we understand that many of us would like
a more satisfying life. That’s why we have carefully designed
workshops that will help you to become happier, more effective and
more fulfilled.

These workshops are ideally suited for –

* Anyone seeking new possibilities for themselves
* People who are in transition, changing careers, or retiring
* People who are feeling a bit “stuck” or overwhelmed
* Anyone who wants to be more effective or happier,

How to Register

Workshop fee is $295. Lunch and workshop materials are included.
Bring a friend and your friend comes for FREE.

Please call 212-202-3259 to register. Seating is limited so
please make your reservations soon. A map will be mailed
or emailed to you upon registration.

The times are changing, and all of this is taking place far more quickly than any of us could have predicted or even imagined. We cannot fully understand what the far-reaching implications of the economic downturn may be for any of us. As adults in midlife, many of us wonder what change may be in store for our children, and how well prepared they are for the future. Not knowing what the future holds, how does any adult prepare a child for the possibility of a changed economic reality? What lessons do they need to learn to survive and thrive in a world that may be different from the one they are accustomed to?

We can never prepare our children for all that they may face in life, but we can attempt to instill values that will help them cope. History is a good teacher when it comes to this, and we only have to look as far as the Great Depression for a lesson or two. Many of us remember hearing stories from parents and grand parents about these times. People struggled to put food on the table. Work was scarce. Families pulled and worked together, and they managed because they helped each other. There was more emphasis on the multi-generational family rather than the isolated nuclear family. There was value put on saving in order to be ready for uncertain times. There was also emphasis on simple and inexpensive forms of pleasure in contrast to the affluence of our lifestyle today.

A great many children of our time have been raised with expensive tastes and habits that their families have encouraged and supported. If the times really are changing, we may be faced with the possibility that these tastes and habits will have to change as well. One of the most effective ways of dealing with this is to prepare children by emphasizing values that will help them in any economic reality. These are values of flexibility, moderation, and patience. We can encourage long-range goals and help children to learn the discipline necessary to work toward them. Developing self-discipline, thrift, and balance in behavior is a learned art. Not feeling entitled to instant gratification is also a learned art. Holding values that encourage service and the community good are also learned. These are gifts of preparation for life in any economic reality. Children are like sponges, soaking up the lessons that they are given about life. Our children are our future, and they deserve the very best preparation that we can possibly give to them so that they may thrive in changing economic times.