Ideas for Using BSFF for Overwhelm

 

1. I release overwhelm and replace it with self-compassion and forgiveness for any mistakes. (cue)

2. Why does my subconscious mind safely organize my feelings of overwhelm into manageable chunks that I can deal with safely over time? (cue)

3. Why do I allow God to mold my subconscious mind so that my feelings of overwhelm are organized into safely contained spheres? (cue)

4.  I let go of all self-limiting beliefs that are contributing to this emotional overwhelm. (cue)

5.  I trust my inner wisdom to safely and appropriately contain my emotions that feel overwhelming, to be released over time with grace and ease. (cue)

6.  I release emotional overwhelm and trust that I can be resilient in my life's journey. (cue)

Other Ideas:

* I replace emotional overwhelm with emotional resilience.  I face challenges with strength, poise, and grace.  (cue)

* Why do I allow God to replace my overwhelm with safety and peace? (cue)

* Why does my subconscious mind aid me to let go of my past hurts with grace and ease? (cue)

* Why do I allow God to inspire my inner healer to safely release this emotional overwhelm? (cue)

* I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (cue)

Healing With Music

Here is a list of Classical Music Recommendations from Music Therapists and Scientific Resources:   (Utilizing classical music can be an important piece of healing from depression and anxiety.  Listening to uplifting music has also been found to have a positive effect on genes.)

1. To Encourage Exhilaration, Joy, Light-Heartedness, Enthusiasm and Uplift:
   1. Beethoven- Symphony No. 7 in A Major, “Presto” (and I personally love Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony, “Ode to Joy”)
   2. Emmanuel Chabrier- Espana
   3. Rossini- William Tell Overture
   4. Handel- Messiah- “Hallelujah Chorus”
   5. Johann Strauss Jr.- On the Beautiful Blue Danube
   6. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- Symphony No. 35 in D Major—Haffner, “Presto”
2. For Focus and Clarity of Mind (i.e. could use for ADD/ADHD)
   1. Bach- Brandenburg Concertos
   2. Brahms- Violin Concerto
   3. Mozart- various compositions: Eine Kleine Nachtmusic, Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, The Marriage of Figaro, Flute Concerto No. 2 in D, Don Giovanni
   4. Telemann- Concerto for Three Violins and Orchestra
3. For Headaches and Pain
   1. Mozart- Symphony No. 39 in E Flat
   2. Mozart- Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major
4. For Learning:
   1. Bach- Harpsichord Concerto in F Minor
   2. Handel- Concerto No. 1 in F
   3. Mozart- various compositions
   4. Telemann- Double Fantasia in G Minor for Flute and Strings
   5. Vivaldi- The Four Seasons (“Winter”movement)
5. For Physical Energy:
   1. Anderson- Bugler’s Holiday
   2. Beethoven- Turkish March
   3. Clarke- Trumpet Voluntary
   4. Sousa- Stars & Stripes Forever
6. For Prayerful Meditation:
   1. Bach- Come Sweet Death
   2. Bruckner- Symphony No. 8 Third Movement
   3. Handel- Largo (from Xerxes)
   4. Williams- Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis
7. For Strength and Courage:
   1. Brahms- Symphony No. 2, final movement
   2. Elgar- Pomp & Circumstance, March No. 1
   3. Key- Star Spangled Banner
   4. Steffe- Battle Hymn of the Republic
8. For Relaxation and a Quiet Atmosphere:
   1. Bach- Air on the G String
   2. Bruch- Scottish Fantasy
   3. Copeland- Appalachian Spring
   4. Debussy- Clair de Lune
   5. Grainger- Blithe Bells
   6. Gregorian chants
   7. Grieg- Lyric Suite
   8. Kreisler- Humoresque
   9. Mantovani- Strings
   10. Pachelbel- Canon in D
   11. Saint-Saens- Adagio from “Organ Symphony in C# Minor”
   12. Vivaldi- “Largo movement” from “Winter Movement” of The Four Seasons
9. Final note: If you are new to classical music or would like to better understand it, you may want to take one of the many free online “music appreciation” courses available on the internet.

(“Music Therapy” may involve much more that just listening to pieces of music, but may also include sound therapy, etc.)

Sources:   Campbell- The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit, 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100107132551.htm, 

Mozart therapy: A sonata a day keeps the doctor away, Nedley- The Lost Art of Thinking, Pinkerton- The Sound of Healing, Psychitary and Music- http://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5545;year=2014;volume=56;issue=2;spage=128;epage=140;aulast=Nizamie

No article on this blog is intended to be taken as medical advice.  Always check with a health care professional for those conditions that need the attention of such.

