“The Tao does nothing, yet nothing is left undone.” Tao Te Ching—Lao-Tzu

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I. Here I Am Right Now

There’s a particular fatigue that comes from having too many plans and projects competing for my mind’s attention, all of which seem important to process and either bring to a satisfactory conclusion or let go. That’s where I have been living lately. Unfinished projects and mental schemes stack on top of each other like an unsteady pile of gadgets on my desktop, with my shallow intention to get to them when the time comes. The layering and complexity didn’t arrive all at once. It accumulated like nasty sediment in a pipe until it blocked the water flow.

I hadn’t noticed how my world had become narrower. Somewhere, obscured, were all the things that maybe should have had a higher priority in the thinking space where I spend too much time: the writing that feels alive, the relationships that sustain me, the quiet hour in the morning that used to belong to nothing in particular, and regular physical exercise—whether walking outdoors, at the gym, or swimming. Those things hadn’t disappeared. I’d just deprioritized them, buried them under a structure of my own making, and convinced myself that all my plans and schemes were the reality of my existence.

Then a friend called. They said they’d noticed I hadn’t been writing the articles they usually enjoyed reading. They asked if I was okay. But the call stuck with me. That evening, it stayed with me: the particular kindness of someone noticing my absence from one of the areas of my interests, and my realization that I hadn’t been in touch with my own needs—and that my perspective had perhaps been clouded by my preoccupation with the things that keep our minds busy, strategizing, planning, and scheming.

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II. The Dream

The next morning, I woke from a dream that felt unusually real, with a narrative that seemed to unfold as if I were a full participant, carrying over into my waking thoughts and memory. With the dream still fresh, I dictated a note into my Awakening, Thought, Dream Journal before it slipped into the recesses of my memory.

In the dream, I was developing an application for robotic arms, something affordable for the average person. It had an elbow joint and a hand capable of grasping objects that might otherwise be out of reach. I was working across several computer programs, using AI tools that, in my dream, I handled with surprising fluency. The project was nearly complete, and I remember the satisfaction of being close to something that worked, something useful. I could see it functioning in my mind’s eye: the arm extending, the joint bending, the fingers closing around an object and lifting it. The sense of near completion brought a feeling of satisfaction.

And then doubt arrived. I thought the device needed color—something pleasant, like blue or green. I realized I hadn’t named it and couldn’t figure out how to save it properly in the program I was using so others could find and download what I’d made. These weren’t catastrophic problems. They were peripheral concerns: naming, formatting, aesthetics. In the dream, they became an obsession. The project that had been nearly done felt blocked by the need to resolve these few remaining challenges. I was stuck in these final details, circling, unable to move forward or let go.

I woke up surprised by how real it all seemed and how convincing it was—as though the dream’s logic had been airtight and complete. I very much felt like an active participant rather than a passive bystander.

III. The Bridge: Dreams and Waking Plans

I lay there for a while, and the reflection slowly emerged. It wasn’t exactly a new insight, but the dream had given it a shape that now made perfect sense to me. Our waking schemes feel just as real. Our projects, our plans, the timelines we write in notebooks or plot on calendars—they immerse us the same way. We enter them, believe in them, and soon they no longer feel like constructions. They feel like reality itself. And yet they aren’t. They are maps drawn from our current understanding, which is always incomplete. In the dream, I got lost in naming and saving, which seemed essential to the dream story and its reality. The arm was built. It worked. In waking life, I realized, it is not so different.

We layer on related tasks, ancillary goals, and emotional investments in completion for its own sake, until the project becomes more demanding and complex—heavier, more tangled, more anxiety-provoking than anything expected at the beginning. The original purpose recedes. But there is a strong residue of incompleteness, or a loss of purpose and meaning, when a seemingly essential undertaking gets ensnared in obstruction, unrealistic expectations, and the dread of a doomed enterprise.

What struck me most was the continuity. The dream-self and the waking-self were grappling with the same problem—a tendency to become absorbed in detail until the larger picture recedes from awareness—only to return with a dynamic reemergence, often disruptive, an uninvited, trance-breaking intrusion. In the dream, it was the dawn of light and a re-entrance into waking consciousness, a release from the frustration of a dream story going sour.

In my non-dreaming, waking life, it was a friend’s phone call. Both interruptions carried the same quiet message: you may have gone somewhere without realizing it. Be aware and reconnect with the limitations you have inadvertently placed on natural experiencing and its informative guidance. From the awakening comes the gift of new insight, reformulation, and actions to get back in the flow toward a desired outcome. As you are often just a mere participant in any activity or project, a new course correction brings you back into a broader perspective, with the enlightening realization of the larger playing field in which we live and participate.

IV. The Core Problem: Our Grip on Plans

The difficulty, of course, is that we embrace these plans and schemes as our own complex creation, to which we become attached, stifling our possibilities and potential. We set deadlines no one asked us to set, and then we feel the pressure of those deadlines as if they’d been imposed from outside. There’s something almost comical about it—the way we manufacture urgency and then suffer under it as if we had no role in its arrival. But the consequences can be quite real. We exhaust ourselves meeting goals we invented for our chosen projects, and along the way, we lose the capacity to notice whether any of them is still connected to what we actually need or is essential.

The deeper problem is the illusion of control. We plan as though we possess complete knowledge of what’s coming—as though the future is a road we’ve already surveyed and built. The human mind is built to look ahead, anticipate, and prepare. Planning itself is quite natural. What’s destructive is the grip—the tightening of our fingers around a plan until we can’t see or incorporate the new information that arrives constantly and carries great potential benefit.

That information does arrive nonetheless. Reality continuously sends feedback: an unexpected obstacle, a shift in circumstances, a door opening somewhere we hadn’t been looking. But to receive that feedback, we have to be available to it. We have to leave room — perceptual and emotional—for the moment to speak. And when we’re buried in our own elaborate edifice of beliefs and ideas, racing toward a self-imposed deadline, and emotionally invested in outcomes we’ve already decided are necessary, there is no room. The channel is full of our own noise.

What follows is predictable. We miss signals meant for us. The paths we pursue in reality have already begun to close. We hold expectations formed in ignorance of what actually unfolds. When the gap between plan and reality finally becomes too wide to ignore, we may experience it as failure, disappointment, or something that went wrong. Rarely do we trace it back to the moment we tightened our grip, because by then we’ve already moved on to the next item on the to-do list, the next deadline, or the next planned step that adds more complexity or treachery.

V. What Actually Guides Projects

Most projects worth completing are shaped less by their original plan than by what emerges during the process. The unexpected conversation, the obstacle that redirects the work, and the new piece of information that changes the question itself—these make the work more genuine and fruitful. They are the moment-to-moment natural contributors to any project or plan, offering corrections no amount of forethought could have produced.

Adaptability is intelligence in action. It means staying attuned to what’s actually happening rather than to what we assumed would happen, and being willing to change, redirect, or even abandon a direction when the evidence calls for it. This requires something planning doesn’t: acceptance that we don’t know what’s coming, that the plan is provisional, and that letting go of our need for control and micromanaging—it may, in fact, be the conditions under which something genuine can emerge.

The robotic arm in the dream could reach what was out of reach—but only if the hand remained open enough to grasp. It related to what I’d been doing in my waking life: clenching—holding tightly to a structure of projects, deadlines, and self-imposed expectations while the things that actually nourished me waited, patient and unaddressed, just beyond the edge of my narrowed attention.

VI. Don’t Push the River

There’s a phrase that captures this more gracefully, found in Barry Stevens' writings.1 The sentiment and words in her 1970 book have stayed with me: Don’t push the river. It flows by itself. You can float in it, walk alongside it, or exhaust yourself trying to obstruct or change its flow by resisting or pushing against it. The river moves along its own natural path, adapting to the riverbeds and any apparent obstructions along the way. Trying to control or make demands on the river is a total futility, and misdirected effort only leads to exhaustion. To enjoy immersion in water, whether swimming or floating, is to adapt and be present, participating in the experience as it is. Stevens wrote from a background in Gestalt therapy and was deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen. She framed her writings as an orientation—a way of standing in relation to whatever is unfolding. To push the river is to insist that reality conform to the mental blueprint we hold in mind. To stop pushing is to keep that blueprint or plan provisional, held lightly enough for the present moment to revise it. The meaning is to act from a place where you’re still listening, not so overly committed to your map that you miss what is unfolding in the moment.

I think about this again in relation to the dream. The robotic arm could have performed its function perfectly well without a name, without a particular shade of blue, without a file saved in the exact format that would make it discoverable to strangers. Those details mattered only because I had decided they did. In waking terms, they were the moments when I started pushing because my internal architecture insisted that success required these ornaments.

When working on projects, being in the flow might mean: letting a deadline slide when the work isn’t ready, accepting feedback that contradicts an assumption I’m attached to, or walking away from a conversation that has proven unhelpful. Each release, letting go, or moving on is an act of maintaining the integrity of the work and nurturing the capacity to notice what comes next.

The river or water metaphor also conveys another idea: that movement and adaptability are primary. Whether we’re planning or resting, creating or pausing, we are still moving or flexibly adapting to the larger reality and existence of which we are but a small part. The question is whether we’re moving in harmony with the natural flow of the unfolding process. My friend may have noticed that the quality of my effort had changed, perhaps not in the usual adaptive, life-enhancing, and creative ways that are thought to be most beneficial and sustainable.

VII. The Daoist Thread

Daoist philosophy offers beautiful insights and metaphors. The Dao—sometimes translated as “the Way,” the natural order of things, and sometimes left untranslated because no single word fully captures its meaning. As a philosophy, it’s closer to the observation that everything has a way of moving when not interfered with. Water is a favorite Daoist metaphor. When a river meets an obstacle, it moves around it. Over time, its flow wears through stone, creating a new path. There is intelligence in this movement and flow, marked by responsiveness and acceptance.2

When we move away from this kind of flowing accord, we generate complexity through overzealous or well-intentioned mental contriving or planning. We split things into categories such as success and failure, mine and theirs, planned and unplanned. Each division creates something new to manage, defend, or attach to, out of fear of the consequences of letting go of what we tightly hold. We forget that these formulations are our own constructions and begin to live inside them as if they were real, with walls and restraints. The more elaborate our mental architecture becomes, the harder it is to perceive what is actually here, now, and needing our attention.

What the Daoist tradition gently suggests is that the way back lies in simplicity, such as less planning and self-management, or, as the Daoist expression Wu Wei (non-action/effortless action) captures, in being part of the work without trying to over-control or over-manage. It’s letting our grip relax enough for the present moment to inform us again, as water informs the landscape it touches by arriving fully and, as part of nature, knowing where it can go next. The Tao Te Ching repeatedly speaks of returning to simplicity by shedding the unnecessary so that what remains becomes more apparent and informative. There are invitations to remember that the work itself, and we ourselves, are part of a larger movement that calls for mindfulness and awareness of our presence within a larger work beyond our usual mental perceptions. The challenge is to see whether we’re taking part consciously or unconsciously, whether we’re swimming or sinking, whether we’re pushing against what we can’t control, or whether we’re letting the flow carry us to the destination of greatest benefit.3

VIII. Tips and Points to Ponder

• So here I am today, at the desk, finishing my first new article in a while—Don’t Push the River: On Losing and Finding Perspective. The recent calls from friends and a dream seem to kindle the inspiration to get back to writing and attending to my deeper needs and aspirations. One call was a friend’s voice asking if I was okay, and another was a friend sending me a link to a video of her husband excelling in his pursuit of health and longevity. It was a reminder of the priorities I shared with this friend. The issues weren’t really about being too busy. They were about whether I had remembered to live a life that cares about my well-being and that of the planet, and about what I always aspire to write about—a life where I remember the river, moving and trusting that completing the project isn’t the goal. The true mission is to stay aware and mindful of the larger reality beyond what floats around in our limited headspace, to loosen the grip of over-control, to simplify and be in the natural flow of life, and to be open to change with adaptability and acceptance. 4

• I can’t help but recall, while writing this, the traumatic experience I had when the hurricane devastated Asheville and our community on September 26, 2024.5 Heavy rainfall and winds caused the Swannanoa River to rise to nearly thirty feet. It wreaked havoc, destroying many homes at the base of our community, while the upper community where I live took in homeless families, all of whom survived several weeks without electricity or the convenience of running water. The river overflowed its banks with the excess rain, and to get around obstructions, it became a massive lake at the expense of the homes in the floodplain. Residents were acutely aware of the evolving devastation and, with dread and trauma, adapted and moved to or stayed on higher ground. Houses were lost, and one person drowned on the other side of the river after misjudging and going back to their dwelling to retrieve belongings. But all others in our community survived and made it to higher ground. All damaged homes in the lower part of the community that remain in the floodplain are being demolished and converted into green space, and the river now flows peacefully in its new path, well within its banks. We’re very much a participating part of nature, for better or worse, with a call for awareness and for being in flow with life and its events, adopting and being in touch with the greater reality as it unfolds, as best we can.

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

*For the audio podcast, click here

Mind Wise

Don't Push the River: On Losing and Finding Perspective

Don’t Push the River: On Losing and Finding Perspective…

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7 days ago · Ron Parks

Dr. Ron Parks explores a universal struggle: how we over-plan, over-control, and lose ourselves in mental architectures of our own making. Drawing from a vivid dream, Daoist philosophy, Gestalt therapy pioneer Barry Stevens, and a personal experience surviving Hurricane Helene in Asheville, he weaves together several threads:

The core insight: Plans and projects start with genuine purpose, but we tend to pile on layers of secondary concerns — deadlines nobody asked us to set, perfectionist details, emotional investments in completion for its own sake — until the original purpose is buried and we’re exhausted by the weight of our own construction.

The dream as mirror: Dr. Parks dreamed of building a robotic arm that was nearly finished and functional, only to become paralyzed by peripheral details — naming it, choosing a color, saving it in the right format. He realized the dream reflected his waking life perfectly: getting lost in minutiae until the bigger picture disappears.

Two awakenings: A friend’s concerned phone call served as his waking-life interruption, much like dawn breaks a frustrating dream. Both carried the same quiet message: you’ve drifted somewhere without realizing it — reconnect.

The river metaphor: Borrowed from Barry Stevens’ 1970 book, “Don’t push the river — it flows by itself.” You can float in it, walk alongside it, or exhaust yourself trying to force its flow. The invitation is to hold plans loosely, stay present, and adapt to what actually unfolds rather than insisting reality match your blueprint.

The Daoist thread: Wu Wei — effortless action — isn’t passivity. It’s staying responsive to what’s happening rather than clinging to what you assumed would happen. Adaptability is intelligence in action.

The lived reality: Dr. Parks ties the metaphor to the devastating 2024 hurricane that flooded the Swannanoa River near his Asheville home. The river reclaimed its floodplain; one person who went back for belongings was lost, while those who moved to higher ground survived. Nature doesn’t negotiate — it adapts, and so must we.

The bottom line for listeners: Completing the project isn’t the goal. The true mission is to stay aware of the larger reality beyond our mental clutter, loosen the grip of over-control, simplify, and remain open to change with adaptability and acceptance. The hand that grasps must stay open enough to receive.

** The voiceover for this podcast was generated by Speechify using the Alex GB voice. Speechify converts written content into natural-sounding audio. The program has been very popular among people who consume academic and business content, as well as among individuals with dyslexia and ADHD seeking better reading alternatives.

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A Future in Flux: Careers and Fears

I encounter many people who are beginning or entering their careers and who face very different societal and economic issues than I did when I started mine. I was just in conversation with a couple in their early thirties. They were thinking of getting married but were grappling with the insecurities of finding the right careers and achieving financial security. They had both trained in tech and information-related technologies as undergraduates and then earned graduate degrees. Each had interned at different companies heavily invested in artificial intelligence to expand their customer base and grow their businesses, helping them remain competitive and sustainable. Sometimes people approach me for collaboration or to talk about career choices. In this situation, I was glad it was just a casual conversation, and I expected it would be quite challenging for them, given the current developments and rapid changes in our society—to plan or make the optimal choice. This couple had the same sort of interests and goals that I perhaps had when I was first dating my wife and preparing for my career in the medical field, which also involved a lot of insecurity for me. From our discussions, what came to mind was that in the past, there was also a time of great worry when major societal changes, including wars and other catastrophic events, threatened to destabilize society and basic security.

I tried to stay optimistic with the couple who were discussing their anxious concerns about the future. I pushed those negative thoughts about the potential degradation of our society under rapid AI development out of my mind, as I had seen in popular science-fiction dystopian movies of the day, with plots about the destruction of societies taken over by inhumane tyrants, marked by mass poverty and an underclass of oppressed people struggling to meet their basic needs. I thought about the positive ways to frame my conversation, focusing on the possibilities that often emerge in moments of change, when things we thought were defined and fixed shift toward greater fluency, with opportunities constantly arising. I was hopeful that, in their love and care for each other, they would be on a path toward greater flexibility and perhaps be a little more prepared for a different kind of world than existed in the past.

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Economic Insecurity About Loss of Upward Mobility

There has been much talk in the air about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its infusion into most aspects of our lives, whether in our computers and smartphones, in banking and accounting, or in the information and guidance we get from search engines, drawn from their vast stores of information. These are valuable tools for research or paper writing, generated by what are called “large language models.” There is fear, and perhaps a level of panic among some, that AI will replace their jobs or be used by unethical enterprises or corrupt leaders to gain power and strip us of our freedom and necessities for survival. Fears well up as in dark movies where sinister forces have taken over, destroyed much of society’s fabric through wars, or subjugated the citizenry to the over-powerful and wealthy autocrats, as in the kings and the futile system in the dark or the Middle Ages. We all become subjugated to a meager, unsafe existence in a dystopian society—a popular theme in science fiction novels, but unfortunately, possibly hidden as deep concerns in the back of our minds or perhaps in the collective unconscious.1

As concerns about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its feared consequences became apparent in other conversations and articles I reviewed, I focused on the most frequently raised pessimistic themes. A prominent fear among people seeking jobs in information and knowledge applications—knowledge-based fields that rely on specialized expertise—was that advanced AI would soon automate their roles. AI and automation could threaten their financial stability and their ability to build a secure career and advance financially, locking them into a permanent underclass and blocking any upward mobility. Rapid acceleration of AI growth was expected to cause those who remained employed to lose their bargaining power and share of the organization’s profits. The resulting job losses and financial instability could foster large-scale rage, political unrest, and even violence if there is a growing failure to protect workers and the citizenry. Some even catastrophize a bleak future with a repressed economic underclass, subservient to ruthless overlords or an ultra-rich class of a small minority of the population that monopolizes wealth and power.2

Pundits and leaders in the AI field warn of fewer opportunities as technology advances, with automation potentially eliminating many jobs. Economists debate how significantly these changes will impact people’s futures. Some point out that with every major advance in technology, the workforce and its needs have simply shifted to reflect what’s valuable and necessary to support economic growth and stability. As AI makes knowledge and information easier to access, there will always be a need for services and experiences that only another human can provide. As more routine work is automated, jobs that focus on human interaction and relationships will become more essential. There is the optimistic hope that new technology and AI can create new jobs, occupations, and opportunities, and even open up whole new fields of endeavor.

Social Disconnection and Burnout in Toxic Environments and Workplaces

On the pessimistic side, there remains the potential for economic upheaval if many jobs are lost without adequate support from the broader community. There is a risk that the growth of AI, and with it the increasing capture of people’s attention, especially among youth and more vulnerable individuals, will erode their social and relational skills, leading them to spend less time giving and receiving support from others—an essential for human health and well-being.3

A few times in the past, I’ve seen real tragedy when there was a mismatch between a person and a job at an AI development company. The bad fit was for the individual I knew, who was hired by a large company seeking to rapidly develop its AI capabilities and programs to increase operational efficiency, become more competitive in the industry, and develop the products needed to ensure its success. This person, like others I talked with, was highly responsible, doing their best to achieve their goals of upward career mobility and financial security. All had an amazing capacity for problem-solving and were very intellectual and verbal, with a talent for creating patterns to solve challenging problems. Employers who want to get the maximum benefit from their talented employees would have them work at a pace that meets company goals, with high financial incentives and pressure to complete projects, without much concern for their health or well-being. The end result was a toxic situation in which the hired person, to achieve the goals, satisfy the company’s needs, and receive the gratification of rewards for their work in terms of pay and advancement, would work incessant hours, sometimes around the clock, to meet the goal of completing projects.

Burnout, often exhaustion, depression, and anxiety, ultimately can lead to dropping out of the workforce, the need for intensive care, medication, or hospitalization. In uncommon or isolated situations, severe despondency could develop and lead to suicidal or homicidal depression. I recall these examples were from the early years of artificial intelligence development and reflected the employers and companies that existed then and probably still exist today. I guess that in all things there are the good and the bad, as with humanistic, caring companies that exist, alongside the toxic, destructive types of businesses and corporations that are more geared toward overzealous growth, profits, and the need to dominate others in the industry to the detriment of their workforce and the public. A danger today is that, with the greater concentration of wealth and power in fewer companies and owners, there is a greater risk of dehumanizing the workforce, with their focus entirely on developing products for personal gain in wealth and power. Companies and developers become very short-sighted about the need to care for their family of workers, which ultimately extends to the community of people who will buy their products—a destructive cycle rather than one of creativity that supports the growth and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The Japanese have a term, “karoshi—death by overworking,” for employees who die from heart failure, stroke, suicide, or stress-related illness triggered by excessive working hours and extreme job-related stress in a high-pressure environment. The problem has prompted discussions in many countries about work-life balance, labor practices, and the health impacts of high-pressure industrial and corporate cultures.4

Restoring Control: Mindfulness and Present Actions

With these larger forces operating and seemingly beyond our control, the challenge is to determine what we can do in our individual situations. First, cultivate awareness and mindfulness of the busy thoughts, inner narratives, and mind chatter that dominate our mental lives. Often, the drama and emotions attached to these inner ideas and beliefs hold our attention tightly. They draw us away from the reality of the immediate world around us, from the changes occurring, and from the flexibility and adaptability required for our health, safety, and well-being. The more we participate in positive activities available to us—whether as individual actions or as things we do in relationships and collaboration with others—the more we restore balance. We move away from being trapped in unproductive thinking and toward the “immediate now presence” and the truer reality of what is happening in our moments of existence. There are often immediate pleasures and gratifications that allow us to drop the addictive, consuming inner thoughts and drama that keep our minds spinning beyond the reality of the “what actually is” in the present. One quick proof is to take time out right now for a pleasant break. Walk around your house, or preferably go outside, to take in the elements of the natural setting and the community. In these moments of quiet, and hopefully release from the busy mind chatter, you may begin to feel gratification in being free of the constant mental stress of trying to figure everything out. If you find yourself unable to let go of intense emotions—if your mind is racing with chatter or despondency and you can’t be more present in the moment—it may be a sign that you are entrapped in a mental and emotional state that needs help. In those situations, support from trained and experienced people who work with these potentially harmful states of mind can be important. It can also become noticeable when someone is dropping into the freefall of depression, anxiety, addictions, or other ill mental states.

