Okay, I am officially really proud of myself. I have been to the Bikram Yoga studio four days in a row -- three of them at 6 am.
There's one woman who's been there each day at 6. She's young, wickedly strong and so, so graceful. I position myself at the back of the room behind her because just watching her inspires me. This morning I found out that where I've been standing is the hottest part of the room. I've decided it's worth a few more degrees to be able to check in with that woman every now and again and delude myself into thinking that maybe, someday, if I'm really, really dilligent, I can perhaps be half as strong and graceful in my movements.
This morning a very handsome, buff guy sauntered in. I'm talking movie star gorgeous. It was his first time (I remember when :-)). Except unlike me, he strode in with macho confidence, white teeth shining in his tan face. Well, Macho Man lasted about 45 minutes before announcing loudly that he couldn't take it anymore. "You win!" he told the instructor (who looks like one of those kids who gets sand kicked in his face at the beach). I couldn't help but think that how this guy reacted to us walking in and walking out spoke volumes about who he is as a man. Seriously. I wanted to give him my card :-)
Did I mention how proud I am of myself?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
No Charm the Second Time
Well, I got up okay ... but once I got to the 6 am Bikram Yoga class this morning I was stunned to find myself unable to do a whole heck of a lot besides rides out waves of dizziness and, at one point, nausea.
I think I didn't drink enough water yesterday.
One of the other newer students (she's been going there for 4 weeks) suggested taking a few days off between classes in order to allow the body to re-balance. My inclination is, of course, to plow through.
I really want to be the person who goes to yoga at 6 am and is tranquil, fit and balanced the rest of the day :-)
I think I didn't drink enough water yesterday.
One of the other newer students (she's been going there for 4 weeks) suggested taking a few days off between classes in order to allow the body to re-balance. My inclination is, of course, to plow through.
I really want to be the person who goes to yoga at 6 am and is tranquil, fit and balanced the rest of the day :-)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hot Stuff!
I went to a Bikram Yoga class today. Wow, what an experience! 90 minutes of constant movement in a hot, hot room. I actually made it through the class without fainting, which I consider a huge accomplishment.
It's true that the heat improves flexibility. I was able to do stretches this morning that I have been unable to achieve throughout the two years of my previous yoga-style practice.
My biggest turn-off is that the class times are totally inconvenient for me. The best class time is the 6 am. Well, I am NOT a morning person and as much as I'd like to be the woman who goes to yoga at 6 am, I'm not feeling very confident about actually being that woman.
In any case, I have the opportunity to attend as many classes as I want over the next two weeks. I have set my intention to attend the 6 am class tomorrow. I want to see how hard it will be for me to do so.
I'll let you know!
It's true that the heat improves flexibility. I was able to do stretches this morning that I have been unable to achieve throughout the two years of my previous yoga-style practice.
My biggest turn-off is that the class times are totally inconvenient for me. The best class time is the 6 am. Well, I am NOT a morning person and as much as I'd like to be the woman who goes to yoga at 6 am, I'm not feeling very confident about actually being that woman.
In any case, I have the opportunity to attend as many classes as I want over the next two weeks. I have set my intention to attend the 6 am class tomorrow. I want to see how hard it will be for me to do so.
I'll let you know!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Imagine, In This Day and Age!
When I first began this work over 18 years ago, I spent a lot of time educating people about hypnotherapy – what it is and what it isn’t. One of the most prevalent misconception had something to do with quacking and waddling like a duck (don’t ask).
As far as I’m concerned, one of the greatest areas of progress that came with the turn of this century has been the widespread recognition of the value of hypnotherapy in mind-body healing of all types. From Dr. Herbert Benson to Dr. Bernie Siegel to Dr. Candace Pert to Dr. Andrew Weil to Dr. Deepak Chopra to Dr. Bruce Lipton to Dr. Alice Domar … medical experts in just about every field have acknowledged the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a therapeutic tool.
So imagine my astonishment when my work was questioned the other day by a self-professed "healer" and specialized trainer. This is someone I've known and worked with for two years, someone I trusted and liked.
The root of her doubts lies in a woman I'll call "Natalia." Natalia was a chain smoker who I met through the trainer. When I told her my profession, Natalia admitted that she was fascinated by hypnosis and had always wanted to see if she could be hypnotized. She said she wanted to stop smoking and asked if my work could help.
I conducted my two-hour smoking cessation session with Natalia, including a hypnotherapy segment that I customized according to her specifications and then recorded for her on site. The suggestions included taking a shower first thing in the morning instead of having that first cigarette.
