GETTING HIGH IN NATURAL WAYS --- AN INFOBOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
OF ALL AGES by Nancy Levinson and Joanne Rocklin. Hunter House, 1986.
INTRODUCTION (p1-2)
1) Voodoo and the brain (p3-10)
[1] The nervous system --- A brief explanation of your body's nervous system will help clarify the relationship
between your moods, thoughts and bodily reactions:
(1) The neuron --- Your nervous system is a network of neurons (nerve cells). Neurons are
made up of dendrites, axons and the cell bodies. Neurons have a variety of shapes and sizes depending upon their function.
Some neurons are motor neurons, which carry messages from the spinal cord to the muscles or glands, and have
very long axons, because of the relatively long route they must travel. Some neurons are sensory neurons, which
carry incoming messages from the skin to the spinal cord. Some neurons are interneurons, which receive information
from other neurons and usually have many dendrites.
[2] Your two nervous systems --- Your central nervous system is composed of all the neurons and nerve tracts of your brain and your spinal cord. Your peripheral nervous system consists of the nerve fibers outside your brain and spinal cord, in your limbs and trunk of your body. It includes your autonomic nervous system, your sympathetic system and your parasympathetic system.
[3] How your neurons work together --- Whenever you do something or react to something, messages are transmitted between neurons of your central and peripheral nervous systems by way of special chemicals called neurotransmitters. At the end of your nerve cell axons are tiny hairlike extensions called teledendria, that secrete neurotransmitters
which act on the dendrites or cell bodies of other neurons.
Overwhelming anxiety or stress can result in the stimulation of the part of your brain called the hypothalamus, which can
trigger your sympathetic system to prepare for action. This can greatly increase the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine by certain neurons in your brain. Depending on which neuron pathways are operating, the release of norepinephrine is involved with your feelings of excitement, euphoria, and alertness, as well as with anxiety or stress.
Other known neurotransmitters, among dozens, are acetycholine, which is involved in memory, sleep and the action of your autonomic nervous system; serotonin, which is involved in pain regulation, sleep and sex; and endorphins, which are understood to relieve pain, improve your mood, and give you a general sense of well-being.
2) Running and exercising (p11-17)
3) Games and competition (p18-22)
4) Music and dance (p23-34)
5) Laughter (p35-41)
6) Having a good cry (p42-49)
7) The eating and sleeping connection (p50-58)
8) Getting an idea --- accomplishing something (p59-65)
9) Play and relaxation (p66-74)
10) Reaching out, reaching in (p75-84)
11) Love (p85-96)
12) Hope (p97-103)
[1] The positive feedback loop --- hope springs eternal because hope springs internal! Always trying
to remain hopeful, and, therefore, happy, is a way of coping with negative feelings and is, thus, essential for healthy living.
Once you recognize your inner hope and control as a dynamic force, you can do more when you make plans to achieve
anything! Just like your thoughts and behavior can change, your goals and expectations can be changed. You have the choice and the ability to make those positive changes in your life!
[2] Power and hope --- Power comes from believing in yourself and what you are doing. When you recognize
that confidence and healthy self-esteem is the source of your most important power, then you have reached a higher level of
maturity.
[3] Courage and hope --- Growing up takes courage. Courage is the ability to do something important that you don't
really want to do, but know you must. It means taking a risk that can lead to something better for you. The more you
experience doing something that appears difficult to you, the easier it gets, and the better you feel about yourself.
This book can help you become aware of the wide range of inner resources you have, which include:
(1) the strength and vitality of your body.
(2) the expressive power of you laughter and tears.
(3) the charm of the music within you.
(4) the deepening effect of your spiritual longings.
(5) the healthy ability to maintain a healthy balance through relaxation, food and sleep.
(6) the unifying force of giving and receiving love.
(7) the courage and hope to believe in your uniqueness.
As a human being, yours is the opportunity to use these natual inner resources to meet the challenges of
growing up in this exciting and wonderful world!