ABOUT THE BOOK

PREFACE Excerpt from Peaceful Survival Skills © Marlies Amarca

There are many sources of trauma, from interpersonal conflict, crime and war to climate change and environmental disasters, loss of health or home and others. Few of us are spared in our lifetime from experiencing some trauma. People who survived a traumatic experience, a life-changing or life-threatening event often suffer from reactions to these events with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD* and other physical, emotional or mental problems. They may find it difficult to heal and move on with their life. They may be forced to enter into a survival mode. They may need professional help and to learn new mental and emotional skills.

*Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event.

. . . The mental health crisis has accelerated . . . it has become difficult for people to find therapists, because there is an acute provider shortage. There are record-high rates of people unable to find help. One in two people struggle with mental illness, without enough appointments available for patients to see a qualified healthcare professional. We need to solve the shortage in affordable, quality mental healthcare and expand accessibility and visibility to alternative methods of effective treatment.¹

My teachings and methods offer such an alternative. As a psychologist I have devoted over 30 years to the treatment of crime victims and people traumatized by experiencing, surviving and living through a life threatening or violent event or crisis. My methods provide self-help for people who can’t find a therapist, or don’t have the time or money for psychotherapy. This book is written in a clear, understandable language, is comprehensive, easy to work with and effective in producing noticeable results. It teaches how to heal from trauma as well as four living skills essential for mental and emotional survival, and for anyone who wants to live a peaceful, happy and productive life. It is my contribution to bring about a more peaceful world.

The truth is, we can only survive peacefully!

Whatever your motivation is in reading this book, it will provide you with a solid foundation of essential living skills and a workable path to heal and live more peacefully, creatively and happily.

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My Teachings of Peaceful Living Skills
This book is based on the belief in a Higher Power, in GOD, and that all peaceful and religious paths lead to Him. Since my approach is eclectic, I ask for the readers’ open-mindedness when I use wisdoms from different faiths and philosophies.

Life is not getting any easier. We have to deal with more and more difficult situations and problems. To do this efficiently and successfully we need to have four essential skills: to calm down, to solve problems, to attain people skills and the ability to obtain spiritual help, inspiration and guidance.

With the inspiration and guidance of my teachers, I’ve developed and taught the lessons in peaceful living skills that are presented in the following chapters. I have applied, tested and verified these teachings for many years. They are based on psychological, philosophical and spiritual principles and universal laws.

Chapter One
Stress Management. Learn how to calm down. A look at what stress is, how it affects you physically, emotionally, and mentally, and how to reduce it with various methods and exercises that enable the mind and body to relax and let go. These represent a basic method to reach a state of healing, calm, self-control, a clear mind, inner peace and can ultimately lead to the mastery of mental and emotional states.

Chapter Two
Problem Solving. Learn how to solve problems. The description of five universal laws that, when applied, can lead to the solution of one’s problems and the setting of exciting and meaningful new goals and ultimately lead to the mastery of mental and emotional states.

Chapter Three
Relationships, Anger and Forgiveness. Learn how to get along with others. The focus is on anger control, as well as how to avoid arguments that escalate into violence, how to react when your buttons are pushed, how the attack-defense dilemma can be avoided, and how the benefits of forgiveness can lead to reconciliation and peace. Also included is a description of friendship and basic principles of parenting.

Chapter Four
Various Helpers. Learn how to receive spiritual help and guidance, protection and healing with White Light, Guardian Angels, Principles of Healing, Dr. Coué’s Healing Phrase, Affirmations, Prayers and Meditation.

Chapter Five
My Teachers. An acknowledgment of noted psychologists, sources, and guides that introduced me to philosophical, spiritual and metaphysical principals, all of which inspired my teaching content and therapeutic methods.

Marlies Amarca