Ding Sum is an effective method we can use to deal with stress. We all
have stress - that uneasy feeling we get when we're upset, whether it's
because we're angry, worried, depressed or disturbed for other reasons.
Stress is our reaction to big problems, like getting into a car
accident, or to smaller everyday problems, like getting stuck in
traffic.
The term, Ding Sum comes from Chinese words that mean “calm heart.”
The first step of the Ding Sum method is to “calm our heart” and
silence our noisy upset thoughts, so we have translated the term “Ding
Sum” as “Silencing Our Thoughts.”
THOUGHTS AND STRESS
Stress begins from our thoughts. It is not the situation itself, but
rather our reaction to it, the upset thoughts we have, that is the seed
from which stress grows. “Silencing Our Thoughts” specifically
addresses stress at this root cause - our thoughts when we first react
to a situation. When we use Ding Sum, we stop and silence those
upset thoughts and feelings, right when they first start, before they
grow into a much bigger problem.
Ding Sum directly addresses the very situation that we are upset about.
After we stop those initial upset thoughts, Ding Sum teaches us to
calmly assess the facts of the situation in order to make a good
decision that helps the situation and everyone involved. Then, we
follow through on that decision with deliberate positive action that
helps to resolve the situation. Finally, we re-evaluate the situation,
review it to learn how we can improve our responses in the future.
ORIGIN OF DING SUM
Dr. Gordon Fung, a cardiologist, and Dr. Gregory Fung, a
gastroenterologist, first learned of “Ding Sum” in
the late 1980’s. They noticed the remarkable improvement in one
particular patient who was recovering from a heart attack. The
medical community had long recognized the negative impact stress has on
our health and both doctors noted that their patient’s dramatic
improvement was due to a reduction in his stress. The patient
attributed his reduction in stress to a method he called “ Ding Sum.”
And so, Ding Sum was born from the life experience and struggles of this
patient as he learned to overcome and handle his stress.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM USING DING SUM
Since 1989, Drs. Gordon and Gregory Fung have taught this method to
others who have learned it, practiced it and greatly benefited from it.
Under the doctors’ guidance, volunteers give free monthly seminars on
Ding Sum as a way to deal with stress. These seminars are currently
held at over 30 different sites, including neighborhood senior centers and
substance recovery centers throughout San Francisco.
Ding Sum has helped countless people handle their stress in life, from
the everyday stresses of family life - raising small children and
dealing with teenagers, to the challenges of the work place - dealing
with coworkers and demanding bosses, to the problems of daily living
that can frustrate the elderly, to the unique difficulties of
individuals struggling to overcome substance abuse, and for all those
who want to maintain a “calm heart” as they go through their daily
situations. Ding Sum is a simple yet highly effective tool that will
help anyone handle stress, make better decisions and live their life
better. We invite you to explore our site to learn more about this
important tool for your life. If you are new to our site, we suggest
that you go through the topics in order.