Test Anxiety Relief

BSFF could be even more effective for anxiety.  Great study results here for EFT!

Great outcomes using EFT for test anxiety

A 2013 Staffordshire University study published in Innovative Practice in Higher Education found a significant reduction in participants’ test anxiety scores (using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS).  The Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) p value was p<0.001, with the HAD being p=.003, and the HAD Anxiety Subscale p value being p=.001!  If you aren’t familiar with “p” values, those 2 zeroes after the decimal before an actual value means it was a very significant difference!

Participants using EFT have seen higher academic scores

The study was called “Tapping for success: A pilot study to explore if Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can reduce anxiety and enhance academic performance in University students.” Previous to this study, a study done in Turkey found that students scored higher on exam scores after using EFT.  A Benor and colleagues study also found that EFT enhanced student test performance in Canada.  Looking to those studies, this current Boath, Stewart and Carryer study found that those students who used EFT regularly throughout the 8-week period had significantly higher grades than those who dropped out of the study or did not tap regularly.

So, does tapping make you smarter?  In short, more studies need to be done before that is determined. Could it be that smarter people are interested in tapping? Or did the tapping group just study more efficiently?  Or is it that they just felt better and had the time and energy to do the tapping?  (Because tapping enhances the energy system, it could be that the tapping increased their physical and mental energy, as well as their body balance (their “Chi” energy—) always a good thing.)  Findings in the earlier studies seem to point to increased academic performance using EFT regardless of the reasons!

EFT reduces anxiety symptoms

There are a number of completed studies that have found EFT to be successful in reducing anxiety symptoms, and this study bore that out again with very significant p values.  Participants found their test anxiety lessened as well as their overall anxiety.  A win-win for sure!

Now, just to clear the air, if you have tried EFT before and decided it doesn’t work for you, please know that there may have been things going on in your energy system affecting the outcome of your tapping.  That is where the other methods I’ve studied come in.  If you are interested in my life coaching services to help you increase your self-confidence in test-taking, to calm your test anxiety, to increase your focus in school work, or to help solve the puzzle of why your tapping isn’t effective, see the contact information above.

Self-Empowerment With Breath-Work

Breathing with Visualization and Meditation Very Helpful for Self-Esteem and More!

Something that can be very helpful to build self-esteem is as follows:

1. Think of something you want to heal, resolve, or change. The more specific the better.  (i.e. rather than, “my anxiety,” it would be “my fear of being seen as incompetent when I do such and such…”)
2. Come up with a symbol, metaphor, or a meaningful word to symbolize your fear. Then find one you want to replace it with—any symbol, word, etc. that is meaningful to you and helps you visualize or feel the desired state you want.
3. Now do the 1^st half of the Collarbone breathing routine (before changing hands) whilst meditating on the negative state you’re letting go.  (For a "how to" do collarbone breathing, see below.)
4. Then do the 2^nd half of the CB breathing whilst meditating on the positive change state you want. I personally like to do 3 sets of CB breathing for this exercise. Your goal is to let go of the negative and bring in the positive, when you feel you are in the desired state, hold on to that and relish it!
5. When you are done, meditate in the positive state with one hand on the back of your neck and one hand on your forehead.  (aka "Tappas Acupressure"). This will be even more effective if you know BSFF and use your cue word throughout, and close with the closing sequence.  
   
   
6. Do 2-3 times daily if possible (at least once daily) as you witness the change happen!
7. After each breathing session, think of 4-5 things you can endorse yourself for each time--or at least 7 things for which you are genuinely grateful.

Collarbone Breathing 

          Collarbone Breathing (“CB Breathing”) acts as a reset button to neurologically reorganize the brain.  It is helpful for clumsiness, fatigue while reading, low performance, clumsy gait, chronic procrastination, addictions & cravings, anxiety, OCD.  It is also helpful for ADHD, Learning Disorders, dyslexia, Tourettes Syndrome, schizophrenia, and a multitude of conditions that negatively affect lifestyle.  You can follow these links to learn CB breathing with Dr. Franzi Ng:

Introduction to Collarbone Breathing by Dr. Franzi Ng:

(8:59 min.): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAe1zptu_jc  

Collarbone Breathing Only (1:42 min.):

Collarbone breathing only, Dr. Ng (1:42 min): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb2o3HVvvNA

Relieve Stress with Rockin!

