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Many people use drugs as a substitute
for changing relationships. Self-medication with alcohol or nicotine,
or prescription anti-depressants and stimulants, are easier than applying focus,
intelligence and analytical skills to goals, emotions and relationships.
Soulwork Systemic Solutions and Brain Chemistry
I began using the name Soulwork in 1994, when I attempted to describe a stable resource
state that seemed important to having meaning or sense of life. As many of
my students and clients called
this stable experience Soul, I called that part of our coaching Soul-work.
That name seemed to stick, although some people complain that it has
religious or
New Age overtones. (See Origins of Soulwork.)
As many symptoms of mental and sometimes physical health
problems seem to vanish following Soul-work coaching (see
Human Consciousness and the many applications listed in the left column), I wanted to better understand and improve the results that
I already enjoyed
[i].
Whenever I could, I interviewed people who had recovered from serious mental
and physical disease without medical assistance. I found that self-healed people
had typically:
- Resolved (not dissociated) guilt about past actions
- Accepted disease symptoms as teachers
- Resolved traumatic or abusive memories
- Found a stable experience of integrity
- Improved their relationships generally
- Chosen healthy role models
The challenge seemed obvious. How could I help people duplicate this? What was the
underlying physiology and psychobiology
of human consciousness? How could people apply this knowledge? One of my goals
was to help people live fulfilled lives. How could I coach people with
integrity?
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I translated psychobiology and
quantum thinking into
Slovak language. You talk to the whole brain.
You understand wide connections and binds. That is why people mark your coaching
methods and articles as the most effective and understandable.
Zvolen, Slovakia |
Which Reality is Real?
Do you want to understand your past, to live appropriately in
your present and to plan future events? People who confuse their inner and outer
worlds may be called neurotic or psychotic. I sought to
model how people create healthy inner worlds (see Quantum Thinking
and Chaos Coaching), to help
people make better decisions (see Expert Modeling)
and to enjoy relationships (see Enjoying Partnership).
Clues to coaching people to move from disease to health
appeared to lie in the biology of the neurological structures that mediate
perceptual, emotional and cognitive experiences - the body-mind. Changes in
the body-mind
are usually quickly followed by changes in emotional reactions, behavior
and the physical body.
Damaged Children - Damaged Adults
I avoid researching people's past, rather focusing on what present
perceptions of past events trigger emotional reactions or unwanted behavior.
And then, resolving the emotional consequences of
child maltreatment or abuse (as perceived by people now - not what really
happened) is often a key step to coaching motivated adults to enjoy a
lasting sense-of-life - a sense of worthwhile mission
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Structural consequences
of childhood maltreatment include disruptive development of corpus callosum,
left neocortex, hippocampus, and amygdale; functional consequences include
increased electrical irritability in limbic areas, frontal lobe dysfunctions
and reduced functional activity of the cerebellar vermis; and neurohumoral
consequences include the reprogramming activity of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal
axis and subsequently the stress response.
Grassi-Oliveira R, Ashy M, Stein
LM.
Psychology Department, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul,
Brazil |
Together,
the consequences appear to support the dissociation of emotions
and memories. As I offer help in finding long-term resolution for these
consequences, I look forward to a time when a medical professionals can view
brain scans before and after my coaching.
Coaching the Body-Mind
I coach people to change their
perceptual, emotional and cognitive experience. Short-term change is
commonplace and is offered by very many people. For me, long-term change indicates that:
- appropriate neurotransmitters are now generated, and
- changes were appropriate and were rightfully accepted, and
- the coach communicated with many brain structures simultaneously
It now seems clear that cognitive
coaching interventions (thoughts) are unlikely to communicate with brain
structures that mediate emotional, perceptual and somatic change (feelings).
So I explored how my
coaching works in the strange realm of psychobiology and
psychobiological change.
Psychobiological Change
Motivated adults acknowledge and respond to logical questions and
requests. People also respond to imagery, music, metaphors, movement
and symbols. I can check if verbal messages were received by observing people's
verbal and nonverbal responses.
How would Western philosophy be different if Descartes said
I feel therefore I am?
The words conscious and unconscious seem to
refer to which parts of the brain process certain information. In most people,
the left cerebral hemisphere is considered to dominate the processing of logic,
reason, judgment and understanding (thoughts), while the right hemisphere is believed
to dominate the processing of images, metaphor and inferred communication (feelings).