Positive Well-Being Action: Physical, Spiritual, and Social

There are many choices of activities, both mental and physical, and spiritual, that can be considered an important part of your consistent daily activities to maintain a balance between the needed engaged mental activities for career or productivity in everyday life, or for the sustenance and care of oneself and others. Often, we can’t control a lot of the things that we would like to, as the larger societal forces that seem to be on a destructive path or as our out-of-control addictive behaviors, perhaps driven by gratification needs, greed for more money, power, and dominance over others. We often do have the choice, when we don’t think we have any, to choose more immediate activities for our betterment, sustainability, and well-being. Of course, one might argue that what if you’re in a bad relationship, an imprisonment of some sort, or are working for one of these toxic companies, where you feel you don’t have any other choice, and it is needed for your survival. There are stories even in these terribly oppressive situations, where people have survived by tuning into immediate things they could do, as those in an imprisoned situation could do little bits of exercise daily with mindfulness and reflective meditation practices. If one is again in a regular life and feels trapped or imprisoned with incessant running negative thoughts and narratives in the head, an increasing emotional state, or mental agitation, it is a time to reach out for help.

With so many positive activities to restore balance to physical, mental, and emotional states, I can only mention a few that I have personally explored and found beneficial. I put exercise and nutrition high on the list. I knew an influential teacher who taught that simply taking more time to chew your food in a meditative state was a survival technique he learned in a concentration camp. For many people, finding and procuring healthy food isn’t an option. There are things they can learn or adopt as nutritional practices that can be very helpful. Moving versus being passive, or being totally involved in passive activities, is an easy one. All you have to do is commit to moving more and adding healthy exercises you can do. I’ve always been a fan of yoga, as it involves movement, stretching, breathing, and meditation-like techniques, and a philosophy that leans toward health, well-being, and spiritual attunement.

It has been well established that group activities with others can have immense benefits for stress reduction and mental well-being. When available, engage with them in ways that are suitable and comfortable for you. Much of the productivity in our society comes from collaboration with other people. One might ask, what if my immediate family or friends are actually very toxic to me? In that situation, one has to especially look at their options to find more nourishing, supportive, and caring relationships.

Taking Control, Using Discernment, and Collaborating with Others

There are many kinds of programs marketed as offering better health, well-being, and longevity. I would caution against jumping into things without carefully seeing if what is being said or offered is truly beneficial for you. Any spiritual activity or involvement with a group pursuing spiritual goals has also been shown to be beneficial. I use the term spirituality here in the broader sense of the counterbalance to being entrapped or imprisoned in your own mind and thought activity, versus being more in the experience and awareness of the larger world and environment, which usually triggers the feeling of peacefulness, relaxation, and release from the pain or entanglement of worries and overzealous mental activity. Everyone has the potential to move in the directions noted above through their own self-exploration, such as reading or personal research, while others find it through engagement with significant others or by pursuing beneficial activities.

So, seek out these beneficial alternatives whenever possible. Control what you can, within your immediate capacity and what is available to you. Again, when entrapped or feeling helpless or hopeless, reach out for help from others you believe will give you healthy guidance and direction, or from trained and experienced mental health providers.

Remembering Frank E. Wolf: A Call for Ethics in AI

In passing, and very pertinent to today’s topic, there is a remembrance of an admired friend and neighbor, Frank E. Wolf. He recently died at age 92, a robust, kind man of many talents and intellectual exuberance, with a PhD, who was deeply interested in Artificial Intelligence, served as a Business Ethics Advisor and author, and worked on his second book on ethics and AI until his final days. He maintained a disciplined fitness routine well into his 90s and embraced every opportunity to explore the world, a truly Renaissance person with a holistic embrace of life.5

Frank would want us to end this discussion by reflecting on the ethics of the current development of the people and companies involved with AI. Ethics is a branch of philosophy, also known as moral philosophy, that systematically studies the concepts of right and wrong, good and bad, and the principles that govern human conduct. It involves analyzing normative questions about what people ought to do and act, rather than describing what they actually do in real-life situations, such as professional, governmental, or business practices. It seeks to establish well-founded standards for behavior based on such areas as rights, obligations, fairness, and virtues.6 This applies to all companies and businesses, but especially to those heavily involved with AI or companies that operate on a strictly profit- and competition-driven model, down to the individual level of how a person lives and manages interpersonal, financial, and property relations with others. In both cases, the poignant issue is how others, the world, or the environment are impacted. Certainly, how we care for ourselves and others, shaped by our actions and choices, affects not only our well-being but also influences others, either positively or negatively, and can be mutually beneficial or harmful. So, a callout in remembrance of Frank to make the study and application of ethics a vital part of our individual and societal world, whether it is for individual needs or the larger spheres of business, politics, and AI development.7, 8

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

*For the audio podcast, click here

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below:

A Future in Flux: Careers and Fears

I encounter many people who are beginning or entering their careers and who face very different societal and economic issues than I did when I started mine. I was just in conversation with a couple in their early thirties. They were thinking of getting married but were grappling with the insecurities of finding the right careers and achieving financial security. They had both trained in tech and information-related technologies as undergraduates and then earned graduate degrees. Each had interned at different companies heavily invested in artificial intelligence to expand their customer base and grow their businesses, helping them remain competitive and sustainable. Sometimes people approach me for collaboration or to talk about career choices. In this situation, I was glad it was just a casual conversation, and I expected it would be quite challenging for them, given the current developments and rapid changes in our society—to plan or make the optimal choice. This couple had the same sort of interests and goals that I perhaps had when I was first dating my wife and preparing for my career in the medical field, which also involved a lot of insecurity for me. From our discussions, what came to mind was that in the past, there was also a time of great worry when major societal changes, including wars and other catastrophic events, threatened to destabilize society and basic security.

I tried to stay optimistic with the couple who were discussing their anxious concerns about the future. I pushed those negative thoughts about the potential degradation of our society under rapid AI development out of my mind, as I had seen in popular science-fiction dystopian movies of the day, with plots about the destruction of societies taken over by inhumane tyrants, marked by mass poverty and an underclass of oppressed people struggling to meet their basic needs. I thought about the positive ways to frame my conversation, focusing on the possibilities that often emerge in moments of change, when things we thought were defined and fixed shift toward greater fluency, with opportunities constantly arising. I was hopeful that, in their love and care for each other, they would be on a path toward greater flexibility and perhaps be a little more prepared for a different kind of world than existed in the past.

Economic Insecurity about Loss of Upward Mobility

There has been much talk in the air about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its infusion into most aspects of our lives, whether in our computers and smartphones, in banking and accounting, or in the information and guidance we get from search engines, drawn from their vast stores of information. These are valuable tools for research or paper writing, generated by what are called “large language models.” There is fear, and perhaps a level of panic among some, that AI will replace their jobs or be used by unethical enterprises or corrupt leaders to gain power and strip us of our freedom and necessities for survival. Fears well up as in dark movies where sinister forces have taken over, destroyed much of society’s fabric through wars, or subjugated the citizenry to the over-powerful and wealthy autocrats, as in the kings and the futile system in the dark or the Middle Ages. We all become subjugated to a meager, unsafe existence in a dystopian society—a popular theme in science fiction novels, but unfortunately, possibly hidden as deep concerns in the back of our minds or perhaps in the collective unconscious.

As concerns about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its feared consequences became apparent in other conversations and articles I reviewed, I focused on the most frequently raised pessimistic themes. A prominent fear among people seeking jobs in information and knowledge applications—knowledge-based fields that rely on specialized expertise—was that advanced AI would soon automate their roles. AI and automation could threaten their financial stability and their ability to build a secure career and advance financially, locking them into a permanent underclass and blocking any upward mobility. Rapid acceleration of AI growth was expected to cause those who remained employed to lose their bargaining power and share of the organization’s profits. The resulting job losses and financial instability could foster large-scale rage, political unrest, and even violence if there is a growing failure to protect workers and the citizenry. Some even catastrophize a bleak future with a repressed economic underclass, subservient to ruthless overlords or an ultra-rich class of a small minority of the population that monopolizes wealth and power.1

Pundits and leaders in the AI field warn of fewer opportunities as technology advances, with automation potentially eliminating many jobs. Economists debate how significantly these changes will impact people’s futures. Some point out that with every major advance in technology, the workforce and its needs have simply shifted to reflect what’s valuable and necessary to support economic growth and stability. As AI makes knowledge and information easier to access, there will always be a need for services and experiences that only another human can provide. As more routine work is automated, jobs that focus on human interaction and relationships will become more essential. There is the optimistic hope that new technology and AI can create new jobs, occupations, and opportunities, and even open up whole new fields of endeavor.

Social Disconnection and Burnout in Toxic Environments and Workplaces

On the pessimistic side, there remains the potential for economic upheaval if many jobs are lost without adequate support from the broader community. There is a risk that the growth of AI, and with it the increasing capture of people’s attention, especially among youth and more vulnerable individuals, will erode their social and relational skills, leading them to spend less time giving and receiving support from others—an essential for human health and well-being.2

A few times in the past, I’ve seen real tragedy when there was a mismatch between a person and a job at an AI development company. The bad fit was for the individual I knew, who was hired by a large company seeking to rapidly develop its AI capabilities and programs to increase operational efficiency, become more competitive in the industry, and develop the products needed to ensure its success. This person, like others I talked with, was highly responsible, doing their best to achieve their goals of upward career mobility and financial security. All had an amazing capacity for problem-solving and were very intellectual and verbal, with a talent for creating patterns to solve challenging problems. Employers who want to get the maximum benefit from their talented employees would have them work at a pace that meets company goals, with high financial incentives and pressure to complete projects, without much concern for their health or well-being. The end result was a toxic situation in which the hired person, to achieve the goals, satisfy the company’s needs, and receive the gratification of rewards for their work in terms of pay and advancement, would work incessant hours, sometimes around the clock, to meet the goal of completing projects.

Burnout, often exhaustion, depression, and anxiety, ultimately can lead to dropping out of the workforce, the need for intensive care, medication, or hospitalization. In uncommon or isolated situations, severe despondency could develop and lead to suicidal or homicidal depression. I recall these examples were from the early years of artificial intelligence development and reflected the employers and companies that existed then and probably still exist today. I guess that in all things there are the good and the bad, as with humanistic, caring companies that exist, alongside the toxic, destructive types of businesses and corporations that are more geared toward overzealous growth, profits, and the need to dominate others in the industry to the detriment of their workforce and the public. A danger today is that, with the greater concentration of wealth and power in fewer companies and owners, there is a greater risk of dehumanizing the workforce, with their focus entirely on developing products for personal gain in wealth and power. Companies and developers become very short-sighted about the need to care for their family of workers, which ultimately extends to the community of people who will buy their products—a destructive cycle rather than one of creativity that supports the growth and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The Japanese have a term, “karoshi—death by overworking,” for employees who die from heart failure, stroke, suicide, or stress-related illness triggered by excessive working hours and extreme job-related stress in a high-pressure environment. The problem has prompted discussions in many countries about work-life balance, labor practices, and the health impacts of high-pressure industrial and corporate cultures.3

Restoring Control: Mindfulness and Present Actions

With these larger forces operating and seemingly beyond our control, the challenge is to determine what we can do in our individual situations. First, cultivate awareness and mindfulness of the busy thoughts, inner narratives, and mind chatter that dominate our mental lives. Often, the drama and emotions attached to these inner ideas and beliefs hold our attention tightly. They draw us away from the reality of the immediate world around us, from the changes occurring, and from the flexibility and adaptability required for our health, safety, and well-being. The more we participate in positive activities available to us—whether as individual actions or as things we do in relationships and collaboration with others—the more we restore balance. We move away from being trapped in unproductive thinking and toward the “immediate now presence” and the truer reality of what is happening in our moments of existence. There are often immediate pleasures and gratifications that allow us to drop the addictive, consuming inner thoughts and drama that keep our minds spinning beyond the reality of the “what actually is” in the present. One quick proof is to take time out right now for a pleasant break. Walk around your house, or preferably go outside, to take in the elements of the natural setting and the community. In these moments of quiet, and hopefully release from the busy mind chatter, you may begin to feel gratification in being free of the constant mental stress of trying to figure everything out. If you find yourself unable to let go of intense emotions—if your mind is racing with chatter or despondency and you can’t be more present in the moment—it may be a sign that you are entrapped in a mental and emotional state that needs help. In those situations, support from trained and experienced people who work with these potentially harmful states of mind can be important. It can also become noticeable when someone is dropping into the freefall of depression, anxiety, addictions, or other ill mental states.

Positive Well-Being Action: Physical, Spiritual, and Social

There are many choices of activities, both mental and physical, and spiritual, that can be considered an important part of your consistent daily activities to maintain a balance between the needed engaged mental activities for career or productivity in everyday life, or for the sustenance and care of oneself and others. Often, we can’t control a lot of the things that we would like to, as the larger societal forces that seem to be on a destructive path or as our out-of-control addictive behaviors, perhaps driven by gratification needs, greed for more money, power, and dominance over others. We often do have the choice, when we don’t think we have any, to choose more immediate activities for our betterment, sustainability, and well-being. Of course, one might argue that what if you’re in a bad relationship, an imprisonment of some sort, or are working for one of these toxic companies, where you feel you don’t have any other choice, and it is needed for your survival. There are stories even in these terribly oppressive situations, where people have survived by tuning into immediate things they could do, as those in an imprisoned situation could do little bits of exercise daily with mindfulness and reflective meditation practices. If one is again in a regular life and feels trapped or imprisoned with incessant running negative thoughts and narratives in the head, an increasing emotional state, or mental agitation, it is a time to reach out for help.

With so many positive activities to restore balance to physical, mental, and emotional states, I can only mention a few that I have personally explored and found beneficial. I put exercise and nutrition high on the list. I knew an influential teacher who taught that simply taking more time to chew your food in a meditative state was a survival technique he learned in a concentration camp. For many people, finding and procuring healthy food isn’t an option. There are things they can learn or adopt as nutritional practices that can be very helpful. Moving versus being passive, or being totally involved in passive activities, is an easy one. All you have to do is commit to moving more and adding healthy exercises you can do. I’ve always been a fan of yoga, as it involves movement, stretching, breathing, and meditation-like techniques, and a philosophy that leans toward health, well-being, and spiritual attunement.

It has been well established that group activities with others can have immense benefits for stress reduction and mental well-being. When available, engage with them in ways that are suitable and comfortable for you. Much of the productivity in our society comes from collaboration with other people. One might ask, what if my immediate family or friends are actually very toxic to me? In that situation, one has to especially look at their options to find more nourishing, supportive, and caring relationships.

Taking Control, Using Discernment, and Collaborating with Others

There are many kinds of programs marketed as offering better health, well-being, and longevity. I would caution against jumping into things without carefully seeing if what is being said or offered is truly beneficial for you. Any spiritual activity or involvement with a group pursuing spiritual goals has also been shown to be beneficial. I use the term spirituality here in the broader sense of the counterbalance to being entrapped or imprisoned in your own mind and thought activity, versus being more in the experience and awareness of the larger world and environment, which usually triggers the feeling of peacefulness, relaxation, and release from the pain or entanglement of worries and overzealous mental activity. Everyone has the potential to move in the directions noted above through their own self-exploration, such as reading or personal research, while others find it through engagement with significant others or by pursuing beneficial activities.

So, seek out these beneficial alternatives whenever possible. Control what you can, within your immediate capacity and what is available to you. Again, when entrapped or feeling helpless or hopeless, reach out for help from others you believe will give you healthy guidance and direction, or from trained and experienced mental health providers.

Remembering Frank E. Wolf: A Call for Ethics in AI

In passing, and very pertinent to today’s topic, there is a remembrance of an admired friend and neighbor, Frank E. Wolf. He recently died at age 92, a robust, kind man of many talents and intellectual exuberance, with a PhD, who was deeply interested in Artificial Intelligence, served as a Business Ethics Advisor and author, and worked on his second book on ethics and AI until his final days. He maintained a disciplined fitness routine well into his 90s and embraced every opportunity to explore the world, a truly Renaissance person with a holistic embrace of life.4

Frank would want us to end this discussion by reflecting on the ethics of the current development of the people and companies involved with AI. Ethics is a branch of philosophy, also known as moral philosophy, that systematically studies the concepts of right and wrong, good and bad, and the principles that govern human conduct. It involves analyzing normative questions about what people ought to do and act, rather than describing what they actually do in real-life situations, such as professional, governmental, or business practices. It seeks to establish well-founded standards for behavior based on such areas as rights, obligations, fairness, and virtues.5 This applies to all companies and businesses, but especially to those heavily involved with AI or companies that operate on a strictly profit- and competition-driven model, down to the individual level of how a person lives and manages interpersonal, financial, and property relations with others. In both cases, the poignant issue is how others, the world, or the environment are impacted. Certainly, how we care for ourselves and others, shaped by our actions and choices, affects not only our well-being but also influences others, either positively or negatively, and can be mutually beneficial or harmful. So, a callout in remembrance of Frank to make the study and application of ethics a vital part of our individual and societal world, whether it is for our individual needs or the larger spheres of business, politics, and AI development.67

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

For the full article and references, go to: https://parksmd.com/library-of-all-posts/ and to the article: Rapid AI Growth, the Human Edge, and Resilience

Caption for lead picture: Rapid AI Growth, the Human Edge, and Resilience—RRP Design with Canva and stock photos.

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

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A key theme in the episode is the importance of mindset in achieving lasting wellness and well-being. Both Dr. Parks and Stoller emphasize that genuine change requires more than physical transformation; it also involves shifting one’s narrative and mental patterns. They cite motivational figures such as Zig Ziglar,1 Albert Ellis,2 and Les Brown to show how fixed mindsets and “stinking thinking”3 can hinder progress, while flexible thinking and storytelling can help individuals rewrite their personal journeys. According to the speakers, this process is essential for breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing growth.

The conversation also examines the role of innovative therapies and community-based healing. Stoller shares his experiences with stem cells, peptides,4 and alternative modalities, including hyperbaric and red light therapy. He discusses the impact of group events focused on wellness and longevity that he has successfully promoted. These gatherings provide a relaxed, supportive environment for exploring new wellness practices and underscore the importance of collaboration among participants and advocates in the wellness field. Dr. Parks

The podcast concludes with reflections on purpose and passion. Stoller explains that rediscovering his love for performance and music—and integrating them into his brand—reinforced his motivation and confidence. Both hosts agree that sustaining health and happiness means aligning one’s goals with core values, staying open to new experiences, and supporting others through teaching, collaboration, and sharing authentic stories. Overall, the message is that wellness is a continuous, individualized journey driven by internal motivation and external support. Dr. Parks supports the work now underway in holistic medicine and lifestyle psychiatry,5 which relies on evidence-based research and science.

#HolisticWellness #PersonalTransformation #MindsetMatters #Longevity #EmotionalHealth #Wellbeing

The caption for the collage of photos is: Wellness and Longevity—RRP Design with Canva and stock photos

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

For inquiries, go to: Parksmd.com

*Click at the bottom of the presentation for a video or audio podcast of the presentation.

The chill of winter, the news, and politics

It was midwinter, with a chill in the air and sleet and snow steadily falling, coating the roads enough to form a treacherous layer of black ice and making travel precarious. Those of us caught indoors often turned on the TV to get the latest weather report, searching for how long our forced winter hibernation would last. On TV, news reports featured recurring stories about outlandish things the president or his party representatives were doing to upset the applecart of democracy. The more dramatic the reporting of threatening changes to the status quo of established institutions and our way of life, the greater the weight on our minds and emotions. Our emotions balanced between worry, fear, and some anger. As the final reports grew more ominous, they predicted more frigid weather, icy rain and sleet, impassable roads, and the closing of businesses and events. My wife lingered to catch the final news and reports. Still, I scurried away to enjoy my nighttime herbal tea and my nighttime routine of yoga and meditation to shake off the negativity and emotional burden of my earlier exposure to network news, some articles I’d read, and the reported climatic changes, both environmental and political.

A dream of arrogance, deceit, and deception

My pre-bed sleep-enhancing routine worked, and I drifted into a night of peaceful slumber until early morning, when my mind began transitioning toward wakefulness. A realistic dream appeared, drawing on residues of the prior day’s images and unsettled emotions, as if to bring them to a settled, completed state within an ensembled narrative to file away in the depths of memory, perhaps for wisdom or future retrieval. In the dream, I was part of a group at a large event center in a fancy high-rise in the middle of Manhattan. I had responsibilities as a senior facilitator and offered to organize and lead an activity in several large adjoining rooms with open floor space. It was to be a workshop on mindfulness and pickleball mastery. Each person had a tennis ball and a smaller hard rubber ball used for racquetball or handball, as in some of the city’s gyms and spas with small, enclosed courts.

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To my surprise, one of the best-known public figures, whose personality and behavior often offended many, was participating in the event, possibly because it was his building. He seemed pleased to take part and exuded a casual confidence that fit his image as more nonchalant. It was hoped that he would see it as a fun way to get a little away from his worries and win over some admirers at the same time. To my surprise, I was supposed to team up with this famous public figure, whose arrogant, dismissive, or bullying behavior often offended others and was considered unforgivably offensive.

My job was to pair the other participants and have them practice together as a collaborative team. Each pair was to find a line in the room that would act as a net. I intended to use the activity and movement of a pickleball competition between the two, along with practiced focus and concentration on the ball, as an exercise in mindfulness. My goal was for the realization to occur with the release from the usual background thought chatter, bringing peaceful flow and connectedness through the coordinated flow of the activity and the fun game.

I was hoping my very public celebrity partner could let go of some of the entrapment in his own worries, pressures, and self-defeating personality traits, as well as in his tightly woven beliefs about himself, since I sensed he wanted to. I questioned how to address each other in our interconnected pair activity to encourage us to let go of some of our tightly held mental preoccupations and distractions that keep us from being fully present in the moment.

Because my attachments to my sense of self and titles, including my moniker as doctor, seemed to be a potential problem or distraction for others, I told my partner and the group they were free to call me by first name or by my career title, whichever was comfortable for them, and that it was not something I was overly attached to. As for my partner, it would be his choice to let go of his closely held public identifiers and image. The exercise felt a little awkward for everyone, including my partner, but there was a glimmer of hope that he and I could relax and enjoy the meant-to-be therapeutic activity.

I awoke from the dream and noted my related thoughts for later recording in my dream and insight journal, which I came to value as a helpful tool for mental and emotional health on our journey toward understanding and, perhaps, wisdom. My reported dream and insights from it are presented to heighten understanding of the danger of entrapment or fixation in the mind’s thoughts, interpretations, and beliefs, whether firmly fixed or, for most, hopefully flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. The figures in the dream are not meant to represent any public figure or anyone I know. Most likely, the representations are projections of aspects of myself for my self-understanding and self-improvement work, possibly highlighting some of my inflexibility or arrogance in self-perception and behavior.

It is a hidden gem to know oneself as more fluid and adaptable rather than set and immutable. All this underscores the importance and benefits of healthy practices such as journaling, mindfulness, meditation, and other sensible lifestyle choices. Constant attention to when our thoughts and beliefs are tied to strong emotions, over-identification, and attachment is an important way to avoid mental imbalance, emotional distress, and unhappiness, as the Buddha’s spiritual teachings on our thoughts, mind, and attachments emphasize.

