Reiki ~ energy, flow, harmony, healing . . .

Reiki is a Japanese natural energy healing technique, now taught and practiced worldwide.
It was founded by Mikao Usui around the early 1920's, a leading inspirational light in the powers of natural healing. 'Rei' means universal and 'Ki' means life force or energy.
Ki energy is within us and around us, creating Reiki a universal energy that is all encompassing.

Our life force energy is respected and understood widely in Eastern cultures, however in our Western lives we have often lost this knowledge, wisdom and connection with this energy which is unseen yet can be felt.  

'Ki' is a subtle force within us, moving through an invisible network called our Meridians. These meridian lines are recognised in many therapies including :~ Reflexology, Kinesiology, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Emotional Freedom Technique, Thought Field Therapy . . . to name but a few . . . as well as Reiki.
This subtle energy is also respected in Feng Shui, Ki Gong, Tai Chi, Yoga, and so many more areas of flow which you might not have thought about until now.

When I first experienced a Reiki treatment myself, it was the most deeply relaxing, yet re-energising therapeutic treatment I'd ever had. I was so amazed at the connection with an inner flow or energy, and the level of healing possible, that I knew I'd found something which I knew was right for me ~ on many different levels ~ physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It was a huge turning point for me in my life, and even though I was told that at the time, it wasn't until later looking back when I realised how much it helped me turn my life around.    
14 years on and I've never looked back.
I feel very humbled and honored to have been taught Reiki, to give treatments on clients and to teach and train others in Reiki too. It can open up your mind and world to our deepest layers of existence.
As a treatment, Reiki to me, is quite unique. Each treatment is different because the client draws upon whatever 'Ki' energy they need at that moment in time ~ physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Every day is different and so are we. So Reiki tunes into our current needs to help return our balance, sense of equilibrium and inner flow. A client may feel warmth or coolness, tingling sensations flowing through the body, they may become aware of colours or images, feelings of floating, or just drift into a deep feeling of sleep ~ like the one when you feel you are still there, but somehow at the same time you're not there too. (it almost reminds me of hypnosis and different layers of trance states). For more information on the Reiki Healing Treatments and the Reiki training courses I teach visit  http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive%20Hypnotherapy-Kettering-reiki-33.php  or What's On Page

Reiki is taught at 4 different levels ~ Reiki level One is known as Sho-den and is all about self-healing and connecting with 'Ki' your life force energy. Everyone has the capacity and ability to learn Reiki and connect with flow, it is a gift we all possess . . . not just a few.
It may be the start of something special for you too. . .

My next Reiki Sho-den course in 2013 is 16th and 17th March.

May 2013 light your path . . .

Hypnotherapy Hypnosis Self-Hypnosis ~ it's all in the mind.

All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis.
Well, if you think about that, it means we are all 100% responsible for our thoughts, our behaviours, our interpretations of the world around us. Ultimately it's all in the mind. And what is great to know, is that we can change our minds. Thoughts are just thoughts, they can be shaped, molded, changed, guided towards whatever direction we choose to take them into. . . ( . . . if we really want to!)
So if all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, then how come we're not all channeling our thoughts and lives to how we want them to be?
Well all hypnosis IS self-hypnosis, but sometimes we live our lives in a trance of ignorance, only seeing what we want to see, not imagining that things could change and be different. 
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, part of my job is to guide clients towards realising that change is possible, that things can be totally different from how they've always been. The answers are always within, but sometimes we need to be shown the way, the journey into understanding, discovery and realisation of many different things, that mean we can be different.

The light needs to be switched on, so clarity can be found. . .




Through clarity, we can learn from the past, accept, forgive, heal, in whatever way is right for us personally, to be able to let go and move on in a positive and empowering way.

To me, Hypnotherapy is like a torch being gently shone into the darker shadow aspects of the mind, so that these shadows can become lighter and lighter until that clarity and understanding are there, the shadows and confusion have gone, leaving you with a much more positive outlook towards yourself and your life . . . change happens, freeing you up to be who you want to be.

So the only person ever holding you back in your life . . . is YOU.

