Disability Benefits: September 2008

A Healthy Way to be Sick

A person who deals with a physical condition that is beyond their control has to accept an inner depth, which is uncommon in society. If all we do is try to fit into society, we ignore the unique opportunity our illness offers. Our illness forces us beyond the socially accepted depth and allows us an inner exploration most people ignore.

I am partially blind, so it is hard for me to see my outer world. This forces me to look within and explore parts of myself that are not a normal part of society. I am legally blind looking outside of myself, but most people are legally blind looking within. If I had to choose which was worst, inner blindness would be my choice. I believe it is the cause of most of our suffering.

I have had multiple sclerosis since 1981 and I have tried every possible cure that came my way. I am on a weekly shot medication today, but I have tried several diets. I do acupuncture and massage treatments regularly and I have done several alternative treatments including Bee venom and purification methods. I benefited from these treatments; but I am still legally blind with several other symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Looking Within

Over the decades of making serious efforts to heal myself using everything that held promise, I learned a beautiful lesson. No matter who you are or what condition you are in, the silence beyond our thinking mind is an amazing resource for fulfillment. Becoming aware of that resource is what I call a healthy way to be sick.

That silence is free from disturbing thoughts and fears, giving you a shelter where you are free from your illness and the struggle you are in. It is at that depth the Wisdom of your Body responds to your medication without the distractions from your thinking mind. Even when you are dealing with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, there is an inner peace at that depth. In my condition, if I was to limit my focus to my superficial thinking mind, I would easily become depressed. I am forced to go deeper.

Once I was asked how do we create the ideal state of mind? My answer was: Take away everything that isn't the Ideal State of Mind. When imperfection is removed, we have what existed before we were messed up. In other words, deep within all of us is a wisdom that may not be perfect, but is free to change and evolve. The real task we all face is to learn how can we return to that ideal state of mind.

When we rely on the wisdom of the body, we learn to accept the beauty of life. Our illness or disability may limit us as we adapt to society, but that same situation has the power to force us into a wonderful self-acceptance and that is what I think is a healthy way to be sick. From that state of mind you create an inner healing environment, where you become an active partner with your doctor.

Use your thinking mind to uplift your spirits and work with your doctor and medical team. Your thoughts were not created to depress you or limit you in any way. Thinking, like the clothes you wear can be put on or taken off. Dress up to meet the incredible challenge where you consciously participate in healing. Don't go shabby to an event that is so significant.

Marc Lerner is the President of Life Skills Inc. and the author of The Life Skills Approach. He lectures frequently to patients in a health crisis and those undergoing emotional trauma, to help them harness inner resources to overcome these obstacles. For more information and a free e-book, please visit http://www.lifeskillsinc.com

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

You name it, if these don?t feature in your life yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate change are facts of life now, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and many scientists.

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

If you?re not, you probably live in a city where half of the Earth?s citizens live now and take much for granted. Because in city living we are far removed from natural processes that deliver our food, clothing and energy.

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Even in the city you cannot stick your head in the sand (or under the asphalt?) and you are not immune from climate change. Witnesses are the 15,000 mostly elderly people that died in Paris alone in the sizzling hot European summer of 2003. Or the many killed in New Orleans at the ?hands? of cyclone Katrina.

And if you are hot under the collar, do you think perhaps that there will be some miraculous scientific break-through so they ever-responsible ?They? will fix the Earth? The ultimate stem cell technology maybe that can clone a new home for us!

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

Our world is changing. There are great challenges ahead and it is too late to stop global warming. The Earth has changed and the processes it uses to regulate itself are adjusting themselves. And these changes will not suit human life as it is.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Yes, we desperately do need to switch to renewable energy sources that do not make a greenhouse out of our home, the Earth. But all the technology in the world will never be enough to survive and flourish>.

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

* Accept that all of us are fragile and vulnerable
* The world is full of limits. We need some of these to live well.
* Vulnerability and dependence are an inevitable part of a whole life
* No-one is independent, but interdependent
* Connection with others is our lifeline and our wellbeing

And they do this:

* Engage with others to build positive relationship, where you live, work and play
* Pay attention to other?s needs and that of the environment
* Take responsibility for the situation you?re in
* Care for others and the environment competently
* Be assertive and use your humour and creativity

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

Dr Erik Leipoldt has long been concerned about the effects of global warming. In particular he uses his own experience of severe disability in practical approaches towards alternate energy sources to survive and thrive in our environmentally disabled world. See http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

A Healthy Way to be Sick

Looking Within

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

Ten Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures?

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you?re that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Seriously, for many of us it is all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

?Come on, get real?, you say? Do I hear: ?Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we?ll get out of this mess.?

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It?s simple and it?s hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else?under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

And they do this:

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I?d be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We?re just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the ?regular? renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it?s the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it?ll be cooler under your collar!

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