The importance of keeping your focus on the ball in the game of pickleball is a metaphor that appeared in the dream segment above. It is a reminder of the ancient wisdom and spiritual teachings that, by allowing the mind to focus, reduce its hectic activities and mental preoccupations, and relax, it can enter a restorative, healing state.

Stinking thinking and the roots of cognitive behavioral therapy

“Stinking Thinking” became a popular expression, popularized by Zig Ziglar,1 an American motivational speaker, in his self-help, personal, and career development talks. Albert Ellis, a psychologist who founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), used the phrase to describe the kinds of negative, self-sabotaging thoughts that can make people feel emotionally distressed and dissatisfied. Some core cognitive beliefs or distortions that lead to emotional distress can be characterized as rigid, absolutist thinking; irrational beliefs that rarely align with reality; and what we may call “stinking thinking.”

Some examples from Ellis’s work of distortions in thinking that can become so well set in the mind that they influence thinking, emotions, and behavior in ways others see as irrational or distorted include: feeling you must excel at everything, which breeds fear of failure and self-criticism, leading to over-striving for perfectionism and competence; believing and being convinced that you must be universally liked or approved of, making your self-worth dependent on others and making you overly needy for others’ love and approval; catastrophizing, exaggerating problems and discomfort, and viewing setbacks as unbearable disasters; obsessive worrying about dangers and believing that the constant worry is protective, when it actually leads to avoidance and paralysis; and feeling that you must always be dependent on others and rely on someone stronger and more competent, undermining independence and self-confidence.2

The idea that adverse thoughts influence emotions and behavior has deep historical roots in ancient wisdom—such as the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus, who taught that people are disturbed not by events but by their interpretations (thoughts) of them, and the Buddhist understanding of the impact of the mind and its thinking on life and well-being. It is therefore understandable how stinking thinking, as an expression, found its way into popular culture. Modern psychology, psychiatry, and therapies have likewise evolved from the fascination with the operations of the mind and mental activity, from ancient times through the times that followed, up to the present: philosophers, scientists, researchers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and healthcare workers.

Aaron Beck, MD, is considered the father of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This psychotherapy has become mainstream in mental health care and treatment, as well as in addiction recovery and personal development. Cognitive-behavioral therapy challenges and seeks to modify problem-causing thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, along with associated behaviors, to aid emotional regulation and foster better ways of coping with and addressing problems. Beck expanded the idea of schemas as core beliefs that strongly affect emotional responses and behavioral patterns, and he identified negative schemas as significant contributors to depression and anxiety.

CBT has evolved into a range of valued psychological and behavioral psychotherapeutic treatments that focus on clearly delineated medical, psychological, and emotional difficulties, based on carefully conducted and validated research: dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, spirituality-based CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (a specialist branch of CBT that uses mindfulness and acceptance interventions), and EMDR. CBT has demonstrated effectiveness for such difficulties as anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, substance use disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and interpersonal relationship problems, as well as for treating people exposed to adverse childhood experiences and trauma from abuse or neglect.3

The Schemata and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Schemata in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refer to long-lasting, negative ways of thinking (perhaps “stinking thinking”), feeling, and acting that often begin in childhood and persist into later life. These internalized patterns were thought to originate in unmet emotional needs or difficult prior experiences, shaping how a person sees themselves, others, and their external experiences. Schemata were viewed as mental maps or organizing templates that integrate new and existing information into memory. The term originated with Jean Piaget, who defined schemas as “mental structures that organize knowledge and guide understanding”.

Our mental work is always forming representations, schemes, or patterns that are remembered and reinforced, and that can become concretized in the sense of being held onto and embedded as an immutable belief or identity. These schemes or schemata are valuable only as long as they serve as a framework for achieving a desired or intended outcome, or as a rationalization for carrying out or avoiding certain valued or feared behaviors, outcomes, or consequences. Their reality or benefit is only to the extent of their utility or their relativity to other held needs, desires, or expectations, for continued existence, growth, or movement towards decline, dissolution, death, or rebirth of new beginnings.

In cognitive psychology, CBT, and schema therapy, schemata are understood as more than just thoughts, representing a complex framework “involving memories, emotions, and physiological sensations that drive maladaptive behaviors and maintain psychological distress.” The schema is also seen as an “organized pattern of thought and behavior” or “a mental structure of preconceived ideas, a framework representing some aspect of the world, or a system of organizing and perceiving new information.” For example, a person who, as a child, was abandoned or neglected can become overly sensitive and be triggered into an emotional outburst or panic attack when they believe they are undervalued or rejected by others. Perhaps we’re oversimplifying by calling it “stinking thinking,” but in a sense, it really is undesirable, problematic thinking.4

When thoughts and thinking become maladaptive and inflexible

These organized, strongly held, or ingrained structures of thought, whatever you call them, can become the underpinnings of significant maladaptive or inflexible ways of interacting with the world, to the detriment of the person themselves or the outside community. These deeply embedded and patterned networks of beliefs strongly influence how we perceive the world, our moods, emotions, and behaviors. When the composite of these inner frameworks of firmly implanted ideas, their influence, and their manifestations is considered, it can be understood as personality or identity. This can be considered a personality disorder if significant maladaptive impairments in self or interpersonal functioning persist over time and become a focus for therapeutic intervention.5

But most of us, to a certain degree, get entrapped in our own stinking thinking—schemata, or patterns of erroneous or distorted beliefs that go against life’s natural flow of happiness, productivity, social relatedness, and peaceful coexistence. Those with significant maladaptive thought and belief systems and difficulties integrating and coexisting in society, causing significant detriment to themselves and others, often need outside intervention, such as medical, psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, or even intensive residential or inpatient programs. Given how deeply these personality or characterological imprints are embedded, it is more difficult to get affected people to seek help or stay in treatment, as seen in antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders. There is also a lower likelihood of success for any of the commonly used treatments, but some forms of CBT or mentalization therapy have shown promise.6 7

These difficult personality issues have been well studied to identify therapeutic interventions that promote positive, healthy change.8

Emerging integrative models that emphasize personalized, holistic mental health care, combining evidence-based science, spirituality, and experiential healing, show promise. For example, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a newer iteration of CBT, can be integrated with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, such as ketamine-assisted therapy, and with breathwork practices. Combining these methods can be a transformative mental health treatment, reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders and contributing to better outcomes and longer-term remissions.

Holotropic Breathwork, developed by Stanislav Grof, induces altered states of consciousness through deep, rhythmic breathing and is often used as a non-pharmacological alternative to psychedelics in transpersonal psychotherapy and within CBT or ACT frameworks that support emotional release, trauma processing, and self-exploration. It is thought to activate neuroplasticity and promote psychological well-being, especially when paired with mindfulness and awareness of the body and the environment.

Integration of experiences from these therapies is often supported by practices such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, dream work, journaling, and psychoeducation. These practices help individuals process insights gained during psychedelic or breathwork sessions, promoting more lasting change through behavioral and cognitive reorganization.9 Mindfulness has become a widespread practice that benefits focus, stress management, and pain management, and it builds emotional regulation and resilience.10

Some things to consider and points to ponder:

1. As most of us still have the capacity for learning, change, and adaptability, whether our thinking is marginally “stinking” or “overly fragrant,” we might describe the latter as someone who is too cheerful or enthusiastic, carefree, or out of touch with life circumstances, which would also imply a lack of adaptability and less-than-optimal coexistence with others. So, what about those of us who fall into this not-so-extreme or not-so-optimal majority category? We would again have to look to the best experiences and advice of the masters of the art of well-being, successful living, peaceful coexistence, happiness, and spiritual attunement. As I would like to think of myself as a student of all this and as thwarted by the same human limitations and fallibility that we all have, I can only do my best to seek wisdom and explore some of these age-old questions about our human potential to best help ourselves and others during our finite existence and consciousness.

2. If thinking, emotions, moods, physical health, career, and personal relationships are causing you a painful downward spiral and you have not benefited from your personal efforts, many community or private resources are available, some of which require out-of-pocket payment or are covered by insurance, and others are public programs. Find out about options from your own network of family or friends, research online if you have access, any healthcare providers you may see or have contact with, community mental health services, or emergency services if necessary. There are many possible fits for your needs. In a prior article, I focused on holistic lifestyle psychiatry, an approach mindful of the many vital areas that can improve mental health.11

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

*For the audio podcast, click here

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below:

Stinking Thinking Revealed and Getting Unstuck from Ideas and Beliefs—with Mindfulness, CBT, and Holistic Strategies for Lasting Mental Wellness

The chill of winter, the news, and politics

It was midwinter, with a chill in the air and sleet and snow steadily falling, coating the roads enough to form a treacherous layer of black ice and making travel precarious. Those of us caught indoors often turned on the TV to get the latest weather report, searching for how long our forced winter hibernation would last. On TV, news reports featured recurring stories about outlandish things the president or his party representatives were doing to upset the applecart of democracy. The more dramatic the reporting of threatening changes to the status quo of established institutions and our way of life, the greater the weight on our minds and emotions. Our emotions balanced between worry, fear, and some anger. As the final reports grew more ominous, they predicted more frigid weather, icy rain and sleet, impassable roads, and the closing of businesses and events. My wife lingered to catch the final news and reports. Still, I scurried away to enjoy my nighttime herbal tea and routine of yoga and meditation to shake off the negativity and emotional burden of my earlier exposure to network news, some articles I’d read, and the reported climatic changes, both environmental and political.

A dream of arrogance, deceit, and deception

My pre-bed sleep-enhancing routine worked, and I drifted into a night of peaceful slumber until early morning, when my mind began transitioning toward wakefulness. A realistic dream appeared, drawing on residues of the prior day’s images and unsettled emotions, as if to bring them to a settled, completed state within an ensembled narrative to file away in the depths of memory, perhaps for wisdom or future retrieval. In the dream, I was part of a group at a large event center in a fancy high-rise in the middle of Manhattan. I had responsibilities as a senior facilitator and offered to organize and lead an activity in several large adjoining rooms with open floor space. It was to be a workshop on mindfulness and pickleball mastery. Each person had a tennis ball and a smaller hard rubber ball used for racquetball or handball, as in some of the city’s gyms and spas with small, enclosed courts.

To my surprise, one of the best-known public figures, whose personality and behavior often offended many, was participating in the event, possibly because it was his building. He seemed pleased to take part and exuded a casual confidence that fit his image as more nonchalant. It was hoped that he would see it as a fun way to get a little away from his worries and win over some admirers at the same time. To my surprise, I was supposed to team up with this famous public figure, whose arrogant, dismissive, or bullying behavior often offended others and was considered unforgivably offensive.

My job was to pair the other participants and have them practice together as a collaborative team. Each pair was to find a line in the room that would act as a net. I intended to use the activity and movement of a pickleball competition between the two, along with practiced focus and concentration on the ball, as an exercise in mindfulness. My goal was for the realization to occur with the release from the usual background thought chatter, bringing peaceful flow and connectedness through the coordinated flow of the activity and the fun game.

I was hoping my very public celebrity partner could let go of some of the entrapment in his own worries, pressures, and self-defeating personality traits, as well as in his tightly woven beliefs about himself, since I sensed he wanted to. I questioned how to address each other in our interconnected pair activity to encourage us to let go of some of our tightly held mental preoccupations and distractions that keep us from being fully present in the moment.

Because my attachments to my sense of self and titles, including my moniker as doctor, seemed to be a potential problem or distraction for others, I told my partner and the group they were free to call me by first name or by my career title, whichever was comfortable for them, and that it was not something I was overly attached to. As for my partner, it would be his choice to let go of his closely held public identifiers and image. The exercise felt a little awkward for everyone, including my partner, but there was a glimmer of hope that he and I could relax and enjoy the meant-to-be therapeutic activity.

I awoke and noted my related thoughts for later recording in my dream and insight journal, which I came to value as a helpful tool for mental and emotional health on our journey toward understanding and, perhaps, wisdom. My reported dream and insights from it are presented to heighten understanding of the danger of entrapment or fixation in the mind’s thoughts, interpretations, and beliefs, whether firmly fixed or, for most, hopefully flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. The figures in the dream are not meant to represent any public figure or anyone I know. Most likely, the representations are projections of aspects of myself for my self-understanding and self-improvement work, possibly highlighting some of my inflexibility or arrogance in self-perception and behavior.

It is a hidden gem to know oneself as more fluid and adaptable rather than set and immutable. All this underscores the importance and benefits of healthy practices such as journaling, mindfulness, meditation, and other sensible lifestyle choices. Constant attention to when our thoughts and beliefs are tied to strong emotions, over-identification, and attachment is an important way to avoid mental imbalance, emotional distress, and unhappiness, as the Buddha’s spiritual teachings on our thoughts, mind, and attachments emphasize.

The importance of keeping your focus on the ball in the game of pickleball is a metaphor that appeared in the dream segment above. It is a reminder of the ancient wisdom and spiritual teachings that, by allowing the mind to focus, reduce its hectic activities and mental preoccupations, and relax, it can enter a restorative, healing state.

Stinking thinking and the roots of cognitive behavioral therapy

“Stinking Thinking” became a popular expression, popularized by Zig Ziglar,¹ an American motivational speaker, in his self-help, personal, and career development talks. Albert Ellis, a psychologist who founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), used the phrase to describe the kinds of negative, self-sabotaging thoughts that can make people feel emotionally distressed and dissatisfied. Some core cognitive beliefs or distortions that lead to emotional distress can be characterized as rigid, absolutist thinking; irrational beliefs that rarely align with reality; and what we may call “stinking thinking.”

Some examples from Ellis’s work of distortions in thinking that can become so well set in the mind that they influence thinking, emotions, and behavior in ways others see as irrational include: feeling you must excel at everything, which breeds fear of failure and self-criticism, leading to over-striving for perfectionism and competence; believing and being convinced that you must be universally liked or approved of, making your self-worth dependent on others and making you overly needy for others’ love and approval; catastrophizing, exaggerating problems and discomfort, and viewing setbacks as unbearable disasters; obsessive worrying about dangers and believing that the constant worry is protective, when it actually leads to avoidance and paralysis; and feeling that you must always be dependent on others and rely on someone stronger and more competent, undermining independence and self-confidence.²

The idea that adverse thoughts influence emotions and behavior has deep historical roots in ancient wisdom—such as the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus, who taught that people are disturbed not by events but by their interpretations (thoughts) of them, and the Buddhist understanding of the impact of the mind and its thinking on life and well-being. It is therefore understandable how stinking thinking, as an expression, found its way into popular culture. Modern psychology, psychiatry, and therapies have likewise evolved from the fascination with the operations of the mind and mental activity, from ancient times through the times that followed, up to the present: philosophers, scientists, researchers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and healthcare workers.

Aaron Beck, MD, is considered the father of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This psychotherapy has become mainstream in mental health care and treatment, as well as in addiction recovery and personal development. Cognitive-behavioral therapy challenges and seeks to modify problem-causing thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, along with associated behaviors, to aid emotional regulation and foster better ways of coping with and addressing problems. Beck expanded the idea of schemas as core beliefs that strongly affect emotional responses and behavioral patterns, and he identified negative schemas as significant contributors to depression and anxiety.

CBT has evolved into a range of valued psychological and behavioral psychotherapeutic treatments that focus on clearly delineated medical, psychological, and emotional difficulties, based on carefully conducted and validated research: dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, spirituality-based CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (a specialist branch of CBT that uses mindfulness and acceptance interventions), and EMDR. CBT has demonstrated effectiveness for such difficulties as anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, substance use disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and interpersonal relationship problems, as well as for treating people exposed to adverse childhood experiences and trauma from abuse or neglect.³

The Schemata and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Schemata in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refer to long-lasting, negative ways of thinking (perhaps “stinking thinking”), feeling, and acting that often begin in childhood and persist into later life. These internalized patterns were thought to originate in unmet emotional needs or difficult prior experiences, shaping how a person sees themselves, others, and their external experiences. Schemata were viewed as mental maps or organizing templates that integrate new and existing information into memory. The term originated with Jean Piaget, who defined schemas as “mental structures that organize knowledge and guide understanding”.

Our mental work is always forming representations, schemes, or patterns that are remembered and reinforced, and that can become concretized in the sense of being held onto and embedded as an immutable belief or identity. These schemes or schemata are valuable only as long as they serve as a framework for achieving a desired or intended outcome, or as a rationalization for carrying out or avoiding certain valued or feared behaviors, outcomes, or consequences. Their reality or benefit is only to the extent of their utility or their relativity to other held needs, desires, or expectations, for continued existence, growth, or movement towards decline, dissolution, death, or rebirth of new beginnings.

In cognitive psychology, CBT, and schema therapy, schemata are understood as more than just thoughts, representing a complex framework “involving memories, emotions, and physiological sensations that drive maladaptive behaviors and maintain psychological distress.” The schema is also seen as an “organized pattern of thought and behavior” or “a mental structure of preconceived ideas, a framework representing some aspect of the world, or a system of organizing and perceiving new information.” For example, a person who, as a child, was abandoned or neglected can become overly sensitive and be triggered into an emotional outburst or panic attack when they believe they are undervalued or rejected by others. Perhaps we’re oversimplifying by calling it “stinking thinking,” but in a sense, it really is undesirable, problematic thinking.⁴

When thoughts and thinking become maladaptive and inflexible

These organized, strongly held, or ingrained structures of thought, whatever you call them, can become the underpinnings of significant maladaptive or inflexible ways of interacting with the world, to the detriment of the person themselves or the outside community. These deeply embedded and patterned networks of beliefs strongly influence how we perceive the world, our moods, emotions, and behaviors. When the composite of these inner frameworks of firmly implanted ideas, their influence, and their manifestations is considered, it can be understood as personality or identity. It would be a disorder of personality if significant maladaptive impairments in self or interpersonal functioning persist over time and become a focus for therapeutic intervention.⁵

But most of us, to a certain degree, get entrapped in our own stinking thinking—schemata, or patterns of erroneous or distorted beliefs that go against life’s natural flow of happiness, productivity, social relatedness, and peaceful coexistence. Those with significant maladaptive thought and belief systems and difficulties integrating and coexisting in society, causing significant detriment to themselves and others, often need outside intervention, such as medical, psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, or even intensive residential or inpatient programs. Given how deeply these personality or characterological imprints are embedded, it is more difficult to get affected people to seek help or stay in treatment, as seen in antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders. There is also a lower likelihood of success for any of the commonly used treatments, but some forms of CBT or mentalization therapy have shown promise.^{6 7} These difficult personality issues have been well studied to identify therapeutic interventions that promote positive, healthy change.⁸

Emerging integrative models that emphasize personalized, holistic mental health care, combining evidence-based science, spirituality, and experiential healing, show promise. For example, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a newer iteration of CBT, can be integrated with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, such as ketamine-assisted therapy, and with breathwork practices. Combining these methods can be a transformative mental health treatment, reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders and contributing to better outcomes and longer-term remissions.

Holotropic Breathwork, developed by Stanislav Grof, induces altered states of consciousness through deep, rhythmic breathing and is often used as a non-pharmacological alternative to psychedelics in transpersonal psychotherapy and within CBT or ACT frameworks that support emotional release, trauma processing, and self-exploration. It is thought to activate neuroplasticity and promote psychological well-being, especially when paired with mindfulness and awareness of the body and the environment.

Integration of experiences from these therapies is often supported by practices such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, dream work, journaling, and psychoeducation. These practices help individuals process insights gained during psychedelic or breathwork sessions, promoting more lasting change through behavioral and cognitive reorganization. ⁹ Mindfulness has become a widespread practice that benefits focus, stress management, and pain management, and it builds emotional regulation and resilience.¹⁰

Some things to consider and points to ponder:

1. As most of us still have the capacity for learning, change, and adaptability, whether our thinking is marginally “stinking” or “overly fragrant,” we might describe the latter as someone who is too cheerful or enthusiastic, carefree, or out of touch with life circumstances, which would also imply a lack of adaptability and less-than-optimal coexistence with others. So, what about those of us who fall into this not-so-extreme or not-so-optimal majority category? We would again have to look to the best experiences and advice of the masters of the art of well-being, successful living, peaceful coexistence, happiness, and spiritual attunement. As I would like to think of myself as a student of all this and as thwarted by the same human limitations and fallibility that we all have, I can only do my best to seek wisdom and explore some of these age-old questions about our human potential to best help ourselves and others during our finite existence and consciousness.

2. If thinking, emotions, moods, physical health, career, and personal relationships are causing you a painful downward spiral and you have not benefited from your personal efforts, many community or private resources are available, some of which require out-of-pocket payment or are covered by insurance, and others are public programs. Find out about options from your own network of family and friends, research online if you have access, any healthcare providers you may see or have contact with, community mental health services, or emergency services if necessary. There are many possible fits for your needs. In a prior article, I focused on holistic lifestyle psychiatry, an approach mindful of the many vital areas that can improve mental health.¹¹

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

For the full article and references, go to: https://parksmd.com/library-of-all-posts/ and to the article: Stinking Thinking Revealed and Getting Unstuck

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

*Click at the bottom of the presentation for a video or audio podcast of the presentation.

My Family’s Journey Through Loss, Reunion, and Remembrance

I recall a poignant personal story I wrote about my reunion with an aged cousin of my mother during a visit to Israel, who was believed lost in a Nazi death camp. Her location was revealed through a letter my mother gave me before her death. The realization now is that it was the deepest and darkest proximity I’ve experienced to the heart of tragedy, human cruelty, and the depravity of others toward humanity, the evilest side of humankind, inflicted on vulnerable people by one of the most sinister forces in the history of our civilization. It also shows the resilience and the beaming forth of the human spirit, and our greatest strength and power to reach the highest state of enlightenment and pure spirit.

As a child in the late 1940s, my mother took me to a local shoe repair shop on Upshur Street in Washington, DC. The shop was near the row-house community where we lived. The struggling shoemaker, among his buzzing machines, appeared to be a quiet, humble man, his face worn by years of struggle and hardship. He had an unfamiliar accent. My mother knew he was from Hungary, where her parents had lived before migrating to this country in the late 1800s. My mother showed him letters she had recently received from a cousin, Iren, her age, whom she had visited as a small child with her mother while seeing their family in Hungary before the war years. I understood that a terrible war had occurred in Eastern Europe, and it was over with the German defeat.

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As a child, I only knew that horrible things had happened to the unfortunate people living there, including my mother’s cousin and her family. Her cousin, Iren, was now a refugee from her destroyed home and community, having lost family members. With a voice of despair, the shoemaker in the store translated and read the letters to my mother. He helped write and address my mother’s letters in Hungarian to my mother’s cousin, along with whatever money or goods my mother could send.

My mother was never sure her letters or anything she sent would reach her or get past the authorities or the people providing her refuge. She received the last letter from her cousin after the war had ended, which included her new address in Israel, where she had successfully migrated. The letter expressed hope of seeing my mother in the future. The cousin could reach Israel after her release from a Nazi concentration camp and a brief stay at a refugee center, as one of the few family survivors. The Germans had invaded her hometown in Transylvania near the Hungarian border, destroyed her community, and left her without a place to return to.

