I had a super exciting weekend! Thanks to my friend, Jessie, she introduced me to this awesome, God-loving girl, Laura. She shares the same passion as I do with helping those who struggle with an eating disorder. We met for coffee and had an awesome conversation. She has a wonderful testimony--God has brought her a long way.
It's so uplifting and encouraging to meet people who share the same passions as me. I encourage everyone who reads this blog to pray for someone who shares the same desires as you do. Whether it be business, art, yoga, exercise, sewing, running...whatever, find someone to share your passions with.
I remember my friend, Megan, in high school. We were both in band together. Can you guess what we talked about all the time? Band! What geeks we were, but we were so excited to talk about trombone performance pieces, accessories, mutes, we would even get together and play etude duos. Yes, it's geeky but that motivated me to become a better musician and I had a great friend.
This was not what I thought this blog would be about, but I hope it's an encouragement to you all. Meet new people and share your passions. Have a wonderful and God-filled day!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Biomedical Foundations of Music as Therapy
The title might sound like a boring topic for a music therapy conference. In fact, Biomedical Foundations of Music as Therapy is a textbook we had to read for one of our MT classes. The book discusses the relations between the brain and how it relates with music. Fascinating material about how music is deciphered on one part of the brain while communication is utilized on the other. When music is used it connects both sides of the brain. Pretty cool, eh?
One section of the book is entitled Biomedical Determinants of Control Reversal Therapy. It explains how to utilize Control Reversal Therapy (CRT) for individuals with eating disorders. It dissects the brain of someone who is diagnosed with anorexia. Results have shown a loss in brain tissue and are connected with personality characteristics, such as, perfectionism, excessive worry, need for control, inflexibility, panic attacks, and internal dialogue.
Two things are going wrong here. One, is that because the lack of nutrition is causing brain atrophy, which can only result in a decrease in judgment, emotions, and overall feelings of pleasure (i.e. food). Two, the innate personality characteristics of the victim only further the process of allowing brain to wither away.
Think of it this way. The characteristics described above are usually in the people who have uncanny self-discipline (These are the people who wake up at the crack of dawn to run 6 miles or have their homework finished two weeks before it is due.). Now, let's say that an individual has this distorted concept that they have to eat less in order to be considered "perfect" by others. They will stop at nothing to accomplish this unrealistic goal. No matter what someone advises them to do, they will consider quitting the ultimate failure.
CRT is in place to change overall thought patterns. Anorexia and bulimia is a way of thinking. The individual has to choose to think differently. Can you imagine how difficult that could be? But it does happen...there is hope. For instance, catching the disease early helps the individual remember their prior thought patterns of "normal eating". Music can be used as a tool to help these individuals build and process new thought patterns.
I hope this gives you more insight on eating disorders. If you have any more questions or need clarification, please ask!
One section of the book is entitled Biomedical Determinants of Control Reversal Therapy. It explains how to utilize Control Reversal Therapy (CRT) for individuals with eating disorders. It dissects the brain of someone who is diagnosed with anorexia. Results have shown a loss in brain tissue and are connected with personality characteristics, such as, perfectionism, excessive worry, need for control, inflexibility, panic attacks, and internal dialogue.
Two things are going wrong here. One, is that because the lack of nutrition is causing brain atrophy, which can only result in a decrease in judgment, emotions, and overall feelings of pleasure (i.e. food). Two, the innate personality characteristics of the victim only further the process of allowing brain to wither away.
Think of it this way. The characteristics described above are usually in the people who have uncanny self-discipline (These are the people who wake up at the crack of dawn to run 6 miles or have their homework finished two weeks before it is due.). Now, let's say that an individual has this distorted concept that they have to eat less in order to be considered "perfect" by others. They will stop at nothing to accomplish this unrealistic goal. No matter what someone advises them to do, they will consider quitting the ultimate failure.
CRT is in place to change overall thought patterns. Anorexia and bulimia is a way of thinking. The individual has to choose to think differently. Can you imagine how difficult that could be? But it does happen...there is hope. For instance, catching the disease early helps the individual remember their prior thought patterns of "normal eating". Music can be used as a tool to help these individuals build and process new thought patterns.
I hope this gives you more insight on eating disorders. If you have any more questions or need clarification, please ask!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Memory Verses For Ruby
After last night's not-so-good news of the presidential election, I was feeling bummed. I asked God to show me a promise that I can hang on to and share with others. Well, he did just that.
One verse was shown to me by my wonderful husband. That is Romans 13:1
"For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Is that not a powerful verse written so many years ago? You see, despite popular belief there have been other national leaders that were not highly favored by the population (and even still to this day). No matter what Barack Obama (and our Democratic Congress) has in store for us, it's all under God's plan. he knows exactly what is going on. We need to PRAY for our nation for God to continue to bless us (and that we don't do anything stupid, like break our alliance with Israel.).
Another verse that was shown to me today was while I was driving in my car from work this evening. As much as I love KLove radio station, the DJs can be really, really corny but nonetheless, they do preach Jesus with no end. One of them shared this verse in 1 Samuel 16:7
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart"
I had forgotten about this story until now. This fits perfect with a key verse for the Ruby Center. The "Lord looketh on the heart". Was David perfect? Absolutely not. He commited sins that if any leader were revealed that would be the end of his career. Just think, if any woman or man were to know this truth about God...how different their body image would be. No man can judge them rightfully on the outward appearance. It's their walk with God that is eternal.
Isn't the Lord amazing? I love these verses. We can find comfort and joy in His words, so know that God's will will be performed no matter the circumstances.
With Love,
Jen
One verse was shown to me by my wonderful husband. That is Romans 13:1
"For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Is that not a powerful verse written so many years ago? You see, despite popular belief there have been other national leaders that were not highly favored by the population (and even still to this day). No matter what Barack Obama (and our Democratic Congress) has in store for us, it's all under God's plan. he knows exactly what is going on. We need to PRAY for our nation for God to continue to bless us (and that we don't do anything stupid, like break our alliance with Israel.).
Another verse that was shown to me today was while I was driving in my car from work this evening. As much as I love KLove radio station, the DJs can be really, really corny but nonetheless, they do preach Jesus with no end. One of them shared this verse in 1 Samuel 16:7
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart"
I had forgotten about this story until now. This fits perfect with a key verse for the Ruby Center. The "Lord looketh on the heart". Was David perfect? Absolutely not. He commited sins that if any leader were revealed that would be the end of his career. Just think, if any woman or man were to know this truth about God...how different their body image would be. No man can judge them rightfully on the outward appearance. It's their walk with God that is eternal.
Isn't the Lord amazing? I love these verses. We can find comfort and joy in His words, so know that God's will will be performed no matter the circumstances.
With Love,
Jen
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