Monthly Archives: September 2013

Antidepressants Make Brain Cells Act Like Youngsters

Posted on by
Reply

Antidepressants cause brain cells to act like juveniles. A report this month in JAMA Psychiatry states that antidepressant medications induce “juvenile-like plasticity” in the adult cortex.

Basically, antidepressants help to sprout and reshape brain cells. This branching and reconnecting makes it easier for those using this medication to learn new behaviors – like how to cope with stress.

The report also notes that medications and counseling work well together. Antidepressants fertilize the field of brain cells, if you will, making it easier to grow new behaviors. Combining receptive brain cells with good counsel leads to better coping and, hopefully, improvements in work productivity and quality of relationships.

Castrén, Eero. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – Psychiatry. September 2013

Spiritual Resonance Through Contemplation

Posted on by
Reply

Most of us think about monks in a monastery when we hear the word contemplation.

Contemplation, in Christian spirituality, is a quiet and introspective state of mind that is focused on appreciating the presence of God. It might be thought of as a state of spiritual resonance, in which the spirit of God communes with your spirit. Your spirit resonates, as His spirit bathes you in his love. In a way that is hard to describe, contemplation is a period of oneness with God.

In this state of mind, all seems ‘right enough’ in the world. The significance of events, both good and bad, seem to melt away. Less worry in the mind and more contentment with the world are wonderful remedies for excessive worry.

Mystics since the middle ages have discussed contemplation. There seems to be no clear step-wise guide. It is rather emphasized that contemplation is more a gift from Him than a spiritual accomplishment. One of the most readable books on this topic is, Letters from the Desert (noted below).

These days, my favorite way to welcome God’s presence is to:
• Think about a few verses of scripture
• Read a bit from an inspirational book
• Listen to some Gregorian chants, while praying The Lord’s Prayer;
considering God’s presence during events of the day,
and waiting

Since I do not speak Latin, the chanting monks represent soulful sounds more than theological messages. This is my way, for today. It is not a formula for everyone.

I pray that you find your own way to contemplate the closeness of God and open your spirit to his presence. Find a quiet place. Pray and wait.

Carretto, Carlo. Letters from the Desert. Orbis Books, 2002.