No further attempts to make contact were successful. Years later, when my mother could finally travel to Israel, she was terribly disappointed not to find her cousin.

Before my mother died, she gave me the well-kept last letter from Iren, now worn, hoping I would reconnect with her one day. In the mid-eighties, my wife and I traveled to Israel, taking with us the old, worn letter from Iren that my mother had given me before her death. It was my quest to find her, hoping she was still alive. What transpired when we arrived in Israel was a blessing and an inspiration beyond my belief and expectations.

On a sunny, warm day in 1985, in the arid, desert-like landscape, my wife and I walked into the modest hotel lobby near Jerusalem. We were to meet a newfound niece of my mother’s dear cousin. We were young and full of wonder, adventure, excitement, and anticipation that something profound would soon happen.

My mother hoped I would find her beloved cousin and complete the connection she had hoped for since her childhood visit to their European family and their occasional letters thereafter.

Now, Iren’s niece drove us to the rustic lodge where Iren and her husband were staying. I had found Iren’s niece by taking the envelope my mother had given me, with the old address and family name, to a multilingual shop owner. He took time out from his work in his small, stall-like shop to phone twenty or so people with a family name similar to the one on my mother’s envelope. He kept telling our story until Iren’s niece recognized it on one of the calls. The shopkeeper was so sweet to help us, and of course, we bought a few gifts to remember him and his colorful shop.

When we walked into the room, Iren, now in her eighties, appeared slightly frail, with a concentration number tattooed on her arm, beaming with such warmth and a smile that melted our hearts. We all cried and hugged. A profound sense of meaning came with the joining of our hearts and the family’s past. The occasion was also profoundly moving, as we had visited the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem the day before. There were many reminders of that era’s horrific events, including an exhibit of thousands of children’s shoes belonging to those sent to the crematoriums at the death camps. Some of these children were from my mother’s and Iren’s families.

It was profound to meet Iren, a survivor of one of the worst tragedies in modern history. Iren had not only survived but, as I perceived, had moved to a much higher place of spirituality and love, though she still carried the deep scars of her losses and sacrifices. She had also become an accomplished poet and gave me poems about her Holocaust experience, written in her native Hungarian, in search of meaning in suffering and loss. When I returned to the States, I found a Hungarian professor who translated her poems.

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27th as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust,1 marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This annual observance serves as a worldwide reminder of the dangers posed by the drift towards rogue and extremist authoritarian rule, hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism. People across the globe are called to remember, reflect, and act to prevent history from repeating itself, with commemorative events held at United Nations Headquarters and offices worldwide.2

What becomes startlingly clear is that the worst of history can repeat itself. A warning to maintain vigilance is evident in the persistence of less visible undercurrents that can build toward a potential recurrence. It is more worrisome when individuals and groups develop a lack of public responsibility and respect for diversity, and show behaviors that suggest a need to control, gain power, and accumulate wealth at the public’s expense. Drift in this direction is clear from both the ideological extremes of the right and the left.

The perpetrators of fear and division gain traction by stoking basic human fears of losing essentials such as livelihoods, economic security, and food and shelter, and of being overrun or replaced by others. Ideologically polarized political parties achieve dominance by espousing disinformation that foments hatred, fear, and division.

Today’s technological advances in communications make it easier for entities seeking an advantage to influence and control, to the point of becoming destructive forces against public welfare. Technology also makes it easier for ill-intentioned people to take advantage of others by manipulating human frailties through deception, rhetoric, and propaganda. The reality is that what occurred in the past can gain momentum and again lead to the degradation of the social fabric, democracy, and the environment essential to health and well-being.

The Enduring Lessons and Warnings from History’s Darkest Chapter

Iren was one of the few in her village and family to survive the Holocaust3 and the Nazi concentration camps, and live to write about the ordeal. Her poems were written from 1944 to 1945, during her last days in her native town of Nagyvarad and as a prisoner at Auschwitz. As Iren wished, her poems are shared to remind everyone never to forget and to watch for any movement toward hatred, division, or a recurrence of the tragic history she had experienced. Her poems offer a poignant reminder of the fate of a democracy that evolves into a brutal, totalitarian, fascist government.

A Haunting Poem from Iren Steier: A Survivor of Auschwitz’s Journey and the Gripping Reality of her Tragic Experience

A translated poem by my mother’s cousin is below: a warning that the poem in its entirety is harsh, graphic, and shocking, but shared because of Iren’s wish to keep people aware that, without vigilance and remembrance of this tragic history, recurrence can become a future reality.

AUSCHWITZ by Iren W. Steier

In a far, strange country, very—very far,
Where maybe the star in the sky is even different,
Where there is no friend, not even the grass,
From where even the flying bird has no message…

A train rumbles into the hell of Polish earth,
It brings wounded, deprived prisoners.
Its doors open, and ten thousand Jews.
are driven into rows — some alive, some dead.

And thousands of Jews are coming, and fall, and fall on and on,
Their unsteady eyes are searching for life.
The prisoners whisper: “ Give them your child!”
Is it possible? — That you save your own life thereby!

I will not give up my child! Never, never, never!
And her two embracing arms clasp it to her bosom.
So they line up, mothers with children
To the great “executioner” — with throbbing hearts.

And the spouses come hand in hand.
But not even a minute—their lives are divided.
I go to the right; he goes to the left — This is life, the other is death.
We are looking on, praying — Whose fate will be what?

Mother, father, brother — Why do I not find them?
Why do they not come with me on this journey?
My eyes stare far — I am looking unsteadily,
Where will my dearest brethren be taken?

Mengele, the executioner, waves here and there,
Who could know that left means death?
If we had known this, we would have gone all there.
Where will we die together with our beloved ones?

And the march is on — to the left — to the road of grief,
Their dearest lives were taken from them…to the gas death!
Where its leprous stomach devoured them continuously.
And drank blood amply to quench its thirst.

And then he danced, devilish dance,
And hung the clanging prisoner’s chain on the living ones.
Within spiked wires, haunted by their hounds,
The “ragged army” — to the right — with eyes cast down…4

Click: For the complete poem and other poems by Iren W. Steier

or go to: https://www.inmindwise.com/p/remembering-the-holocaust?s=w%20s

Tips and Points to Ponder

• Prevention is needed to break the recurring cycle of division and hate fueled by ideological and political differences. These cycles are driven by the rise of divisive, authoritarian, and destructive leaders and by the fomenting of age-old animosities toward minorities and targeted groups. Wise and enlightened leaders must rise to the top to foster peace, cooperation, and well-being for the populace. Be informed by history, be more aware, and be active in preventing tragedies from recurring.

• Peaceful coexistence can return through a strategic alliance at the highest levels, the positive use of educational programs, and the wise use of artificial intelligence and social media. Dedicated world organizations need to thrive and grow to combat destructive tribalism and selfish interests, recognizing that to exist, we must co-exist and cooperate for everyone’s mutual interest, security, health, and safety.

• Support research and resources that promote a better society and advance understanding of the psychology and neuroscience of human behaviors and personalities that drive greed, suppression of others, hatred, violence against minorities, and violence against vulnerable populations. Solutions are needed to provide more adequate resources for those vulnerable to mental health challenges.

• More clarity is needed about the impact of misinformation and propaganda on large population segments in our digital age of social media, to prevent misuse by self-serving and promoting entities. The hope is to foster the use of artificial intelligence and social media as tools for a more just, safe, and peaceful coexistence.

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

*For the audio podcast, click here

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below:

Vigilance and Memory: Safeguarding Humanity After the Holocaust

A call to remembrance and words from a survivor, the poet Iren Steier, that bring the reality of the past to inform the present

My Family’s Journey Through Loss, Reunion, and Remembrance

I recall a poignant personal story I wrote about my reunion with an aged cousin of my mother during a visit to Israel, who was believed lost in a Nazi death camp. Her location was revealed through a letter my mother gave me before her death. The realization now is that it was the deepest and darkest proximity I’ve experienced to the heart of tragedy, human cruelty, and the depravity of others toward humanity, the evilest side of humankind, inflicted on vulnerable people by one of the most sinister forces in the history of our civilization. It also shows the resilience and the beaming forth of the human spirit, and our greatest strength and power to reach the highest state of enlightenment and pure spirit.1

As a child in the late 1940s, my mother took me to a local shoe repair shop on Upshur Street in Washington, DC. The shop was near the row-house community where we lived. The struggling shoemaker, amid his buzzing machines, appeared to be a quiet, humble man, his face worn by years of hardship. He had an unfamiliar accent. My mother knew he was from Hungary, where her parents had lived before migrating to this country in the late 1800s. My mother showed him letters she had recently received from a cousin, Iren, her age, whom she had visited as a small child with her mother while seeing their family in Hungary before the war years. I understood that a terrible war had occurred in Eastern Europe, and it was over with the German defeat.

As a child, I only knew that horrible things had happened to the unfortunate people living there, including my mother’s cousin and her family. Her cousin, Iren, was now a refugee from her destroyed home and community, having lost family members. With a voice of despair, the shoemaker in the store translated and read the letters to my mother. He helped write and address my mother’s letters in Hungarian to my mother’s cousin, along with whatever money or goods my mother could send.

My mother was never sure her letters or anything she sent would reach her or get past the authorities or the people providing her refuge. She received the last letter from her cousin after the war had ended, which included her new address in Israel, where she had successfully migrated. The letter expressed hope of seeing my mother in the future. The cousin could reach Israel after her release from a Nazi concentration camp and a brief stay at a refugee center, as one of the few family survivors. The Germans had invaded her hometown in Transylvania near the Hungarian border, destroyed her community, and left her without a place to return to.

No further attempts to make contact were successful. Years later, when my mother could finally travel to Israel, she was terribly disappointed not to find her cousin.

Before my mother died, she gave me the well-kept last letter from Iren, now worn, hoping I would reconnect with her one day. In the mid-eighties, my wife and I traveled to Israel, taking with us the old, worn letter from Iren that my mother had given me before her death. It was my quest to find her, hoping she was still alive. What transpired when we arrived in Israel was a blessing and an inspiration beyond my belief and expectations.

On a sunny, warm day in 1985, in the arid, desert-like landscape, my wife and I walked into the modest hotel lobby near Jerusalem. We were to meet a newfound niece of my mother’s dear cousin. We were young and full of wonder, adventure, excitement, and anticipation that something profound would soon happen.

My mother hoped I would find her beloved cousin and complete the connection she had hoped for since her childhood visit to their European family and their occasional letters thereafter.

Now, Iren’s niece drove us to the rustic lodge where Iren and her husband were staying. I had found Iren’s niece by taking the envelope my mother had given me, with the old address and family name, to a multilingual shop owner. He took time out from his work in his small, stall-like shop to phone twenty or so people with a family name similar to the one on my mother’s envelope. He kept telling our story until Iren’s niece recognized it on one of the calls. The shopkeeper was so sweet to help us, and of course, we bought a few gifts to remember him and his colorful shop.

When we walked into the room, Iren, now in her eighties, appeared slightly frail, with a concentration number tattooed on her arm, beaming with such warmth and a smile that melted our hearts. We all cried and hugged. A profound sense of meaning came with the joining of our hearts and the family’s past. The occasion was also profoundly moving, as we had visited the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem the day before. There were many reminders of that era’s horrific events, including an exhibit of thousands of children’s shoes belonging to those sent to the crematoriums at the death camps. Some of these children were from my mother’s and Iren’s families.

It was profound to meet Iren, a survivor of one of the worst tragedies in modern history. Iren had not only survived but, as I perceived, had moved to a much higher place of spirituality and love, though she still carried the deep scars of her losses and sacrifices. She had also become an accomplished poet and gave me poems about her Holocaust experience, written in her native Hungarian, in search of meaning in suffering and loss. When I returned to the States, I found a Hungarian professor who translated her poems.

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27th as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust2, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This annual observance serves as a worldwide reminder of the dangers posed by the drift towards rogue and extremist authoritarian rule, hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism. People across the globe are called to remember, reflect, and act to prevent history from repeating itself, with commemorative events held at United Nations Headquarters and offices worldwide.3

What becomes startlingly clear is that the worst of history can repeat itself. A warning to maintain vigilance is evident in the persistence of less visible undercurrents that can build toward a potential recurrence. It is more worrisome when individuals and groups develop a lack of public responsibility and respect for diversity, and show behaviors that suggest a need to control, gain power, and accumulate wealth at the public’s expense. Drift in this direction is clear from both the ideological extremes of the right and the left.

The perpetrators of fear and division gain traction by stoking basic human fears of losing essentials such as livelihoods, economic security, and food and shelter, and of being overrun or replaced by others. Ideologically polarized political parties achieve dominance by espousing disinformation that foments hatred, fear, and division.

Today’s technological advances in communications make it easier for entities seeking an advantage to influence and control, to the point of becoming destructive forces against public welfare. Technology also makes it easier for ill-intentioned people to take advantage of others by manipulating human frailties through deception, rhetoric, and propaganda. The reality is that what occurred in the past can gain momentum and again lead to the degradation of the social fabric, democracy, and the environment essential to health and well-being.

The Enduring Lessons and Warnings from History’s Darkest Chapter

Iren was one of the few in her village and family to survive the Holocaust

and the Nazi concentration camps, and live to write about the ordeal. Her poems were written from 1944 to 1945, during her last days in her native town of Nagyvarad and as a prisoner at Auschwitz. As Iren wished, her poems are shared to remind everyone never to forget and to watch for any movement toward hatred, division, or a recurrence of the tragic history she had experienced. Her poems offer a poignant reminder of the fate of a democracy that evolves into a brutal, totalitarian, fascist government.

A Haunting Poem from Iren Steier: A Survivor of Auschwitz’s Journey and the Gripping Reality of her Tragic Experience

A translated poem by my mother’s cousin is below: a warning that the poem in its entirety is harsh, graphic, and shocking, but shared because of Iren’s wish to keep people aware that, without vigilance and remembrance of this tragic history, recurrence can become a future reality.

AUSCHWITZ by Iren W. Steier,

In a far, strange country, very—very far,
Where maybe the star in the sky is even different,
Where there is no friend, not even the grass,
From where even the flying bird has no message…

A train rumbles into the hell of Polish earth,
It brings wounded, deprived prisoners.
Its doors open, and ten thousand Jews.
are driven into rows — some alive, some dead.

And thousands of Jews are coming, and fall, and fall on and on,
Their unsteady eyes are searching for life.
The prisoners whisper: “ Give them your child!”
Is it possible? — That you save your own life thereby!

I will not give up my child! Never, never, never!
And her two embracing arms clasp it to her bosom.
So they line up, mothers with children
To the great “executioner” — with throbbing hearts.

And the spouses come hand in hand.
But not even a minute—their lives are divided.
I go to the right; he goes to the left — This is life, the other is death.
We are looking on, praying — Whose fate will be what?

Mother, father, brother — Why do I not find them?
Why do they not come with me on this journey?
My eyes stare far — I am looking unsteadily,
Where will my dearest brethren be taken?

Mengele, the executioner, waves here and there,
Who could know that left means death?
If we had known this, we would have gone all there.
Where will we die together with our beloved ones?

And the march is on — to the left — to the road of grief,
Their dearest lives were taken from them…to the gas death!
Where its leprous stomach devoured them continuously.
And drank blood amply to quench its thirst.

And then he danced, devilish dance,
And hung the clanging prisoner’s chain on the living ones.
Within spiked wires, haunted by their hounds,
The “ragged army” — to the right — with eyes cast down…4

Click here: For the complete poem and other poems by Iren W. Steier,

or go to: https://www.inmindwise.com/p/remembering-the-holocaust?s=w%20s

Tips and Points to Ponder

• Prevention is needed to break the recurring cycle of division and hate fueled by ideological and political differences. These cycles are fueled by the rise of divisive, authoritarian, and destructive leaders and by the fomenting of age-old animosities toward minorities and targeted groups. Wise and enlightened leaders must rise to the top to foster peace, cooperation, and well-being for the populace. Be informed by history, be more aware, and be active in preventing tragedies from recurring.

• Peaceful coexistence can return through a strategic alliance at the highest levels, the positive use of educational programs, and the wise use of artificial intelligence and social media. Dedicated world organizations need to thrive and grow to combat destructive tribalism and selfish interests, recognizing that to exist, we must co-exist and cooperate for everyone’s mutual interest, security, health, and safety.

• Support research and resources that promote a better society and advance understanding of the psychology and neuroscience of human behaviors and personalities that drive greed, suppression of others, hatred, violence against minorities, and violence against vulnerable populations. Solutions are needed to provide more adequate resources for those vulnerable to mental health challenges.

• More clarity is needed about the impact of misinformation and propaganda on large population segments in our digital age of social media, to prevent misuse by self-serving and promoting entities. The hope is to foster the use of artificial intelligence and social media as tools for a more just, safe, and peaceful coexistence.

For complete articles with references or inquiries, go to parksmd.com and the library of all posts: https://parksmd.com/library-of-all-posts/ Psychiatry.

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

A Beginning and the Foundation

*Click at the bottom of the presentation for a video or audio podcast of the presentation.

Early in my career, I completed a residency in internal medicine and then in psychiatry. The most notable aspect was the teaching and academic component, which required absorbing a large volume of information and concepts about the practice and administration of care and treatment, based on the consensus of the day’s educational and scientific community. The second component, initially interwoven with the first, involved working with patients, practicing the art of diagnosis and care, and setting up treatment plans—mostly centered on the psychotherapies considered mainstream at the time, and prescribing medication and other physical-oriented therapies.

There was hope and intention on the part of the residency programs and senior faculty that the teachings, concepts, and wisdom from experienced teachers would be incorporated into our memories for future application. It was further expected that the blending of the remembered with hands-on experience would be more deeply embodied and shaped into remembered, actionable, and ethical behavior to best serve future patients.

Subscribe now

Exploration and Change

During these days of exploration and change, I came across an interesting book in a local bookstore about a journalist’s transformative experience with yoga. It sparked my interest in holistic healing. Inspired, I began studying and practicing yoga alongside my medical and clinical training. My curiosity and new explorations broadened my perspective as I read and studied other traditions and cultures, including Buddhism, Zen, Sufism, Macrobiotics, Kabbalistic traditions, and more. These philosophies were rich in ideas about mental, physical, and spiritual flexibility, as well as healthy, ethical, and peaceful living.

Retreats with yoga and spiritual teachers proved especially transformative, featuring community work, meditation, and mindfulness. These experiences revitalized my health and perspective, shaping my integrative approach to psychiatry and medicine. I was reminded of childhood moments when I was at my healthiest, invigorated, and spiritually attuned. The wisdom gained from yoga and other cultures enriched my life and underscored the importance of working together and group support in nourishing my growth, making healthier choices easier, improving my attitude toward my life and career, and strengthening my personal health.

Lifestyle Psychiatry: A New Paradigm in Mental Health

Related to my own interests and development, I’ve been interested in a new, emerging medical area of practice and study called Lifestyle Medicine, and now also Lifestyle Psychiatry. Changes in program and practice names over time reflect the evolving perspectives of people in the health care field, as evidenced by terms such as alternative, complementary, holistic, and integrative, as well as today’s lifestyle psychiatry and medicine. There is always a search for terms considered more acceptable and grounded in evidence-based research, and therefore scientific. It is hoped that the newer designation will hold its ground better against more conventional ideas and practices that still lean toward singular or limited therapy modalities, medications, and procedures rather than toward the importance of lifestyle choices, spiritual/religious beliefs, and holistic practices.1

Lifestyle Psychiatry is an emerging field focused on preventing, treating, and potentially reversing chronic physical and mental health conditions through evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Its core pillars include physical activity and exercise, nutrition, restorative sleep, stress management, reducing toxic exposures, and fostering connectedness.

Connectedness is understood to include self-connection and connection with oneself and the wider world, as seen in a holistic approach to well-being.

The concept of connectedness has been expanded to include happiness, purpose in life and meaning-making, empathy and compassion, social connection and community, nature, spirituality, and religion. Adopting a broader definition of connectedness can help practitioners design more sustainable interventions that reduce adverse health outcomes, boost resilience, and support emotional growth.

Collaboration and Motivational Interviewing

One of my close family members, exceptionally talented and a complement to me in many of my undertakings, has taught me over the years the value of connectedness and collaboration. In my professional work, I often find that collaboration is more effective than mere supervision, authoritative direction, or advice-giving. The benefits of connectedness and collaboration support a person’s sense of agency and empowerment to take risks toward change and healthy, life-enhancing behaviors.

Motivational interviewing, now an accepted psychotherapeutic intervention, was initially widely used in the substance use disorder field. It emphasizes effective listening, active engagement, and collaboration to motivate positive behavior. The hope is that change will occur in a sensible direction when an individual seems open to exploring or doing what can help sustain healthy changes.2

Collaboration among health care professionals is often cited as lacking and as contributing to less-than-desirable outcomes. Practitioners, as well as the people they care for, need to embody the lessons of connectedness and collaboration in ways that best serve everyone.

Narrative Medicine and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Two other emerging paradigms in health care are Narrative Medicine and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Narrative Medicine encourages practitioners and people receiving care to develop skills such as deep listening and relatability by reading and listening to shared narratives, whether written or spoken. The benefits of Narrative Medicine include fostering mutual respect and understanding between providers and health care recipients, enhancing connectedness and collaboration, and improving the therapeutic experience.3

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes psychological flexibility and action to enhance mental health, wellness, and well-being. ACT comprises six components that enhance psychological and emotional functioning and flexibility: acceptance, self-as-context, values, committed action, and cognitive defusion.

Cognitive defusion has proven beneficial in creating psychological distance from overpowering, attention-dominating thoughts. This helps individuals perceive thoughts as passing events rather than absolute truths, fostering present-moment awareness and freeing the mind’s attention to engage more broadly with the current reality. Cognitive defusion techniques, such as mindfulness and metaphor, can effectively reduce the impact of distracting thoughts, allowing greater flexibility in responding to unplanned events.

ACT shows great potential as a psychotherapeutic intervention to support the development of essential skills for navigating life’s complexities and to improve mental health and overall quality of life.4

Embodiment: Concepts and Wisdom for Sustained Change

Building on the concept of connectiveness, I would also support adding the idea of embodiment. Embodiment embeds learning in memory, making it consistently available, actionable, and enduring—enabling evidence-based learning for healthier, intentional activities that promote lasting changes and long-term benefit. This helps practitioners and those engaged in their self-work translate and hold what is taught or instructed as lifestyle choices and practices.

To achieve embodiment, it can be helpful and reinforcing to combine emotional, experiential, and rewarding elements that foster remembrance and sustainable positive health behaviors. This process can be strengthened by engaging in activities that promote well-being, happiness, connectedness, and a sense of calm and peace.

In my use, the term embodiment refers to the process of taking in what is taught or expressed by others, or what is profoundly experienced, and then using and implementing the held, internalized learning about mental, physical behavior, and action. The process of embodying wisdom, teachings, and concepts can lead to wise choices; active engagement in cognitive, physical, and spiritual health-enhancing practices; and ultimately to making those practices sustainable behaviors and habits. Embodiment is essential on the path to wellness, well-being, and longevity.

