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 2130 Huntington Dr. #307                South Pasadena, CA. 91030

 (626) 888-2130

 MagnoliaPsychologicalGroup@gmail.com

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Monday
May212012

What I Can Control vs. What Can I Control?

In the Serenity Prayer, the speaker asks for the wisdom to discern between things that can and cannot be changed. This sentiment of control is important not only for members of a 12-step program, but for anyone looking to enhance their emotional and psychological health. In the prayer, the ability to recognize the difference between things they have control over and those that they do not is vital because it allows them to focus their energy on the things they can change. Things we can change are typically built around our own thoughts and actions - my attitude, the level of my voice, my spending habits, the words I use. It will be more useful to focus our attention on improving these sorts of things.

The other half of the aphorism is accepting things that cannot be changed. Having a peace of mind about things out of our control. Far too often, we find ourselves laboring uphill in a never-ending struggle to change something that we have no control over. Our minds and hearts are clouded by the inevitable frustrations and anxieties that result from trying to change something that does not want to be changed. Like the prayer suggests, we can do much better by letting go, and learning to accept those things for what they are. Examples include most notably, the feelings or actions of others. 

Once we determine which things can be changed and which cannot, our precious time, energy and resources can be devote to things most important and relevant to our well-being. So instead of spinning our wheels in an effort to change the minds of our neighbors, we can take the time and energy to improve ourselves. The new attitude and outlook will help us feel better and deal with stressors in a more positive manner.

Thursday
May032012

Listen To Your Gut

Are you the type of person that makes decisions based on how they feel? Well, there may be more to the old saying, "Listen to your gut." New research by Drs. Javier Bravo and Jonathan Cryan at the University College Cork, Ireland, seems to show that there is a link between the brain and intestines, in particular, that our guts can alter our mood.

We've long known that the brain was able to send messages to the various organs, but in this case, the organs are talking back. Scientists are finding that the bacteria that is naturally found in our gastrointestinal tract, and yogurt (Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1), has a significant impact on the mood of mice and even humans. In the study, mice were fed either broth alone, or broth plus bacteria. The mice with the bacteria-filled diet, tended to be less stressed, exhibit less panic and more hopeful than their counterparts. They also released less cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Scientists attribute this difference to the bacteria in the stomach and intestines that send signals to the brain to reduce anxiety and improve mood.


There is certainly more research that needs to be conducted, and a cup of yogurt won't be enough to fend off depression, but it is an interesting start to understanding the connection between our brain and intestines. So next time, you have a strange feeling about something, you may want to "listen to your gut."

Find the press release here:
http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=111437&CultureCode=en

Saturday
Apr282012

WILL THE REAL ME STAND UP?

Ever feel like a two-face? Acting one way in front of strangers and totally different when at home? We may not be aware of it. We may deny it, but we all have many sides to our selves. We may think that we are an unchanging, constant persona, but actually we have continously shape-shifting, multiple versions of ourselves.

A psychologically healthy person will be able to make smooth transitions between one scenario and the next by making seemless and slight adjustments in the areas of communication, including their posture, tone of voice, words used, and eye contact. For example, we would behave very differently when we are in a business meeting than at a birthday party with our children. To highlight this, think of what it would look like if someone did not make these adjustments, like the Terminator buying shoes - a pretty awkward and comical scenario. we find this to be adaptive and at times self-serving.

Granted, extreme shifts in personality from one minute to the next can be problematic, and may signal a greater issue. But these minor shifts can be practical and necessary. It means that we are taking stock of our sitaution and calculating the adjustments to maximize our success.

Try paying attention to the different types of personas that you present based on your setting. Then try asking yourself, "Why?" Why would I act this way in front of the company boss? Why would I act that way with my spouse? They may help us understand our underlying motivations and values. What do the multiple versions of yourself say about you?

Sunday
Sep252011

HOMELESS STUDENTS

We were present at an event celebrating the efforts of those in the community to provide assistance to the homeless students in the Los Angeles area. It was quite a sight - the mountains of boxes of school supplies and various other items raised in donation for the students who were going through a very difficult time. More impressive was the positive energy and spirit of the volunteers and citizens who were there to show support for these students. It was heartwarming and inspiring.

This issue is something that deserves more attention. It was an issue we were first introduced to, ironically by our banker at Comerica. We learned that there are approximately 13,500 students who were identified as homeless. It is hard enough being a student, or going through ones teenage years without the added pressures and stress of not having a stable home environment. It turns out many students are living with extended family members, at shelters, or bouncing around from place to place. The courage and dedication displayed by these students should inspire us all.

For more information, please visit:  LAUSD - Homeless Education Unit

Sunday
Jul172011

OPEN HOUSE

You are invited to an Open House to celebrate our new office. Stop in for a glass of wine and appetizers. Learn about what it is we do and the services we offer.

We look forward to seeing you.

FRIDAY, July 22; 6-9pm  -  2130 Huntington Dr. #307, S. Pasadena, 91030