Trauma keeping you awake?  This may help you sleep like a baby!

Someone I worked with saw me the other day and wanted to tell me how much this method has helped her sleep.  She has a history of significant childhood abuses.  She got a rocking chair recently and started rocking 20 minutes before she went to bed.  She said it makes her so relaxed---more relaxed than she ever remembers being.  She gets in bed and wishes she could stay awake and enjoy the relaxed state she is in, but she is so relaxed that she goes into a deep restful sleep.  She said she is sleeping better than she can remember sleeping--pretty much ever.  She's sleeping like a baby!

This motion helps the brain stem.  I'm going to paste a clip from an article I wrote about this method some time ago.  Sweet dreams!

Good news: current research is finding success with trauma sufferers.  They have found that there are various movements that can help the brain handle the release and healing of traumatic incidents (even multiple traumas; see resources by Bruce Perry at childtrauma.org.) Some of these movements are: swinging, rocking, jumping on a mini-tramp, Tai Chi, therapeutic dancing S.K.Y breathing, etc. Hoffman (deceased trauma therapist) had her trauma clients rock in a rocking chair 20 minutes a day as they are going through therapy with her. Ms. Hoffman was also able to use EFT (and other modalities) in helping these sufferers heal in ways they never thought possible.  Rocking is an important part of their healing, as it has markedly increased the response rate. 

Family Constellation, Family Energetics Work, and You

What is Family Constellation or Family Energetics Work?

Family Constellation (aka Family Energetics) work involves freeing bound up energy blocking the flow of love in the "Family Soul." The flow of love in a family generational line can be blocked when an ancestral family unit experienced difficulties that overwhelmed the capacity of the family to handle the ensuing emotions that resulted from those difficult events. In Family Constellation/Energetic Work, something occurred in the family setting somewhere back in the generational line that was not adequately addressed, processed, accepted, or that was completely ignored. This resulted in a loss of the flow of love in the Family System, and this imbalance in the Family Soul may continue until it is resolved through proper acknowledgement and processing. (It doesn't necessarily need to be ancestral though--if your own family had difficulties that weren't addressed you may benefit from Family Constellation work so it isn't passed on to your children. )

For example, those who do emotional/psychological work understand that if there is unfinished emotional business in an individual who dies, it can be passed on to that individual's children (manifest in many ways, physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.) The same is true of the Family Soul: unfinished business may get passed on through the Family Soul, and a perceptive child in the family may take on that energy as their own in an attempt to help the Family Soul heal.  In most cases of Family Constellation or Energetics work, the individual really did not need to take that disruptive energy on--which can cause them all kinds of difficulties.  In other cases it seems the individual takes on the energy by "calling, or assignment", and one of their underlying subconscious life goals is to help heal the Family Soul.  (I have found this to explain "past life" and inexplicable personal issues in ways that make so much sense.!)  But Family Constellation issues can be cleared--and that's great news!!!!

I have found Family Constellation/Energetic work to be very freeing.  It releases a ton of pent up energy and seems to allow individuals to have much greater access to the love and help that their deceased family members want to give them.  Something interesting to note is that people outside of the family who did things to affect the flow of love in the family become part of the family constellation (even though they aren't family members.)  I find this very interesting because it underscores how important forgiveness is to the Family Soul--and the beauty of the Atonement on a whole new level.

What are some events that can create the need for Family Constellation (Energetics) Work?

1. Attachment Issues: Failures in childhood attachment bonding (for various reasons) of someone in the Family Constellation---this could go back several generations if the lack of attachment effected the family from that point on.  It is well-understood in Attachment Theory, that the unhealthy attachment affects relationships in a family system for a lifetime if not healed.
2. Parent/Child Seniority Switching: If for some reason the parent is unavailable (physically or emotionally) and a child becomes the parent's "parent" or "spouse."  This can create a block of a healthy flow of love in the family dynamics and create the need for Family Constellation Work.
3. Former Partner or Lovers excluded: This can be about unresolved emotions for a first love, a former spouse, etc. that blocks the flow of love in the family.  Small children have keen emotional sensitivities and can pick up on these things if their parents (or grandparents) still have attachment to former lovers, the ex, etc.  This can potentially block the flow of love in the family.
4. Major Injustices in the Family:  This injustice can go either way--if a grandparent (great-grandparent, etc.) was unjust with someone , or if someone was unjust towards them (i.e. a land swap that turns out to be unjust, plantation owners, arsonist who gets money for the fires they create, etc.)  This may affect the flow of love in the family, especially if the family hangs onto it with anger and unforgiveness. (Note: Remember, the need for work is only there if the injustice was not processed in a complete way--again, forgiveness is huge!)
5. Tragic Suffering in the Family:  These can be things like miscarriages, stillbirths, abortions, untimely deaths, suicides, murders, crippling long-term illness, forced emigrations, birth defects, etc.
6. Catastrophic Events: This can be combat remorse for veterans, natural disasters, war, survivor guilt of members who survive terrible events (like the holocaust), etc.
7. Perpetrator-Victim Abuse: Abuse in it's many forms.  This can be from a one-time experience or an ongoing abuse situation.  Family members down the constellation line may feel the need to atone for the actions of the perpetrator, or the victim may have carried wounds they found impossible to process.  So remember, the abuser and the victim are both part of the constellation because of how it affected the flow of love in the Family Soul. Also know that this can include forms of "ill-gotten gain" if you had an ancestor involved in dishonest or immoral gain (like slavery, immoral business dealings, etc.), or visa versa.

