When we suffer from any health problem, regardless of whether it’s a serious condition or chronic irritation, our state of mind undoubtedly determines the outcome. I’m not talking about positive thinking here, but about addressing negative, long-term subconscious patterns and beliefs. There has been much research that includes placebo trials (a placebo is when the brain can convince the body that a fake treatment or drug has therapeutic value or is able to cure. The patient is unaware that the treatment is fake. Sugar pills or water injections are examples). When we think about a negative memory and experience trauma – a trusted friend who has betrayed us, or the loss of a loved one, the subconscious mind will store those experiences, not only in the brain, but in the cells, therefore cellular memory does not contain only genetic information and biochemistry, but also every experience we ever had. This is why it is documented that certain dis-eases manifest in particular areas of the body, where an event causes an emotional response. For example, bitterness can create digestive problems in the gallbladder. Chinese medicine has long recognised the connection between our emotions and dis-ease.
There are a number of ways to clear these limiting subconscious beliefs and experiences that compromise not only the quality of our health, but also our lives in general. The first place to begin is by examining your thoughts and become aware of how you think and how you see yourself. Unless we finally become aware, it will drive our lives like a remote pilot. Negative thoughts become “negative” only by the perceptions we have about actual experiences. The mind is not always to be believed! But how we behave is determined by how we think. We need to learn to question whether what we tell ourselves is actually true or not and challenge repetitive thoughts. The moment you decide on a deep, conscious and subconscious level to let go or simply to remove it’s importance, it no longer has any impact or power over you. In other words, it’s not what happens “to” you but how you look at it and how long you decide to hold onto it. There’s a great freedom in letting go and taking your power back from what is essentially the mind running an old program. Releasing the experience and sometimes even people, is an important process to recovery. Grieving the death of a loved one is of course another issue entirely and it’s best to seek professional counselling.
Life is a destination for learning, so when we accept and understand that how we think undoubtedly draws to us what we focus on, we will fully appreciate that it’s essential to choose our thoughts carefully and embrace self work if we truly want to heal. There is an abundance of therapies available that includes one-to-one with a therapist, online courses, seminars and self-help books that include techniques one can do at home.
Here are just a few suggested techniques and therapies to investigate. It’s an individual preference so allow some patience and experimentation. If you have some serious traumatic issues/PTSD to resolve, then its sensible to work with an experienced therapist:
Ø Matrix Re-imprinting (an extension of EFT)
Ø EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique (Faster EFT with Robert Gene)
Ø The Release Technique
Ø NLP – Neuro Linguistic Programming (therapist required)
Ø Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis (you can purchase online downloads or see a therapist)
Ø Subliminal reprogramming with bin-aural sound therapy (there are many avenues here to explore so find a reputable source that feels comfortable)
Ø CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (therapist required)
Ø The Silva Method
Ø Psycho Cybernetics
AUTHORS AND WORKSHOPS
Dr Daniel Amen
Eckhart Tolle
Dr Christiane Northrup
Dr Henry Grayson
Dr Bernie Siegel
Gregg Braden
Dr Joe Dispenza
Louise Hay
Inna Segal
Maxwell Maltz
Bruce Lipton
Dr Wayne Dyer
Additional things to consider during the process of clearing and healing:
Ø Ensure your diet is fresh, high in healthy fats, has clean sources of protein (wild fish, organic, grass fed animal produce), laden with fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables, healthy complex carbohydrates and that you eliminate foods that create inflammation in your body. These culprits can be found through a simple elimination diet – starting with the common inflammatory foods such as soy, corn, dairy, gluten etc. Ensure you eat foods that are colourful, fresh and laden with vitamins and minerals. Keep it simple – no need to spend hours in the kitchen. Also consider fasting. You may need to do this under supervision if you have more serious health conditions. This supports not only cellular healing, but promotes better mental health. If brain health is good, our mental health is good.
Ø Take up meditation. By slowing down brain waves and experiencing a state of deep calm, this has been proven to balance the Ph of the bloodstream, lower cortisol levels (stress hormones) and increase serotonin (feel good hormones) to name only a few. People who meditate tend to be more positive and less affected by stressful situations.
Ø Learn forgiveness. It is said that one cannot heal until we forgive, both ourselves and those who have wronged us. Forgiveness doesn’t condone wrong behaviour, but simply means accepting and letting go for our own sake. We also then create a more peaceful mind-set for self-love. Until we learn to love and appreciate who we are, healing cannot happen.
Ø Be honest about your own short-comings and work on changing them with love and compassion. This encourages a better relationship with yourself and in time, will change your world.
Ø Explore your spiritual side and find what works for you, without being influenced by others. To choose a spiritual journey is a unique experience.
Ø Change your story. Dr Joe Dispenza’s research has shown that new neural pathways only take approximately 21 days to create. This essential process begins by working on behaviour changes, taking up new hobbies, making new friends etc. and breaking with your daily routine. There are guided meditations available.
Ø Find your own positive affirmations – change your internal dialogue by affirming the positive and deconstructing your self-created mental limitations.
Ø Reconnect with nature, creativity – music, art etc. Getting outdoors and away from the computer is essential to stimulate the mind and body so find a favourite spot and visit new places. Listening to music or being creative, lifts our moods.
Ø If your state of health allows it, take up a new sport and get uncomfortable. Step out of the comfy chair. Progress really begins when you’re challenging yourself both mentally and physically. Activity also boosts serotonin.
Ø Limit your time on social media or have some autonomy and live without it. Whilst sometimes useful, it is equally misused as a playground for people attracted to gossip and/or bullying. The opinion of these types of people really doesn’t matter, particularly when your relationship with yourself is healthy. If it’s extreme, involve the law who now take this problem seriously and will prosecute.
Ø Avoid or minimise alcohol which is a known depressant and toxic to the brain.
Ø Spring clean your social circles. If there are friends or family members who don't have your best interests at heart, are draining, untrustworthy or difficult, they don’t belong in your life. One of the most important things we can do is to choose friends carefully and value those who are worthwhile.
Ø Laugh. Boost your serotonin by watching comedy and surrounding yourself with fun people. Be part of your community. Giving and being part of something positive builds self-esteem and everyone wins.
Ø Decide that the limiting thoughts of others have no place in your life. Cultivate some faith and rediscover who you are without seeking anyone’s approval.
And finally..............
Sometimes, as painful as it seems, dis-ease is an opportunity for change at a profound level. It’s the mind and body’s way of making you stop to reflect. It’s also a signal that we’re not completely happy - that our relationship with our self may be wounded. But it’s never too late to recreate who we think we are and become our best.
Comments