Well, apparently Natalia a) really didn't believe it would work and b) didn't really want to stop smoking because when she found herself taking a shower first thing the next morning, she was spooked and upset. When I checked in with her several days later she described her experience and told me that she found the whole thing "scary." She actually told me that she was forcing herself to smoke because the hypnotherapy worked so well.
If you want hypnosis to work, then why should it be "scary"when it does? I just don't get it. The key is that you cannot be made to do or say anything as a result of hypnosis that is contrary to your morals, beliefs or ethics. As long your intentions are honorable and you're working with a reputable practitioner, there's no danger involved and only positive possibilities.
Now, here's the really puzzling part that surfaced earlier this week. Natalia had told the trainer that she found my work "scary" and instead of reassuring Natalia that she was perfectly safe, the trainer's own ignorance-based fears were triggered. Instead of admitting that she was totally ignorant about the process, she questioned the appropriateness of hypnotherapy as a healing modality. "Natalia is still smoking!" she said to me as her proof. If I hadn't been so stunned, angry and hurt I would have laughed.
Needless to say, I'm looking for another trainer.
If you're interested, I have a whole section of my website (www.ahigherperspective.com) devoted to misconceptions regarding hypnotherapy. And if you ever have questions or concerns about the safety or effectiveness of my work, please just ask.
As far as I’m concerned, one of the greatest areas of progress that came with the turn of this century has been the widespread recognition of the value of hypnotherapy in mind-body healing of all types. From Dr. Herbert Benson to Dr. Bernie Siegel to Dr. Candace Pert to Dr. Andrew Weil to Dr. Deepak Chopra to Dr. Bruce Lipton to Dr. Alice Domar … medical experts in just about every field have acknowledged the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a therapeutic tool.
So imagine my astonishment when my work was questioned the other day by a self-professed "healer" and specialized trainer. This is someone I've known and worked with for two years, someone I trusted and liked.
The root of her doubts lies in a woman I'll call "Natalia." Natalia was a chain smoker who I met through the trainer. When I told her my profession, Natalia admitted that she was fascinated by hypnosis and had always wanted to see if she could be hypnotized. She said she wanted to stop smoking and asked if my work could help.
I conducted my two-hour smoking cessation session with Natalia, including a hypnotherapy segment that I customized according to her specifications and then recorded for her on site. The suggestions included taking a shower first thing in the morning instead of having that first cigarette.
Well, apparently Natalia a) really didn't believe it would work and b) didn't really want to stop smoking because when she found herself taking a shower first thing the next morning, she was spooked and upset. When I checked in with her several days later she described her experience and told me that she found the whole thing "scary." She actually told me that she was forcing herself to smoke because the hypnotherapy worked so well.
If you want hypnosis to work, then why should it be "scary"when it does? I just don't get it. The key is that you cannot be made to do or say anything as a result of hypnosis that is contrary to your morals, beliefs or ethics. As long your intentions are honorable and you're working with a reputable practitioner, there's no danger involved and only positive possibilities.
Now, here's the really puzzling part that surfaced earlier this week. Natalia had told the trainer that she found my work "scary" and instead of reassuring Natalia that she was perfectly safe, the trainer's own ignorance-based fears were triggered. Instead of admitting that she was totally ignorant about the process, she questioned the appropriateness of hypnotherapy as a healing modality. "Natalia is still smoking!" she said to me as her proof. If I hadn't been so stunned, angry and hurt I would have laughed.
Needless to say, I'm looking for another trainer.
If you're interested, I have a whole section of my website (www.ahigherperspective.com) devoted to misconceptions regarding hypnotherapy. And if you ever have questions or concerns about the safety or effectiveness of my work, please just ask.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Acceptance
In my newest Young Living shipment of essential oils, I received a blend called Acceptance. It seemed like a good one to have on hand for my clients. I didn't realize how important it might be for me.
As a practitioner, it's a fine line between caring deeply about helping my clients achieve their goals without being overly attached to a particular outcome. The perfect example of this is with fertility, one of my specialities. The client wants to conceive and carry the healthy baby to full-term; I want the client to conceive and carry the healthy baby to full-term. When it comes to panic, anxiety and phobias, I can pretty much guarantee full recovery; not so with fertility challenges.
I have to keep in mind -- and lovingly communicate to the distraught parent-in-waiting -- that there is a bigger picture in place here, one that speaks to the wholeness in each of us regardless of the fulfillment of our life's most cherished dreams.
