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Almost every year I witness the same tragedy in Boulder. The daffodils emerge, the trees put forth tender leaves and delicate flowers, and my heart swells with the natural resurrection of life. Then we get a snowstorm and all the new growth dies. So much for spring.
But wait! As the snow melts, I’m reminded that these plants are hardier than I thought. The flowers return, more leaves grow, and it turns out they’re all the tougher for the hardship.
It’s tempting to hope for a life without hardship. But it’s neither realistic nor good for us. We’re better served by resilience. Resilience isn’t just the ability to withstand hardship, it’s the ability to utilize hardship as a means for growth. Let’s look into why we need it and how to build it.
Modern humans were already epidemically stressed. Now we’re pandemically stressed. Even if you’re healthy, you’re not scared of coronavirus, you don’t feel especially affected by what’s going on, it’s still likely that you’re going through a heightened state of nervous system arousal to adapt to these unique circumstances. And of course, if you are worried about your health or finances or loved ones or the overall state of the world, then you’re in an even more heightened state of arousal.
We can attribute today’s common usage of the word “stress” to an endocrinologist named Hans Selye who first described how organisms respond to chronic stress in what he dubbed the General Adaptation Syndrome. Most of us are going through this syndrome right now.
Here’s how it works. When we first encounter a stressor, we enter the “alarm phase.” The system is temporarily shocked, our body produces stress hormones, the nervous system gets more vigilant, and our fundamental homeostasis is compromised. Next, if the stressor persists, we enter the “resistance phase” in which the body/mind makes adaptations to manage the ongoing burden. We may feel like we’re getting used to it, but we’re actually chronically hyper-aroused and this demands a lot of energy. Eventually, if the stress continues, we enter the third phase: “exhaustion” – we just can’t maintain the constant adaptation and things start to collapse (we get sick, fatigued, anxious, depressed, etc.).
We’re probably hanging out in that resistance phase, but may get repeatedly re-alarmed when we hear more bad news. Some of us are already in exhaustion. What can we do?
In his popular 1994 book, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, neuroendocrinologist Robert Sapolsky explains why it’s different for animals than it is for humans. They’re exposed to episodic stress – like the appearance of a predator. They react, the stressor goes away, and they return to a relaxed state and replenish from the toll of the stress. In contrast, the chronic stress we experience is taxing without any breaks.
As I see it, true resilience doesn’t just mean being able to stay in the resistance phase for a long time without getting exhausted. That might be evidence of resilience, but it could just be the sign of a strong constitution. Indeed, one definition of resilience is simply “toughness.” But the definition I find more compelling is this: “the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape.” I interpret “into shape” to mean the restoration of a state of fundamental wellbeing (not a state of active resistance).
To me, resilience entails returning to balance or freedom not just after, but throughout, an experience of hardship. I like the word freedom because it implies that we’re not fighting, not pushing back. Instead, at least for a moment, we’re liberated from our stress. In my opinion the single most powerful way to achieve this kind of resilience is through a daily meditation practice.
A few years ago, the American Psychological Association released a guidance document on the mental health impacts of climate change. It’s impressively holistic in its scope. One section offers great suggestions for building resilience, and I think they apply well to the current pandemic. Although these strategies we’re meant to be introduced by counselors, I believe you can apply them on your own (and reach out to us if you need further guidance).
- Build belief in your own resilience. Be compassionate with yourself. Notice all the challenging times you’ve already managed.
- Foster optimism. Actively reframe your circumstances. Stick to the facts. Choose to be an optimist – it’s a simple habit of thinking and habits can be changed.
- Cultivate active coping and self-regulation. Pay attention to your thoughts and behaviors. Look for solutions and help – there are so many good resources available to you.
- Find a source of personal meaning. Do you believe in a higher power? A personal mission? A mandate to serve the world and share your gifts? What’s the most important thing to you? Prioritize that.
- Boost personal preparedness. Managing crises holistically isn’t a matter of either wearing a mask or believing we’ll all get through this. Hedge your bets. Build resilience, stay positive, and also do some common sense things to enable you to better weather the unexpected.