If we did Family Constellation (Energetics) Work with you, remember that we acknowledge their suffering, thank them deeply for all they've faced, all they have done for the family, and we gratefully free it and give it to the Lord (or the universe), or back to them.  Hopefully we can give it to the Lord, but some aren't ready for that.

Good Reads:
Family Energetics by Deborah H. Donndelinger
The Healing of Individuals, Families and Nations by John L. Payne
Health, Happiness and Family Constellations: How Ancestors, Family Systems, and Hidden Loyalties Shape Your Life and What You Can Do About It

This blog should not be taken as medical advice.

How to Create a Feeling of Hope

This is in response to a question a friend asked me: "How do I handle it when my student attempts suicide?"  She didn't mean how to handle it professionally, but how to handle it personally.  How do we stay strong when others we love are hurting deeply?  Hurting themselves?

I certainly don't have all the answers, but this is what I do.....

1. I focus on being grounded and pray for help.
2. I do S.K.Y. (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) breathing every morning.  I love this type of breathing and highly recommend the "Art of Living" breathing workshop if you can afford it.  If not, deep meditative breathing can be helpful (that's another blog for another day:)
3. When I am really needing to feel hope due to a specific situation going on, I listen to Dr. Mitchell Gaynor's Meditations for Sound Healing Cd.  He has a meditation on it called "Meditation for Creating Hope."  I LOVE that meditation! (I love the entire cd.)
4. Gratitude thoughts:  I think of every little thing I can be grateful for.  As I do this I start to feel these "happy thoughts" literally start flooding my brain with positive "chemical."  Below are some examples
   1. I am so grateful for this soft couch I am sitting on.  It cushions my body so wonderfully.  I am very grateful to have this couch.
   2. I am thankful for my nice soft bathrobe.
   3. Speaking of that, I am grateful for these comfy slippers I have on.  I remember when my brother gave me these slippers.
   4. I am so grateful for such a thoughtful brother that lovingly gave me these slippers years ago.
   5. I am grateful that my brother loves me.
   6. I am so grateful for our relationship and how my brother has enriched my life.....etc.
5. Tapping (EFT) can always be helpful.  But I don't want to tap all the time:-)

And that's what I do.  Below is Mitch Gaynor's Meditation for Creating Hope.

What is Life Coaching?

What is Life Coaching Therapy?

Life Coaching is "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and inspiring process that inspires them to maximize their personal potential."

• Goals and pace are determined by the client
• Work is towards optimizing overall vitality and mental well-being
• Relies on the client's self-assessment
• The coach-client relationship is a supportive peer-to-peer relationship
• May be fast-paced and action-oriented

Why I prefer to do Life Coaching over counseling therapy:

Being a Life Coach allows me to blend traditional psychological methods with innovative techniques.  Many of these innovative techniques are remarkably effective but cannot be used by counselors because they do not have the reams of studies required by insurance companies.  I believe that Life Coaching gives me the freedom to maximize a person's healing process with these types of techniques, as well as give that person healing tools they can carry with them for a lifetime.

Why you may prefer Life Coaching:

You may be functioning quite well but know you could be doing better.  In short, you don't need "counseling" but would welcome a push in the right direction.  Life Coaching could be just the thing for you!  You may have been in counseling for some time and just aren't seeing the gains you expected, and you are ready to see what this whole "Body/Mind" thing is about.  Life Coaching could be just the thing for you!

