Reprinted from Healthy and Natural Journal, Volume 3, Issue 3

by Nina Anderson

"Several years ago I came home from a stressful trip abroad, and returned to work immediately. Soon I felt the gentle hand of a colleague shaking my shoulder.

'Karen wake up!' I had fallen asleep with my face literally in my work. I went into the ladies room. Imagine my surprise when, hours later, I awoke to find my head propped between the wall and the roll of toilet paper! I ached all over. Something was dreadfully wrong. Home in bed I waited for this 'flu' to go away. When it didn't, I began dragging myself from one doctor to another trying to find out what this mysterious ailment was. The doctors were frustrated and angry with me, because they couldn't pinpoint the problem. They referred me to psychiatrists because it was 'all in my head.' I began to doubt my own sanity! Finally, one kind doctor diagnosed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There was no help that the medical profession could offer at this time, except anti-depressants. I didn't want anti-depressants. I knew I'd have to find ways to help myself.

"At last, after five months, the fever subsided and I returned to work, in spite of the pain that still pervaded my hips and knees. It was at this point that I learned about the Option Institute. The fact that it was nicknamed 'A place for miracles' captured my imagination, did I ever want a miracle! I signed up for an Introductory Weekend. During this program I was assisted in exploring my feelings and beliefs about the pain in my body. How did I feel about it? I hated it! Then why did I have it? I didn't know. Was there something I was afraid would happen if I didn't have the pain? Wow! Yes! I was afraid if I didn't have it, I might allow myself to get exhausted and stressed out all over again, and wind up where I'd been five months before. So the pain had a purpose. Once I understood that, I changed my entire vision of the situation. I chose to see the pain as a friend. I could even welcome it and be open to learn what it was trying to tell me. I decided to try out this new perspective.

"I returned home after the weekend, and within a few days, about 80% of the pain disappeared! In choosing to love and trust my body, instead of drugging it and trying to push the sensations out of my experience, I began to feel alive again! While others with Chronic Fatigue are still learning to cope with the illness, I feel I've actually been transformed into a new person."

This is a true story of Karen Ryder, a therapist from Rhode Island, who participated in a program at the Option Institute, an educational retreat founded by Barry and Samahria Kaufman whose work with their once autistic child has been depicted in the bestselling book, and NBC-TV movie, Son Rise. Barry is author of nine other books including another bestseller, Happiness Is A Choice. Not only did they release their son from the confinement of autism, but through their powerful methods, they have helped thousands of people to improve their quality of life and become happier, more loving, more effective and more successful at achieving their goals.

When participants stay at the Institute, they can take various courses that shatter the myth of "No Pain-No Gain" and replace it with "No Pain-All Gain." They take a holistic approach that creates a synergistic bond between the body and the mind's shared ability to effectively achieve health.

Barry Neil Kaufman says, "The heart and soul of psychology creates core beliefs that influence our states of mind. It is these beliefs that determine our health and happiness. Since there is a strong interaction between the body and the mind, we must recognize that nutrition and thought go hand in hand to promote well-being." Many "self-help" retreats focus only on one aspect of healing such as exercise and dietary considerations, creating personal power, or addressing addictive behavior. Some are simply spiritual vacations. A stay at the Option Institute can embrace all of these and one can also have the opportunity to create and sustain feelings of optimism, peace of mind, and clarity.

Deepak Chopra offers his support, "The Kaufmans' work is inspiring, groundbreaking and visionary. It is the science of love, compassion and insight that will transform the world." Steven Sheller, an attorney from Pennsylvania says, "I am not easily convinced of the value or usefulness of programs of any type. I came because my wife wanted me to. This program (Couples' Weekend), although only a few days long, gave us, and particularly me, a better way to resolve conflicts and a solid system for enhancing our communication. It has enabled us both to be happier with each other' and with our marriage." Reva Muss, from Florida mentioned, "You don't have to have a pressing problem to come to the Option Institute. This place furthers your education. Instead of getting a Master's in business, you are mastering in yourself."

Situated on a hemlock-forested mountainside with babbling brooks and wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, this retreat center lends itself to peace and quiet, creating an opportunity for visitors to meditate, center themselves and gather feelings of connection with the environment. Vegetarian meals are the norm, provided within the lodging package and course fees. Folks equipped with hiking boots can wander on the nearby Appalachian Trail, boaters can play on nearby lakes and winter enthusiasts can cross-country or downhill ski close-by. This is a place where the soul can regroup, be nurtured or just relax and enjoy nature!