Transformative Experiences

Expanding the state of mind—or at least a temporary release from the imbalance caused by overly intellectual, reductive cognitive thinking and overly captivated attention at the expense of open perspective-taking—can strongly reinforce and aid the embodiment of more lightly or vaguely held teachings and information, bringing greater clarity and setting them in memory for retrieval or for the repetition of health-enhancing behaviors.

Almost anyone has the potential to experience heightened states of well-being and unfettered perspective expansion that can bring opening—even for the most recalcitrant or inflexible—and, most importantly, to deeply embody health-positive ideas and experiences in brain areas and memory, fostering long-term growth and change through positive neuroplasticity. So, you don’t have to be a yoga practitioner, an advanced spiritual seeker, a mystic, or even a hallucinogenic drug user to have an awakening or growth experience. For many, it requires proper guidance and sustained practice, but for some it occurs spontaneously amid synchronistic circumstances.

An intense awareness, growth, and enlightening experience can be a release from inflexible, limiting, reductionistic, and narrow-minded thinking and focus. To some, the experience can be frightening or even traumatic. It is a release from left-brain or intellectual patterning and conceptualizing that often inhibit the receptive, perceptive parts of the brain, which are needed for deeper awareness, wisdom, and experiencing beyond our limited perception of ourselves as a separate being, a bubble floating on the open sea—the experience of freedom, connection, peacefulness, and liberation.

Profound changes in my life choices and an ongoing orientation toward my career’s work and lifestyle emerged through immersion, consistent practice, and finding a supportive community and network to sustain and reinforce my ideas and practices. With support and nurturance, my interests and positive experiences helped me to embody my learning and experience into sustained change and practices. The reinforcement of these changes came from the opportunity to take time off from the busy training and career activities to travel, either alone or with my wife, to seminars or to the mountains for retreats led by respected teachers of the day, or to nutritional weekend potlucks that gathered holistically oriented friends.

Actions to Consider and Points to Ponder

1. When possible, a return to balanced brain and emotional functioning brings greater awareness and a more optimal state of cognitive functioning and reasoning, including better ability to plan sensibly, pursue essential needs, experience less fear and worry, increase flexibility and acceptance of change, and be more open to the moment. If helpful, find a guide, teacher, or program to support you.

2. The term holistic always seemed to me an expression better suited to capturing the essence of life—with its challenges and conflicts: the mental, physical, and spiritual issues that arise and the difficulty of balancing secular demands with the natural needs for more ease, peacefulness, connectedness, and spiritual attunement. But maybe holistic medicine and psychiatry are too abstract for most. In contrast, perhaps lifestyle psychiatry is a more relatable name, with less of an abstract feel, less “heavy” on alternative medicine and spirituality, a closer embrace of science, and a stance that is less open to charlatans and misinformation.

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

*For the audio podcast, click here

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below:

With such rapid advances in knowledge and scientific discovery, we may be entering an age in which there is a greater possibility of disease prevention, improvements, or cures; of sustaining longer periods of wellness and well-being; and even of the deep transformations needed to enhance longevity.

A Beginning and the Foundation

Early in my career, I completed a residency in internal medicine and then in psychiatry. The most notable aspect was the teaching and academic component, which required absorbing a large volume of information and concepts about the practice and administration of care and treatment, as reflected in the consensus of the day’s educational and scientific community. The second component, initially interwoven with the first, involved working with patients, practicing the art of diagnosis and care, and setting up treatment plans—mostly centered on the psychotherapies considered mainstream at the time, and prescribing medication and other physical-oriented therapies.

There was hope and intention on the part of the residency programs and senior faculty that the teachings, concepts, and wisdom from experienced teachers would be incorporated into our memories for future application. It was further expected that the blending of the remembered with hands-on experience would be more deeply embodied and shaped into remembered, actionable, and ethical behavior to best serve future patients.

Subscribe now

Exploration and Change

During these days of exploration and change, I came across an interesting book in a local bookstore about a journalist’s transformative experience with yoga. It sparked my interest in holistic healing. Inspired, I began studying and practicing yoga alongside my medical and clinical training. My curiosity and new explorations broadened my perspective as I read and studied other traditions and cultures, including Buddhism, Zen, Sufism, Macrobiotics, Kabbalistic traditions, and more. These philosophies were rich in ideas about mental, physical, and spiritual flexibility, as well as healthy, ethical, and peaceful living.

Retreats with yoga and spiritual teachers proved especially transformative, featuring community work, meditation, and mindfulness. These experiences revitalized my health and perspective, shaping my integrative approach to psychiatry and medicine. I was reminded of childhood moments when I was at my healthiest, invigorated, and spiritually attuned. The wisdom gained from yoga and other cultures enriched my life and underscored the importance of working together and group support in nourishing my growth, making healthier choices easier, improving my attitude toward my life and career, and strengthening my personal health.

Lifestyle Psychiatry: A New Paradigm in Mental Health

Related to my own interests and development, I’ve been interested in a new, emerging medical area of practice and study called Lifestyle Medicine, and now also Lifestyle Psychiatry. Changes in program and practice names over time reflect the evolving perspectives of people in the health care field, as evidenced by terms such as alternative, complementary, holistic, and integrative, as well as today’s lifestyle psychiatry and medicine. There is always a search for terms considered more acceptable and grounded in evidence-based research, and therefore scientific. It is hoped that the newer designation will hold its ground better against more conventional ideas and practices that still lean toward singular or limited therapy modalities, medications, and procedures rather than toward the importance of lifestyle choices, spiritual/religious beliefs, and holistic practices.i

Lifestyle Psychiatry is an emerging field focused on preventing, treating, and potentially reversing chronic physical and mental health conditions through evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Its core pillars include physical activity and exercise, nutrition, restorative sleep, stress management, reducing toxic exposures, and fostering connectedness.

Connectedness is understood to include self-connection and connection with oneself and the wider world, as seen in a holistic approach to well-being.

The concept of connectedness has been expanded to include happiness, purpose in life and meaning-making, empathy and compassion, social connection and community, nature, spirituality, and religion. Adopting a broader definition of connectedness can help practitioners design more sustainable interventions that reduce adverse health outcomes, boost resilience, and support emotional growth.

Collaboration and Motivational Interviewing

One of my close family members, exceptionally talented and a complement to me in many of my undertakings, has taught me over the years the value of connectedness and collaboration. In my professional work, I often find that collaboration is more effective than mere supervision, authoritative direction, or advice-giving. The benefits of connectedness and collaboration support a person’s sense of agency and empowerment to take risks toward change and healthy, life-enhancing behaviors.

Motivational interviewing, now an accepted psychotherapeutic intervention, was initially widely used in the substance use disorder field. It emphasizes effective listening, active engagement, and collaboration to motivate positive behavior. The hope is that change will occur in a sensible direction when an individual seems open to exploring or doing what can help sustain healthy changes.ii

Collaboration among health care professionals is often cited as lacking and as contributing to less-than-desirable outcomes. Practitioners, as well as the people they care for, need to embody the lessons of connectedness and collaboration in ways that best serve everyone.

Narrative Medicine and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Two other emerging paradigms in health care are Narrative Medicine and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Narrative Medicine encourages practitioners and people receiving care to develop skills such as deep listening and relatability by reading and listening to shared narratives, whether written or spoken. The benefits of Narrative Medicine include fostering mutual respect and understanding between providers and health care recipients, enhancing connectedness and collaboration, and improving the therapeutic experience.iii

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes psychological flexibility and action to enhance mental health, wellness, and well-being. ACT comprises six components that enhance psychological and emotional functioning and flexibility: acceptance, self-as-context, values, committed action, and cognitive defusion.

Cognitive defusion has proven beneficial in creating psychological distance from overpowering, attention-dominating thoughts. This helps individuals perceive thoughts as passing events rather than absolute truths, fostering present-moment awareness and freeing the mind’s attention to engage more broadly with the current reality. Cognitive defusion techniques, such as mindfulness and metaphor, can effectively reduce the impact of distracting thoughts, allowing greater flexibility in responding to unplanned events.

ACT shows great potential as a psychotherapeutic intervention to support the development of essential skills for navigating life’s complexities and to improve mental health and overall quality of life.iv

Embodiment: Concepts and Wisdom for Sustained Change

Building on the concept of connectiveness, I would also support adding the idea of embodiment. Embodiment embeds learning in memory, making it consistently available, actionable, and enduring—enabling evidence-based learning for healthier, intentional activities that promote lasting changes and long-term benefit. This helps practitioners and those engaged in their self-work translate and hold what is taught or instructed as lifestyle choices and practices.

To achieve embodiment, it can be helpful and reinforcing to combine emotional, experiential, and rewarding elements that foster remembrance and sustainable positive health behaviors. This process can be strengthened by engaging in activities that promote well-being, happiness, connectedness, and a sense of calm and peace.

In my use, the term embodiment refers to the process of taking in what is taught or expressed by others, or what is profoundly experienced, and then using and implementing the held, internalized learning about mental, physical behavior, and action. The process of embodying wisdom, teachings, and concepts can lead to wise choices; active engagement in cognitive, physical, and spiritual health-enhancing practices; and ultimately to making those practices sustainable behaviors and habits. Embodiment is essential on the path to wellness, well-being, and longevity.

Transformative Experiences

Expanding the state of mind—or at least a temporary release from the imbalance caused by overly intellectual, reductive cognitive thinking and overly captivated attention at the expense of open perspective-taking—can strongly reinforce and aid the embodiment of more lightly or vaguely held teachings and information, bringing greater clarity and setting them in memory for retrieval or for the repetition of health-enhancing behaviors.

Almost anyone has the potential to experience heightened states of well-being and unfettered perspective expansion that can bring opening—even for the most recalcitrant or inflexible—and, most importantly, to deeply embody health-positive ideas and experiences in brain areas and memory, fostering long-term growth and change through positive neuroplasticity. So, you don’t have to be a yoga practitioner, an advanced spiritual seeker, a mystic, or even a hallucinogenic drug user to have an awakening or growth experience. For many, it requires proper guidance and sustained practice, but for some it occurs spontaneously amid synchronistic circumstances.

An intense awareness, growth, and enlightening experience can be a release from inflexible, limiting, reductionistic, and narrow-minded thinking and focus. To some, the experience can be frightening or even traumatic. It is a release from left-brain or intellectual patterning and conceptualizing that often inhibit the receptive, perceptive parts of the brain, which are needed for deeper awareness, wisdom, and experiencing beyond our limited perception of ourselves as a separate being, a bubble floating on the open sea—the experience of freedom, connection, peacefulness, and liberation.

Profound changes in my life choices and an ongoing orientation toward my career’s work and lifestyle emerged through immersion, consistent practice, and finding a supportive community and network to sustain and reinforce my ideas and practices. With support and nurturance, my interests and positive experiences helped me to embody my learning and experience into sustained change and practices. The reinforcement of these changes came from the opportunity to take time off from the busy training and career activities to travel, either alone or with my wife, to seminars or to the mountains for retreats led by respected teachers of the day, or to nutritional weekend potlucks that gathered holistically oriented friends.

Actions to Consider and Points to Ponder

1. When possible, a return to balanced brain and emotional functioning brings greater awareness and a more optimal state of cognitive functioning and reasoning, including better ability to plan sensibly, pursue essential needs, experience less fear and worry, increase flexibility and acceptance of change, and be more open to the moment. If helpful, find a guide, teacher, or program to support you.

2. The term holistic always seemed to me an expression better suited to capturing the essence of life—with its challenges and conflicts: the mental, physical, and spiritual issues that arise and the difficulty of balancing secular demands with the natural needs for more ease, peacefulness, connectedness, and spiritual attunement. But maybe holistic medicine and psychiatry are too abstract for most. In contrast, perhaps lifestyle psychiatry is a more relatable name, with less of an abstract feel, less “heavy” on alternative medicine and spirituality, a closer embrace of science, and a stance that is less open to charlatans and misinformation.

For complete articles with references or inquiries, go to parksmd.com and the library of all posts: https://parksmd.com/library-of-all-posts/ Psychiatry

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

i What is Lifestyle Psychiatry? https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/what-is-lifestyle-psychiatry/;

https://www.mhe.cuimc.columbia.edu/narrative-medicine/education-and-narrative-medicine/principles-and-practice-narrative-medicine;

https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/23.116.

ii Motivational Interviewing https://motivationalinterviewing.org/understanding-motivational-interviewing

iii Narrative Medicine: The Power of Shared Stories to Enhance Inclusive Clinical Care, Clinician Well-Being, and Medical Education

Michelle Loy, MD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9935-6888 mhloy@med.cornell.edu, and Rachel Kowalsky, MD, MPH;

Charon R. The patient–physician relationship. Narrative medicine: A model for empathy, reflection, profession, and trust. JAMA. 2001;286(15):1897–1902”. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/23.116.

iv Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychological Well-Being: A Narrative Review

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11837766/

---------------

The tragic and shocking news report

The recent knife attack that resulted in the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, shocked the global community. Both were widely known and admired for their remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, their generosity to various causes, activism to support others’ rights, and their advocacy for democratic organizations. Rob Reiner was especially beloved for his memorable acting roles and the classic, creative films he directed. Despite their public successes, the Reiner family faced personal challenges familiar to many families with disabled or emotionally struggling members—especially those dealing with substance use disorders and related mental health issues.

*Click at the bottom of the presentation for a video or audio podcast of the presentation.

Despite the Reiner family’s achievements and the support of many friends and admirers in Hollywood, Rob’s son, Nick Reiner, faced ongoing struggles. He battled addiction, experienced repeated setbacks in drug rehabilitation programs, relapsed multiple times, and endured periods of homelessness. Nick’s parents made persistent efforts to help him through programs they believed would help and that they were advised would help. Nick’s difficulty with addiction and possible mental health issues ultimately led to his incarceration as the prime suspect in his parents’ murder.

This story highlights the complex and sometimes tragic realities many families face when dealing with loved ones suffering from both addiction and mental health challenges. Without effective intervention, these situations can spiral toward overdose, suicide, or acts of violence. The Reiner case serves as a “cautionary tale,” encouraging us to look beyond the headlines and seek a deeper understanding and lessons that better support families and communities struggling with similar issues through prevention, optimized community services, medical and psychotherapeutic interventions, and better resource allocation.

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Recent news reports reveal that Nick Reiner, now 32, underwent multiple drug treatment programs as a teenager. He reportedly suffered a heart attack on a plane after using cocaine and frequently challenged his family with angry outbursts, periods of homelessness, and cycles of relapse.

Addiction treatment often requires several attempts before recovery begins, and some individuals may never fully recover. Drug overdose is currently the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, with fentanyl being a major contributor. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that use medications like methadone and buprenorphine, combined with therapy, have shown promise in reducing opioid-related deaths and overdoses.

Mental health disorders and substance abuse can sometimes lead to violent or deadly actions, especially when individuals are under the influence, seeking drugs, or when a change in treatment or psychiatric medications contributes to destabilization rather than improvement.

Authorities have identified Nick Reiner as the prime suspect. Details remain limited as the investigation continues, and not all evidence has been made public. The role of substance abuse, mental health issues, and treatment remains unclear, and prosecutors have not confirmed whether these factors were involved or, if so, to what extent.1

The significant attention to the event and the larger concern

This case has garnered significant attention because of the notoriety of the family involved and because of the all-too-frequent deaths caused by a single disgruntled or compromised person or by a plotted assassination by an individual or group connected to a radicalized ideology or extremist movement.

The larger concern and public interest center on how to address the underlying issues to reduce and prevent these tragedies in the future. Of particular interest is a better understanding of the patterns of family conflict and the precursors of violent or irrational behavior in vulnerable individuals, as well as the early interventions and preventive steps that might be possible.

My previous articles have examined how addiction and mental health issues can be critical in the lead-up to violent behavior. Influences such as social media, mental health struggles, interpersonal conflict, and access to lethal weapons have been identified as significant. The recent tragedies underscore the urgent need to recognize and address these complex, interconnected factors to prevent future suffering and loss.2

Several other violent crimes occurred around the same time, including the shooting of students at Brown University and of an MIT professor by the same former Brown student; a mass shooting and antisemitic attack with multiple deaths at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia; the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk; and the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan, allegedly motivated by a need for notoriety as an avenger against perceived grievances about leaders in the health care insurance industry. These incidents underscore the importance of learning from such events and of developing preventive measures for the future.

The complex interplay of factors and influences underpinning a tragedy

To understand seemingly senseless acts such as shootings or lethal attacks, it is crucial to recognize the complex interplay of factors, such as mental illness, therapies and medication treatment, substance abuse, access to deadly weapons, media influence, and hostile rhetoric from public figures. These factors often overlap and contribute to violent behavior, as do the person’s accumulated pain, suffering, and a loss of meaning or purpose, which can manifest as suicidal thoughts, distorted reasoning, delusions, or violent acting-out.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of violence, including rejection, low self-esteem, social isolation and related poor social skills, and difficulties at school or work. Experiencing or witnessing abuse, bullying, or domestic violence—especially physical or sexual abuse—further raises the risk. Marginalization and victimization can breed resentment and anger, sometimes prompting individuals to join extremist groups or adopt radical beliefs or intentions. Persistent grievances and a fixation on perceived injustices can fuel violent tendencies or lead people to support antisocial groups or become instruments of a hate group’s extremist actions against others.

Exposure to extremist political discourse, hate groups, or propaganda, particularly through social media, can radicalize vulnerable individuals. Violent video games, negative peer groups, and environments where violence is normalized or extreme ideas flourish can further reinforce violent attitudes and behaviors. Additional risk factors include a lack of family or community support, isolation, and marginalization.

When individuals accumulate feelings of being wronged or harbor obsessive grievances, they may direct their anger outward, especially if they feel victimized, underappreciated, or neglected. Isolation and exposure to misleading information online can further radicalize vulnerable individuals, sometimes leading them to seek notoriety, revenge, or justification for harmful actions.

The risk of lethal outcomes increases when access to deadly weapons is easy, especially for those coping with internal pain from loss or depression. Socioeconomic disparities, poverty, lack of mental health resources, and discrimination also contribute significantly to violent crime.

What to know and pay attention to

People dealing with mental health challenges—including substance use disorders, unstable moods, and certain personality disorders—are at higher risk of engaging in harmful behavior, especially if they have histories of trauma or abuse. The need to belong, particularly among those who feel isolated or have low self-esteem, can make individuals more susceptible to influence or to extremist ideologies.

Individuals with poor social or emotional skills, often rooted in dysfunctional or abusive backgrounds, face an increased risk of physical aggression. Vulnerable people—such as those who are isolated, alienated, or developmentally disadvantaged—are more easily influenced by propaganda and hate-driven messages that encourage violent acts or pursuing notoriety.

Susceptible individuals may develop inflexible, antisocial, or misguided beliefs, particularly if they experience delusional or paranoid thinking. Obsessional thinking, common in certain mental illnesses, limits adaptability and social understanding, increasing the likelihood of misinterpretation and aggression. As this mindset intensifies, it impairs the ability to learn from social interaction and reliable information.

While mental illness can lead to often unpredictable violent actions, legal standards for determining who poses a danger to themselves or others vary. This can make it difficult to intervene or commit someone to residential psychiatric and protective care when community services or the individual’s family deem it necessary.

Actions to Consider and Points to Ponder

• Support individuals or families facing mental health crises by knowing local resources, recognizing warning signs of deterioration, and consulting with professional mental health providers, crisis services, or law enforcement as appropriate.

• Advocate for improved access to mental health services and public education to enhance the identification and support of at-risk individuals, aiming to prevent future tragedies.

• Promote responsible gun education, increased funding for mental health and substance abuse programs, more substantial support for law enforcement, and greater public awareness of warning signs of emotional and behavioral issues.

• Stay alert to misinformation, propaganda, or rhetoric that encourages hate and violence, and take proactive steps to foster reason and constructive community action.

• Adopt personal and family strategies to support psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being, such as healthy lifestyle choices, spiritual growth, community involvement, supportive relationships, wellness activities, and seeking counseling when needed.

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

Caption for above feature collage picture: Loss, recovery, prevention—RRP Design with Canva and stock photos

*For the audio podcast, click here

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below:

The tragic and shocking news report

The recent knife attack that resulted in the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, shocked the global community. Both were widely known and admired for their remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, their generosity to various causes, activism to support others’ rights, and their advocacy for democratic organizations. Rob Reiner was especially beloved for his memorable acting roles and the classic, creative films he directed. Despite their public successes, the Reiner family faced personal challenges familiar to many families with disabled or emotionally struggling members—especially those dealing with substance use disorders and mental health issues.

Despite the Reiner family’s achievements and the support of many friends and admirers in Hollywood, Rob’s son, Nick Reiner, faced ongoing struggles. He battled addiction, experienced repeated setbacks in drug rehabilitation programs, relapsed multiple times, and endured periods of homelessness. Nick’s parents made persistent efforts to help him through programs they believed would help and that they were advised would help. Nick’s difficulty with addiction and possible mental health issues ultimately led to his incarceration as the prime suspect in his parents’ murder.

This story highlights the complex and sometimes tragic realities many families face when dealing with loved ones suffering from both addiction and mental health challenges. Without effective intervention, these situations can spiral toward overdose, suicide, or acts of violence. The Reiner case serves as a “cautionary tale,” encouraging us to look beyond the headlines and seek a deeper understanding and lessons that better support families and communities struggling with similar issues through prevention, optimized community services, medical and psychotherapeutic interventions, and better resource allocation.

Recent news reports reveal that Nick Reiner, now 32, underwent multiple drug treatment programs as a teenager. He reportedly suffered a heart attack on a plane after using cocaine and frequently challenged his family with angry outbursts, periods of homelessness, and cycles of relapse.

Addiction treatment often requires several attempts before recovery begins, and some individuals may never fully recover. Drug overdose is currently the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, with fentanyl being a major contributor. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that use medications like methadone and buprenorphine, combined with therapy, have shown promise in reducing opioid-related deaths and overdoses.

Mental health disorders and substance abuse can sometimes lead to violent or deadly actions, especially when individuals are under the influence, seeking drugs, or when a change in treatment or psychiatric medications contributes to destabilization rather than improvement.

Authorities have identified Nick Reiner as the prime suspect. Details remain limited as the investigation continues, and not all evidence has been made public. The role of substance abuse, mental health issues, and treatment remains unclear, and prosecutors have not confirmed whether these factors were involved or, if so, to what extent. [i]

The significant attention to the event and the larger concern

This case has garnered significant attention because of the notoriety of the family involved and because of the all-too-frequent deaths caused by a single disgruntled or compromised person or by a plotted assassination by an individual or group connected to a radicalized ideology or extremist movement.

The larger concern and public interest center on how to address the underlying issues to reduce and prevent these tragedies in the future. Of particular interest is a better understanding of the patterns of family conflict and the precursors of violent or irrational behavior in vulnerable individuals, as well as the early interventions and preventive steps that might be possible.