Coaching the Left Cerebral Hemisphere
The left brain hemisphere appears to store and process logical information. I can coach
people to define their goals, to explore the consequences of achieving
those goals and the blocks to achieving them. People become actively and consciously
involved with the cognitive details of their own coaching.
Coaching the Right Cerebral Hemisphere
Research on alexithymia (people cannot express emotions
and develop somatic symptoms) implicates
the right brain for storing and creating emotions. I can communicate
with the right brain hemisphere using humor, metaphors, puns and symbols.
The work of Milton Erickson, MD, inspired me to research and develop a
Hawaiian dreamtime ritual (moe uhane)
into what I often call interactive metaphors.
Interactive metaphors appear to simultaneously
stimulate both cerebral hemispheres. I generally call it Dreamwork - using interactive
isomorphic metaphors to help people understand and integrate their emotional and
cognitive responses. Dreamwork helps people change emotional reactions that delay or prevent
them getting what they want.
What do you want?
My coaching seems to stimulates left and right
brain activity simultaneously. While verbalizing goals, people unknowingly
communicate objections by nonverbal incongruence, which can be recognized and
dissolved by people we have trained. I assume that verbal/nonverbal incongruence
indicates dissonance between verbal language processing (left brain)
and nonverbal or body language (right brain), or between the cerebral cortex and the
hind-brain. (For example, you may say, "I understand", while
shaking your head from side to side.) Other common signs of incongruence include
asymmetric postures or gestures.
A person who can gently dissolve yes-no incongruence has a
powerful tool for helping people find inner peace and congruent goals by
dissolving verbal and nonverbal
objections. (I teach this on my Systems 2 training,
which also includes dissolving self-criticism and responses beginning with
"Yes, but...”).
......... Page 2 ........
Coaching the Limbic System
Right brain and left brain communications appear to be simultaneously
processed through the limbic system, which associates thoughts with emotions.
Emotional states generated by the limbic brain influence and can override
the cognitive processes of the neo-cortex. The limbic brain seems to trigger
both
somatic sensations and psychosomatic symptoms.
Coaching at the limbic level can help people change
emotional states. (Common examples include the emotional reactions to certain art,
poetry or
music). When the limbic system is engaged, people's physiology
and emotions change. Many people find better solutions for problems if they listen
to music, for example. This concept is utilized by young adults everywhere, and
also in hypnosis and meditation.
A knowledge of the limbic brain helps explain
simultaneous incongruence, for example knowing (intellectually) that something is
true, while feeling (emotionally) that it is false. (This is especially
common when thinking is influenced or distorted by
identity loss and unpleasant relationships bonds).
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The limbic brain is the source of feelings of
conviction. Paul MacLean, a neurobiology
pioneer, said: "The limbic system, that primitive brain
that can neither read nor write, provides us with a feeling of
what is real, true and important.”
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Logical arguments (mediated by the neocortex) rarely change
emotional beliefs (mediated by the limbic system). Intuiting this, effective
salespeople and politicians often make emotional, rather than logical, appeals.
Emotions may not be subject to the logical neocortex - even a good actor may be
unable to spontaneously
choose to feel angry or happy.
As the limbic system operates without conscious logic, classical conditioning
can influence people. Classical conditioning techniques can be used to access
people's emotions, and to merge or dissociate them (often outside people's awareness and without
their consent. Such techniques are often taught in predatory sales and seduction
courses.)
By communicating with the limbic brain, I help people change
their perception of their own emotions, so that they can experience emotions as
interesting body-mind communications. (I note that integrated brain function seems to
minimize
the impact and influence of hypnotic language, unwanted sales pitches, seduction
attempts and political rhetoric! People
can better choose how they want to react!)
Coaching the Pineal Gland
The pineal gland is in the center of the brain. It is active until
puberty, then it shrinks and may calcify. It is rich in lecithin, which
has both neural and endocrine properties. A neural connection between the eyes
and pineal gland sensitizes the nervous system to ambient light.
The pineal gland synthesizes and secretes melatonin and pinoline during darkness,
entraining the nervous system to the local circadian 24-hour clock and perhaps acting
as an antidepressant. Melatonin is an antioxidant that inhibits pre-puberty sexual development
and may protect the nervous system against degeneration. Pinoline is also antioxidant and
induces Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and dreams. (Pineal gland extract improves the
metabolism of sugar in chronically ill patients.)
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The pineal gland has been a mystery for centuries and has
been attributed
with superstition, myth and many metaphysical theories. Many people claim
that the pineal gland is an intuitive third eye and
chakra.