- Support social networks. We need connection to other humans, not just for the psychological support, but the material support (e.g., toilet paper) too!
- Connect with parents, family, and other role models. While we generally recognize the powerful stabilizing force the family structure can provide for children, it can be equally valuable for adults. If family isn’t available or doesn’t function that way for you, make your own family and find other role models.
- Maintain connections to one’s culture. This is especially important for refugees and new immigrants, but it can also be a valuable constant – and source of stories of resilience – for everyone.
I’d like to close with two more. First, mindfulness practices build resilience, specifically in that “springing back into shape” way. Mindfulness puts us firmly in the here-and-now – the truth – over and over and over and over throughout every day. Second, finding ways to serve also “springs us back” because it’s our nature to love, to care, and to offer oneself to the greater Whole to which we all belong. We’re naturally oriented in this way when we feel free. Therefore, even if you don’t feel altogether free, acting as if you’re free – by finding ways to help others rather than being hyperfocused on your own survival – will facilitate that freedom.
So much love,
Peter
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Dear Community,
We’ve closed our spas in Portland and Boulder in order to help flatten the curve (slow the emergence of new cases of coronavirus to lessen the impact.) We hope to be back open and sharing our healing gifts with you soon. In the meantime, here are some of the other ways we’re continuing to help without breathing on you.
Community Support
We invite you to join us on our Facebook group, Dragontree Community and Conversations. Briana and Peter will be going live in the group for March:
Mondays with Briana and Peter at 9:00 AM Pacific Time
| Noon Eastern
Wednesday with Briana at 11:00 AM Pacific
| 2:00 Eastern
Fridays with Peter at 8:00 AM Pacific
| 11 AM Eastern
Their intention is to foster community, connection, and on-going wisdom including immune support and meditations.
Join the DragonTree Community
Tele-Sessions with Dr. Peter Borten

Herbal Consultation: Traditional Chinese Medicine has been instrumental in China’s response to COVID-19. 85% of patients are receiving herbs. In one study of 102 patients, those receiving both Chinese herbs and Western medicine had a 33% higher recovery rate than those only receiving Western treatments. Chinese hospitals have established herbal protocols for prevention and every stage of treatment of the virus, and I’m following and modifying these guidelines for my patients. I’ve developed a prevention formula based on the Wuhan formula, which should help boost immune function.
Besides treating and preventing coronavirus, I craft customized herbal formulas (in powder form) for all health issues, including digestive disorders, allergies, depression, and anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, etc. I’ve been studying and practicing herbal medicine for over 25 years and it works! Click here for an Herbal Tele-Consultation.
Healing Session: In these sessions, I use a variety of approaches to help you achieve optimal wellness, including Five Element psychology, guided acupoint tapping (EFT), lifestyle and nutritional counseling, and when appropriate, herbal formulas and/or supplements. Click here for a Healing Session.
Dr. Peter’s Herbal Formulas
Cold and Flu Support. Includes the best of what Chinese and Western herbal medicine have to offer to address all facets of cold and flu symptoms, while also strengthening the immune system. Click here to get Cold and Flu Support
Vitality Tonic. This powerful tonic is a highly sophisticated blend of 23 herbs (including Cordyceps mushroom, Ginseng, Millettia, and Morinda) that support healthy immunity, energy, and circulation. Click here to Get Vitality Tonic.
Anxiety Support. Made from 18 powerfully effective herbs such as: Bupleurum, Magnolia bark, Zizyphus, Rehmannia, and Passionflower to treat a full range of anxiety patterns. Click here to get Anxiety Support.
Sleep Support. Nothing supports the immune system like a good night’s sleep. If we could all go to bed at the first inkling of sickness, much of the time we wouldn’t even get sick. Click here to get Sleep Support.
Digestive Support. Alleviates digestive upset from a variety of causes including: food that you ate, travel sickness, stomach virus, and stress. Click here to get Digestive Support.
Stay tuned for an herbal immune support formula based on the Wuhan preventive formula.
Coaching Sessions
If you’re feeling anxious about current events or just want guidance in getting organized, making plans, achieving goals, healing old wounds, releasing baggage, or clarifying your vision, our life coaches can help. These graduates of The Dragontree Life Coaching training program are skilled and compassionate, and they’ll facilitate tangible, measurable positive changes in your life! Click here for more information.
