Exploring the depths of self-identity through the lens of online dating can be a revealing experience. When delving into the world of online dating in January 2021, I embarked on a series of thirty first dates, each unveiling a different facet of my personality. Surprisingly, I discovered varying personas within myself, responding to the diverse energies of my dates. As I prepare to co-teach a workshop on DATING FROM SELF with my partner Jeff, who shares insights on this topic, I feel compelled to share snippets from my journal, despite feeling a tinge of vulnerability. Let's delve into this journey of self-discovery.
Unveiling Different Facets
On our initial date at Stinson Beach, I grappled with conflicting parts of myself. The image-conscious side fretted over appearing presentable on a windy, drizzly day, while another part yearned to showcase authenticity beyond vanity. His humor sparked a lightness within me that seldom surfaces, and our shared artistic interests ignited a creative exchange.
Exploring Vulnerability
Interacting with someone who didn't require caretaking or control allowed my overfunctioning tendencies to ease. Yet, a deep-seated insecurity emerged when faced with the prospect of not being needed in that capacity. Reflecting on this vulnerability, I unraveled layers tied to past experiences of seeking validation through utility.
Embracing Authenticity
Amidst moments of introspection, I shared my inner reflections with him, and he reciprocated with empathy. His admiration for my independence mirrored my appreciation for his self-sufficiency. Despite the emotional resonance, the date was cut short due to unfolding national events that shook us to the core.
Insurrection Day: A Turning Point
The intrusion of rioters into the Capitol on January 6, a day etched in history as Insurrection Day, cast a shadow over our date. Amidst the chaos, vulnerability surfaced, bridging a connection rooted in shared humanity. As we navigated the turmoil, a sense of empathy and understanding deepened our bond.
Personal Growth Through Dating
Reflecting on each date through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy unveiled hidden facets of my psyche. Every encounter, whether deemed positive or negative, served as a mirror reflecting aspects of myself that craved exploration.
Cultivating Self-Awareness
Engaging with diverse individuals during my dating experiment unearthed unexplored dimensions of my identity. By immersing myself in varied experiences, I gained clarity on the multifaceted nature of my being, transcending preconceived notions and embracing newfound self-awareness.
For those intrigued by the intersection of IFS therapy and dating, consider joining our online workshop, DATING FROM SELF, for a transformative journey towards self-discovery.
Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and may the path to authenticity be illuminated by the light of self-awareness.
The post Dating and Self-Discovery: A Journey Through Online Dating first appeared on Lissa Rankin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies address specific conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Some CAM therapies can be fun.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- An individual's belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Natural products are better than synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. If they are not used correctly, some therapies may cause death or serious harm. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about using any CAM before deciding whether to go ahead.
What are examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those considered by mainstream medicine to be useful for treating disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, and energy healing techniques such as reiki.
Alternative medicine may also include practices that are not supported by scientific evidence but have been used with great success in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
What's the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results for certain conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary medicines refer to those therapies which complement conventional treatment; they may be used alongside conventional medicine. These may include dietary supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, herbs, enzymes, enzymes, probiotics or other natural substances.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don't recommend them because there isn't enough evidence or safety concern.
The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. A number of studies also suggest that acupuncture might improve symptoms like irritable and fibromyalgia as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, migraines tension headaches, anxiety, and anxiety.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, more and more people are turning to CAM practitioners for relief from common illnesses.
Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They can't treat all conditions. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person's well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. This is simply not true. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Conventional medicine is still the most popular form of healthcare today. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many people find that it is more beneficial than taking pharmaceutical drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Many people prefer eating healthy foods to taking prescription drugs. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies' performance.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. It may be because it's less expensive.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What should you look for in a holistic doctor?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Doctors who specialize in their chosen field are the best. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors should be able to treat their patients holistically. It is important for them to understand how to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
You should also inquire if the doctor is certified through professional organizations like The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA offers certification in many areas including naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy as well as clinical nutrition, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, and clinical nutrition.
Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Karoline
Title: Dating and Self-Discovery: A Journey Through Online Dating
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/dating-the-day-democracy-almost-died/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dating-the-day-democracy-almost-died
Published Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:15:31 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies address specific conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Some CAM therapies can be fun.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- An individual's belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Natural products are better than synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. If they are not used correctly, some therapies may cause death or serious harm. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about using any CAM before deciding whether to go ahead.
What are examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those considered by mainstream medicine to be useful for treating disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, and energy healing techniques such as reiki.
Alternative medicine may also include practices that are not supported by scientific evidence but have been used with great success in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
What's the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results for certain conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary medicines refer to those therapies which complement conventional treatment; they may be used alongside conventional medicine. These may include dietary supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, herbs, enzymes, enzymes, probiotics or other natural substances.
Although both types of medicine are common, conventional doctors don't recommend them because there isn't enough evidence or safety concern.
The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.
Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. A number of studies also suggest that acupuncture might improve symptoms like irritable and fibromyalgia as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, migraines tension headaches, anxiety, and anxiety.
Some CAM techniques may also be beneficial in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS (AIDS), diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.
As a result, more and more people are turning to CAM practitioners for relief from common illnesses.
Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They can't treat all conditions. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person's well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. This is simply not true. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Conventional medicine is still the most popular form of healthcare today. Many people still prefer to utilize complementary and alternate medicine. Many people find that it is more beneficial than taking pharmaceutical drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Many people prefer eating healthy foods to taking prescription drugs. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies' performance.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. It may be because it's less expensive.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What should you look for in a holistic doctor?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Doctors who specialize in their chosen field are the best. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors should be able to treat their patients holistically. It is important for them to understand how to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
Doctors should not only be knowledgeable about holistic health but also have an understanding of alternative and complementary therapies (CAM), such acupuncture and chiropractic care as well as yoga and massage therapy.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
You should also inquire if the doctor is certified through professional organizations like The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA offers certification in many areas including naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy as well as clinical nutrition, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, and clinical nutrition.
Look through our directory to find a holistic doctor in your region. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
