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The Right Fit

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I had a great discussion with a client recently about the different therapies that they had tried. What is important to note is that not every therapy will work for you. Not even EFT which works on most people!

So how do you know what is right for you?

rightfit
The Right Fit

First of all, do some research and find out what the therapy involves. If it sounds interesting and something that might help you then take the next step. Search for a local practitioner if it is a therapy that requires that or find one you are drawn to. Talk to the therapist and see if they feel a right fit for you. This is very important. The fit has to be right with both the therapy and the practitioner. It could be the best therapy for you but if you don’t like the therapist, it probably isn’t going to happen. If you are dreading going to see your therapist then you are probably not going to get a lot out of your session together!

There has been a lot written about the therapeutic relationship. Fundamentally we want to be listened to and understood. We want to feel like our therapist “gets us”. We don’t want to feel like they are judging us or criticising us. I would say that we want them to challenge us certainly, but in a caring way. You should feel supported and like you are working together as a team.

You can always set up an initial appointment and see what happens in the session together. If the fit feels good then you can arrange more sessions and if it doesn’t you can try someone else.

Remember that just because a therapist is right for your friend/partner or family member they may not be right for you.

So take some time to find a therapy that you are interested in trying and then find a therapist that feels like a good fit.  When the therapist/client relationship is the right fit, wonderful things can happen.

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Taking On Too Much

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  • How often do you take on too much?
  • Do you feel like you can’t say no?
  • Do you want to please everybody?
  • Do you feel you are letting people down if you say no?

We can’t be superman or superwoman! We need to have boundaries. We need to look after ourselves. If we do too much and then get ill then we can’t help anyone.

So make looking after yourself a priority. Learn to say no. Enlist the help of others.

If any of that triggers something in you then it’s time to tap! Start by trying statements like:

  • Even though I always take on too much, I’m open to the possibility of changing my ways
  • Even though I feel like I can’t say no, I’m open to learning how to set boundaries
  • Even though I want to help everybody and make them feel good, I do need to look after me
  • Even though I’m a people pleaser, I’m open to looking after myself too

Remember to keep tapping until you have fully finished with each aspect.

Learn to look after yourself. You could:

  • Relax in the bath with some essential oils
  • Take a walk in nature
  • Read a book
  • Watch your favourite movie
  • Get a massage
  • Meditate

All of these things help us to look after ourselves and ultimately others too. Use EFT any time your boundaries get overrun and you are putting everyone else before yourself!

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Now…in a minute

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I was recently amused by a friend on Facebook. They had the following image on their page:

Now in a minute

Being Welsh, it amused me no end. I have said this phrase often myself! 🙂

That got me thinking about other similar sayings like the Spanish “mañana” or the Cornish: “I’ll do it dreckly”!  Then I realised how frustrating it can be to hear phrases such as this.

If we are expecting something to be done immediately or by a certain time we can get quite angry if it isn’t done when expected. So what can we do instead?

Tap of course!

Try the following:

  • Even though I’m really angry that they took so long to fix my {object}, I can choose to stay calm about this
  • Even though I’m frustrated that they haven’t finished working on my {object}, I’m ok
  • Even though they let me down because they haven’t delivered what they promised, I accept myself and this situation anyway
  • Even though I feel disappointed that they missed their deadline, I’m open to accepting this situation

Remember to be as specific as possible and keep tapping on all the emotions that come up.

There is also another aspect to this. When we say phrases such as this ourselves, what are trying to do?

Are we trying to put off the task by being vague? Do we not want to do it and therefore deliberately avoid a proper answer. Do we not think we are able to commit and complete when expected? Just practice asking yourself these questions the next time you say one of these phrases, and notice what is going on for you.

There is also the possibility that we need to lighten up and relax a little! Perhaps deadlines are a bit of an issue for you? Ask yourself what it is that you find comforting about having exact deadlines and tap around that to see if you are able to let go… All good food for thought 🙂

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Connecting With Nature

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So I was feeling kind of wobbly and a bit out of sorts. My usual “tool” would be to start tapping. Today felt different. I felt like I needed to get out and get some fresh air. It was cold and starting to sleet. I wrapped myself up in coat, hood and gloves and started walking. I walked in my local park and connected with the river. I stood and just watched it. I felt the constancy of the water flowing. I felt the wonderful energy of the water, trees and plants.

Daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses were starting to appear. I felt a wonderful sense of aliveness and new life. I breathed in deeply and appreciated everything around me. Everything else just seemed to disappear. My problems faded into the background.

Today I was helped by mother nature and I felt very grateful for this experience.

Flowing River
Flowing River

I know that EFT is always there for me. Sometimes a walk in the park can help too. Sometimes combining the two is even more powerful – tapping in nature, surrounded by all that wonderful energy 🙂

Do you have somewhere special where you go to connect with nature and indeed yourself? I’d love to hear your experiences too.

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Dealing with Shock

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“Shock: a sudden or violent disturbance of the mind, emotions, or sensibilities”

When life throws us difficult circumstances to deal with we often feel shock. It could be hearing bad news such as a loved one receiving a diagnosis of illness or passing away. It could an accident or traumatic event of some kind (e.g. fire or flood). The shock could be from a relationship ending or losing a job. It could also be something that someone said or the way someone behaved that shocked us.

Shock can make us feel weak, faint and raise our pulse. We may become absorbed in what happened and unable to think about anything else. We may feel numb, anxious or keep replaying the event over in our mind.

So what to do? At the first opportunity you have, get tapping! You don’t need to do the setup statement when you are right there in the feelings. Just start tapping focusing on what you are feeling.

Tapping really helps us release our emotions and deal with them, soothing our energy system which will also be feeling the shock.

Tap as often as you can, especially when you are recalling the shocking event or thinking about the consequences.  Keep tapping until the shock has dissipated or subsided. Tap on all the aspects of what has happened, e.g. hearing the news, thinking about the consequences, all of the emotions involved, the after effects and any previous shocks etc.

If the shock is very bad then it is probably best to seek the help of a practitioner who will be able to guide you through the process of dealing with all the associated feelings. Always seek the advice of a medical practitioner if your symptoms are severe.

EFT is a great tool to learn to help us in times of need. Adding it to your life skills is one way you can help yourself to stay on an even keel, even after a shock.

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Happy New Year 2012

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Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. I hope that 2012 brings you lots of fun, success, joy & peace.

Have you set yourself New Year Resolutions? Do you do this every year and then give up on them before January is out? How about setting yourself goals instead?

Set big goals if you always achieve your goals easily. Set smaller goals if you struggle with your goals. Start with baby steps if you find your goals very challenging. Chunk them down into smaller goals so that you build on your success.

Write a list of all the things that usually stop you achieving your goals and tap on them. Keep tapping as the challenges appear. Look for patterns and tap on these especially.

Blessings for the year ahead.

Keep tapping!
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas indeed. I hope you enjoy your day with your family and friends.

Remember to tap if the tension starts to rise between family members or you find yourself having to try too hard to keep the peace or the kids get out of control!

Wishing you lots of love, peace & joy this Christmas and the year ahead.

Louise

I’ve Left It Too Late…Again!

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I know you say it every year to yourself…next year I will start my Christmas shopping and preparation earlier. I’ve done it myself. Well sometimes things come up that you weren’t expecting or time just seems to fly by and before you know it Christmas is only 10 days away and there is still much to do! Stay calm.

Instead of getting stressed or having a flap, why not take some time out and do some tapping. Yes I know you’ve got a million and one other things to do…but 5 or 10 minutes can make a difference! You’ll feel better afterwards and probably be able to think clearer.