What's next?
Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing more ideas for supporting your mind, body, and spirit through this difficult time both here in your email and in our Community Facebook group.
We appreciate you joining us in community.
Much Love,
Briana, Peter, and everyone at The Dragontree
P.S
Catch a Re-play of Briana's Live, how to embrace the unknown and find your footing when there is no ground.
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Among the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, the ox is probably the hardest working. Oxen are bred to put in day after day after day of manual labor – plowing, pulling carts, towing water, threshing grain, and more. Without the ox, countless humans would have died of starvation over the past few millennia. They have been incredible allies in human development.
What that means in Chinese astrology is that the coming year (beginning on February 11th) is one in which hard work, honesty, and discipline will be rewarded. Just think of a vast agricultural field – row after perfect row plowed in steady, unwavering lines. 2021 is a good year to emulate such a steady and methodical approach to life. In return, it’s said that we can expect a year that’s much more harmonious, calm, and predictable than 2020.
Given the ox’s power, stamina, and purpose, the year of the Metal Ox is also predicted to be one of reconstruction and order, when much of the conflict and confusion of the previous year can be healed. A strong, new foundation can be built. Work is required, and it may be harder work than we’re accustomed to. Also, like beasts of burden, we may feel the weight of our responsibilities more heavily than usual. However, we can rest assured that if we stay the course, it will pay off. Finances will return, family and social order will return, and like the ox, we’ll feel perpetually grounded in the solid earth beneath our feet.
It’s a great year to be organized and follow a consistent routine. One way is to commit to a structured practice for the work you need to do in your life. I recommend our Sacred Expansion course. Sacred expansion is an eight-week journey of personal growth that’s empowering, supportive, and filled with so much heart. During this course, you’ll receive a video lesson emailed every other day for eight weeks. Each lesson will be accompanied by reflective questions to journal, meditation practices or other exercises to help you clear baggage and tune into your inner compass. Having these instructions every other day allows you to turn this into a devotional practice. If you’ve had trouble creating discipline for yourself, this is a really helpful and pleasurable way to make space for it.
It's hard work, and its also the best kind of work. Work that will transform you.
Some of my favorite words on work come from Kalil Gibran. I can barely decide which ones to share, but here are a few:
When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music . . . .
Always you have been told that work is a curse and labor a misfortune.
But I say to you that when you work you fulfill a part of the earth’s furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born,
And in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life,
And to love life through labour is to be intimate with life’s inmost secret.
So don’t be daunted by the promise of work ahead. We can do it and we’ll all be the better for it.
A last word from my friend Karim: another way to look at OX is that it represents hugs (O) and kisses (X), so let’s all intend to be sharing many of both with our friends, family, teachers, mail carriers, baristas, bus drivers, garbage collectors, etc., very soon.
Be well,
Peter
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Almost every year I witness the same tragedy in Boulder. The daffodils emerge, the trees put forth tender leaves and delicate flowers, and my heart swells with the natural resurrection of life. Then we get a snowstorm and all the new growth dies. So much for spring.
But wait! As the snow melts, I’m reminded that these plants are hardier than I thought. The flowers return, more leaves grow, and it turns out they’re all the tougher for the hardship.
It’s tempting to hope for a life without hardship. But it’s neither realistic nor good for us. We’re better served by resilience. Resilience isn’t just the ability to withstand hardship, it’s the ability to utilize hardship as a means for growth. Let’s look into why we need it and how to build it.
Modern humans were already epidemically stressed. Now we’re pandemically stressed. Even if you’re healthy, you’re not scared of coronavirus, you don’t feel especially affected by what’s going on, it’s still likely that you’re going through a heightened state of nervous system arousal to adapt to these unique circumstances. And of course, if you are worried about your health or finances or loved ones or the overall state of the world, then you’re in an even more heightened state of arousal.
We can attribute today’s common usage of the word “stress” to an endocrinologist named Hans Selye who first described how organisms respond to chronic stress in what he dubbed the General Adaptation Syndrome. Most of us are going through this syndrome right now.
