Lori,
In the post trauma eye movement therapy that I experienced, they had me go back in my mind to the trauma and instructed me to watch an item that moved in front of my eyes in much the same manner that scenery would move past you if you were running away from the trauma. It worked!

I have used that theory in the theater for stage fright. If you run or walk fast just before going onstage, it gives you a feeling of groundedness that nothing else quite acheives. Sometimes if I can rehearse while I'm riding to the theater or even driving it helps too. I've seen it work for others when I've been directing a production also.

I know it's weird, but like the smile thing, I have learned so much about managing my moods in the theater. In fact, I guess that's what theater is really all about.
Sometimes I wonder if these things only work because I believe they will, but I'm a scientist at heart and I saw smiles and running and eye movement therapy working before I ever believed. Then I researched the physiology and it all came together. I'm just so excited by the mind body connection.

And thank you Lori for the uplifting post. My daughter is almost more excited than I am about Alex goin on this trip. When she was small we made the same trip so often and it contains some some wonderful memories for us all.
Alex's older brother is going to California with friends for his vacation. Becky is home with her baby so she's kind of liviing vicariously for the summer.
smile
P.S. My sister just called and has a new boat on the river where we grew up so we're stopping over there too. I'm getting so excited.
P.S. again. Dotsie, your mailbox is full.

[ May 20, 2005, 02:19 PM: Message edited by: smilinize ]