Rate your current stress level and then try tapping along with the following:

  • Even though I’ve left things too late again, I’m open to accepting myself anyway
  • Even though I’m feeling stressed because I didn’t start my shopping in time, I’m open to giving myself a break
  • Even though I’m so stressed because I’ve got far too much to do and not enough time, I’m ok

Eyebrow: I should’ve started earlier
Side of Eye: Why do I always leave it to the last-minute
Under Eye: It makes me so stressed every year
Under Nose: It’s so stressful why don’t I plan things better
Chin: I promised myself I’d start earlier this year
Collarbone: Why is it so hard for me to stick to my plans
Under Arm: It’s so stressful at this time of year
Top of Head: I don’t have enough time left to finish all my shopping and preparations

Eyebrow: I’m open to letting it be easier
Side of Eye: Maybe I can get it all done
Under Eye: Maybe if I plan things better, I’ll feel less stressed
Under Nose: What if I got some help
Chin: I can choose to feel different
Collarbone: Maybe I can feel calmer
Under Arm: What if I got myself better organised
Top of Head: I’m open to getting all my shopping done and staying calm

Remember to keep tapping until you feel better. Notice your stress level after the tapping. Focus on any particular aspects that are stressing you out. If it is all the Christmas cards you have to write then tap on that. If it is all the hustle and bustle at the shops that really stresses you out then focus on that. You get the idea – be more specific with your tapping.

I hope your Christmas preparations go well.

Keep tapping!
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Let the tears flow

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Sometimes we face challenges that really push our buttons. We feel like we can’t take any more. I’ve had a week like that. My exhaust breaking was the final straw. I was so upset I burst into tears. Normally something like that would have just upset me a bit, but due to other challenges that are going on right now it pushed me over the edge.

We often hold on to our tears because it isn’t appropriate to cry at work or in public. Or we don’t want to appear weak, emotional or too sensitive etc.

EFT can help us let our emotions and tears flow. Try tapping along to the following:

  • Even though I can’t let myself cry because….{fill in the rest}
  • Even though I’ll seem weak if I cry….
  • Even though I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop crying if I start…..
  • Even though they’ll think I’m so emotional if I cry….
  • Even though they think I’m too sensitive because I cry all the time…
  • Even though I’ll appear to be an emotional wreck if I cry again….
  • Even though men don’t cry….

I certainly felt much better after a good cry and some tapping. It is great to be able to let our emotions out and much healthier than trying to suppress or ignore them. EFT can help us allow our emotions to flow and not to become overwhelmed by them. It can help us accept and acknowledge our feelings and not judge them.

Keep tapping and letting your emotions flow
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Benefits of Mentoring

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For any therapist, one of the most important things we must do is self-development. We need to keep up to date with the latest techniques, develop our skills and connect with other like-minded people. Most professional bodies these days have a requirement for a certain amount of Continuous Professional Development points each year.

One of the ways I achieve my self development is via EFT mentoring days run by the lovely Jacqui Footman. These days are  fun and I always end up learning a great deal. It is a wonderful experience meeting like-minded people and sharing information and ideas. We have some wonderful discussions and do some great shared tapping. We discuss success stories or interesting cases. Sometimes we have a guest speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge on their specialist subject.

We also have the pleasure of sharing a wonderful lunch with informal chats and a chance to get to know everyone. These days really help my practice and I really look forward to the next one in January, where we will be learning all about EFT research techniques. This will give us the opportunity to take part in research ourselves and help even more people learn the benefits of this amazing technique.

For more information on Jacqui’s wonderful mentoring days, please check out her website: http://www.eftdevon.co.uk/index.php

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Find Your Inner Sanctuary

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Where do you go when you want to get away from it all?

Where do you escape to when life gets too much?

Do you need to go to a physical place to get that sense of peace and quiet?

I used to love going to a particular beach and sit staring out at sea to contemplate life and think, when I needed that space. I no longer live right by the sea, so I have a particular spot in a park that I go to which is right by a river and some wonderful trees. For me whenever I feel I want to stop the world I feel I need to connect with nature. I feel being in nature I connect to my true self and can allow my thoughts to settle and gain some clarity and inner peace.

But we can also create this kind of space within us. We can create our own inner sanctuary where we can go when we need to escape at any time. It might be based on an actual place we have been or seen. Or we can be completely creative and create a space completely from our imagination.