What Life Coaching is not:

• Life Coaching makes no claims of treating clinical disorders
• Life Coaches should not diagnose or prescribe
• Life Coaches should recommend more clinical settings for those clients who have issues or conditions outside of their scope of practice

Testimonials of my Life Coaching

“Growing up I never had very much self-esteem. I wanted to just stay out of everyone's way and not cause any problems since I was the youngest of four kids to a single mother. This meant by the time I got married I had so little self-esteem that I couldn't even repeat the phrase "I like myself, I like myself, I really really like myself" out loud. I would break down, and not want to do it.

Around this time I saw Holli for a short time and she encouraged me to endorse for the effort, not for the result. She sent is little "endorse" signs, and my husband even made this funny little song about endorsing that he would sing when I was down until I started laughing. I even kept an "endorse journal" for a while where I would write down everyday 3 good things I did that day, and one goal for the next day (which helped me to endorse for completing in the next day!)

Endorsing has truly helped me so much, and I no long have to force myself, I just do it naturally and am so much happier.”  S.R.

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"It is without hesitation that I can highly recommend working with Holli.  As I have worked with her, I have been able to recognize and resolve issues that I had been struggling with from the past that I had not consciously recognized.  With her guidance and direction, I have been able to move past issues that have been holding me back and move forward in a more positive direction.  Holli is a very knowledgeable, spiritual and compassionate person.  I believe these gifts are tools she uses to bless others lives." B.J.

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"Long-standing feelings about an important person in my past have finally been addressed and resolved."  P.T.

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"From experience, I can say that Holli's genuine kindness provides a safe, nonjudgmental place in which healing can take place, assisted in moving forward beyond trauma blocks by all the various modalities in which she has been trained, along with her innate gifts. She is a gem!" --K.H.

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“I learned how to love myself and to forgive myself, and to be able to love and forgive others.”  C.W.

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"I am so grateful for the help and assistance I have received from Holli Oram for the past many years!  Holli is kind and gentle in her evaluations, but also very thorough and concise.  At a very emotional roller coaster time in my life when things were unraveling and my health slipping away, when pressures seemed to be overwhelming and future dreams dimmed, Holli helped me understand what it was I was dealing with and how to turn things around so that I could believe in myself again and have faith that things would work out.   I have come to learn that life is beautiful, that faith and God's love are real, and that dealing with feelings instead of hiding them is a journey to better health and greater happiness.   Holli is well prepared as she has educated herself on a professional level and has a great knowledge and understanding of so many different kinds of health issues."

K.S.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         :

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"Holli is a very intuitive life coach.  Sessions with her have been an incredible blessing in my life! She assisted me in releasing heavy burdens of grief and anxiousness.  Holli has dedicated immense amounts of time studying many forms of healing.  This holistic approach enables her to offer her clients a WEALTH of valuable insight not found in traditional therapy alone.  She opens eyes to new methods of healing.  Holli uses the best of eastern and western wisdom combined with spiritual gifts. I most highly recommend her services! "  T.L.

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"I truly love Holli!  I think she is like the fresh smell of rain on a summer evening when you can smell the perfect blend of refreshing cleansing rain and sweet fragrant flowers (like of a rose). I smelled it the other day and it was heavenly. It reminded me of safe happy days at my grandma's. This is Holli! She gives comfort and peace and hope! Wonderful enlightening, gentle guiding, loving HOPE!  She truly has a gift to touch the souls that need grace, strength, healing and acceptance!  She offers an energy that is not just a gift of her power and talent, but which comes from her experiences. She knows how to connect because has felt or can understand their feelings. Feelings that can be crippling and exhaustive. But she has found the sunshine and can freely help others find its warmth! These are some phrases that come to my mind when I think of Holli:
Spiritually centered.
Mentally grounded.
Emotionally safe.
Giver of peace and strength.
Truly understanding of an individual's challenges.
Holli- a refuge and sanctuary ! Where one can express feelings to begin healing!
Nonjudgmental (for reals)! Only light and peace! She is amazing and I am so blessed to have met her and to have worked with her. I have been strengthen by her. I am doing well. Enjoying life, still working on me but in a much happier place. I think of her guidance and counsel often. She was very important in my journey. I needed her and I'm glad a path led to her."  A.L.

TFT Now Evidence-Based: This is Dynamite!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)'s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices just listed Thought Field Therapy (grandfather to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)) as an evidence-based practice for the following conditions:

Effective Outcomes Using TFT

1. Personal Resilience/Self-Concept
2. Self-Regulation
3. Trauma and Stressor-related Disorders and Symptoms

Promising Outcomes Using TFT

1. Depression and Depressive Symptoms
2. General Functioning and Well-being
3. Phobia, Panic, Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD) and Symptoms
4. Unspecified and Other Mental Health Disorders and Symptoms

Why is "Evidence-based" status such a big deal?