Only you can take yourself to where you need to be for change to take place. Which means that you are always in control of how light or deep you go into hypnosis. You have total control of your mind. Nobody can make you do what you don't want to do. So the most important thing to think about is do you really want to create change and are you truly ready?
The saying goes "You can take a horse to water, but you can't make it drink"

So, if you're reading this and thinking about some of the aspects of your life that weighs you down, or you wish were different and could change . . . then you are in the perfect place to actually DO something about it. Because to actually change . . . you have to take action, to do something that starts those wheels of motion turning.
Take responsibility.
Be back in control of your life and outcomes.
You will feel so much better when you do, which is a good thing to know that the professional guidance of an experienced Cognitive Hypnotherapist is a positive one. You can have fun feeling better as you change those shadows into lighter brighter places!

We are all different, unique in many ways of how we think and perceive the world through our own eyes. Cognitive Hypnotherapy flows beautifully with uniqueness, being a flexible therapy model tailored to suit our thoughts and perceptions. This personal approach means you can move through those shadows at the right pace and speed for you to get to where you need to be, in the way that is right for you.
You can discover more about my Hypnotherapy practice in Harley Street, London and Northamptonshire by visiting www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk 

Or you may know of someone who is searching for answers, looking for change, or stuck in their own shadows and share this knowledge with them . . . it could be the start of a very positive New Year in 2013. 

Every Pregnant Mum-to-Be can feel like Royalty

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate on the announcement of Kate Middleton's pregnancy ~ what wonderful news and such a special time for them over the coming months that lie ahead.

No doubt, Kate and William will have the ultimate care and attention paid to them, to ensure the wellbeing of Kate and their baby-to-be. The national papers have already been speculating about the in's and out's of what they may or may not consider ~ will they do ante-natal classes together? will she do Pregnancy Yoga? will they opt for the HypnoBirthing route?

What I'd like to float out to all expectant parents and mums-to-be is another approach, which you may or may not have heard about as yet (although it has been around for approx 8 years) ~ and that is the Confident Childbirth programme which is a very personalised approach to hypnosis during Pregnancy and labour. Confident Childbirth practitioners are based in several counties across the country, and as one of them myself I see Confident Childbirth clients in Northamptonshire and in Harley Street, London.
Confident Childbirth is Hypnotherapy for birth ~ tailoring positive Hypnosis techniques to suit the individual needs of each Mum-to-Be, through a caring Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach to Hypnobirthing.

Research shows Hypnosis can help to :~

• Reduce Fear, Tension and Pain
• Increase ability to Relax both Mentally and Physically
• Reduce need for Pain Medication
• Help Shorten Labour
• Reduce incidence of Surgical Interventions
• Promotes higher Apgar 'Baby Wellbeing' score
• Shortens Hospital Stay
• Reduced Post-Natal Depression
• Promotes Lactation

Who is it For?
The Confident Childbirth courses are for those who have already attended an NCT course or other antenatal education class. Partners are most welcome to join you too.

What will I Learn?
During your Confident Childbirth sessions, which are personal and individual to you and your needs, you will be taught a range of very effective tools which include :~

• Self Hypnosis
• Relaxation Techniques
• Pain Management Techniques

Alongside this my clients also receive Free Personalised Hypnosis downloads for them to enjoy listening to and benefitting from throughout their pregnancy, guiding them towards a calmer more confident labour experience. All of which can really help support expectant mums and their partners, to having the best possible birthing experience . . . preparing them well to meet their new born baby.

How Long is the Course?
The Confident Childbirth course is generally over four 1 hour sessions, which can be at whatever stage of your pregnancy suits you best ~ whether taken altogether over a shorter period of time or spread out at different stages of your pregnancy, the choice is always yours. To find out more about how to book these then please contact me via my website www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

So whether you are a first time mum (like Kate Middleton) or a mum to many, the Confident Childbirth approach of hypnobirthing is a wonderful way to embrace this special time in your life, and begin to feel positively different. Those special connections made with your baby will help to reassure them too!
We can all feel like we're being treated like 'royalty', with this very personalised and supportive care . . . . because naturally we all think of our babies as being precious ~ just like a prince or princess . . . so why would we not want to give them the best possible entrance into this world?

Harshani Curbishley-Brown
Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Confident Childbirth Practitioner
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Looking after You Just Like Royalty!

The Beauty of Friendship

How very special to know you have friends ~ whether you can count them all on one hand or many, it really doesn't matter ~ but what if we could think wider . . . or even wider than that?