Again and again I am reminded of the difference between a healing and a cure.
As a practitioner, it's a fine line between caring deeply about helping my clients achieve their goals without being overly attached to a particular outcome. The perfect example of this is with fertility, one of my specialities. The client wants to conceive and carry the healthy baby to full-term; I want the client to conceive and carry the healthy baby to full-term. When it comes to panic, anxiety and phobias, I can pretty much guarantee full recovery; not so with fertility challenges.
I have to keep in mind -- and lovingly communicate to the distraught parent-in-waiting -- that there is a bigger picture in place here, one that speaks to the wholeness in each of us regardless of the fulfillment of our life's most cherished dreams.
Again and again I am reminded of the difference between a healing and a cure.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Portals
The two weeks between a lunar and solar eclipse are often significant. Since the full moon lunar eclipse on June 26th, there have been several truly magical moments in my office.
Over the years, many people have had memorable spiritual awakenings in my client chair. The opportunity comes as a result of time set aside, a calm and nurturing environment, readiness, intention and, yes, perhaps a sprinkling of fairy dust, who knows.
Often the outcome has been a reconnection with brothers, sisters, parents or friends who've transitioned out of our world and back into spirit form. Yes, imagine that there is no go-between (as would be the case with a medium who channels spirits) -- but rather the direct experience of someone special who appears in your mind's eye with a specific message or reassurance.
Sometimes the outcome has been a true "sacred journey," encountering an angel or Mother Mary or Christ or Buddha.
Last week, over and over again I witnessed (and recorded by hand) a mix of these types of experiences. There are no words to describe the thrill of it. It is truly awesome as that word was meant to be defined.
In case you're thinking it's some kind of self-induced delusion on the client's part, I must emphasize that most often the recipients of these kinds of experiences are not "spiritual" people. Instead, they tend to be average Joes and Janes who may have some vague sense of something greater than themselves working in their lives, but are often without any spiritual element or structure. It's almost as though Spirit has been waiting for the right time to make itself known and grabs the opportunity afforded by one of these sessions.
How does this "opportunity" work? I use what I call Touch Hypnosis (a pattern of gentle touch on your forehead, shoulder, and hand) and a count down from 50-1 + deepening to get the client really, really relaxed. I suggest that the person go to "Sacred Space -- whatever that feels like or looks like to you." And away the client goes! Sometimes the experience flows so quickly that I can hardly keep my pen up with the client's narrative. Other times, I find myself "holding" the silence while the client is lying there with a beatific smile, obviously enjoying something special that goes beyond the need for expression.
The clients who experience these encounters find it a life-changing experience. Me, too!
Over the years, many people have had memorable spiritual awakenings in my client chair. The opportunity comes as a result of time set aside, a calm and nurturing environment, readiness, intention and, yes, perhaps a sprinkling of fairy dust, who knows.
Often the outcome has been a reconnection with brothers, sisters, parents or friends who've transitioned out of our world and back into spirit form. Yes, imagine that there is no go-between (as would be the case with a medium who channels spirits) -- but rather the direct experience of someone special who appears in your mind's eye with a specific message or reassurance.
Sometimes the outcome has been a true "sacred journey," encountering an angel or Mother Mary or Christ or Buddha.
Last week, over and over again I witnessed (and recorded by hand) a mix of these types of experiences. There are no words to describe the thrill of it. It is truly awesome as that word was meant to be defined.
In case you're thinking it's some kind of self-induced delusion on the client's part, I must emphasize that most often the recipients of these kinds of experiences are not "spiritual" people. Instead, they tend to be average Joes and Janes who may have some vague sense of something greater than themselves working in their lives, but are often without any spiritual element or structure. It's almost as though Spirit has been waiting for the right time to make itself known and grabs the opportunity afforded by one of these sessions.
How does this "opportunity" work? I use what I call Touch Hypnosis (a pattern of gentle touch on your forehead, shoulder, and hand) and a count down from 50-1 + deepening to get the client really, really relaxed. I suggest that the person go to "Sacred Space -- whatever that feels like or looks like to you." And away the client goes! Sometimes the experience flows so quickly that I can hardly keep my pen up with the client's narrative. Other times, I find myself "holding" the silence while the client is lying there with a beatific smile, obviously enjoying something special that goes beyond the need for expression.
The clients who experience these encounters find it a life-changing experience. Me, too!
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