Write-up from May 16th support group meeting

“Between the stimulus and the response is a space. In that space lies our ability to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” —Viktor Frankl

Training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is one way to help ourselves lower our reactivity, and thereby reduce the intensity of tinnitus & hyperacusis symptoms. For those of us for whom other approaches are not working or who are open to additional, self-directed methods, these techniques can be well worth a try. MBSR is neither expensive nor invasive.

As Rebecca Hines shared with our group this last week, the MBSR course introduces a number of practices, from which the learner can select the most effective to continue. More than a relaxation program, MBSR is a proven approach to addressing chronic, intractable conditions, which teaches us to live in the moment, without ruminating over the past or fearing the future.

The ‘father’ of MBSR is Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of “Full Catastrophe Living” and many other related works. Trained in his methods, Rebecca introduced us to MBSR theories, and also led us in a couple of experiential exercises during the meeting. Rebecca pointed out that the Chinese translation for “mindfulness” is “present heart” - emphasizing that mindfulness, despite the name, is about more than just the mind - it’s about the whole self.

 For more information and resources on MBSR, Rebecca gave us a hand-out, which is downloadable here .  Other resources mentioned during the meeting: www.soundpillow.com and also Dr. Stephen Nagler (see Tinnitus Today 2018).

Stay tuned for next meeting announcement! In the meantime, we have received this request from a journalist that you may be able to respond to: “Hi everyone! I have an assignment from the Washington Post involving local restaurant music. I am looking for a real person to quote on the subject. This person must have hearing loss and/or tinnitus, and be willing to talk about a bad experience trying to get the volume lowered in a restaurant - for example, you asked for the music to be durned down and the restaurant refused, so you left. The person will be quoted by name and some identifying information in this format: ‘Pat Smith, age XX, a butcher/baker/candlestick-maker who lives near Anytown.’ Please sent me a PM on Facebook or write me a joycehohen@verizon.net. Thanks!”