What if everyone could become an image of friendship . . . and creating that all started within ourselves?

Today, I'd like to share the beautiful inspirational teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda from his book of daily readings called "The Golden Present": ~

Become a Friend

           You don't make a friend. You become a friend. Then you automatically will have friends.

If you relate to people in a very friendly, affectionate way, by loving and caring, sharing and helping, then naturally they will see you as a good friend. When they see you as a good friend, then they become your friends. It begins with you. You should always try to do something nice for people. 

Never hurt anyone's feelings. The secret is to always look for opportunities to help others; look for ways to be nice to them. Sometimes they might even be nasty to you; if so, ignore it, forget it. Maybe that is the way they are; but we should be nice to them. Even if someone says, "Oh, you're a fool," you should say "Thank you." Don't retaliate with the same kind of words. Soon they will get tired of all that. Afterwards, they will even feel ashamed.

         The great sage, Thiruvalluvar said that if people do something wrong to you or hurt you, do something really good for them in return. That is the best punishment. Why? Because they will be so embarrassed to have done that to you. It is in our hands. We can always make friends with anyone and everyone if we have the right attitude. If we have the patience and understanding.

So as your day today comes towards a close, try to see how many friendships you can create around you and the next day and the next and the next. . .

Peace of mind, starts within.
Healing starts within.
Wellbeing starts within.

It's all in your hands to create change and others are there to help, guide and support you along the way too.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Be Kind to Each Other Today!

National Kindness Day ~ Tuesday 13^th November 

A Nation spreading kindness! Tuesday November 13^th is not just a National Day of Kindness but a World Kindness Day, so let us all embrace it across our Nation, Counties, into all of our towns & villages, it’s a wonderful thing which everyone can do . . . to be mindful of showing some extra kindness towards others & it doesn’t cost a penny! The many benefits of the effects of being kind have been extensively researched at how kindness can increase our personal happiness. One of my favorite writers on the benefits of kindness is Dr David Hamilton PhD “Why Kindness is Good for You”, so as well as it making us feel happier inside, the increased emotional warmth releases the positive ‘cardioprotective’ hormone Oxytocin which can help our hearts by reducing blood pressure, it can slow down the aging process as there is a strong link between showing compassion & activity in the Vagus Nerve, which also helps to regulate the heart rate & controls inflammation in the body, it improves our relationships & it becomes contagious like a ripple effect acting kinder towards others inspires them to feel much kinder too!

In my Cognitive Hypnotherapy practice I often explore many ways to help clients explore this feel good factor, so they can increase their personal wellbeing & happiness. So I suggest doing some ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ ~ everyday to look for 3 different ways to do a random act of kindness towards some one else, so here are some of them which I challenge us all to do:~

·      Hold a door open for someone

·      Pay someone a nice compliment

·      Surprise someone with a cup of tea

·      Make a lovely meal for a loved one or friend ~ especially if this is not the norm!

·      Smile as you pass people in the street

·      Clean someone’s car for them

·      Give up your seat to another on the bus/train/tube

·      Offer to help someone who might be struggling ~ either crossing the road or carrying heavy bags

·      See what you could do to help a neighbour

·      Be kind to yourself too

Remember that being kind is in thought, spoken word & deed, so everything counts in the happiness factor. Enjoy the kindness of each other today, it may start a ripple effect across the world for weeks to come!

http://www.national-awareness-days.com/national-kindness-day.html

 Please feel free to share some kindness stories here today . . .

Have a beautiful day today!

www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk 

Trick or Treat . . . it's Halloween!!!

As you walk through the crispy rustle of Autumn leaves, that sharp breeze goes through you . . . maybe you can even sense there's someone behind you . . . and when you turn around there's no-one really there . . . or is there!!! The tiny hairs on the back of your neck begin to stand up . . . sending a shiver down your spine . . . you start to walk faster . . . your heart beating like mad . . . your imagination soars . . . you must get back home . . . forgetting yourself you start running . . . you ask yourself "Why is it I get spooked like this?" . . . the answers all lie within.

So, what is it about Halloween that makes it okay for us to scare the life out of each other . . . or even worse out of little children.
Why is that type of FEAR acceptable and okay, when other fears are not?
Why would you even want to put yourself through yet another viewing of Nightmare on Elm Street or Halloween?
Do they still give you nightmares now?
For some people the scarier the movie the better!