What does the landscape of your inner sanctuary look like? Is it a beach, a lake, a river, a mountain or a desert? Or is it a city scene? Are there any other people around or you are alone? Are there birds or animals there?

You don’t even have to limit yourself to one sanctuary, you could have several depending on your mood and needs at the time you want to get away from it all. Or it could be one sanctuary where the seasons change the landscape around you.

The important thing is that you create a space where you feel calm and connected with yourself. A place where you can feel inner peace. A place where you can think and gain clarity. A place where you can go whenever you need to get away from it all. A place that is just yours.

inner sanctuary
inner sanctuary

Use this inner sanctuary at times of stress or anxiety. Use it whenever you feel overwhelmed by life and you need time alone. Use it when you need to make a decision or contemplate choices. Use it when you want to feel connected to yourself.

I love using my inner sanctuary to help me escape from the world and connect to myself.

I would love to hear about your experiences with your inner sanctuary.

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Facing Procrastination

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How many times have you procrastinated or put things off because you have dreaded doing them? Or just found that other things keep getting in the way and stopping you doing that one thing you must do today? In my experience whenever I have done  this, the thing I had to do has always been easier than I imagined it. Our imaginations are very good at creating the worst case scenario or making the task seem more difficult.

After the task is accomplished I often think that was easier than I though it would be. I’d imagined the task to be much more complicated, more time-consuming and to challenge me much more etc. The next time you find yourself putting something off, procrastinating or just outright avoiding doing something, ask yourself why?

Ask yourself if you have imagined it will take too long, be too complicated, cause you too much stress etc. Then do some gentle tapping to help you let go of these things your imagination is putting in the way of you completing your task.

Example tapping statements:

  • Even though I don’t have enough time to do this task, it’ll take way too long and demand too much of me, I accept my feelings anyway
  • Even though I’m procrastinating over this task, I choose to let go of all my worries and concerns about it
  • Even though I keep finding myself doing lots of other things instead of that one thing I know I really need to do, I accept myself anyway
  • Even though I know I really should do that task, I feel far too stressed to actually start it right now and I’m willing to accept all my feelings about this
  • Even though my imagination has made this task into a monster, I choose to go easy on myself and trust I can do it

Remember to tap using your own words whenever possible. Really tune in to how you feel and why you keep putting your tasks off. Keep tapping until you feel all your fears, worries, doubts etc have gone and you feel ready to do your task.

You can use your imagination to imagine your task is now really easy to complete. But always tap away any fears, doubts, worries and stress first.

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Just Breathe

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Many people report that when they are upset, worried, scared, anxious etc they hold their breath. This is not something we do consciously but we often become aware of it after a little while. What we are less aware of is when we do it without realising it. We very often breathe too shallowly anyway and again most people aren’t aware of doing it. So a good practice to take up is to do some deep breathing every day.

Pick something that you will remember easily such as checking your breathing every time you go to the bathroom or answer the phone. Then just spend a minute or two focusing on your breathing. Breathing in and out slowly and deeply through your nose. Whenever you notice your breathing throughout your day, choose to breathe slowly and deeply.

Make it a habit to check your breath regularly throughout your day. This is an easy way to reduce stress and anxiety and increase our energy levels.

Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

It’s Too Painful

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Have you ever felt too overwhelmed by your emotions? You feel like you can’t even admit to yourself that you have feelings about this situation because if you did they would all come flooding out and you just wouldn’t be able to cope.

When we feel this way we often stuff our emotions down because they feel too painful or overwhelming to deal with. But that can often lead to those feelings leaching out in other ways. Our shoulders become really tight and knotty, we have an ache in our stomach or we get bad headaches or migraines. This is our body’s way of telling us we need to deal with our feelings.

It can feel too scary to begin to address these feelings because we don’t want to feel out of control or overwhelmed by them. So firstly, please be very gentle with yourself.

