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From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 03 Oct 2012
Time: 11:24:05 -0500
Remote Name: 76.230.146.138
Hello, Joseph. I think that almost anyone who feels misunderstood feels some degree of anger about what seems like rejection and even more anger if we feel ridiculed for doing what we ourselves do not wish to do but do not feel able in the moment to change. And I think Prof. Kuster has provided you with some good leads for how to help yourself and give good counsel to those who ask for your advice about successfully conducting themselves when they experience bullying. >>> I would like to add to the information she provided the suggestion that you consider learning some mindfulness practices that I have found useful in just those times. Learning them helps us to respond thoughtfully rather than simply react with angry outburst or silent withdrawal to the pain and hurt such thoughtless words and actions can trigger in us. Learning then applying these strategies can take time, but they are well established after a history of more than 2,600 years of practice! At the risk of seeming to make a shameful plug, I would like you to know that a book I have written, "Mindfulness & Stuttering. Using Eastern Strategies to Speak with Greater Ease" may be available at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. It contains much information about dealing skillfully with bullying that you may find helpful. Best wishes, Ellen-Marie Silverman