For me, I quite like my heart beating naturally, just as it should be . . . maybe because I can jump at the slightest thing . . . my best example of that is watching Jaws the movie (any of them) ~ my rational logical adult mind knows that it is a plastic/rubber shark and that when the spooky music comes on it builds up the anticipation that Jaws is about to appear ~ never-the-less I could still jump out of my skin every single time! So I made a decision, because I like my heart and mind to feel more peaceful that I have no need or desire to watch spooky/scary/jumpy things anymore (where at all possible). Am I hiding away from my fears or am I understanding that there is enough 'real' life fears in the world that I don't need to create any more than needed.

Enjoy Halloween, but keep it lighthearted . . . after all it is supposed to be simple childish fun.

My recommendation today is that if it really scares you then STOP! Do something different, something positive and lighthearted instead. You will feel much safer, much more secure in yourself. Your unconscious mind will always step in when you are scared, whether it's Halloween fear or other fear ~ your sympathetic nervous system will kick into play, stimulating our natural fight or flight instincts, causing the heart to race, the breathing to become quicker, all that adrenaline firing up so we can get as much oxygen and blood flow to our muscles to run away form the fear as quick as it can.
So if you really want to run away from your sofa during a movie tonight, now you know why. Your body and mind are trying to protect you as it can't work out whether that fear is real or just on T.V. ~ all it knows is what it sees it thinks is real . . . what it hears it thinks is real . . . what it feels (scared) it thinks is real ~ so do yourself a favour and consider letting your body and mind have a peaceful calm night tonight instead!

To find out more how Cognitive Hypnotherapy can help overcome fear in your life (whether real or imaginary) then visit www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Boost Your Immune System

Well today in Northamptonshire the cold Autumnal weather has finally arrived, as I'm sure it has all around the Country too! I had a lovely facebook message from a dear Yoga friend in Finland saying it snowed yesturday. . . as beautiful as it is, I'm thankful we don't have any yet.

With seasonal change often comes challenges to our Immune System, the starts of coughs and colds are already floating around. So alongside our extra doses of Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea I thought I'd share my offering of an easy immune system tonic recipe which I've used for many years now, which is an old wives remedy health drink ~ Cider Vinegar, Honey & Water.

As easy as ~ 2 tblsp Apple Cider Vinegar + 2 tsp Honey (to taste) + 5 tblsp water (warm or room temp)

Simply mix the vinegar and honey first until dissolved, then add the water and drink! It's a bit like a sharp apple juice, so adjust the honey and water suit your tastes.
Recommended daily to help maintain health, or soothe throats, or help clear chest infections. Try it out to see how you might like it too!

And if this finds you already feeling under the weather (so to speak!) then please click on this link and you can download my FREE "Healing Garden" hypnosis track to help speed up the healing process and increase your sense of wellbeing.

http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Downloads-23.php

Wishing you a happy and healthy Autumn!

Pass it on and share with others . . .

    

Do you feel you are Valued?

So, what do you really think . . . do you feel valued or not?

What exactly is 'Being Valued' . . . is it something external about others . . . or internal about ourselves?
We often look towards others when we consider being valued . . . however what if it's nothing to do with anyone else's opinion, thoughts or belief's and actually all about US and our self-opinion's, thoughts and self beliefs.

If you don't value yourself then why or even how should others value you either?
Everything ultimately has to start within. . .

• The more you respect yourself . . . the more others do too
• The more you believe in yourself . . . the more others do too
• The more you like yourself . . . the more others like you too
• The more you appreciate yourself . . . the more others appreciate you too
• So . . . the more you value yourself . . . then the more others will value you too!

So next time you feel anything less than being valued, take a good look at yourself, your behaviour, your beliefs and search for all the positives that ARE there. . . notice all of your special qualities . . . and start to value yourself . . . it's all those little things that add up to making a bigger difference.

Recommended positive affirmation of the day . . .

"I value and believe in myself"   

Hello world

Good morning all

Smile and the World Smiles with You!

They say a smile can speak a thousand words . . .

A smile is infectious . . . smile at others and watch it spread . . .

Do you know how good smiling is for you?
How beneficial it is to your Immune System and sense of Wellbeingness . . . mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually!