"Lao Tzu described a small 'gateway to heaven and
earth' in the center of the brain behind the eyes and wrote that
concentrating on it leads to realizing oneness. In this pearl is a light
which Confucius called virtuous perfection (jen); the Book of Change
(I Ching) called it the ultimateless (wu chi), the Buddha called it perfect
knowledge (yuan ming) and Taoist literature called it an elixir of
immortality and spiritual light." Jan Sikorski
"The pineal gland is the receptor and sender of subtle
vibrations which carry thoughts and psychic phenomena throughout the cosmos.
The pineal gland converts brain waves into subtle electrical energy
traveling faster that the speed of light." Swami Sivananda
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People are affected by the rhythm of their pineal glands and thus by ambient light levels.
(This hints at why dark retreats were favored by Buddhist and Taoist monks). I
find that coaching with interactive metaphor (Dreamwork) leads to predictable
ecstatic states of consciousness that are
commonly described as light-filled, clear light, etc, which may affect pineal gland
function.
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As the pineal reacts to light and darkness, and as the
limbic system provides a sense of reality, subjectively
perceived light (during interactive metaphors or
meditation) seems to affect the pineal gland and melatonin / pinoline
production.
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(Pineal stimulation may resolve some frigidity and erectile dysfunction
issues ... more needed).
Coaching the Amygdala
The limbic brain (including the amygdala) also mediates music, speech
intonation and metaphor. Coaching strategies that communicate directly with the limbic
brain are interactive metaphors and symbolic integration. As the limbic
brain responds emotionally to symbols, such as icons, mandalas and art, people
can use real
or imagined symbols to stimulate their limbic brains.
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The amygdala associates
emotions with symbols. The amygdala receives information from the neocortex, and
integrates sensory information from both the external (objective) and internal
(subjective) worlds, resulting in an experience of “reality”.
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The amygdala has been called the heart of the limbic brain. If you take a
moment and recall the bitter taste and smell of lemon juice ... what happens to your
saliva flow within a few seconds? Your amygdala rapidly responds as if your imagined events
were actually taking place.
By stimulating the amygdala, I can better coach people to explore strategies for
achieving worthwhile goals, and to reduce the emotional impact of trauma. I help
people learn from traumatic, phobic or abusive events without being overwhelmed by
emotion, until memories of trauma, phobia or abuse, etc, can be peacefully evaluated and assimilated.
Coaching and Synesthesia
(Synesthesia
is an experience in which the stimulation of one sense elicits a perception that
ordinarily would be elicited had another sense been stimulated, as when a loud
noise registers as a light, or vice versa: Encyclopedia Encarta)
I often use synesthesia to cross-link
(or unhook) sensory systems. Coaching at the limbic level helps
people experience unpleasant feelings as interesting communications,
without being overwhelmed by body sensations such as guilt,
sadness or anxiety.
As the limbic system also interprets (attributes meaning to) music, speech
intonations and metaphors,
I can communicate directly with the limbic brain by changing the tempo, tone and
pitch of my voice, and by using interactive metaphors and
symbols. (I find symbolic maps to be valuable tools for
evaluating during systemic diagnosis and changing perceptions during systemic
change-work.)
Coaching the Hind Brain
The hind-brain also translates body-mind communication. It is
sometimes called the reptilian hind- brain and controls everyday repetitive
behaviors such as habits, rituals, routines and motor skills. (You might think
of it as an auto-pilot when daydreaming - even if driving a motor vehicle.)
The hind-brain associates emotions with action (action can be called honest communication).
People communicate aggression,
submission and sexual interest through their often-unconscious body movements and
nonverbal communication.
Like the
limbic system, your hind-brain responds to metaphors and symbols. Hence I use
interactive metaphors, symbolic language, puns and non-verbal signals to communicate
with this part of the brain. This is
particularly useful when coaching people to pull themselves together as
they recover from abuse, trauma or identity loss.
Coaching the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands (they are not in the brain - rather above the kidneys)
guide the famous fight or flight
response to stress. Healthy adrenal glands release adrenaline, which
causes people to feel alert and focused, and cortisol, which converts proteins
into energy. Adrenalin also
increases the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure while tensing muscles,
sharpening senses and slowing digestion so that people can better
fight or run away.
Chronic stress may cause the adrenal glands to maintain high cortisol
levels, which can damage body tissues. Some people say they have
adrenaline addiction; although subsequent adrenal fatigue can cause
mood swings - depression, fatigue and insomnia. Adrenal exhaustion can cause
serious health concerns and mental breakdown.