My previous articles have examined how addiction and mental health issues can be critical in the lead-up to violent behavior. Influences such as social media, mental health struggles, interpersonal conflict, and access to lethal weapons have been identified as significant. The recent tragedies underscore the urgent need to recognize and address these complex, interconnected factors to prevent future suffering and loss.[ii]

Several other violent crimes occurred around the same time, including the shooting of students at Brown University and of an MIT professor by the same former Brown student; a mass shooting and antisemitic attack with multiple deaths at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia; the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk; and the murder of healthcare executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan, allegedly motivated by a need for notoriety as an avenger against perceived grievances about leaders in the health care insurance industry. These incidents underscore the importance of learning from such events and of developing preventive measures for the future.

The complex interplay of factors and influences underpinning a tragedy

To understand seemingly senseless acts such as shootings or lethal attacks, it is crucial to recognize the complex interplay of factors, such as mental illness, therapies and medication treatment, substance abuse, access to deadly weapons, media influence, and hostile rhetoric from public figures. These factors often overlap and contribute to violent behavior, as do the person’s accumulated pain, suffering, and a loss of meaning or purpose, which can manifest as suicidal thoughts, distorted reasoning, delusions, or violent acting-out.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of violence, including rejection, low self-esteem, social isolation and related poor social skills, and difficulties at school or work. Experiencing or witnessing abuse, bullying, or domestic violence—especially physical or sexual abuse—further raises the risk. Marginalization and victimization can breed resentment and anger, sometimes prompting individuals to join extremist groups or adopt radical beliefs or intentions. Persistent grievances and a fixation on perceived injustices can fuel violent tendencies or lead people to support antisocial groups or become instruments of a hate group’s extremist actions against others.

Exposure to extremist political discourse, hate groups, or propaganda, particularly through social media, can radicalize vulnerable individuals. Violent video games, negative peer groups, and environments where violence is normalized or extreme ideas flourish can further reinforce violent attitudes and behaviors. Additional risk factors include a lack of family or community support, isolation, and marginalization.

When individuals accumulate feelings of being wronged or harbor obsessive grievances, they may direct their anger outward, especially if they feel victimized, underappreciated, or neglected. Isolation and exposure to misleading information online can further radicalize vulnerable individuals, sometimes leading them to seek notoriety, revenge, or justification for harmful actions.

The risk of lethal outcomes increases when access to deadly weapons is easy, especially for those coping with internal pain from loss or depression. Socioeconomic disparities, poverty, lack of mental health resources, and discrimination also contribute significantly to violent crime.

What to know and pay attention to

People dealing with mental health challenges—including substance use disorders, unstable moods, and certain personality disorders—are at higher risk of engaging in harmful behavior, especially if they have histories of trauma or abuse. The need to belong, particularly among those who feel isolated or have low self-esteem, can make individuals more susceptible to influence or to extremist ideologies.

Individuals with poor social or emotional skills, often rooted in dysfunctional or abusive backgrounds, face an increased risk of physical aggression. Vulnerable people—such as those who are isolated, alienated, or developmentally disadvantaged—are more easily influenced by propaganda and hate-driven messages that encourage violent acts or pursuing notoriety.

Susceptible individuals may develop inflexible, antisocial, or misguided beliefs, particularly if they experience delusional or paranoid thinking. Obsessional thinking, common in certain mental illnesses, limits adaptability and social understanding, increasing the likelihood of misinterpretation and aggression. As this mindset intensifies, it impairs the ability to learn from social interaction and reliable information.

While mental illness can lead to often unpredictable violent actions, legal standards for determining who poses a danger to themselves or others vary. This can make it difficult to intervene or commit someone to residential psychiatric and protective care when community services or the individual’s family deem it necessary.

Actions to Consider and Points to Ponder

· Support individuals or families facing mental health crises by knowing local resources, recognizing warning signs of deterioration, and consulting with professional mental health providers, crisis services, or law enforcement as appropriate.

· Advocate for improved access to mental health services and public education to enhance the identification and support of at-risk individuals, aiming to prevent future tragedies.

· Promote responsible gun education, increased funding for mental health and substance abuse programs, more substantial support for law enforcement, and greater public awareness of warning signs of emotional and behavioral issues.

· Stay alert to misinformation, propaganda, or rhetoric that encourages hate and violence, and take proactive steps to foster reason and constructive community action.

· Adopt personal and family strategies to support psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being, such as healthy lifestyle choices, spiritual growth, community involvement, supportive relationships, wellness activities, and seeking counseling when needed.

For complete articles with references or inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com and the library of all posts.

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

To view as a video podcast or for the posted article, click on the picture below:

[i] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/us/rob-reiner-family-murder-addiction.html?

[ii] https://parksmd.com/mass-shootings-too-many-guns-or-mental-health-problems/ ;

https://parksmd.com/the-u-s-gun-romance-and-harsh-reality-of-gun-deaths/;

https://parksmd.com/the-gun-narrative-and-gaslighting/ ;

https://parksmd.com/gun-deaths-mental-health-laws/;

https://parksmd.com/hate-crimes-rising/;

https://parksmd.com/mass-school-shooting-insanity-or-guns/

A Father’s Journey Back to Himself and Nature’s Reality

My father, then in his seventies, was sitting a short way off from me on the sandy, gravel-like beach that bounded a wide, rapid-flowing river running from the mountains through the bottom of the national park where we were staying. The impressive, mighty flowing river absorbed all your thoughts into its splendid displays of power, freedom, nature’s natural beauty, and almighty presence. The morning light emanating from the sky, awakening the senses to the river’s enormity and nature’s presence, seemed to softly filter through curtains of mental fog and preoccupations, like a whisper. He appeared for the first time in weeks to release his tension and despair, the sense of loss, and hopelessness. Now he radiated the spirit of someone who had found his soul and regained his footing and sense of purpose.

*Click at the bottom of the presentation for a video or audio podcast of the presentation.

Dad seemed to be returning to his former self for the first time in weeks, after months or perhaps years of struggles, loss, illness, and eventual despair. His health had been weakened by life’s hardships, including the tragic deaths of two brothers at different times while they were facing heavy burdens and health issues. Adding to my father’s difficulties was the loss of his long-standing business because of a fire during city riots, followed by two heart attacks and other health problems, ultimately leading to a sense of despair and sinking into the doldrums.

The healing power of a change in scenery

My father’s visit to Los Angeles, California, and his stay with me were prompted by my mother’s urgent request, as she believed a change of scenery could be healing. My mom, like my dad, had to drop out of school early for many common reasons young people of her era experienced—when families, especially large ones, had to leave school early to work. She became the heart and glue of the family during tough times. Her heart and soul were deeply connected to nature. I remember, as a young child, her always caring lovingly for the family, our home, and the wooded yard in the rural setting where we grew up. She would always return to the house with a radiant glow after raking leaves or other outdoor chores, as if communing with the spiritual and the entire panorama of our existence. As I grew older, I thought of her as a nature mystic, as a friend and colleague described it, with a profound knowing and a greater sense of things. It was as if she had a more profound understanding when she called to have Dad make the trip to bring him back to life and health.

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During his hoped for health and life saving trip, I was finishing a master’s in public health at UCLA in Los Angeles. When he arrived with his irritable demeanor, weakened health, and sad appearance, my first thought was to take him to the beach, the mountains, or maybe into nature.

Embracing life’s ebb and flow—Nature’s renewal

My father, my favorite cousin Ricky, and I decided on a trip to a park just north of Los Angeles, the Angeles National Forest—as I remember, a wild, untamed place filled with tree-covered mountains, rocky canyons, and rivers meandering through the landscape. “It’s many thousands of acres that served as our green retreat from the troubles of daily life and a place for healing.” The San Gabriel River cuts through the forest, with its clear, winding waters tumbling over rocks, offering a peaceful, steady sound of nature.

Some trails range from peaceful walks along the riverbanks to climbs up mountain trails, with wildflowers adding color across the hillsides and birds singing. The flowing river through the park seems to help you relax, release worries, and quiet your busy mind. It turned out to be the perfect destination, a place where you can breathe, clear your head, and find your footing—lost when overwhelmed by life’s struggles—essential for navigating the rocky paths through the park.

Visiting the national park was like a miracle, beyond any of my expectations. After a week of camping out, walking up mountain trails, and even a donkey ride, I could finally take in the majesty and grandeur of the exquisite moment—all in—just being there in the heart of nature by the picturesque river flowing down the mountain to its unknown destination, perhaps into our souls.

“Ebb and flow” reflect the natural rhythms and cycles of life—times of decline and periods of growth or progress. Similar to the tides of a river or ocean, life experiences moments of struggle, loss, and retreat, followed by times of renewal, advancement, and hope. My father’s journey was about accepting life’s ebb and flow, embracing both hardships and joys as part of an ongoing process, allowing nature and time to heal and restore the spirit. It involves understanding that tough times will eventually give way to better days, and which are essential for personal growth and resilience. Recognizing natural patterns in events and receiving immediate feedback provides the information needed to adjust our course, planning, and thinking.

“Don’t Push the River”: Embracing the flow and wisdom

It reminded me of the 1970s classic, Don’t Push the River: It Flows by Itself, by Barry Stevens.1 The book has long since vanished from my bookshelf, but I found it—now out of print—available in a new edition that includes all the original calligraphic illustrations, plus new photographs of the Gestalt community she formed on a ranch. The book recounts Stevens’s exploration and her connections with Fritz Perls, her experiences with Gestalt Therapy, Zen Buddhism, J. Krishnamurti’s philosophy, and Native American spiritual practices, all aimed at growth, deepening, and expanding wisdom and skills for navigating life’s challenges.

Insights from the wise sages and spiritual sensibility

My experience also reminds me of the famous quote from Pirkei Avot: “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”2 The saying is thought to encourage perseverance and responsibility, reminding us that while we may not complete every vital task in life, we are still obligated to do our part and continue striving: ‘You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.’

The collection of ethical wisdom sayings from Rabbinic sages, also known as the “Ethics of the Fathers,” is traditionally studied to inspire personal character development and communal values. To me, the teaching is like the expression “Don’t push the river.” Both highlight the idea that although we often feel compelled to complete a project or task we’re involved in, or to succeed for personal gain or achievement, or because we believe it’s essential to our well-being or even survival, the best approach is to live our lives doing the best we can with what we know or have experienced. It’s also important to stay flexible and open to new information that comes to us in the present moment, allowing us to adjust or refine our efforts to meet best the needs of the present and the expected future.

Gaining wisdom is a hopeful path for our children and all people, ensuring the survival of our communities and society. Wisdom is taught and learned from many sources, passed down from wise fathers and mothers, educators, and teachers from secular, religious, or mystical backgrounds, or enlightened sages. The Pirkei Avot might be better rephrased in a modern context as the wisdom of fathers and mothers, women in their lives, and profound teachers of wisdom and ethics. Clearly, the Rabbinic sages were influenced by many influential teachers in their lives, including women and mothers, and perhaps by profound enlightening experiences during their journeys through life.

Dream of a River: Acceptance with the flow of life

In a dream after my trip with my father, I attempted to swim in turbulent waters for a while and then sat down on the riverbank. I watched the water glide past, carrying leaves and reflections of the sky. And then, something shifted. I felt a quiet surrender and release of the need to control. The river was moving, always moving, even without my interference. Its pace was perfect, even if I couldn’t see the destination. That moment stayed with me after waking. It was as if the dream whispered, “You don’t have to push. You only need to be adaptable and flexible and stay in the flow.”

I have since had dreams of lovely, flowing rivers, both serene and turbulent, threatening at times. It moved always with determined certainty, flowing toward a destination I could not see. I would stand at its edge, or even be in it to challenge the current, trying to stay afloat or get to my unknown destination, or perhaps to survive. My urgency or necessity was resisted by the water’s flow with a mind and pace of its own, indifferent to my effort. As I woke, I would often think that the river was more than water; it was life itself.

Now, as I sit with my early morning thoughts, I realize the wisdom in that simple dream story. Life is a river. Dreams are gentle messengers, reminding us to trust the flow. We cannot rush growth, love, or healing. We can only show up, be present, be patient, and let our existence and life move with the current. So today, I will choose not to push the river. I’ll choose to listen, learn, and let life unfold, reveal itself, and move at its own pace. Because in the end, the river embodies an essential piece of spiritual wisdom.

Point to Ponder:

• We live in a world that values speed, achievement, and control. Deadlines approach, goals multiply, and the pressure to “make things happen” hums like a constant background noise. I’ve felt the restless urge to force progress, to bend time to my will. But the river in my dream reminded me of something I often forget: life has its own rhythm. When we push the river, we fight against nature. We tire ourselves trying to speed up what naturally unfolds at its own pace, offering us touches of reality and grounded insights to guide each phase of a creative journey. I think of times when I tried to rush decisions, force relationships, or demand clarity before their proper time. Each attempt left me frustrated, entangled in resistance or emotional negativity. The river, or true nature of reality, does not respond to force; it responds to loving acceptance and patience.

• Considering our human limitations, it is wise and practical to focus on what we can achieve within our capabilities. Often, we overlook much of nature and the larger perspective beyond our limited understanding. The wisdom of our ancestors offers crucial insights into our intentions and direction, often helping us avoid being trapped in a narrow view of the larger, unknown context in which we find ourselves. It emphasizes patience, avoiding quick judgments or conclusions, and living with greater acceptance and surrender to what arises so that we can meet our needs and those of others. We should stay flexible and adaptable to what happens and what new things come to light—what was once unknown but is now revealed through experience, contributing to our knowledge and wisdom, which are essential for making sound decisions.

For inquiries go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

*For the audio podcast, click here

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below:

Welcome to Mind Wise, an audio & video podcast that embodies holistic perspectives on holistic mental health care, psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and wellness. I am your host, Dr. Ron Parks—a writer, teacher, and physician.  Today, I’m sharing a personal story about my father’s self-healing and his discovery of the transformative power of embracing life’s natural rhythms—its ebb and flow—by accepting rather than resisting the challenges, losses, and uncertainties of life. His embrace of life’s current and vicissitudes, rather than trying to force outcomes, leads to healing, renewal, and more profound wisdom. His encounter with the river comes to represent life’s journey, with lessons in acceptance, patience, and flexibility.

A Father’s Journey Back to Himself

My father, then in his seventies, was sitting a short way off from me on the sandy, gravel-like beach that bounded a wide, rapid-flowing river, running from the mountains through the bottom of the park where we were staying. The impressive, mighty flowing river absorbed all your thoughts into its splendid displays of power, freedom, nature’s natural beauty, and almighty presence. The morning light emanating from the sky, awakening the senses to the river’s enormity and nature’s presence, seemed to softly filter through curtains of mental fog and preoccupations, like a whisper. He appeared for the first time in weeks to release his tension and despair, the sense of loss, and hopelessness. Now he radiated the spirit of someone who had found his soul and regained his footing and sense of purpose.

Dad seemed to be returning to his former self for the first time in weeks, after months or perhaps years of struggles, loss, illness, and eventual despair. His health had been weakened by life’s hardships, including the tragic deaths of two brothers at different times while they were facing heavy burdens and health issues. Adding to my father’s difficulties was the loss of his long-standing business because of a fire during city riots, followed by two heart attacks and other health problems, ultimately leading to a sense of despair and sinking into the doldrums.

The healing power of a change in scenery

My father’s visit to Los Angeles, California, and his stay with me were prompted by my mother’s urgent request, as she believed a change of scenery could be healing. My mom, like my dad, had to drop out of school early for many common reasons young people of her era experienced—when families, huge ones, had to leave school early to work. She became the heart and glue of the family during tough times. Her heart and soul were deeply connected to nature. I remember, as a young child, her always caring lovingly for the family, our home, and the wooded yard in the rural setting where we grew up. She would always return to the house with a radiant glow after raking leaves or other outdoor chores, as if communing with the spiritual and the entire panorama of our existence. As I grew older, I thought of her as a nature mystic, as a friend and colleague described it, with a profound knowing and a greater sense of things. It was as if she had a more profound understanding when she called to have Dad make the trip to bring him back to life and health.

During his hoped-for life-health-saving trip, I was finishing a master’s in public health at UCLA in Los Angeles. When he arrived with his irritable demeanor, weakened health, and sad appearance, my first thought was to take him to the beach, the mountains, or maybe into nature.

Embracing life’s ebb and flow—Nature’s renewal

My father, my favorite cousin Ricky, and I decided on a trip to a park just north of Los Angeles, the Angeles National Forest—as I remember, a wild, untamed place filled with tree-covered mountains, rocky canyons, and rivers, meandering through the landscape. It’s many thousands of acres that served as our green retreat from the troubles of daily life and a place for healing. The San Gabriel River cuts through the forest, with its clear, winding waters tumbling over rocks, offering a peaceful, steady sound of nature.

Some trails range from peaceful walks along the riverbanks to climbs up mountain trails, with wildflowers adding color across the hillsides and birds singing. The flowing river through the park seems to help you relax, release worries, and quiet your busy mind. It turned out to be the perfect destination, a place where you can breathe, clear your head, and find your footing—lost when overwhelmed by life’s struggles—essential for navigating the rocky paths through the park.

Visiting the national park was like a miracle, beyond any of my expectations. After a week of camping out, walking up mountain trails, and even a donkey ride, I could finally take in the majesty and grandeur of the exquisite moment—all in—just being there in the heart of nature by the picturesque river that flows down the mountain to its unknown destination, perhaps into our souls.

“Ebb and flow” reflect the natural rhythms and cycles of life—times of decline and periods of growth or progress. Similar to the tides of a river or ocean, life experiences moments of struggle, loss, and retreat, followed by times of renewal, advancement, and hope. My father’s journey was about accepting life’s ebb and flow, embracing both hardships and joys as part of an ongoing process, allowing nature and time to heal and restore the spirit. It involves understanding that tough times will eventually give way to better days, and that both are essential for personal growth and resilience. Recognizing natural patterns in events and receiving immediate feedback provides the information needed to adjust our course, planning, and thinking.

“Don’t Push the River”: Embracing the flow and wisdom

It reminded me of the 1970s classic, Don’t Push the River: It Flows by Itself, by Barry Stevens.[i] The book has long since vanished from my bookshelf, but I found it—now out of print—available in a new edition which includes all the original calligraphic illustrations, plus new photographs of the Gestalt community she formed on a ranch. The book recounts Stevens’s exploration and her connections with Fritz Perls, her experiences with Gestalt Therapy, Zen Buddhism, J. Krishnamurti’s philosophy, and Native American spiritual practices, all aimed at growth, deepening, and expanding wisdom and skills for navigating life’s challenges.

Insights from the wise sages and spiritual sensibility

My experience also reminds me of the famous quote from Pirkei Avot: “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”[ii] The saying is thought to encourage perseverance and responsibility, reminding us that while we may not complete every vital task in life, we are still obligated to do our part and continue striving: ‘You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.’

The collection of ethical wisdom sayings from Rabbinic sages, also known as the “Ethics of the Fathers,” is traditionally studied to inspire personal character development and communal values. To me, the teaching is like the expression “Don’t push the river.” Both highlight the idea that although we often feel compelled to complete a project or task we’re involved in, or to succeed for personal gain or achievement, or because we believe it’s essential to our well-being or even survival, the best approach is to live our lives doing the best we can with what we know or have experienced. It’s also important to stay flexible and open to new information that comes to us in the present moment, allowing us to adjust or refine our efforts to best meet the needs of the present and the expected future.

Gaining wisdom is a hopeful path for our children and all people, ensuring the survival of our communities and society. Wisdom is taught and learned from many sources, passed down from wise fathers and mothers, educators, and teachers from secular, religious, or mystical backgrounds, or enlightened sages. The Pirkei Avot might be better rephrased in a modern context as the wisdom of fathers and mothers, women in their lives, and profound teachers of wisdom and ethics. Clearly, the Rabbinic sages were influenced by many influential teachers in their lives, including women and mothers, and perhaps by profound enlightening experiences during their journeys through life.

Dream of a River: Acceptance with the flow of life

In a dream after my trip with my father, I attempted to swim in turbulent waters for a while and then sat down on the riverbank. I watched the water glide past, carrying leaves and reflections of the sky. And then, something shifted. I felt a quiet surrender and release of the need to control. The river was moving, always moving, even without my interference. Its pace was perfect, even if I couldn’t see the destination. That moment stayed with me after waking. It was as if the dream whispered, “You don’t have to push. You only need to be adaptable and flexible and stay in the flow.”

I have since had dreams of lovely, flowing rivers, both serene and turbulent, threatening at times. It moved always with determined certainty, flowing toward a destination I could not see. I would stand at its edge, or even be in it to challenge the current, trying to stay afloat or get to my unknown destination, or perhaps to survive. My urgency or necessity was resisted by the water’s flow with a mind and pace of its own, indifferent to my effort. As I woke, I would often think that the river was more than water; it was life itself.

Now, as I sit with my early morning thoughts, I realize the wisdom in that simple dream story. Life is a river. Dreams are gentle messengers, reminding us to trust the flow. We cannot rush growth, love, or healing. We can only show up, be present, be patient, and let our existence and life move with the current. So today, I will choose not to push the river. I’ll choose to listen, learn, and let life unfold, reveal itself, and move at its own pace. Because in the end, the river embodies an essential piece of spiritual wisdom.

Point to Ponder:

We live in a world that values speed, achievement, and control. Deadlines approach, goals multiply, and the pressure to “make things happen” hums like a constant background noise. I’ve felt the restless urge to force progress, to bend time to my will. But the river in my dream reminded me of something I often forget: life has its own rhythm. When we push the river, we fight against nature. We tire ourselves trying to speed up what naturally unfolds at its own pace, offering us touches of reality and grounded insights to guide each phase of a creative journey. I think of times when I tried to rush decisions, force relationships, or demand clarity before their proper time. Each attempt left me frustrated, entangled in resistance or emotional negativity. The river, or true nature of reality, does not respond to force; it responds to loving acceptance and patience.

Considering our human limitations, it is wise and practical to focus on what we can achieve within our capabilities. Often, we overlook much of nature and the larger perspective beyond our limited understanding. The wisdom of our ancestors offers crucial insights into our intentions and direction, often helping us avoid being trapped in a narrow view of the larger, unknown context in which we find ourselves. It emphasizes patience, avoiding quick judgments or conclusions, and living with greater acceptance and surrender to what arises so we can meet our needs and those of others. We should stay flexible and adaptable to what happens and what new things come to light—what was once unknown but is now revealed through experience, contributing to our knowledge and wisdom, which are essential for making sound decisions.

For complete articles with references or inquiries, go to: parksmd.com and the library of all posts (https://parksmd.com/library-of-all-posts/)

For inquiries, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

Thank you!

The talk and the article

I had an interesting talk with my son about the benefits of physical activity, as he works with me on many projects that sometimes involve research or editing. He is very skilled with technology and usually gets to the core of things after spending a lot of screen time on the computer. Our conversation focused on the many advantages of being more physically active and exercising. It occurred to me to write a compelling article to support my case, backed by research literature. I also thought this would be a grand strategy since my son often does the final edit on many of my articles. Since he would likely read it, I might get some validation that I am convincing in my advocacy for a healthy lifestyle and exercise.

