Hi again, James!  This is a continuation of my previous message:

JB>  Again, pain to the point of hitting the floor can make
JB>  one practice deep breathing with the fervor of childbirth,
JB>  and that woman may have never needed the devices, but
JB>  one day she might find it handy.


           Deep breathing is a very useful skill.  As a woodwind player I
do it naturally now.  But it did take some conscious effort at first.... 
:-)



JB>  When *stuff* hits the fan, a recess in her head might be
JB>  able to recall the topic of that seminar with a little
JB>  more urgency.


           Concerning meditation... maybe, maybe not.  Dallas ran across a
news item recently about a study of which parts of the brain were most
active during meditation.  The frontal area lit up like a Christmas tree. 
And then, when the researchers asked an experienced meditator what he'd
been doing, he said he was opening the third eye.  The third eye is in the
same area... i.e. the same part of the brain you may be using routinely if
you are an introvert or an intuitive thinker, as I am.  This sort of stuff
fascinates me although it is difficult to understand at times.  IMHO the
scientist & the swami are saying essentially the same thing, using
different words.  But folks in crisis tend to rely heavily on their
preferred reasoning style.  If they've dismissed meditation (or whatever)
for years they probably won't give it a second thought even when they have
very few other options left.  I'm more hopeful about those who can say
"I don't know
... I don't have enough data."  Assuming this woman attended the
seminar of her own free will, however, she may not be as unreceptive as she
sounds.  Sometimes people on the verge of change kick & scream quite
vigorously about it....  :-))



JB>  I suppose I like to 'test' for a sense of humour.


           Makes sense to me... I test salespeople by asking questions to
which I already know the answers & I test medical professionals in much
the same way. They can earn bonus points for admitting what they don't
know.  Dallas & I also test for humour on occasion.  We work well
together as a comedy team... [grin].



JB>  I'm sure we've all heard our share of advice - medical, or
JB>  otherwise - that made total sense at the time, but had to
JB>  be demoted or discarded, and other seemingly stupid notions
JB>  that climb the ladder of importance as other things come to
JB>  light.


           Yes... one's condition may change, or further information may
become available, or both.  It is important to remain open to such
possibilities.  :-)



AH>  Once again... I understand, but I can't offer any
AH>  solutions.

JB>  You're in good company! 


           I think so.  And that's important too....  ;-)




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+