So just for today practise smiling . . . smile to yourself . . . smile at others . . . smile at your pets even!

It not only makes you feel good, but you may also brighten someone else's day . . . and how good is that!

Would love to hear your smiling adventures and spread the smiles around . . .

I'll start . . .

"This morning I smiled at my cats as they raced past me to run upstairs and snuggled on the bed for the day . . . "

www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Stoptober changing a habit of a lifetime . . .

Well, we're now on 4th October and day four of Stoptober . . . any smokers out there still on track?

Do you really want to stop, is the question  I always ask, because if you don't . . . then you won't!

Often, a bit like with reverse psychology, if you're told to stop something . . . or are told you shouldn't do something . . . or told this is 'when' you have to do something . . . then very often we revert back to the child within and say NO . . . I don't want to do it . . . or I'll do it in my own time.

It's like telling a child "Whatever you do don't touch the pen!" . . . curiosity is an amazing quality of the mind, because once something has been pointed out to you, you can't help but be drawn towards it more and more . . . that temptation has been put there . . . like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey . . . it's hard to avoid the very thing you want it to avoid.

So whatever you do don't stop smoking in October . . . you'll never do it because you've been told to do it . . . not because you want to do it . . . because you don't want to stop now do you . . .

So when you are really sure that you don't know you can do it . . . easily with hypnosis . . . then you can relax during October and just change those habits of a lifetime for good. You could have a craving free month . . .

http://smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober/

http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Take a Moment to Clear your Head

The majority of people spend their lives rushing from A to B knowing they still need to do C & yet D E and F are also somewhere in the back of their minds pending attention whenever it appears. . . so just forget about the rest of the alphabet as it just won't happen!
We might be thinking of our shopping list whilst going round the supermarket and somehow our minds get drawn off to other places, people, thoughts which draw our attention away from what we are doing . . . like those times when you've thought you've got all the shopping that you went for, only to find that once you've got back home the very thing you needed you forgot!

We have so much "stuff" going on in our heads, you wonder why it doesn't explode somehow. No wonder stress is a common phrase that gets repeated time and time again. When we're overly busy we're "stressed" and for some even being under-busy with nothing to fill their lives they feel "stressed' simply by the fact that they should be as busy as everyone else!

Our thoughts that we hold and carry around with us can start to build up into a cluttered space . . . where we can't even think clearly or focus on one thing at a time . . . to actually finish some of the "To Do List Jobs" so we can clear those thoughts and leave space for the next one to arise.

Just like when we clutter clear our homes or work desk . . . that feeling of creating space . . . a sense of relief that you have room to think or even dare I say relax. . . it helps to take the pressure off . . . we feel healthier in a less cluttered space. Not just physically but mentally too.

So if you think about it the clutter in our minds and thoughts is mental clutter, just like physical clutter around us. So to sort out the mind stuff, to clutter clear what you no longer need or find useful, to move on from the past and let things go . . . will give you more clarity of mind, clarity of who and how you want to be . . . creating an inner healthier space to live with = less stress!

There are many ways to clear our minds of clutter:~

• Practising Meditation
• Practising Mindfulness to be present with what you are doing
• Hypnotherapy to help shift patterns/habits of unhelpful thoughts
• Writing things down and prioritising importance
• Delegate some of the "jobs" to others
• Take action and start to change things
• Set clear realistic goals to work towards
• Sing, smile and feel lighter in your mind
• Talk to someone

The old saying goes "A problem shared is a problem halved" ~ so talking to someone often helps take the weight off your mind and can help you work out ways of resolving problems and work towards the solutions. I highly recommend that you clear your clutter . . . you might even surprise yourself to experience moments of peace of mind . . . just imagine how lovely that would be? . . .
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk
 

Stage Fright on the Night

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2012/sep/21/stephen-fry-stage-fright

For some people it doesn't matter how experienced they are or how long they have performed on stage, for them those first night fears appear time and time again.
It's important to acknowledge that a little bit of fear is sometimes a good thing . . . it helps us to perform at our very best . . . to draw upon resources from deep within us . . . our inner strength, our determination, our motivation . . . all of these elements help us to stand up and put what we know to the test . . . to step in front of the spot lights and conquer our fears.

