Conscious Choice: A Royal Pain

June 2006 | Whole Brain Adviser

A Royal Pain

By Nancy Ging, LCSW

Dear WB Adviser: I just found out from a psychic that I was royalty in a previous incarnation and I killed a person who is my brother in this lifetime. Am I supposed to apologize to him? I’m also annoyed that I’m more like a peasant this time around. It’s hard to be a peasant with a recollection of royal living. — Yearning for Superior Status

Dear Yearning: Do lighten up about the past-life thing. Let your current peasant status connect you with all the people throughout history that have “enjoyed” a humble status. That would be lots and lots. Better to play with these alleged past-life images as you would your dream images, seeing what they might be pointing out about your life right now. And make them work for you, however you might.

For example: Fantasize about having a secret fling with some currently alive princess or that cute Prince William to keep your gonads juicy. Apologize to your brother for any unresolved garbage from this lifetime before sharing your contrition about possible wrongdoing a few lifetimes ago. Past-life memories surely do seem to surface in the body-sense and may need to be addressed somewhere along the way. However, Here and Now living is the recommended venue for resolving our psycho-spiritual issues.

Respecting Elders

Dear WB Adviser: My mom is getting old and says she feels useless to those who love her. I try to explain that her job now is to let us take care of her the way she has taken care of so many. It only makes her more sad. What do I say? — Daughter Wanting to Do Her Best

Dear Daughter Doing Her Best: This is seriously sad and difficult. Our image-conscious culture which overvalues productivity and firm flesh has manufactured misery for old people. Becoming an elder is a noble thing in some cultures. Not so here. Young, middle-aged and old alike are missing out on the resources of the wisdom of longevity.

You said the best thing you could say to your mother. What you say may be of no avail if she can’t hear you.

You’re unlikely to talk her out of anything she’s feeling. Try to boost her spirit and balance her electrical energies by teaching her easy tapping techniques (see The Promise of Energy Psychology (2005) by Feinstein, Eden and Craig). Or teach her soothing exercises found in Childre and Martin’s book, The HeartMath Solution. Many alternative treatments for depression can be found (my favorite is amino acids). How about making a video of your family members interviewing your mother about her life? As she makes meaning of these memories while reviewing them for you, she may recognize her vital contribution and place in your family.

Nancy Ging, LCSW is a Chicago-area holistic psychotherapist.

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