Michael J. Shea

Dec 28, 2023 | innerself.com | Michael J. Shea

Image by Gerd Altmann Moral distress is a cycling through helplessness, irritation, anger, rage, hope­lessness, and despair, and it is deeply polarizing regarding the discernment of right, wrong, and integrity. In her book Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom where Fear and Courage Meet, Joan Halifax defines integrity as“...having a con­scious commitment to honor one’s own strong moral and ethical principles. Morality refers to our personal values related to dignity, honor, respect, and care.

Dec 26, 2023 | innerself.com | Will Wilkinson |Michael J. Shea |Michelle Cook |Paul Levy

Image by Living FramesOur InnerSelf welcomes your inner self. It's a new year... for some that means "same old, same old". Yet some of us use the opportunity to get a fresh start... "out with the old, and in with the new". Out with the old harmful habits and attitudes, and in with the new attitudes and actions that are more in keeping with our vision of a better life, or a better world.

Nov 4, 2023 | innerself.com | Michael J. Shea

Image by Karin Henseler In order to understand how esoteric healing works as a healing modality, there are some basic principles that need to be understood first. It is important to begin with defining the word “esoteric.” If you look up the word in the dictionary, you’ll find a definition similar to “difficult to be understood” or “designed for . . . the specially initiated alone” (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary online, “Esoteric”).

Aug 23, 2023 | massagemag.com | Michael J. Shea

Neurophysiologists tell us the importance of inhalation and exhalation influencing the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Breathe in and sympathetic tone raises the heartbeat. Breathe out and parasympathetic tone increases with the vagus nerve, lowering heartbeat. Vagal maneuvers such as breathing techniques to stimulate the vagus nerve are very important. A crucial ingredient is direct awareness of the interior of the body by feeling what moves during inhalation. Breathing is meditation practice.

Jun 12, 2023 | innerself.com | Larry Thornton |Barry Vissell |Lisa Campion |Michael J. Shea

Image by DanaTentisOur InnerSelf welcomes your inner self. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. While we do not all have the same experiences, the lessons or messages may be the same. We can learn from each other and be inspired by those we meet, or whose words we read. Our experiences may be very different, but we are still mirrors of each other. What can we learn from each other?