...... Page 3 starts here .....
A Brief Psychobiology of Love
Falling in love is a profound feeling; while falling out of love
can bring profound suffering. Our brains change when we are in love, in similar
ways to some mental illnesses or illicit drugs. Falling in love can be
addictive, and falling out of love is often associated with withdrawal symptoms!
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Hard-core science only focuses on what can
be easily measured, and does not appreciate important aspects of human
existence such as personality, beliefs and values.
Kosjenka Muk, Soulwork Trainer |
Falling in love seems to have three main phases, with hormones
and neurotransmitters associated with each phase.
-
Lust is driven by estrogen and testosterone
(affecting both men and women).
-
Attraction is associated with dopamine and
serotonin. People in love often feel obsessed. They may eat less, sleep
less and day-dream about their partner.
-
Attachment supports lasting commitment and helps
bond lovers together. This is associated with vasopressin and
oxytocin.
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There's convincing evidence that oxytocin is involved in mediating stability,
pair bonding
and monogamy; the enduring parts of love ... Hans Zingg, McGill
University. |
Most people experience a surge of oxytocin bonding during
extended touch, for example during sex or massage, and a surge of dopamine
during arousing activities. Both trigger feelings of love and romance.
As love can be addictive (probably to forms of amphetamine-like
adrenaline), love can have symptoms similar to substance abuse, and
falling out of love can have serious mental health repercussions, similar to
symptoms associated with withdrawal from addictive drugs.
A Brief Psychobiology of Soul
These various parts of the brain can function and
communicate simultaneously ... and ecstatically. People can enjoy a stable
experience of integrity as a basis for congruent decisions and long-term
inspiration to choose and fulfill life goals.
People experiencing this integration display verbal
congruence and nonverbal symmetry, which may indicate that the both
cranial hemispheres, limbic system, amygdala and hind-brain are in an unusual
state of cooperation. During this experience, people can simultaneously focus
on abstract concepts and on specific details. Many people report a sense of
transcendental awareness. (As many people called this experience Soul, I called this part of
my coaching Soul-work. The name stuck.)
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I asked you for coaching to plan a kindergarten ... and now I
have a sense of mission and almost transcendent life purpose! I can focus on
achieving this goal without losing anything ... the beliefs that slowed me down
were parts of me that were concerned that my project might damage my
relationships with my husband or children ... I feel I have communicated with my
Soul ... I am a complete person ... it's hard to describe ... London,
England |
Many people, during and after Soul experience, have told us
that Soul has an independent existence; that Soul
existed before they were born; and that Soul will continue
after the death of their bodies. (Psychobiology cannot confirm or disprove this
concept,
although many people enjoy this idea!)
Some of my graduate students believe that our coaching can enable or enhance spiritual
connectedness – while others believe that Soul experience is a
normal result of integrated brain activity. Whatever is true, what we call Soul
experience seems to provide a rational basis
for significant body-mind healing in short time frames.
People who cannot experience Integrity (Soul)
In my experience, about 25% of motivated adults cannot experience this existential harmony
without making some changes. The main reasons seemed to be:
immaturity (lack of responsibility),
trauma
(preoccupied), guilt (need to suffer) and
codependence
(independent happiness may damage an important relationship). Less common were
people who suffered long term dissociation
(lost identity), had identified with
another person (identification) or
had identified with two people
(identity conflict).
Hence I developed strategies for quickly dissolving these (relationship) issues.
My resulting systemic solutions are steps towards optimal immune
system function (as part of a spectrum of modalities, including diet, supplements and
exercise.) While this appears to
help reduce aging, increase resistance to disease, and offer potential solutions for
psychosomatic illness and autoimmune disease,
my overall goal remains ... to help people live fulfilled lives.
Please consult a physician about any medical or psychiatric conditions!
March 2010
Since I wrote this article twelve years ago, my graduates and I have refined and
greatly improved our
systemic solutions. And our paradigm has shifted. At first, I expected people to welcome
fast, effective change ... but many people remain loyal to their conditioning ... and to their
suffering. Most people seeking relief from emotional and relationship problems
prefer
to medicate or distract themselves.
We invite people who are searching for sense of life
(without drugs) - for
integrity - to explore some of the applications of our transformational change-work.
There is a list of applications on the left ...
Would you like to
benefit from our experience?
Copyright © Martyn Carruthers 1998-2010
All rights reserved
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