This Week, Running and Autogenics

This week I'll be starting some suicide intervention training. This adds to an already busy schedule, but I think I've got it planned and scheduled to be manageable. Other projects include getting ready for Passover, and of course, working on the dissertation.

I've been running more here; I find it to be one of my best stress relievers. I went 6 miles today, which is a lot more than I've been running the last few years. I'm not running at a fast pace, just an easy jog, working my heart and lungs, without overdoing it on the legs. Last time I ran distances was in 1991. I suppose I could go on google maps and measure the distance from Rodman NS to the Mira Flores Locks in Panama. That was a pretty good early morning run for me back then. I've got other stress relievers as well.

Autogenics, which is not so well known in the US, is a mind-body healing system developed through medical research in the 1920s in Western Europe. I was introduced to it in a biofeedback session two years ago and I was very impressed with it's effectiveness. After listening to a 40 minute recording I felt as relaxed as if I'd had a full body massage at an expensive health club.

I've also read some reports on autogenics as an effective treatment for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome. The challenge I see in applying autogenics is that learning any new skill, even an effective and powerfull one, takes time and practice. I wonder if people are willing to make the effort?