But when fears limit us and we become the "rabbit caught frozen in the headlights" it no longer helps us but hinders us. The experience of stage fright can be one of those moments when the world ceases to exist, you want to be swallowed up, your heart races, words don't seem to come out right, you can't wait for the curtain to come down . . . for it to all be over.

The audience however can sit in awe, admiration, they don't feel the fear or are even aware of the actors fears . . . they might even wish they had enough guts to do what those on stage are doing. How different our worlds are . . . how different we think, feel and behave . . . how different we think others think . . . it's all our own perception, our own projection of the world around us.

Thoughts can change, perceptions can change, our experience of our reality can change too . . . what if through tapping into the positive side of the stage fright adrenaline rush we could channel it into a more useful supportive internal experience of excitement . . . just like that butterflies in the stomach feeling when we are looking forward to some thing special . . . like walking down the isle or winning an award. Therapeutic Hypnosis as in the model of Cognitive Hypnotherapy can most certainly help lessen the negative side of fear and maintain the excitement of the stage performance.

So be curious at just what it might be that Cognitive Hypnotherapy can help you with to make the moment you step on stage the best thing in the world, that you want to harness and enjoy time and time again. . . the differences it could make to your career . . . your stage presence . . . as you confidently perform at your very best. . . you'll never know until you try it for yourself. . .
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

 

 

Laugh at Mistakes . . .

How do you see the world around you?

We can all see the world in different ways, so maybe when something at first may appear to you as a 'Mistake' then perhaps to someone else it's not . . . it could be the perfect opportunity to learn, develop, change and improve.

Now there is a thought . . . what if a mistake is simply a 'miss take' . . . something which means we can do it again and again, but maybe tweek to a different way . . . just like in acting, the phrase that comes to mind is "That's a Take!" . . . when the action is just right and the results have been shot/filmed just as the director anticipated them in his/her mind. 

So all we need to do it keep practising, tweeking until the results are a "Take".
So practise feeling lighter about a mis-take, it's nothing right or wrong, just different!
And even better than that, if you can learn to laugh at your mistakes, then it helps you move through them even quicker.
Laughter is the best therapy of all.
When we can laugh at ourselves, in a light hearted way, then we can begin to see the fun side of life. Then life can be fun, a joy to enjoy!

We can laugh at our mistakes, and discover what it was we 'missed' until through practising it again with the missing part included it becomes the "Take".

Practise . . . practise . . . practise . . . laugh and have fun . . . eventually you will get there (wherever there maybe for you!) . . . and the best thing of all is that as you're learning how to get there, you can enjoy the journey and have fun too.

www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

The Possibility of Change is all in your Hands

Today I turned over one of my positive thoughts for the day and affirmation cards which read . . .

"Anything that bothers you is only a problem within. Only You can experience it, and only You can correct it."

The affirmation that went with that was "I work on my problems, and then I release them"

It's quite true that we can only experience things from our own point of view, we can imagine how others might think or feel, but they will have their inner experiences and you have yours.
So when you find something that bothers you, no matter what it is, the real place to work through it is by looking within ourselves at what we run through our minds, our thoughts, our beliefs, our values, and how they make us behave, feel, respond in many different ways (some we like and some we don't like!).

So next time you're faced with something that bothers you, take a moment to stop and reflect on what is your experience of it, what does it bring your attention to within yourself . . . what do you like and what do you dislike . . . all being just our personal point of view . . . our perception at that moment in time.

Remember that a problem is only a problem if you make it one!

These things we create as problems, are often there to help us learn, change, and develop as a person. Resistance to change is futile, as the thing that bothers you will simply keep popping up in many different ways, showing it's many different colours within you, until you've learnt what you needed to learn, embraced those learning and changed how you see things.
The only person who stops you from changing is you. . . and only you can do it.
Yes, you can have support and guidance but ultimately you need to do the doing.


