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The month of April is a time of spring, regeneration and renewal. It is also the time of meaningful holidays of Easter and Passover, celebrating the rebirth, freedom and liberation that can arise out of pain and suffering.
The journey of healing and awakening calls us to consciously face our difficulties and choose courses of action, and inner processes, that can be painful and cause further suffering. Although this seems counterintuitive, this sort of suffering is actually productive and can bring us the rebirth, freedom and liberation that we seek.
I am reminded of the saying by Buddist monk, Ajahn Chah:
"There are two kinds of suffering: the suffering which leads to more suffering, and the suffering which leads to the end of suffering. The first is the pain of grasping after fleeting pleasures and aversion for the unpleasant, the continued struggle of most people day after day. The second is the suffering which comes when you allow yourself to feel fully the constant change of experience - pleasure, pain, joy, and anger - without fear or withdrawal. The suffering of our experience leads to inner fearlessness and peace."
Stated simply: although removing a splinter might be a painful process, this short term pain leads to the end of suffering. If, however, we avoid the pain that comes with removing the splinter and leave it in, it is still painful in the short term, but also leads to more, ongoing pain and suffering.
The good news is that we do have a choice about which path to take, and there are resources of mind and heart that can be cultivated and developed that lead us through the healing journey to freedom and awakening. Making this choice requires courage and awareness. The rewards are there for us, if we are willing to step into the process with compassion and love.
From my perspective, the quote attributed to Christ on the cross, "Forgive them Father, they know not what they do. Thy will be done," is a teaching for us on our ability to choose our response to live. We are encouraged to practice love, compassion and forgiveness, drawing upon wisdom, as a way to be with and face suffering. Similarly, the choice of the Israelites to follow Moses, and wander in the desert to the promised land, is choosing to go from slavery to freedom, no matter what one may face along the way, knowing that some of it will indeed be painful and frightening. This is what Alice Miller refers to as the "liberating experience of facing painful truth." The way out of pain and suffering is to face it directly and choose to go through it wisely and compassionately.
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Therapeutically the practices of mindfulness and compassion give us the resources we need to accomplish this. They empower us to choose to face our difficulties, support our healing process and free ourselves from suffering, no matter what the challenge.
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As you move into this powerful season of transformation, I will leave you with the
the words of Al Jolson, from his song, April Showers
April Showers
Life is not a highway strewn with flowers,
Still it holds a goodly share of bliss,
When the sun gives way to April showers,
Here's a thought that we should never miss:
Though April showers
May come your way,
They bring the flowers
That bloom in May;
And if it's raining,
Have no regrets;
Because, it isn't raining rain, you know,
It's raining violets.
And when you see clouds
Upon the hill,
You soon will see crowds
Of daffodils;
So keep on looking for the bluebird,
And listening for his song,
Whenever April showers come along.
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Make sure and check my
event calendar
regularly for details on all my upcoming classes, lectures, workshops and Webinars.
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Paul Epstein, ND
Mindful Healing: Mind-Body Integrative Medicine
(203) 226-3923
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Patient Appointments Available via Skype
In addition to my local, private practice in Westport, CT, I also see patients from all over the world via Skype.
Distance and time zone differences don't need to be a barrier to getting the help you need to facilitate your healing journey!
Take the first step towards your optimum health and healing: Call today to set up a Skype appointment!
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Mentoring Sessions Available via Skype
An important part of my work is to Mentor health care practitioners, students and physicians to become more fully Integrative in their approach to caring for their patients and clients.
Skype is a wonderful way to hold these sessions - convenient and easy!
If you are interested in learning life changing Mind-Body Therapies to add to your practice, call today to discuss a mentoring session, or mentoring program!
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Serenity is not freedom from the storm,
but peace amidst the storm...
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About Dr. Paul Epstein
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Paul Epstein, ND is a graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), specializing in Mindful Healing and Mind-Body Integrative Medicine.
He has more than 30 years experience in private practice successfully treating patients with powerful, life changing therapies.
Dr. Epstein is currently accepting new patients into his practice. He also works with healing professionals as a Professional Mentor to teach practitioners how to work in a truly integrative fashion in their own practice.
He is a pioneer and leading voice in Mind-Body Integrative Medicine lecturing internationally to both general and professional audiences.
Dr. Epstein is an extraordinary teacher who presents compelling topics that inform, educate, motivate and inspire. His work is helping create a much needed paradigm shift in the practice of medicine and the healing arts.
Don't ever miss the opportunity to experience Dr. Epstein!
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42 Richmondville Ave
Westport, CT 06880
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"Connecting the cell and the self"
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