An evidence-based status means it has been rigorously evaluated in a series of experimental evaluations, including randomized controlled trials, and has been found to make positive statistically significant differences in important outcome areas.  These findings have been supported by data repeatedly and is more effective than standard care or an alternative practice, and it can be reproduced in other settings. 

This is a huge step forward in mental/emotional healing and I am so excited!  If you're wondering, I have been trained in components of TFT through my Comprehensive Energy Psychology training.  It is similar to EFT, but uses specific algorithms in tapping sequences.  

Share the joy!

12 Habits to Build Happiness

I like the concepts in the landmark book written by Sonja Lyubomirsky , Ph.D called The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. Below is the short list of the 12 Happiness Habits.  I recommend that you read Lyubomirsky's book.  It is excellent!

The 12 Most Common Habits of Happy People are:

1. Expressing Gratitude: Gratitude journals are very effective, weekly, bi-weekly, etc. is excellent.
2. Cultivating Optimism: This can take a lot of practice, especially if you tend to be unhappy.  See the Authentic Happiness website for some excellent help on that: https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/ 
3. Avoid Overthinking and Social Comparison (I like to call this "Celebrate You"): Cognitive Behavioral methods can help with this, as could Mindfulness.
4. Practice Acts of Kindness: This one is self-explanatory.
5. Nurturing Social Relationships: Help others and let others help you!
6. Develop Coping Strategies:  (again, Cognitive behavioral methods can really help with this, as can Solution-focused approaches, journaling, etc.)
7. Learn to Forgive:  THIS IS KEY! Learn to forgive others and yourself.
8. Increase "Flow" experiences:  Flow experiences are those times when you are doing something so interesting to you that you become engrossed and immersed in it, even losing track of time.
9. Savor Life's Joys:  When you have something good happen, do something to help the feelings linger.
10. Commit to your Goals:  Make attainable goals and reach them.
11. Practice Religion and Spirituality: Numerous studies have shown that people who practice personal religiosity, seek to have regular spiritual times, and are affiliated with a religion are happier than those who don't do that.
12. Take care of your body (physical activity and everyday actions) and mind (meditation).

Sonja makes it clear that this approach is for those who are looking for ways to be happier.  It's not comprehensive enough for someone who has clinical depression. In the book she points out that our genes can make it more challenging for us to be naturally happy. (That's where the great news of "Epigenetics," tapping therapies, BSFF, etc. come into play!--the kinds of things I do in life coaching work:-)  If you're looking for a comprehensive program for healing depression or anxiety, please check out the Nedley Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program.  Following this link will give you much information in that regards: http://www.depressionhealinginsights.blogspot.com/ 

The Body's Many Cries For Healing

Are Emotions Related To Illnesses? 

Our mind, body and soul are most definitely inter-related! Here are some emotions that have been found to be related to the following body systems. Keep in mind that an emotion may be housed in all systems, like complicated grief, etc.  If you think what you read below isn't true for you, I suggest you sit with it for a bit and open your mind and heart to the possibility, thinking of your entire lifespan.  If it still doesn't resonate, maybe it's another person's stuff you've taken on (or even your Family Constellation), or it could just not be true for you.  This article took me quite some time to compose.  I hope it is helpful to you and yours.

Body/Organ/Mind Connections and Emotional Healing

Combining this information with prayer, EFT tapping and/or the breathwork routine I have on this blog can be very helpful.  

Adrenal Gland: Conflict (anxiety), Failure, Abandonment, Facing the World  Ideas To Balance: Atonement (At-one-ment),  Embrace the World
Appendix: Fear  Ideas To Balance: Faith

Arteries/Veins: Disharmony, Conflict, Feeling Trapped  Ideas to Balance: Harmony, Peace

Bladder System: Fear, Suspicion, Futility, Anxiety, Anger, Hanging Onto Things, Gender Identity, Obsession with Order or Lack of.   To Balance: Courage, Trust, Hope

Central Nervous System: Abandonment, Wrong, Abuse, Anger, Victimized. To Balance: Forgiveness (this can be self-forgiveness too), Courage, Trust, Hope, Accept God's Love, etc.