I support and guide my Cognitive Hypnotherapy clients through change everyday, helping them to realise just what it is within them that holds them back, and them guide them through releasing it in whatever way is right for them. Simply knowing that there are things within yourself you want to change and are ready to change and move them on is the first step to taking action . . .
the possibility of change is always within your hands.
http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk  

Making all the Positive Differences Count

When it comes to making changes or working towards a goal, things tend to add up in many different ways. Sometimes you might not think that you are getting very far, but it's all the little things that count, that can add up to making a bigger difference in the end.
So when you work towards your goals it's not just about what you do, but also what you think and feel too.
If your thoughts are not in the right place, supporting the changes, then it can become an obstacle which can sometimes prevent you from achieving your very best. The saying goes, that "what you think so becomes" . . . so always start off by getting your mind into gear . . . believing in what you are wanting to do . . . knowing that it will happen . . . imagining what it will be like once you have already achieved it. . . all of these thoughts creating good positive feelings inside yourself . . . all of those positive feelings motivating and helping you move through the changes too.

Often we can get too wrapped up in what we haven't done yet, focusing too much on what is still to be done . . . rather than looking at just how far you have already come and the positive differences these changes have made. . . getting you back into a forward flow towards your goals. Every step counts, anything more than nothing is a success, however big or small, they all add up in the end towards being closer to the end results.

See what you can do today which is a positive step for you in the right direction of where you most want to be!

http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Wise Words of Stephen Hawking

For those of you who watched the opening ceremony last night for the Para-Olympics, we can sit in awe and admiration for every single one of the athletes and performers who put their heart and souls into making it truly special and unique.

The wise words of Stephen Hawking are still ringing in my ears . . .

"Look up at the stars, and not down at your feet.

        Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist.

                Be curious . . ."

We should all learn to be grateful for whatever life brings us and seek to live our lives to the fullest possible. It is so easy sometimes to simply take things for granted, so take a moment each day over the Para-Olympics to do something positive and be inspired by others.

Good luck Team GB we salute you!

Mind Body Wellbeing - Hypnotherapy Northants: Testimonials

Mind Body Wellbeing - Hypnotherapy Northants: Testimonials

Great client feedback and success stories are reminders of the important life changing work we do within Cognitive Hypnotherapy.
It is so liberating and freeing to let go of the things that weigh you down or keep you stuck somewhere . . . to move on fears and find yourself being able to live a more fulfilling life.

What success stories would you also like to share . . . ?

Eating Mindfully

If "we are what we eat", as the saying goes, then we should be mindful of how we view ourselves too.
It's not just about the food, but how we feel about the person we're mindfully or mindlessly filling.

If we like ourselves and take care about ourselves, then we are more likely to nourish ourselves well with healthier options. The opposite is also often very true . . . that if we think little of ourselves and disregard ourselves, then we're more likely to not care so much about our choices of foods that we put in our mouths and therefore feed ourselves poorly or with less nutritious meals . . . or too much.

So try this for one full day of liking yourself, looking after yourself, nurturing yourself and think about every choice you make around what you feed yourself with . . . to when and how you feed yourself. . .
Is it in a rush and hurried, because you haven't got time? . . . Are you even aware of how fast you eat?
To start practising being more mindful around yourself and what you eat, the first step is to slow right down . . . to practise chewing your food well, at least 20 times every mouthful . . . to practise putting your knife and fork down inbetween mouthfuls so you can focus on chewing what's actually in your mouth and enjoy the taste, the texture, the food (before you start preparing the next fork full!). . . all of this can help aid your digestion, as your natural saliva in the mouth helps break the food down as the first stage of digestion, even before we swallow the food. By breaking the food down correctly, it helps the stomach digest the food better, helping us to reduce bloating and over-eating and helping us to have healthier internal organs.
By chewing each mouthful slowly and correctly, it also means we can learn to listen to the body better and stop eating if it tastes awful, we don't like it or the body starts to let you know your full.
It is okay to enjoy your food, and by slowing down and savouring the flavour, you enjoy it even more, and more importantly you discover you feel satisfied with what you have eaten, to the point that you begin to feel content when you've had enough. Which means you stop looking for more.

http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Chuckle muscles!

Peter Kay Channel 4 Thursday 16^th of August  

I watched Peter Kay last night on the TV and thoroughly enjoyed two hours of watching  Edd my husband literally “cry laughing”, I have to confess that being a native of Ashford, Middlesex, I do not necessarily understand “Northern humour” although married to a northerner (Edd does attempt to educate me from time to time on the finer points of Northern humour). I do however understand the beneficial effects of a really good laugh and the change in mood that this can bring about.  

