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Sunday, May 8, 2011

May 2011: BIRRDSONG at Legacy GoodSam-Portland

Gold Mind Meditation Project

 
If anyone says that a person must reap according to his deeds, if anyone thinks the law of karma is inexorable, then he is saying that there is no spiritual life or growth and nor is there any opportunity to bring confusion to an end. But if anyone says that what a person reaps is in accordance with his deeds, in that case a spiritual life can exist and there is opportunity for realization.

- Anguttara Nikaya
 
With 17 people attending: Survivors, therapists and students, I presented my project
and have now set up the introduction to meditation for next month's BIRRDSONG meeting.

It's an innovative grass roots survivor led brain injury recovery support organization. Focusing on abilities, cognitive & personal development, health, personal growth, re-learning, skill building; using technology and assisting tools, social networking, direct survivor services and the development of a wide-net brain injury survivor and support persons resource directory and network in the NW and beyond. We see those who are successfully facing the challenges of living with brain injury as our greatest resource. Our mission in the development and support of survivors, family and support persons assist in getting these talented and highly motivated community members plugged back into our community systems; work, school, business enterprise, board membership and community service.

We have survivor led brain injury support meetings 1st Saturday of each month 9:30-11:00 @Legacy Good Samaritan hospital Wilcox building Room A
2211 NW Marshall

latest source-page:
Gold Mind Meditation Project

(Benefits for fellow head-injury survivors)         

Head-injury is an invisible disability, not easily seen from the outside like
a wheelchair or crutches. However, it’s still a disability known profoundly from
inside:  a new headspace has arisen, different for each person. Gold Mind Meditation Project has the purpose and intended result of having you transform your relationship with this changing condition.

I speak from personal experience.  Returning to college years ago, I was involved in a serious car accident. I had facial laceration and a skull fracture, was in a coma and Jaws-of-Life were required to free me from the vehicle. When I came to I had amnesia, diplopia (double-vision), and TBI (traumatic brain injury). In a short instant I was not who I used to be.  My life was forever changed.

Since that time I have lived with the challenges of TBI.  I struggled to complete my degree at the University and to get on with my life, very unsure of what I could be or do. Within a few years I experienced frustrating failure in the loss of several jobs before learning that this was the result of my TBI. There is light at the end of this tunnel, for each survivor.

TBI has often been misdiagnosed and thus poorly treated. In top-of-the line and expensive rehabilitation programs I was taught 'compensatory coping strategies' for the 'cognitive deficits' of my brain injury. These strategies were well-intended rehab but fell short of addressing my inner well being.  They didn't work for me; I had to learn the necessary inner transformation for myself.  This is cleansing the mind, sifting the gravel of our experience and finding the gold within.
  
Knowing the devastation of this condition from the inside, I wish to share what I've found to be a powerful healing benefit for me, and possibly for you - I’ve learned mindfulness meditation practice (Insight Meditation).  Learning this self-generating long-term practice can enhance your life, with satisfaction and way more ease and smiles.  Really! 

Regular practice has me be clear-eyed and capable of sustained attention, capable of gently holding the array of arising moods. This practice is based on intent to relieve suffering and dissatisfaction, cleansing the mind of illusions, and grounding us in a sense of dignified inner wellness, at peace beyond the damages.

With this practice you can develop a new skill and learn exactly what is most needed for you from seeing directly your own life experience. Mindfulness practice can lead to brain healing (neuroplasticity).  I am now choosing to live my life intentionally and more skillfully, making peace with this malady and finding healing.  You can too. 
This is the start of a new path!


GOLD MIND MEDITATION PROJECT http://hadwalmer-goldmind.blogspot.com/
Had C. Walmer      hwalmer@gmail.com      (503) 323-3046  

 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Tbi support Group meeting

Am taking myself to Birrdsong Survivor led
support group at Legacy Hospital in Portland tomorrow morning. Will present
this and perhaps lead a meditation introduction session.


(Benefits for fellow head-injury survivors)         

Head-injury is an invisible disability, not easily seen from the outside like a wheelchair or crutches. However, it’s still a disability known profoundly from
inside:  a new headspace has arisen.  Gold Mind Meditation Project has the purpose and intended result of having you transform your condition.

I speak from personal experience.  Returning to college years ago, I was involved in a serious car accident. I had facial laceration and a skull fracture, was in a coma and Jaws-of-Life were required to free me from the vehicle. When I came to I had amnesia, diplopia (double-vision), and TBI (traumatic brain injury). In a short instant I was not who I used to be.  My life was forever changed.

Since that time I have lived with the challenges of TBI.  I struggled to complete my degree at the University and to get on with my life, very unsure of what I could be or do. Within a few years I experienced frustrating failure in the loss of several jobs before learning that this was the result of my TBI. There is light at the end of this tunnel.

TBI has often been misdiagnosed and thus poorly treated. In top-of-the line and expensive rehabilitation programs I was taught 'compensatory coping strategies' for the 'cognitive deficits' of my brain injury. These strategies were well-intended rehab but fell short of addressing my inner well being.  They didn't work for me; I had to learn the necessary inner transformation for myself.  This is cleansing the mind and finding the gold within.
  
Knowing the devastation of this condition from the inside, I wish to share what I've found to be a powerful healing benefit for me, and possibly for you. Learning this self-generating long-term practice will enhance your life, with satisfaction and way more ease and smiles.  Really! 

I discovered mindfulness meditation.  Regular practice has me be clear-eyed and capable of sustained attention. This practice is based on the intent to relieve suffering and dissatisfaction, cleansing the mind of illusions, and grounding us in a sense of dignified inner wellness, at peace beyond the damages.

With practice you’ll develop a new skill and learn exactly what is most needed for you from direct life experience. Mindfulness practice can lead to brain healing (neuroplasticity).  I am now choosing to live my life intentionally and more skillfully, making peace with this malady.  You can too.  This is the start of a new path!



GOLD MIND MEDITATION PROJECT http://hadwalmer-goldmind.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gold-Mind-Meditation-Project-GMMP 
Had C. Walmer hwalmer@gmail.com