Colon: Fear of letting go, Hate of self or others  To Balance: Faith, Awareness, Charity

Connective Tissue: Isolation, Inflexibility, Control  To Balance: Connection, Humility, Trust 

Eustachian Tube: Irresponsibility, Fear of Hearing the Truth  To Balance: Trust in God; Self

Eyes: Fear, Feel Loved Only Conditionally, Struggle , see Liver list   To Balance: Faith, Charity & God's Love, Clarity
Frontal Sinus: Possessive Dominance, Feeling Stuck, Feeling Vulnerable To Balance: Feeling Centered and Secure 
Gallbladder:  Rage, Intolerance of Others (Judgmentalness).  To Balance: Tolerance, Kindness

Heart: Heartache or Heartbreak, Loneliness, Feeling Not Good Enough, Worry, Traditional Sayings (heartsick, cold-hearted, broken-hearted, etc.)  To Balance: Love for Self and Love for Others, Reaching Out to Others in Service, Receiving Service From Others

Hypothalamus: Shame, Fear, Betrayal  To Balance: Understanding, Faith, Trust

Joints: Deprived. To Balance: Fulfillment

Kidneys: Fearful Isolation, Inner Fear, Shame   To Balance: Reaching Out to Others, Gentleness with Self, Faith

Large Intestine: Controlling, Holding On, Abandonment, Rejection   To Balance: Release, Surrender, Forgiveness.
Liver: Rage Against Self, Guilt, Rejection, Failure, Regret.  To Balance: Self-love and Acceptance, Self-forgiveness, etc.
Lungs: Grief Abandonment, Denial, Rejections, Total Despondency, Disharmony in Home  To Balance: Inspiration, Faith, Letting Go, Atonement

Lymphatic System: Abandonment, Anger, Failure, Guilt, Losing, Wrong   Ideas to Balance: Accept Atonement, Laughter, Forgiveness, Assurance
Maxillary Sinus: ? Check Bladder Meridian list

 Pancreas: Betrayal, Fatigue, Self-Judgment, Issues with Life, See Stomach Meridian list   To Balance: Trust, Alignment, Forgiveness of Self, Rejuvenation 

 Parathyroid: Disharmony  To Balance: Harmonize with Life and Others

Peripheral Nervous System: Victimized, Victim Consciousness, Despair. To Balance: put your foundation on Christ, Trust God, Patience
Pineal Gland: Fear of the Unknown, Misunderstanding of Spiritual Things   To Balance: Prayer and Meditation, Accepting God's Grace, Beauty, Serenity, Trusting God, etc. 
 Pituitary: Aloneness, Abandonment, Victimized or Victim Consciousness, See Central and Governing Vessel Meridians below.  Ideas to Balance: Acceptance, Atonement, Inner Strength. 

Reproductive Organs:There are many possibilities with this system. The main ones could be: Identity, Repression, Feeling Not Good Enough, Self-hate, Guilt.  Others: conflicting ideas about human sexuality, fear, loneliness, unresolved feelings towards mother, creativity issues, feelings of unworthiness, feelings about nurturing or being nurtured.  To Balance: I would pray for help in knowing what to do.

Skin: Criticism, Humiliation, Anxiety, Fear, Including Fear of Being Who You Are.  To Balance:   Unconditional Love, Honor Self and Others.
Small Intestine: Feeling Divided, Scattered, Pulverized. To Balance: Discernment, Decisive, Atonement.
Sphenoide ; Ethmoid Sinus: ? See Bladder Meridian, Central Vessel Meridian, Gall Bladder Meridian.

Spleen: Over-Compassionate, Inability to Assimilate Input, Guilt, Abandonment, Wrong.  To Balance: Fair to Self, Metabolize Input to Self, Self-Compassion.
 Stomach: Obsessive Worry, Abandonment, Fear of New, Control, Feeling a Victim.  To Balance: Trust God, Trust the Universe, Trust the Process, Take the Eternal Viewpoint

Teeth: This could be many things. Some people hold emotion in their teeth. See Donna Eden's book, Energy Medicine for a chart that relates each tooth to the relative meridian system.

Thymus: Anger, Failure, Losing, Wrong, Abandonment, See Central Vessel meridian below.

Thyroid Gland: Sadness, Injustice, Failure, Humiliation, Misunderstood, See Central Vessel meridian.