You might find the following tapping helpful:

  • Even though it feels too painful to begin to deal with {this situation/these emotions}, I’m willing to be very gentle with myself
  • Even though I feel too overwhelmed by these emotions to begin dealing with them, I’m open to feeling safe and in control
  • Even though I can’t even admit to myself that I have these feelings, I’m willing to be kind and gentle with myself

Tap a few rounds of these type of statements until you feel calmer and more in control.  Then try:

  • Even though I know I’ve been suppressing all these emotions, I choose to be able to let them out slowly in a way I can handle
  • Even though my body has been holding these emotions for me, I choose to be able to calmly let them be heard now
  • Even though these emotions have felt too painful and I’ve been scared of being overwhelmed by them, I choose to allow them out in a safe way now

Once you feel calmer about being able to deal with the situation/emotions then you can start tapping on them. You don’t have to dive right in and start tapping on them straightaway. You can even start by using very generic tapping statements like:

  • Even though I have all these emotions, I accept myself and my feelings
  • Even though these emotions have been difficult to face, I’m ready to deal with them now

Keep tapping using these generic statements until you feel you are ready to be more specific and get into the emotions themselves. Remember you are in control and can stop anytime if they start to feel too painful or overwhelming. You can of course tap on the feelings being too overwhelming and painful again.

EFT can be very gentle if used in this way. EFT is not designed to help us tough it out and push us on when we don’t feel ready. It is there to help us feel we can deal with our emotions safely and at a rate we can handle.

Remember to keep breathing and drink plenty of water.

Keep tapping and be gentle with yourself.
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Holistic Health And Energy Therapy: Complementary Cancer Care

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Guest Blog

Holistic Health And Energy Therapy: Complementary Cancer Care

Holistic health is a form of self-care. Defined as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), holistic health focuses on how the various body elements — physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional — work together to promote and maintain wellness.

Holistic Cancer Care

Some health care professionals believe the holistic approach can help cancer patients manage their pain, as well as the side effects of cancer treatment. They believe holistic health is good complementary practice when combined with traditional medicine.

Anyone battling cancer, from common basal cell carcinoma to rare mesothelioma, can benefit from holistic cancer care. Holistic care promotes a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, exercise, and stress management. The holistic approach considers the individual physical, spiritual, and psychological factors involved with each cancer patient.

No scientific evidence exists to support the claim that holistic health can cure cancer, or even treat the disease on its own. But according to the National Cancer Institute, research is underway to determine the effectiveness of cancer-related CAM therapies.

For the best possible outcome, holistic medicine also integrates complementary practices with traditional medicine. Two complementary therapies that are increasingly being used in cancer care are Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Healing Touch.

Emotional Freedom Technique

Emotional Freedom Technique is a therapeutic tool that is similar to the ancient practice of acupuncture, without the needles. Health care professionals may recommend EFT to optimize a cancer patient’s emotional health. Emotional health is often overlooked during cancer treatment, but it is essential for physical healing.

EFT therapy is based on the same energy meridians used in acupuncture. Simple fingertip tapping is used to help encourage energy flow on certain meridians, while the patient thinks about a specific problem (such as pain) and repeats affirmations.

EFT therapy has many benefits for cancer patients. It helps them cope with the fears and worries of cancer, while managing nausea, fatigue, and other side effects of aggressive cancer treatment. Whether patients are facing curable skin cancer or mesothelioma life expectancy, EFT can help them cope with their illness, accept death, and reach inner calm and peace.

Healing Touch

Healing Touch International, defines Healing Touch as a “relaxing, nurturing energy therapy.” Practitioners employ gentle touch to help restore balance to a patient’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Healing Touch benefits cancer patients by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression; relieving pain; strengthening the body’s immune system; deepening the spiritual connection; and providing a sense of wellbeing. Healing Touch works wonderfully as a complementary therapy, supporting traditional medical treatment and other holistic practices.

Melanie Bowen is an advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. After graduating with a bachelors degree in English with a specialty in Psychology and Medical Research, you will often find her highlighting the great benefits of different nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those with illnesses in her efforts to spread awareness.

Thanks to Melanie for a interesting article. If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please get in touch. Louise