Here’s how it works. When we first encounter a stressor, we enter the “alarm phase.” The system is temporarily shocked, our body produces stress hormones, the nervous system gets more vigilant, and our fundamental homeostasis is compromised. Next, if the stressor persists, we enter the “resistance phase” in which the body/mind makes adaptations to manage the ongoing burden. We may feel like we’re getting used to it, but we’re actually chronically hyper-aroused and this demands a lot of energy. Eventually, if the stress continues, we enter the third phase: “exhaustion” – we just can’t maintain the constant adaptation and things start to collapse (we get sick, fatigued, anxious, depressed, etc.).
We’re probably hanging out in that resistance phase, but may get repeatedly re-alarmed when we hear more bad news. Some of us are already in exhaustion. What can we do?
In his popular 1994 book, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, neuroendocrinologist Robert Sapolsky explains why it’s different for animals than it is for humans. They’re exposed to episodic stress – like the appearance of a predator. They react, the stressor goes away, and they return to a relaxed state and replenish from the toll of the stress. In contrast, the chronic stress we experience is taxing without any breaks.
As I see it, true resilience doesn’t just mean being able to stay in the resistance phase for a long time without getting exhausted. That might be evidence of resilience, but it could just be the sign of a strong constitution. Indeed, one definition of resilience is simply “toughness.” But the definition I find more compelling is this: “the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape.” I interpret “into shape” to mean the restoration of a state of fundamental wellbeing (not a state of active resistance).
To me, resilience entails returning to balance or freedom not just after, but throughout, an experience of hardship. I like the word freedom because it implies that we’re not fighting, not pushing back. Instead, at least for a moment, we’re liberated from our stress. In my opinion the single most powerful way to achieve this kind of resilience is through a daily meditation practice.
A few years ago, the American Psychological Association released a guidance document on the mental health impacts of climate change. It’s impressively holistic in its scope. One section offers great suggestions for building resilience, and I think they apply well to the current pandemic. Although these strategies we’re meant to be introduced by counselors, I believe you can apply them on your own (and reach out to us if you need further guidance).
- Build belief in your own resilience. Be compassionate with yourself. Notice all the challenging times you’ve already managed.
- Foster optimism. Actively reframe your circumstances. Stick to the facts. Choose to be an optimist – it’s a simple habit of thinking and habits can be changed.
- Cultivate active coping and self-regulation. Pay attention to your thoughts and behaviors. Look for solutions and help – there are so many good resources available to you.
- Find a source of personal meaning. Do you believe in a higher power? A personal mission? A mandate to serve the world and share your gifts? What’s the most important thing to you? Prioritize that.
- Boost personal preparedness. Managing crises holistically isn’t a matter of either wearing a mask or believing we’ll all get through this. Hedge your bets. Build resilience, stay positive, and also do some common sense things to enable you to better weather the unexpected.
- Support social networks. We need connection to other humans, not just for the psychological support, but the material support (e.g., toilet paper) too!
- Connect with parents, family, and other role models. While we generally recognize the powerful stabilizing force the family structure can provide for children, it can be equally valuable for adults. If family isn’t available or doesn’t function that way for you, make your own family and find other role models.
- Maintain connections to one’s culture. This is especially important for refugees and new immigrants, but it can also be a valuable constant – and source of stories of resilience – for everyone.
I’d like to close with two more. First, mindfulness practices build resilience, specifically in that “springing back into shape” way. Mindfulness puts us firmly in the here-and-now – the truth – over and over and over and over throughout every day. Second, finding ways to serve also “springs us back” because it’s our nature to love, to care, and to offer oneself to the greater Whole to which we all belong. We’re naturally oriented in this way when we feel free. Therefore, even if you don’t feel altogether free, acting as if you’re free – by finding ways to help others rather than being hyperfocused on your own survival – will facilitate that freedom.
So much love,
Peter
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Great article- thanks so much. Good reminder that winter is a very different season that can benefit us by taking different behavior.
Appreciate the info
and tips’
Always love your articles, Peter. I already feel better! Is there a way to share your articles on Facebook?