Workshop
Founder, Mike Attar, has an inspiring and hoped filled 90-minute workshop called “Overcoming Mood Struggles—One Step at a Time.” There is no cost to you for this workshop. Participants are provided with free copies of “My Pursuit of a Good Mood,” workbook and other resources. If you would like this workshop conducted at your venue please contact Mike at MAttar@GoodMoodFoundation.org.
Workshop Outline
We believe the top three causes for mood struggles (apart from mood struggles caused by a biologically based illness or brain injury) are:
- A spirit of unforgiveness
- A life that is not Spirit-led
- A mind filled with negative thoughts and negative emotions
Step One - Dealing with mood struggles caused by a spirit of unforgiveness
“I share the consensus within the Christian mental health establishment that most people have unresolved anger issues—and that these unresolved anger issues are one of the major underlying causes for many mood struggles. So why do Christians have a hard time forgiving others even after God has forgiven them? I think the main reason is that many people don’t understand the implications of what TRUE forgiveness is. In sharing my story of how I FINALLY was able to forgive the Nazis for killing my family in Poland during WWII and how I was forgiven from my theft of (four silver trumpets) I encourage others to do the same.”
Dr. Michael Barry, director of pastoral care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia says… “Unforgiveness is an emotional wound that can affect an individual's physical health…The chronic anxiety caused by holding onto such negative emotions as anger and hatred spurs the human body to create adrenaline and cortisol. These two ‘stress hormones’ can impair many of the body's systems, including the digestive, reproductive and immune systems…Our bodies are less able to defend themselves from all kinds of diseases, including cancer…Unforgiveness is a little bit like trying to drive your car with the parking brake on. It's just really tough trying to move forward with this thing [unforgiveness] that's holding us back…”
Step Two - Dealing with mood struggles and addictions caused by a life that is not “Spirit” led
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-22
Step Three - Dealing with mood struggles caused by a mind filled with negative thoughts and negative emotions
All humans are born “broken” and without positive input and proper affirmation we are prone to stay that way. Add to that a news media that outwardly blasts our minds with negative information 24/7 and a music, film and television industry that does the same. It’s no wonder that so many people have a mind filled with negative thoughts and negative emotions. What to do?
“In the 25 years of working with the brain, I still cannot affect a person’s state of mind the way one simple song can.”
Dr. Richard Pellegrino, Neurologist
“I don’t sing because I am happy—I am happy because I sing.”
William James, Famous Psychologist
“Apart from professional psychiatric and pharmacological treatment the number one way that I stay in a good mood is by listening, watching and singing to praise and worship music.”
Mike Attar