I thought more about the problems people face when they become more passive and avoid an active lifestyle, especially when they skip confronting daily physical and emotional challenges. A clear sign of too many passive lifestyle choices is when someone does less activity outside the home, has less involvement in relationships, does less physical exercise, and avoids tasks that require physical effort.

Essential commitments and decisions that promote health and longevity

A recent research article I reviewed highlights the significant impact of physical activity on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that individuals who consistently engage in moderate to vigorous exercise have a lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those with sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity is linked to improved cognitive function and a slower rate of cognitive decline, even among those with genetic risk factors for the disease. Therefore, incorporating exercise into daily routines may act as a protective factor against Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle for long-term brain health.

Lack of engagement in activities that promote socialization, career development, and physical health and well-being may underlie why men in the United States face disproportionately higher rates of suicide, addiction, and homelessness compared to women. Recent data show that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide and are less likely to seek mental health support. Substance use disorders are also more prevalent among men, who have higher rates of illicit drug use and alcohol dependence. Additionally, men constitute the majority of the homeless population, with single adult men being especially overrepresented among those experiencing chronic homelessness.

Watching an interview with Scott Galloway about his new book, Notes on Being a Man, prompted me to reflect further on the vital role that active mental, physical, and spiritual pursuits play in overall health and success in our challenging, complex, and competitive society. He feels that “Boys and men are in crisis. Rarely has a cohort fallen further and faster than young men living in Western democracies. Boys are less likely than girls to graduate from high school or college. One in seven men reports having no friends, and men account for three of every four deaths of despair in America.”

Optimizing mental and physical health

Maintaining optimal mental and physical health requires active engagement and attention to related needs, such as capacity, endurance, stamina, strength, concentration, and focus. Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, lack of confidence, fears of failure or rejection, anxiety, depression, and a loss of motivation to take risks for change can hinder efforts to pursue health-promoting activities. Any existing health issues, whether physical or emotional — such as fatigue, low energy, brain fog, anxiety, or depression — can serve as significant barriers, even to taking simple steps. Every moment offers an opportunity to make small moves toward increased physical activity and to build momentum, which can lead to forming habits that support a healthier lifestyle. Choosing to get up, take a little more risk, and engage in more physically demanding tasks can help sustain progress and change.

Taking a walk to explore the neighborhood clears the mind of limiting inner narratives and reasoning. It also opens the door to new surroundings and sensory experiences that foster more rewarding or pleasant feelings and, potentially, a better outlook on life. The mind often becomes caught up in micro-narratives and schemes focused on gaining or achieving something, which can frequently lead to failure and trap someone in a pessimistic worldview filled with negative emotions and fears of change. When someone steps outside their restrictive inner story through active physical activities that involve both body and mind, new sensory experiences emerge from the body and the external environment. Our brain then constructs new meaningful mental narratives, helping us to break free from a negative self-view and a self-defeating inner narrative weighed down with emotional baggage.

What dreams teach us about our awake lives and thinking

If you observe dreams or keep a dream and awakening thought journal, you’ll notice how the mind quickly tries to piece together loose fragments of content from the previous day’s experiences, whether they are negative or positive, emotionally charged, simply interesting, or unresolved thoughts about a task or matter of importance. These fragments could come from watching a movie, having an angry encounter with a loved one, or getting overly involved in something unfinished, like a negative story about current politics. The mind easily spins new dreams or stories, trying to find meaning or resolution from all these fragmented bits swirling around, awaiting a meaningful connection. During the day, the mind works similarly, trying to piece things together into a meaningful narrative or pattern that helps set a framework for purposeful actions — whether it’s seeking safety, a pleasurable reward, power, achievement, or survival from a threat. Observing disturbing dreams and the organized content in our awake mind can alert us to when things are not going well. It may be time to make active changes, which could mean moving toward a more positive, engaged lifestyle and social commitment — more movement and exercise of mind and body to reach healthy, achievable goals.

Point to Ponder and Healthy Considerations:

• Physical activity is vital for maintaining optimal performance, health, and well-being. Staying active helps prevent degenerative changes such as loss of capacity, brain fog, and reduced concentration or focus. Even small increases in daily movement, like walking, cleaning, or engaging in hobbies, can break cycles of passivity and isolation. Active choices, such as outdoor walks or gym visits, provide essential sensory stimulation and social interaction, both of which are crucial for mental and physical health. These activities help individuals break free from negative personal narratives and encourage adaptability, flexibility, and a more positive outlook.

• Scientific evidence strongly shows the link between regular physical activity and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Exercise is especially vital for healthy aging, as it helps maintain muscle strength, bone health, and cognitive function, improving independence and quality of life for older adults. The physiological benefits of exercise result from improvements at the molecular, cellular, and system levels, including enhanced repair, regeneration, and stress resilience. Significantly, these benefits depend on the dose and can be achieved through various types and intensities of exercise, making physical activity a versatile and affordable way to prevent disease.

• Beyond its physical health benefits, regular exercise is a powerful tool for mental well-being. Physical activity is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and it boosts mood, self-esteem, and overall psychological health. These effects come from neurochemical changes, including the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which help regulate emotions and support brain function. Exercise also encourages social connections and emotional resilience, especially when done in group or team settings, and fosters a sense of competence and mastery.

• Large-scale studies and meta-analyses show that physical activity benefits a wide range of groups, including children, adolescents, adults with chronic conditions, and those with mental health issues. The positive impact of exercise on mental health is evident across various activities, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and mind-body practices like yoga. While exercise isn’t a substitute for all mental health treatments, its low cost, minimal side effects, and wide-ranging benefits make it a useful addition for improving mood, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boosting overall psychological and social well-being.

I appreciate your interest. For complete articles with references or inquiries, or for a video podcast of the presentation, click here!

Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

The talk and the article

I had an interesting talk with my son about the benefits of physical activity, as he works with me on many projects that sometimes involve research or editing. He is very skilled with technology and usually gets to the core of things after spending a lot of screen time on the computer. Our conversation focused on the many advantages of being more physically active and exercising. It occurred to me to write a compelling article to support my case, backed by research literature. I also thought this would be a grand strategy since my son often does the final edit on many of my articles. Since he would likely read it, I might get some validation that I am convincing in my advocacy for a healthy lifestyle and exercise.

*Click at the bottom of the presentation for a video or audio podcast of the presentation.*

I thought more about the problems people face when they become more passive and avoid an active lifestyle, especially when they skip confronting daily physical and emotional challenges. A clear sign of too many passive lifestyle choices is when someone does less activity outside the home, has less involvement in relationships, does less physical exercise, and avoids tasks that require physical effort.

Essential commitments and decisions that promote health and longevity

A recent research article I reviewed highlights the significant impact of physical activity on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that individuals who consistently engage in moderate to vigorous exercise have a lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those with sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity is linked to improved cognitive function and a slower rate of cognitive decline, even among those with genetic risk factors for the disease. Therefore, incorporating exercise into daily routines may act as a protective factor against Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle for long-term brain health.

Lack of engagement in activities that promote socialization, career development, and physical health and well-being may underlie why men in the United States face disproportionately higher rates of suicide, addiction, and homelessness compared to women. Recent data show that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide and are less likely to seek mental health support. Substance use disorders are also more prevalent among men, who have higher rates of illicit drug use and alcohol dependence. Additionally, men constitute the majority of the homeless population, with single adult men being especially overrepresented among those experiencing chronic homelessness.[i]

Watching an interview with Scott Galloway about his new book, Notes on Being a Man, prompted me to reflect further on the vital role that active mental, physical, and spiritual pursuits play in overall health and success in our challenging, complex, and competitive society. He feels that “Boys and men are in crisis. Rarely has a cohort fallen further and faster than young men living in Western democracies. Boys are less likely than girls to graduate from high school or college. One in seven men reports having no friends, and men account for three of every four deaths of despair in America.”[ii]

Optimizing mental and physical health

Maintaining optimal mental and physical health requires active engagement and attention to related needs, such as capacity, endurance, stamina, strength, concentration, and focus. Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, lack of confidence, fears of failure or rejection, anxiety, depression, and a loss of motivation to take risks for change can hinder efforts to pursue health-promoting activities. Any existing health issues, whether physical or emotional—such as fatigue, low energy, brain fog, anxiety, or depression—can serve as significant barriers, even to taking simple steps. Every moment offers an opportunity to make small moves toward increased physical activity and to build momentum, which can lead to forming habits that support a healthier lifestyle. Choosing to get up, take a little more risk, and engage in more physically demanding tasks can help sustain progress and change.

Taking a walk to explore the neighborhood clears the mind of limiting inner narratives and reasoning. It also opens the door to new surroundings and sensory experiences that foster more rewarding or pleasant feelings and, potentially, a better outlook on life. The mind often becomes caught up in micro-narratives and schemes focused on gaining or achieving something, which can frequently lead to failure and trap someone in a pessimistic worldview filled with negative emotions and fears of change. When someone steps outside their restrictive inner story through active physical activities that involve both body and mind, new sensory experiences emerge from the body and the external environment. Our brain then constructs new meaningful mental narratives, helping us to break free from a negative self-view and a self-defeating inner narrative weighed down with emotional baggage.

What dreams teach us about our awake lives and thinking

If you observe dreams or keep a dream and awakening thought journal, you’ll notice how the mind quickly tries to piece together loose fragments of content from the previous day’s experiences, whether they are negative or positive, emotionally charged, simply interesting, or unresolved thoughts about a task or matter of importance. These fragments could come from watching a movie, having an angry encounter with a loved one, or getting overly involved in something unfinished, like a negative story about current politics. The mind easily spins new dreams or stories, trying to find meaning or resolution from all these fragmented bits swirling around, awaiting a meaningful connection. During the day, the mind works similarly, trying to piece things together into a meaningful narrative or pattern that helps set a framework for purposeful actions—whether it’s seeking safety, a pleasurable reward, power, achievement, or survival from a threat. Observing disturbing dreams and the organized content in our awake mind can alert us to when things are not going well. It may be time to make active changes, which could mean moving toward a more positive, engaged lifestyle and social commitment—more movement and exercise of mind and body to reach healthy, achievable goals.

Point to Ponder and Healthy Considerations:

• Physical activity is vital for maintaining optimal performance, health, and well-being. Staying active helps prevent degenerative changes such as loss of capacity, brain fog, and reduced concentration or focus. Even small increases in daily movement, like walking, cleaning, or engaging in hobbies, can break cycles of passivity and isolation. Active choices, such as outdoor walks or going to the gym, provide essential sensory stimulation and social interaction, both of which are crucial for mental and physical health. These activities help individuals break free from negative personal narratives and encourage adaptability, flexibility, and a more positive outlook.

• Scientific evidence strongly shows the link between regular physical activity and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Exercise is especially vital for healthy aging, as it helps maintain muscle strength, bone health, and cognitive function, improving independence and quality of life for older adults. The physiological benefits of exercise result from improvements at the molecular, cellular, and system levels, including enhanced repair, regeneration, and stress resilience. Importantly, these benefits depend on the dose and can be achieved through various types and intensities of exercise, making physical activity a versatile and affordable way to prevent disease.

• Beyond its physical health benefits, regular exercise is a powerful tool for mental well-being. Physical activity is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and it boosts mood, self-esteem, and overall psychological health. These effects come from neurochemical changes, including the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which help regulate emotions and support brain function. Exercise also encourages social connections and emotional resilience, especially when done in group or team settings, and fosters a sense of competence and mastery.

• Large-scale studies and meta-analyses show that physical activity benefits a wide range of groups, including children, adolescents, adults with chronic conditions, and those with mental health issues. The positive impact of exercise on mental health is seen across various activities, including aerobic, strength training, and mind-body practices like yoga. While exercise isn’t a substitute for all mental health treatments, its low cost, minimal side effects, and wide-ranging benefits make it a useful addition for improving mood, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boosting overall psychological and social well-being.[iii]

See related article, Ten Holistic Steps for Health and Well-being: https://www.inmindwise.com/p/optimal-health-recovery-steps

For inquires or help, go to: https://parksmd.com/scheduling/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

*For the audio podcast, click here*

*For a video podcast of the above presentation, click below*:

Physical and Social Activity for a Healthier Life—RRP Design with Canva and stock photos

[i]

• · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Suicide Mortality in the United States, 2001–2022. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db464.htm

• · Hedegaard, H., Curtin, S.C., & Warner, M. (2023). Suicide mortality in the United States, 2001–2022 (NCHS Data Brief, no 480). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db362-h.pdf

• · National Center for Drug Abuse Statics. https://drugabusestatistics.org/

• · Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Substance Use and Mental Health Statistics in the United States: Results from the 2021 to 2024 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56462/2024-nsduh-companion-report.pdf

• · U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). The 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-AHAR-Part-1.pdf

• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2024). State of Homelessness: 2023 Edition. https://endhomelessness.org/state-of-homelessness/#key-facts

[ii]

• https://www.insidehook.com/television/bill-maher-real-time-scott-galloway-men-crisis;

• https://www.amazon.com/Notes-Being-Man-Scott-Galloway-ebook/dp/B0F337G8SB/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

[iii] The “Points to Ponder and Healthy Consideration” content was developed from a literature review using Consensus, a valuable AI language model that sources references, summaries, citations, and abstracts from an extensive database of academic research articles. Papers selected and reviewed from Consensus search on Health Benefits of Exercise:

• · Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10819297/) – 2024, 122 citations, Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez et al.

• · The impact of physical activity on mental health (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387948341_The_impact_of_physical_activity_on_mental_health) – 2025, 1 citation, Natalia Myśliwiec et al.

• · Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9902068/) – 2023, 353 citations, Aditya Mahindru et al.

• · Adolescent mental health interventions: a narrative review of the positive effects of physical activity and implementation strategies (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11236730/) – 2024, 28 citations, Zhaojin Li et al.

• · Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36796860/) – 2023, 447 citations, Ben Singh et al.

• · Regular Physical Activity, Short-Term Exercise, Mental Health, and Well-Being Among University Students: The Results of an Online and a Laboratory Study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7264390/) – 2020, 211 citations, C. Herbert et al.

• · Dose-dependent association between physical activity and mental health, and mitigation effects on risk behaviors (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11847119/) – 2025, 3 citations, Huixuan Zhou et al.

• · The effects of physical activity on the mental health of typically developing children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12016293/) – 2025, 0 citations, Quan Fu et al.

• · Physical activity and exercise in youth mental health promotion: a scoping review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32095272/) – 2020, 217 citations, M. Pascoe et al.

• · Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30099000/) – 2018, 735 citations, Sammi R. Chekroud et al.

• · Physical exercise and psychological well-being: a population study in Finland (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10642456/) – 2000, 769 citations, P. Hassmén et al.

• · Exercise sustains the hallmarks of health (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36374766/) – 2022, 133 citations, Yan Qiu et al.

• · Physical Exercise for Human Health (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1) – 2020, 44 citations, Junjie Xiao

• · Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338321054_Exercise_and_Physical_Activity_for_Older_Adults) – 2020, 1083 citations, D. Avers

• · Enhancing Mental Health, Well-Being, and Active Lifestyles of University Students by Means of Physical Activity and Exercise Research Programs (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35548074/) – 2022, 138 citations, (Author not specified)

To listen to the audio version from Descript with Alex, an AI speaker, click below:

My worst fear, the crush of reality, and holistic medicine

During my childhood in Washington, DC, and nearby rural Montgomery County, I experienced a deeply traumatic yet eye-opening event. It occurred in the early 1950s during the frightening polio epidemic, before the polio vaccine was available. At that time, a child’s worst fear was becoming a random victim—possibly ending up paralyzed and in a wheelchair like one of my elementary school classmates or enduring life with breathing support devices, such as the iron lungs we often saw in newspapers and magazines. Suddenly, the healthy kid I was—enjoying the summer, working around the house, swimming, hiking with my dog Major, and climbing apple trees without fear—was hit with high fevers, a stiff neck, and headaches. I became so weak that I had to stay in bed. After several days, my parents grew worried and took me to the city to see a pediatrician. This time, there was no lollipop or penicillin shot.

The pediatrician, with his usual arrogant confidence, realized his worst fears during my exam and shifted from his calm, methodical manner into crisis mode. He immediately started calling the local children’s hospital. Despite everything, he managed to show a bit of his pleasant, calming bedside manner to my parents and me, saying everything would be alright, but we would need to take me to the children’s hospital ER for some tests and admission because I showed the classic signs of early polio. On our way to the hospital, my older brother began teasing me about polio, but I blocked out what the pediatrician had said and yelled back that he had never mentioned it. I was beyond worry, frozen with dread and anticipation of terrible possibilities.

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After three weeks of evaluation and successful treatment for “Post Polio Meningitis,” not the paralyzing kind, thankfully, I was discharged feeling like a hero who had survived a journey through stormy waters. The experience gave me deep respect for dedicated, often-unsung heroes—the staff, nurses, and doctors—who worked tirelessly and cared for me despite some of my rebellious and mischievous behavior. It was during the days before modern, corporate-run hospital systems. Today, patient-centered care is less common, and the business model emphasizes efficiency and profits. Also, it was a time when reliance on medications, which were less accessible then, as well as surgical procedures, was lower, with a greater dependence on natural interventions like physical therapy in hot tubs, warm packs, personal attention, exercise, and rest. It left me with an indelible appreciation for teamwork, collaboration, and holistic approaches when available—and when they are considered safer and more beneficial than simply overusing medications.

Fascination and unrealistic expectations of stimulant medication and natural remedies

Later, when I decided to become a physician, I remembered being fascinated with the use of medications; it seemed to be a boon for whatever ailment you had. The demand for studying a lot and staying up late caused increasing fatigue, less concentration, and distractibility. My fellow students were always wanting to go out, party, and socialize—anything but keep their noses to the grindstone. One of my classmates, whose father was a doctor, had gotten one of the stimulant meds, probably something like Ritalin. He said, “Here, try this before we go into that tough exam tomorrow. It will help you study better and concentrate more.” I figured it would be a safe miracle of modern medicine. And since his father was a doctor, it seemed like a reasonable thing to do, better than that terrible-tasting, GI-upsetting coffee I used on occasion since college.

Taking the pill turned out to be a near disaster. When I got to the test, I felt wired and anxious. When I encountered problems that I couldn’t solve or answer, my heart began pounding in my chest, and feelings of panic were setting in. Luckily, I had the common sense to put my head down on my desk for a few minutes until I calmed enough to resume and complete the test. It was a great learning experience that medication was not always the best strategy, and that perhaps more sensible, natural, and strategic ways to learn and succeed were the best considerations.

Difficulty with Adderall and stimulant medication

Using Adderall and similar prescription stimulants is prevalent both among those with legitimate ADHD diagnoses and a growing number of young professionals and students seeking enhanced productivity. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in ADHD diagnoses and stimulant prescriptions, driven in part by easier online access and self-diagnosis through social media. This surge, combined with manufacturing delays and federal production limits, has led to a nationwide shortage of Adderall, causing significant disruptions for those who depend on it to function in their daily lives.

Adderall and similar prescription stimulants have been prescribed more frequently to people officially diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An increasing number of individuals are independently seeking both prescription and non-prescription medications or alternatives, including young professionals and students aiming to improve focus, energy, and productivity. There has been a sharp rise in ADHD diagnoses and stimulant prescriptions, or self-diagnosing and using stimulants, because of easier online access and self-diagnosis through social media and influence from others in their social networks.

Misuse of Adderall or other stimulants is becoming more common. Getting stimulants without prescriptions or using counterfeit versions can be dangerous to health and life. While medications like Adderall can enhance focus and productivity, misuse and lack of medical oversight can lead to serious side effects, including cardiac arrhythmia, mood swings, and substance use dependency.1

The Diversion Control Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration has informed practitioners about a seminar on Stimulant Safety in ADHD, since it is the most common neurobehavioral disorder treated by healthcare providers. The stimulants, including methylphenidate and amphetamine, are frequently prescribed medications. These stimulants have potential for abuse, and nonmedical use (NMU), including misuse and diversion, has raised significant concern among practitioners.2

I remember when I was consulting, early in my medical career, at a specialized day school for teenagers with behavioral and learning difficulties. The program was subsidized by the county and state to serve these students and provide needed services. There were special education teachers, support staff, therapists, and social workers, along with a team that conducted home visits to assess the child’s home environment and support the parents or guardians to help the child succeed in school. As a consulting psychiatrist, I visited several days each week to perform evaluations and provide treatment as needed. There was always pressure from referral sources, usually the schools, and the staff of our agency, to use medication to reduce disruptive behaviors and hyperactivity, and to improve academic performance, focus, and concentration.

One child I saw was small for his age and was frequently bullied by the other children. Most of the time, he would sleep in the classroom with his head on his folded arms, falling behind in classwork. Teachers and his grandmother insisted I put him on one of the stimulant medications of the day to help him, with this, thought to be ADHD. When his grandmother, with whom he lived, was interviewed, it became clear he wasn’t sleeping more than a few hours a night, as he drank caffeinated soda most of the day and at night too, and he watched TV into the late-night hours. Also, he was an unhappy child, as other peers in the neighborhood bullied him. In addition, he would receive punishment from his grandmother when he was late coming home, avoiding the threatening children who tormented him on his way.

A specialized staff with our program set up home visits and worked with him and his grandmother in the home about simple and effective changes to allow him a quiet sleeping space without a TV, improving his diet with avoidance of caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening, towards bedtime. Also, strategies to build his self-esteem and confidence were made, such as after-school programs where he was involved in activities that interested him and taught him skills. Interventions were made to help him protect himself from bullies. The school curriculum was changed to have more in his areas of interest, where his learning style allowed better mastery. With these available services in a specialized school program, he did well, was a more attentive and focused learner, and his moods improved with less anxiety. Of course, in today’s world, with education funding and programs with staffing being cut back, the specialized classroom program where I worked will be eliminated. Unfortunately, more children will go without their needs being met, and there will probably be more use of medications in the hope of at least short-term benefits.

In my experience, many treated with psychostimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall, or other ADHD-specific interventions, do not always benefit as expected, when other more productive and essential needs are not addressed, such as critical immediate needs, environmental factors, and adverse lifestyle. The medications can show benefits for a hyperactive, disruptive child or adult with angry or dysphoric moods. Benefits, unfortunately, are not always sustained. Medication side effects can lead to poor compliance or cessation of medications. Stimulant medications can energize a mind bored with an uninteresting or unstimulating environment or exposure to unstimulating educational material that does not align with a person’s interests. Holistic approaches impressed me, especially when they appeared to be more effective than relying solely on medications, leading to notable improvements in the child’s mood, behavior, and academic performance.