Urinary Tract: Kidney Meridian: Fearful Isolation, Shame, Misunderstood. To Balance: Gentle with Self, Move Towards Others (connect with others).
Central Meridian Vessel: Feeling Vulnerable, or in some cases, Feelings of Despair or Despondency.  To Balance: Feeling Centered and Secure, Putting Foundation on Christ.
Governing Meridian Vessel: Feeling lack of Courage or Strength to handle. May relate to deepest feelings about self.  To Balance: Self-Empowerment, Self-Efficacy, Putting Foundation on Christ, "I Can Do All Things In Christ, Who Strengthens Me."

Possible Emotional Roots Behind Depression and Most Anxieties

Ultimately, I have learned that depressive emotions boil down to the following.  You can just see which seems to be the closest to what you are experiencing, and then ask for help to heal from them.

• Anger (some call it Rage) at Self or Others.
• Inner or Outer Fear. (Afraid of inner experiences or outside experiences.)
• Inward or Outward Shame. ("Shame on me", or "They think I am shameful.")
• Inward or Outward Blame.
• Rejection of Self.
• Fear of Rejection.
• Hopelessness or Despondency,
• Sense of Destruction (Self or Other).
• Fragmentation of Heart or Soul.

I know this:  Either God wants you to heal from these destructive emotions, or He will provide a way for you to bear your depression and anxiety with a sense of hope. (R.I. Method says "there are NO hopeless cases." )

References:

Butcher, Mineka, Hooley. (2007). Abnormal Psychology
Eden, Donna. (1999). Energy Medicine 
Feinstein, D. (2004). Energy Psychology Interactive
Hay, L. (1998). Heal Your Body
Low, A. (1978). Mental Health Through Will-Training
Mein, C. L. (2004). Releasing Emotional Patterns With Essential Oils
K.K. Truman (2003). Feelings Buried Alive Never Die
Wauters, A. (2002).  The Book of Chakras

Addictions, Anxiety and ACEs: Empower Yourself With Tools to Heal

Calming Down Anxiety and Even Panic

One thing I love about working with students is helping them calm down from anxiety, or even an anxiety attack.  I am usually able to show them very helpful tools that help them feel better in short order.  Sometimes these tools can lead to beautiful emotional release. Other times it isn't so much emotional release that's needed, but education of what some of the underlying causes may be.

For example, one day a student was having what appeared to be a full-blown panic (anxiety) attack during a fire drill.  I noticed this student in the hall in “melt down” mode.  After the drill I was able to show the student some “Eden Energy Medicine” calming techniques (see below).  For example, the “Triple Warmer Smoothie” is a great way to calm down anxiety. At times I’ll have a student use EEM, while at other times it will be Jin Shin Jyustu, with them gently holding an appropriate finger while we talk. With one student we started doing EFT tapping, and that opened up a wonderful dialogue.  The students I’ve worked with this way are usually very intrigued and welcome the calming that comes.

Unfortunately as a school counselor I really don’t have time to work with students one-on-one on a continual basis.  (And there is so much a person can learn to do for long-term healing.)  That's why as a Life Coach I love having the time to empower people with education and tools to help them feel great!

ACEs and Anxiety, Depression, Obesity, Illness and Addiction and Emotional Release

I became interested in studying safe emotional release due to my own depression and anxiety that resulted from what are now called “Adverse Childhood Experiences,” or “ACEs”[i].  Recent studies have found that the more ACEs a child has, the more likely they are to have chronic depression, anxiety, obesity, and illnesses.  In fact, if a child has 4 or more ACEs, their risk of behavioral and learning disorders goes up 3200%! ACEs are often (but not always) behind addictions as well, so healing from the ACEs can be key to healing from addictions.  

Healing From ACEs

One big challenge in regular “talk” therapy is resolving trauma that occurred on a level that “talking about it” won’t readily resolve. Thankfully there are many safe, effective forms of emotional release coming out to help us heal ACEs (even ACEs that aren't remembered), with an ever growing body of studies to support these methods.  It is so exciting!

What Are "ACEs?"

[i] The following are classified as ACEs ("Adverse Childhood Experiences): Psychological, physical or sexual abuse to the child or the child witnessing explicit scenes of such as a child; substance abuse, divorce or parental separation, mental illness, battered mother, jail or prison time in the immediate family, and then experiencing emotional and physical neglect.  More recent ACE research finds a variety of experiences can be traumatic to a child that would not necessarily be traumatic to an adult. Childhood surgeries, acute childhood illnesses with high fevers, etc., can get lodged in the body as trauma that needs to be resolved.

To calm down anxiety and panic, I really like this Triple Warmer Smoothie and Triple Warmer balancing exercise done here by Prune Harris: