Creative Storms

 "As I sit, calm as a breeze across the sea...storms of creativity rage within me."

My time is split between working on various projects, trading, and planning for the future. My mind lives three years in the future. Because I'm always focused on what's to come it's hard for me to sustain personal relationships in the present. I've been trapped in a creative storm that shows no signs of letting up. 

Recently I learned a long time friend I haven't seen in years was in town for a short visit. I didn't see him. A different friend is in the hospital with a brain condition. (beterschap Gekke C) I didn't know about it. An old business partner lost his business and was forced to move his family back to Greece last month. I learned about it yesterday. People are going through real life problems and hard times have lead some to depression. I sincerely hope that everyone reading these words has the love and support of a community around u to help during these difficult times.

I'm no stranger to depression. If you're dealing with depression and are looking for ways to change your mind without paying for external therapy. I have a few pieces of literature that can help u on your journey. Before I get to the books let me say, talking to someone u can trust about your problems is always a good idea. Other people can give u a different perspective on the issue.  If u don't have a support system, or prefer self sufficiency (like myself) then continue reading. 

The first book is named "The Science of Happiness" by Stefan Klein. This book is an exploration of what makes human beings happy. What generates the feelings and emotions of happiness at the neurological level? How do we stay happy? Can we be happy all the time? If so what are the steps? This book investigates these questions and provides solid scientific answers to them. It's easy to read and skips a lot of the scientific jargon to give u a story on how all of us can learn to be happy. 

This second book is more of a workbook. It's titled "The Feeling Good HandBook," by David D. Burns. I can say this book is great for dealing with depression. Aside from depression it provides step-by-step exercises to help dealing with OCD, different types of phobias, and anxiety disorders. He also provides accompanying knowledge on the drugs administered by fellow practitioners to treat these conditions. The techniques used by Dr. Burns are groundbreaking because unlike others in his field he provides drug free treatment for depression. I loved this book. If you're currently experiencing constant negative emotions and want to change what your brain is thinking about, try this workbook. 

Let me be honest with u. While most people's moral compass may not point true north, it generally points in a northward direction. The last book is, " How to Change Your Mind. The New Science of Psychedelics," by Michael Pollan. This book is a wonderfully written account of the history of psychedelic's. Also how they can repair and improve overall brain function. The author uses gonzo style journalism to entertain while educating on the medicinal and mind altering experiences had with psychedelic's. 

I have tried both LSD and Psilocybin mushrooms in the past. Personally I prefer psilocybin. It's all natural, has scientifically proven to induce the growth of new brain neurons, and its consistently effective. LSD can have side effects. Also, unless you're creating the doses each tab can vary in strength. This can be a problem if you're using the tabs for microdosing. Regardless of what method of treatment u chose to take. As long as you're taking steps to get better, you're moving in the right direction. 

I wish u all health, wealth and success. If u like the books or know someone who needs help, spread the word and tell a friend to tell a friend. 

Until Next We Speak, Be Well 

Tha One an Only 

 

Sexist Science

I've been busy working on music and enjoying the warm weather, so haven't had much time to update the blog. Today I decided to catch-up on the news and what's going on in the world. While reading some technology articles at popsci (short from popular science) I came across an article that most feminist would term sexist science. 

Back in 2002, psychologists at the State University of New York at Albany published a study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior looking at the potential role of semen in alleviating depression in women. The researchers presented evidence supporting an earlier hypothesis that the hormones in semen have a mood-boosting effect on women. 

Did you read that correct...are they saying the semen has anti-depressant properties? Yes, you did and Yes, that is what they are saying. This research is not only being examined it has quite a bit of evidence to support the claim. 

Semen is a mixture of several different compounds, and sperm only makes up a small amount of it. When you remove the sperm, what's left is seminal plasma. Three compounds in seminal plasma being researched are estrogen, prostaglandins and oxytocin. Estrogen and prostaglandins have been linked to lower levels of depression, while oxytocin (which women release during birth, breastfeeding and orgasm) promotes social bonding.

Last February, Lazar Greenfield, the incoming president of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), wrote an editorial about this research in Surgery News. The backlash was so strong that he had to resign from his job at the college and position as editor for Surgery News. This is volatile science and even highly respected academics are treading cautiously. 

If you want to read the whole article including the studies done on 293 different women who had protected and unprotected sex to research the results. Do a search for this article Controversial Ideas: Does Semen Act As an Anti-depressant to the Recipient?
Or copy and paste this link in your web browser http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-05/controversial-ideas-semen-natures-antidepressant