Dr. Lisa Weyandt, the director of the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at the University of Rhode Island, studied ADHD, medication use in treatment, and drug misuse. In her research on Adderall use by college students who do not have ADHD but regularly obtain the drug without a prescription as a study aid, she found that although they felt their academic performance improved while on Adderall, the study revealed “that not only did it not improve their reading comprehension, or their problem-solving, or their executive function skills, but found that it impairs their short-term memory.” It appeared to have little impact on neurocognitive performance. Though her study had a small sample size, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Although it challenges some of the popular assumptions about the use of stimulant medication in the treatment of ADHD, her study warrants more extensive study, especially with the widespread use and unfortunate misuse.3

Beyond the Pill: The Struggle for Mental Sharpness in a Distracted World

An article by Park MacDougald, “I Tried Wall Street’s Famous Brain Drugs,” highlights the widespread use of both natural and pharmaceutical stimulants to increase productivity, focus, and concentration. The author has personal experience with productivity-enhancing drugs (PEDs), including prescription stimulants and nootropics, which are chemicals that claim to boost cognitive functions like attention, memory, and wakefulness. Prescribed Vyvanse was used during graduate school to handle heavy workloads, which he felt improved his focus and productivity, but also caused significant side effects and ultimately led him to stop taking it.

MacDougald eloquently said, “But it’s no real mystery about their popularity. The human mind does not want to spend eight hours or more per day planted in front of a computer screen, when there are far more inherently interesting activities it could be dedicating its attention to. Learning to suppress these impulses and knuckle down anyway is, of course, the work of civilization, and yet our minds nonetheless frequently revolt. We feel bored, tired, distracted; we are assailed with bouts of “brain fog,” in which we seem to be operating a standard deviation below our normal IQ; our brains keep us up at night with worries or misplaced energy, ruining our sleep and thus sapping our performance the next day. Nonetheless, we must work. And so we seek a little help.”4

Having experienced brain fog, fatigue, reduced focus, and concentration issues at times in my own life and career, I have also been particularly interested in the struggles of some of my colleagues and individuals I encountered in my medical and psychiatric practice. Additionally, I have become more aware of how symptoms like these are often labeled in unhelpful ways and of the self-help strategies that are sought as remedies or solutions. Understanding brain fog, fatigue, and concentration issues may help in finding sensible solutions to common cognitive complaints that could otherwise lead to problematic treatments or substance misuse behaviors. Getting a medical or mental health evaluation can be crucial if an underlying cause or treatable condition is a possibility.

Click on the link below for my companion article, which is more specific to brain fog, fatigue, and concentration issues!5

Understanding brain fog, fatigue, and concentration issues - https://parksmd.com/understanding-brain-fog-fatigue-and-concentration-issues/

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

To listen to the audio version from Descript with Alex, an AI speaker, click below:

Brain fog, fatigue, and poor concentration

Brain fog, fatigue, and poor concentration are overlapping symptoms that can range from mild and transient to severe and chronic, impacting daily functioning, productivity, and overall quality of life. Their underlying cause may stem from a combination of lifestyle, medical, psychological, and environmental factors, which can help recognize, address, and potentially prevent these unpleasant or impairing symptoms.

Brain fog is a non-medical term describing feelings such as mental confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and mental clarity. Fatigue is a sense of tiredness or lack of energy that is not relieved by rest or sleep. Fatigue can be physical, mental, or both. Poor concentration often describes difficulty in focusing attention, following conversations or instructions, or completing tasks. This may appear as distractibility, forgetfulness, or frequent mistakes.

Common causes include:

1. Sleep Disturbances

One of the most significant contributors to cognitive sluggishness and fatigue is inadequate or poor-quality sleep. Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or circadian rhythm disruptions can all lead to insufficient restorative sleep, resulting in brain fog and poor concentration during waking hours.

• *Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to insufficient rest.

• *Sleep Apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep, causing repeated awakenings and low oxygen levels.

• *Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Shift work or jet lag can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, impairing cognitive function.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

The brain requires a complex array of nutrients to function optimally. Deficiencies of specific vitamins and minerals can impair neurological processes.

• *Iron deficiency: Can lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue and cognitive difficulties.

• *Vitamin B12 deficiency: Can cause neurological symptoms like memory problems and confusion.

• *Vitamin D deficiency: Can cause mood disturbances and cognitive complaints.

• *Low caloric intake or restrictive diets: Can deprive the brain of necessary energy and nutrients.

• *Dehydration — When not drinking enough water or liquids, especially with exercise or in hot environments, natural histamines can cause fatigue when they are released to help compensate for the low body fluid volume.

3. Mental Health Conditions

Psychological factors often play a central role in brain fog and poor concentration.

• *Depression: Often presents with persistent tiredness, low motivation, and impaired cognitive function.

• *Anxiety: Worry can be mentally exhausting and distract from the task at hand.

• *Chronic stress: Prolonged stress elevates cortisol, which can affect memory and focus.

4. Medical Conditions

Many medical conditions can directly impair energy levels and mental clarity.

• *Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause fatigue and cognitive dysfunction.

• *Diabetes: Fluctuations in blood sugar can affect mental performance and energy.

• *Fibromyalgia: Chronic pain and fatigue, often with cognitive complaints (“fibro fog”).

• *Heart Disease as seen in congestive heart failure: Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain can cause sluggish thinking and fatigue.

• *Post-cancer chemotherapy treatments.

• *Anemia with low red blood volume as seen in nutritional deficiencies or blood loss from any cause.

5. Medications and Substances

Specific prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, cognitive slowing, or fatigue as a side effect.

• *Sedatives, antihistamines, some blood pressure medications, and even some antidepressants may have these effects.

• *Alcohol and recreational drugs can impair concentration and alertness.

6. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can affect cognitive functioning.

• *Perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, and postpartum hormonal shifts are common times for brain fog and fatigue.

• *Thyroid and adrenal gland disorders can also affect cognitive functioning.

7. Infections and Inflammation

• *Acute and chronic infections, such as influenza, mononucleosis, Lyme disease, or even COVID-19, can cause lingering fatigue and mental sluggishness (“post-viral fatigue”).

• *Autoimmune diseases, which involve chronic inflammation, can also impact cognitive performance.

8. Environmental Factors and Exercise

• *Poor indoor air quality, exposure to mold, or high levels of noise and light pollution can subtly erode concentration and energy.

• *Lack of physical activity and insufficient exposure to natural light can contribute to tiredness and poor mental function.

• *Overtraining with inadequate recovery time occurs when exercisers overdo it, leading to exhaustion, fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, loss of stamina, weakness, and injuries.

9. Overstimulation and Technology

• *Constant multitasking, information overload, and excessive time spent on digital devices can fragment attention and contribute to a persistent sense of mental fatigue.

• *The modern lifestyle, with its constant notifications and demands, can make it challenging to focus intensely on any one task.

Less Common Causes

• *Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or brain injuries can cause chronic brain fog and fatigue.

• *Sleep Disorders Not Related to Lifestyle: Narcolepsy, hypersomnia, and other less common sleep conditions can cause chronic tiredness.

• *Rare Metabolic or Genetic Disorders: Certain inherited diseases can cause persistent fatigue and cognitive impairment.

How to Identify the Underlying Cause

If you are experiencing brain fog, fatigue, and poor concentration, it’s vital to assess contributing factors:

• *Review your sleep quality and duration. Are you getting enough restorative sleep?

• *Evaluate your diet for deficiencies.

• *Consider your emotional wellness. Are you experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or excessive stress?

• *Note any medications or supplements you are taking.

• *Assess your environment for factors like air quality, lighting, and noise.

• *If symptoms are persistent, severe, or worsening, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While occasional brain fog and fatigue are common, consult a healthcare professional if:

• *Symptoms are severe or sudden in onset.

• *There are accompanying neurological changes such as weakness, numbness, confusion, or speech difficulties.

• *You have a history of chronic illness or are taking medications that could be contributing.

• *Symptoms persist despite improving sleep, diet, and lifestyle factors.

Strategies for Prevention and Management

• *Prioritize regular and sufficient sleep. Establish a calming bedtime routine and maintain consistent sleep and wake times.

• *Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

• *Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises.

• *Stay physically active, aiming for at least daily moderate exercise. Go for walks outdoors as nature is always beneficial to the mind, body, and spirit.

• *Avoid alcohol and recreational drug use.

• *Take breaks from screens and technology. Practice single-tasking rather than multitasking.

• *Ensure your indoor environment is clean, well-ventilated, and free of mold and allergens. Use an air filter if necessary.

• *Maintain regular medical check-ups to address any underlying health issues early.

Conclusion

Brain fog, fatigue, and poor concentration are symptoms with many potential causes, ranging from the everyday stressors of modern life to underlying medical disorders. By paying attention to sleep, nutrition, mental health, and environmental influences, many individuals can find relief. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional evaluation to ensure that treatable medical causes are not overlooked. A holistic approach that includes the above strategies, lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, medical intervention, is most effective in restoring clarity, energy, and focus.1

This is a companion article to my prior article. Click on: Lost in the Fog: The Search for Focus and Energy in an Era of Stimulants2

I appreciate your interest. Please share with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult a healthcare provider for care related to medical or mental health conditions. This communication does not provide medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements.

intervention and the potential drawbacks of over-reliance on AI. Join us for a holistic perspective on embracing neurodiversity in today's world.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Wise

00:39 Personal Reflections on Neurodiversity

03:57 Understanding Neurodiversity: Definitions and Origins

06:14 Challenges and Traits of Neurodivergence

14:42 Early Recognition and Interventions

20:22 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Neurodiversity

23:01 Potential Downsides of AI Overdependence

28:15 Conclusion and Further Resources

#Neuodiversity #AI #VisualSpatialLD, #ADHD, #AutismSpectrum

Full Script:

Embracing Neurodiversity: Navigating Differences and Challenges

Early recognition, intervention, lifelong adaptation, and the role of artificial intelligence

Welcome to Mind Wise, a video podcast and newsletter that embodies holistic perspectives on mental health, healthcare, and wellness. I am your host, Dr. Ron Parks—a writer, teacher, and consultant.  Today, I'm discussing a topic that has been particularly interesting to me: Embracing Neurodiversity, which involves navigating personal differences and challenges, recognizing them early, intervening effectively, adapting over time, and exploring the role of artificial intelligence.

Personal reflections on neurodiversity

When I was growing up, I was three years younger than my brother Benton. As I recall, I was more successful, outgoing, social, and focused. In daily life, things seemed to go more smoothly for me, while Benton often faced harsher criticism from our father, especially in school when he struggled to keep up and pass to the next grade. He was always in some special education or tutoring program. Once, my father sent him to a military school where he might get more discipline and better support to meet his learning and organizational needs. It turned out that, aside from experiencing more bullying and having the cookies and gifts my mother sent stolen, the only benefit he gained from his year there was a gray military-style uniform and a more stoic demeanor, having survived the experience.

Fortunately, when he was older, he found some suitable jobs, including one where he worked with our older brother in construction, and later a position with the local government in construction-related work as a building inspector. He had to deal with some bullying and discrimination because he was different in his ways, but he was always friendly with others. He married and had two children, who I noticed struggled with some of the same learning and processing issues my brother experienced. Ironically, as I faced my challenges in achieving and entering my profession, I observed that many of the traits my brother had appeared in different degrees and forms throughout our family, including myself.

I became increasingly interested in how people learn and process information, which seems to pose challenges to varying degrees in both children and adults. When they received a professional evaluation or diagnosis, it often fell short in helping to establish or meet educational or treatment needs, or in finding the best resources for their optimal benefit or skill development. Although there are broad differences across the population, some individuals have neurological variations that make learning, communication, and interactions with others more difficult. Brain neurological variations are categorized into diagnostic labels such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), dyslexia, and others for purposes like research, classification, treatment protocols, and insurance billing.

Understanding neurodiversity: definitions and origins

The term “neurodiversity” was coined by sociologist Judy Singer, who said that “we are all neurodiverse because no two humans on the planet are exactly the same.” Singer defines neurodiversity as the variation in how the human nervous system learns and processes information, which exists in everyone. The nervous system includes the biological brain, spinal cord, and nerves, all of which are constantly changing and influenced by external perceptual, sensory, and learning inputs.

Importantly, the term “neurodiversity” is used as an advocacy term for the civil rights of individuals labeled with developmental, psychological, or medical conditions, as well as their allies. It recognizes all the interconnected factors that contribute to an advantage or disadvantage, but is not intended to define “Neurological Disability” or “Otherness” as diagnoses or genetic anomalies.¹

Landmark College defines neurodiversity as a social ideal rooted in biological fact. “The human brain is the most complex thing on Earth, and every brain is different. Instead of separating people into normal and abnormal, neurodiversity asks us to accept variation. To us, it means that autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities are valuable forms of humanity that enrich culture. New ideas, insights, and unique ways of viewing the world come from diverse minds. This is a strength. Brain-based diversity is a natural phenomenon that exists within our population, and it is not only beneficial but also essential for human progress.” Neurodivergence is an identity or expression, not a medical or psychological disorder or diagnosis. Neurodivergence can present itself as an exceptional talent, but can also be disabling for a person when a high degree of social, communication, and thought-processing issues exist.²

Neurodivergence and its manifestations

A person can be born with or develop unique ways of learning and processing information, which determines how their brain and nervous system communicate and coordinate tasks essential for learning, memory, retrieving information, processing new sensory input, and creating functional patterns for specific uses. One example is the construction of a central narrative about the present, using memories of experiences—whether joyful or traumatic—to guide behavior with perceived meaning or purpose. The functioning brain can imagine a future story about what might be feared or avoided, as well as what could be anticipated for potential gratification or fulfilling an expected need. When the brain functions at a level that is both capable and adaptable within society, such a person may be well-suited for specialized roles and meet societal needs as highly qualified, information-based workers such as scientists, doctors, analysts, artists, or business entrepreneurs.

Some subdivide the concept of neurodiversity into two categories: individuals who are considered “neurotypical” and have brain processing, functioning, and behavior that are average, typical, or standard, and those who are “neurodivergent,” meaning they process and function differently from the typical or average population. Without typical neural development or integration of visual-spatial memory skills, for example, individuals may tend to be less social, more isolative, and work-focused; yet, they still succeed in their expected roles.

There are many labels and diagnoses used to describe variations in learning, information processing, memory, planning, or other observable characteristics. The extent to which traits, behaviors, or symptoms are present within a specific category of mental or brain functioning can indicate whether an individual has an advantage, a disadvantage, a disability, or the potential to excel in a particular career or social setting. I realized the reality of the neurodiversity concept when I noticed differences in myself and compared them with what I perceived as average or typical learning and information processing in others. Some excelled in their work, careers, and other vital aspects of life, while others struggled and faced disadvantages.

I find visual-spatial learning difficulties (nonverbal processing issues) to be a challenge for myself, my family, many friends, and professional colleagues. Nonverbal learning disorders (NVLD) share some traits with ASD and ADHD. Still, more notably, they may experience unique challenges with motor skills, social skills, visual-spatial abilities, and related memory functions, which can impact social interactions, relationships, and brain processes involved in memory and concept formation. NVLD is currently being further researched and developed by a working group at Columbia University for inclusion in the upcoming DSM-6, the widely used diagnostic manual for medical, psychological, and research professionals. Its new name will be Developmental Visual-Spatial Disorder (DVSD).³

Developmental visual-spatial disorder (DVSD): traits and challenges

Individuals who primarily learn and process information verbally, predominantly in left-brain regions, with less availability and support from visual-spatial processing and memory-related brain regions, generally recognize the drawbacks. Similar traits of DVSD are often seen in other family members. When there is a more substantial genetic influence, it can lead to significant dysfunction that requires support and intervention. In both children and adults, signs of Developmental Visual-Spatial Disorder (DVSD or formerly NVLD) may include:

• Lack of fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or tying shoelaces

• Difficulties with physical coordination and gross motor skills, as awkwardness in sports activities

• Challenges in inferencing, deduction, reasoning, and multitasking

• Difficulties with math, using maps, and reading comprehension

• Issues with understanding, reasoning, organizing, and remembering visual information related to physical objects and space

• Lessened awareness of one’s position in space, which affects the body’s ability to move and perform, such as in navigating crowded areas, handwriting, and right-left perception

• Struggles to visualize concepts, remember words, number series, or sequences, or solve problems that require visual-spatial skills, imagery, or memory

• Challenges with organization, planning, attention, focus, working memory, and executive functioning

• Executive functioning challenges that impact problem-solving, organizing thoughts, planning, and breaking down large projects into smaller tasks

• Problems identifying the steps to start and complete a project

• Difficulties with problem-solving, pattern recognition, and understanding information without sufficient verbal context

• Trouble in organizing thoughts and concepts for planning, adapting, or transitioning to new situations

• Issues with social skills, interaction, and communication because of difficulty interpreting body language or facial cues and emotions

• Missing signals in social interactions can lead to out-of-context or inappropriate behavior or speech⁴

Advantages of early recognition and intervention

There are crucial benefits to recognizing neurodiversities in early childhood learning. In such cases, interventions such as special education programs and tutoring can help the child develop better skills in areas that may be challenging in adult life, particularly in social interactions, communication, learning, and memory, leading to more adaptive functioning. Individuals with these early differences, without intervention, often spend a lot of energy trying to mask or hide their differences to fit in and avoid ostracism, bullying, or rejection.

Many atypical development and connectivity patterns observed in brain areas during childhood often persist into adulthood, despite early interventions, and can pose challenges later on. The level of difficulty or adversity may depend on how well a person has adapted or found workarounds, as well as the extent of neuroatypicality, and the degree to which information learning and processing are affected. Research and advances in neuroscience, particularly concerning children’s development and education, are crucial. Breakthroughs and AI innovations will support both children and adults facing their unique needs and challenges associated with neurodiversity.

Learning difficulties are often neurological in origin, affecting how the brain processes information and making it challenging for individuals to acquire basic skills such as reading, writing, and math. These challenges can also impact skills such as organization, time management, and abstract reasoning. Although the exact causes are unknown, potential contributing factors include neurological impairments, genetic influences, or conditions present before birth or during early childhood. Some early signs of learning and information processing difficulties in schoolchildren have been identified within the field of special education. Recognizing these signs allows for early detection, which helps minimize the adverse effects on a learner’s development through prompt remediation and intervention.

Recognizing learning and information processing difficulties

The indicators of learning difficulties vary and may include trouble following directions, issues with reading, handwriting, spelling, staying organized, and understanding math; difficulty remembering information, participating in classroom discussions, expressing thoughts aloud, poor coordination, slow acquisition of new skills, and inconsistent academic performance often with a gap between expected and actual results; difficulty listening, behavioral problems, and staying on task; poor adaptation to change, mispronouncing words, delayed speech development, and immature speech; as well as challenges with social skills, emotional regulation, and coping strategies. Importantly, a learning difficulty does not reflect a child’s intelligence or potential but shows that they process information and learn differently. Recognizing these signs helps parents and educators provide appropriate support and timely interventions.

Lifelong adaptation and support strategies

Although learning challenges are often lifelong, numerous resources and effective teaching strategies can help children succeed, including special education services, personalized instruction, and targeted tutoring. An accurate diagnosis, which a licensed professional must make, involves meeting specific criteria and distinguishing learning difficulties and needs, such as issues with speech development, academic skills, coordination challenges, or behavioral problems. By staying informed and collaborating with skilled educators, parents can foster a supportive environment that enables their children to thrive and reach their full potential. Many of the difficulties or challenges mentioned above, whether early interventions are provided or not, may continue into adulthood. Early interventions are considered the best time to address and work on these issues, as the brain is in a state of heightened potential for learning and growth.⁵

Artificial intelligence (AI), the age of computing, and automation

Artificial intelligence programs, interventions, and similar tools are just as relevant and valuable to adults with persistent information processing and learning difficulties. AI programs have been beneficial when carefully selected and appropriately used to support individuals with special needs or those affected by any level of neurodiversity in learning and information processing. Neurotypical people who do not have issues also rely heavily on AI to complete tasks more efficiently and accurately. A grammar and spelling checker was used in writing this article to improve readability. Search engines helped find related articles and research studies. A timer on my computer was used to remind me to take strategic breaks.

People are increasingly relying on AI for its many benefits and applications, such as completing more complex tasks, retrieving information, processing data, and building models for actionable projects. Overuse and dependence on AI could potentially cause the verbal, intellectual processing parts of the brain to become more dominant and overdeveloped. In contrast, other brain areas may weaken or become less effective contributors. This lack of integration with other vital brain regions can lead to over-specialization, limiting a person’s ability to adapt, similar to a factory worker who, before automation, put caps on bottles on an assembly line. Ironically, scientific advances in AI have driven industrialization and automation, resulting in highly specialized roles for many workers. As automation and AI advance rapidly, the demand for these skilled, specialized workers is decreasing.

Artificial intelligence: friend or foe?

The overuse of information seeking beyond our basic survival needs, for gaining power, dominance, or personal advantage over others—especially in an interdependent society and world—has the potential to lead to conflict and destruction. A very articulate neuroscientist researcher, psychiatrist, and philosopher, Dr. Iain McGilchrist, book The Master and his Emissary: the Divided Brain and Making of the Western World, sees our world’s populations evolving toward a society where people’s brains become more skewed toward verbal and intellectual processing by overzealously accumulating verbal and scholarly knowledge, resulting in brains that focus more on information gathering while losing integration and balance with the sensory and perceptive parts of the brain.⁶ These areas access our moment-to-moment presence, awareness of perceptual awareness, and connect us to our environment and collective consciousness. There may have been a greater balance and integration of mental and brain function in earlier periods and societies, such as during the Renaissance or in the ages of more peaceful and productive communities. Of course, with the rapid advancement of AI, the trend toward more specialized brains, along with the conflicting societal pressures to conform, may be our current path, for better or worse.

A 2020 study of London cab drivers reveals a potential decline in hippocampus function, a crucial brain region responsible for memory and spatial navigation. It is also among the first areas to deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease. The research shows that people who regularly engage in complex, real-time navigation—such as London taxi drivers—have stronger hippocampal structures and lower rates of Alzheimer’s-related illnesses compared to those who solely rely on GPS. The study suggests that challenging the brain through frequent spatial navigation may help build cognitive reserve and potentially reduce the risk of dementia. On the other hand, heavy reliance on GPS or other AI technologies seems to weaken spatial memory, even in individuals who were once skilled navigators. This underuse of the hippocampus may diminish its resilience to age-related decline.

The implication is that overdependence on specific AI programs could have disadvantages, as it may reduce the stimulation and activity of brain areas vital for maintaining optimal function, health, and balance. In preventive medicine, it has been shown that actively exercising both body and mind promotes health and longevity, as evidenced by the decline in health among individuals with sedentary lifestyles and limited physical activity. Therefore, practicing navigational skills may help preserve brain health and potentially ward off Alzheimer’s disease, just as other health-promoting activities are encouraged.⁷

Preventive strategies and lifestyle considerations

There is a potential that overuse or dependence on specific current AI programs over time could lead to increased social isolation among users. These individuals might be better served or could serve society and our survival as an interdependent collective through alternative types of training and lifestyle changes, such as meditation and mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, social group programs, or AI programs that support the interactive needs essential for individual well-being and societal health.

 I appreciate your interest. For the complete article with references, click here

Please share this with others. Thanks to Shan Parks, editor and project manager, for his valuable contributions and editing. All content is created and published for educational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical services or guidance. Always consult healthcare providers for medical or mental health concerns. This communication does not constitute medical diagnoses, recommendations, treatment, or endorsements. Thank you.