We got an exasperated email from the caregiver husband of a chronically ill woman, suffering from a perfect storm of health challenges.  We’re including an edited version of the whole sequence of emails, because it’s got some good info and it has a nice progression: 

Question:  

Dear Health Journeys,

I am a law school administrator who has an interest in wellness.    I would like to work with Ms. Naparstek on a guided meditation  for  a "Successful Bar Exam".  According to recent stats, over 55,000 people pass a bar exam each year.  I know when I took the bar exam 19 years ago, I had a lot of anxiety and I could have used a guided meditation.  

I know there are general testing anxiety guided meditations on the market, but I really believe having a targeted Bar Exam one would be great.  

Please let me know what you think.  

(FYI, I used the Successful Surgery meditation for a recent surgery and I had a perfect surgery and recovery.  Thank you.)

C.W.

Question:

Dear Belleruth,

I have a son, now 26, who suffered a head injury, while skiing, when he was 18.  Physically he is fine but emotionally and psychologically he is still struggling.  While he has come a long way, it has been, and continues to be, a painful road (suicide attempt, drug addiction) and unfortunately he is not open to going for help.  I was thinking of having him listen to your PTSD CD.  I thought I would sit with him the first time that he listened to it, for support.  He says he is willing to try it.  I wonder if you have any other suggestions.
 
Thank you,
M.

Question:

Dear Belleruth,

I am having a persistent problem with hypertension - high systolic numbers.  What would you recommend insofar as an appropriate CD or imagery technique, or perhaps meditation?  Your help will be a blessing and very much appreciated.  I have a multitude of other problems, but this one could kill me if I don't get it under control.  Again, thanks much.

David

Question:

Hello:
Thank you for your work, I've been enjoying your guided imagery for years.

Do you have a suggestion on guided imagery for someone with Alzheimers? My father is approaching the final stage. He has had an atypical journey so far. His sweet demeanor and patience have made the first stages less difficult than you read about in books and other people's accounts. It is still very difficult for him and my family, but he has not been violent or aggressive.

Right now he is beginning to say no like a toddler and is getting more frustrated than he had been. He is also doing a lot of chattering at times. Whether this is simply talking to himself or existing on another plane or talking to hallucinations I don't know. (Nor do I have any judgment or fear around any of these possibilities.)

Question:

Over the past couple of weeks I have read articles bragging on the benefits of mindfulness meditation.  Can you help me understand how and what mindfulness can and can't do, as compared to guided imagery? 

My impression is that the end result of the two techniques is pretty much the same.  It’s just the process of getting there that is different  - is that true? 

Thanks.
Alex

A man suffering from anxiety gets some immediate relief from listening to guided imagery, but the anxiety returns.  He wants to know if he can hope for some kind of cumulative effect over time, or if he will just have to keep administering it to keep his anxiety down.

Question:

How does guided imagery help in the long term?  I feel better after I do it, but my anxiety returns.  Can I expect some accumulative effect?

Jack

Question:

I have attended a couple of your programs. At the one in Virginia and the Washington DC area, you mentioned some tips for the caregiver for your loved one with cancer.

It was a listing of 'helpful hints' for people/family who are impacted by the diagnosis of life-threatening cancer - i.e. setting boundaries with others who want to share their story...etc.

Would you be so kind as to repeat this?  As an oncology nurse manager, I have to assist the caregiver as well as the person with cancer during this process, and I thought what you were speaking about would be a help to them and their journey.

Thank you and be well

Tom

Hi BR.

I am an Occupational Therapist and have recommended your work to my patients.  I also use your Healthful Sleep for myself. You are every mother, friend and lover and your incredible voice stirs some very deep parts of people as you are well aware. I love to listen and it makes me feel nurtured and at peace.
 
The only problem is, for me, it also very often makes me cry uncontrollably - that is how deep it touches. Sometimes, a good release is what I need and am seeking, and it never fails to turn on the spigot when I have been holding too much inside.
 
But I was wondering for general stress relief or for sleep issues..(which was the main reason I bought your first cd) - is this really a GOOD thing? 

I am not certain if I am stirring up the quagmire, and maybe this is too strong for a sensitive soul… or what?
 
I can’t seem to put it in perspective. I would appreciate your thoughts on this kind of response that I am having…  and the applications I am seeking it for. .. and generally what you might think.
 
Thank you for you.
Carol

Question:

I would like to send some of your items to the Newtown, CT Public Library to help people there. I thought I'd send 5 Playaways of the Trauma PTS one. Is that okay for sharing with people? Would you recommend this or something else for the children, too? Thanks,

Bethany.

Answer:

Hey, Bethany. 

What a generous idea!

Just so you know, we have posted a web page with information on PTS and free downloads for Newtown, but I'll bet there are a bunch of people who would find resources in the library a lot faster than they ever would on a web page, so that's a great idea. 

I think it would require your talking to the librarians there, too, so they could direct people to them properly, though.  I wouldn't just send them to the library without making sure somebody knows what they're for.