When the Student is Ready
by James Callner, MA, AFOCD President. James Callner is an award winning writer, filmmaker and speaker on mental illness. Excerpt from James Callner’s up coming book on OCD: “It’s a Matter of Trust – Spiritual Prescriptions for OCD”. (Note: Use of the word...LIKE our FB Page
I’ve always been amazed by trees. Where we live there are a lot of them. They stand strong even in the brutal turmoil of natures weather. I’ve heard that many of them have root systems that they share with other trees. Bending, swaying but still standing together. I took a photograph of this very long seemingly thin tree in a park by the ocean where we walk very often. No matter what the weather, it’s always there. Trees stand together primarily to support each other. I think we have a lot to learn from the trees around us. Don’t you think? JC <3
3 days ago
Stay with the facts. Facts disarms OCD. In my experience, even if I don't like the facts, they give me more certainty than OCD thoughts. When I look up at the night sky, I see starlight from millions of years ago. The actual star may not even be there any longer, but the light is still real. I choose to believe in the light, and I choose to believe the facts.
3 weeks ago
Hey guys, I haven't posted for awhile, I've been working on a new book. But, I thought I'd just check in with this reminder from my own experience. So here's the deal; I define my own OCD symptoms as a twitchy amygdala. That is, the fight or flight or startle response can go off at any time and with any stress. The trick I have found and practice, is to monitor that response and not fight it but become aware if it as OCD or something I should really be afraid of. 99/9999% for me, it's OCD bullying me. I'm not kidding. So what do I do? I become aware that It's OCD and not a threat, I practice dismissing the thought as a bully (even though it will return and be persistent) I still persist right back, and I slow down my breathing and if necessary and appropriate sometimes I need medication or to talk to someone for a reality check. Not reassurance but a voice of reason. or just a empathic voice. I've been practicing the dismissal part for about two years now and I've gotten better at it. Just know it is achievable. You are all going to be OK if you put in the minimum amount of work. Really. JC <3
New book of hope coming soon.
1 month ago