Lots of studies have shown how laughter can help reduce stress and generally help to improve your life, here are just a few examples: ~

·      Laughter helps you to relax and reduce muscle tension which can make you calmer and give a sense of overall wellbeing. 

·      Laughter helps to boost your immune system, infection fighting antibodies are released and your stress levels can decrease.

·      Laughter can help to reduce chronic pain, some medical studies have shown it can have a beneficial effect of up to 2 hours.

·      Laughter improves overall levels of creativity, a good laugh puts challenges into perspective and can lead to more creative problem solving.

The benefits of a good laugh are many, bringing a greater sense of wellbeing, an improved outlook on life, both physically and mentally.

It is actually very easy to trick the brain into releasing the beneficial chemicals that we all produce naturally for a really great “feel good fix” (you may want to make sure no one is around unless that is you want them to have a really good laugh at your expense)

Here goes . . . First of all you need to find a mirror, any mirror will do, (if you do use your mirror in the car I would advise that you are stationary first).

Calibrate your mood on a scale of 1-10 on how good you feel, 1 perhaps being not too good and 10 being absolutely marvellous.   

Looking into the mirror give yourself the biggest cheesy grin ever, bigger than the Cheshire cat, as if you can literally create a smile which smiles from ear to ear showing all of your teeth, grit your teeth and say yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, really quickly 4 or 5 times.

Then re calibrate how you feel, I will guarantee that you will have improved your mood, repeat as necessary.                      

Smiling is good fun . . . smile loads today!        

Well the Olympics Are over . . . .

Well the Olympics are over, the memories of super Saturday are just about beginning to fade and my voice has just about recovered from hollering at the TV set as Mo Farrah successfully gained the 10,000 metres Gold medal and then did the double with the 5 thousand meters a week later amazing.

The media are now back to reporting the “usual” days events having spent the last few weeks trying to  out compete  each other for superlatives to describe the magnificent feats of team GB.

Well there have been some very interesting articles in the media in particular one which caught my attention in the Times Opinion written by Matt Parker director of marginal gains for the GB cycling team on the 28^th of July entitled

“Sweaty shorts can be the key to sporting glory”

www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion

(Not the most attractive of titles if like me you have a highly visual imagination)   however in essence the article goes on to describe 

“Pay attention to the tiny details and they can add up to big breakthroughs that can make sport so compelling”.

The theory being that a big break though in sporting improvement only happens rarely, on the other hand by paying attention to and identifying the many small percentage gains that can be made in a number of areas they combine overall to give an even bigger gain. A nice theory which has at the end of the games been backed up in practice by the GB cycling team having the most successful Olympics ever!    

 Thinking about the mechanics of this, is this not true of our clients? I am sure many of us can relate to this when working with clients in therapy?

The big breakthroughs are often infrequent however by identifying the many parts that contribute to the overall issue / problem this can frequently lead to a lasting and effective intervention and a gold medal solution.  

And there off . . .

It's here, now, happening today . . . imagine how those athlete's are feeling . . . excitement, anticipation . . . all their hard work about to be tested . . . wanting to make every moment count!

How inspiring this is!

We should all take a leaf out of their books and strive to be our very best  . . . to reach our top performance . . . and go beyond it!

Share in their success and enjoy the Great British Olympics for all the greatness it brings to all.

Good luck Team GB and all the very best to the world taking part too!

Count down for Olympics

One week to go and the UK is buzzing with anticipation and excitement.
I've just started training for a Yogathon in August at The ColourFest in Poole Dorset ~ so feel inspired to practise Sun Salutations daily in readiness.

Get active . . . get out and about . . . and get fit for living the life you'd like to live today!

Happy Olympics

Summer Solstice . . . the longest day

Today is the longest day of the year . . . the Summer Solstice . . . a flow into Summer.

Remember that even today, rain or shine the sun energy is at it's height and is shining upon you no matter what! So breathe in the energy, the prana, the ki source from the sun and let it inspire you to make the most of every moment in this day.

Fill it to the full, be in the moment & enjoy your day from beginning to the end.

Be full of sun energy!

Mind Body Wellbeing - Hypnotherapy in Northants: Do you take the Weather with you???

Mind Body Wellbeing - Hypnotherapy in Northants: Do you take the Weather with you???

Do you take the Weather with you???

How does the weather affect you?

Are you happy come what may ~ whether we are having sunny days, windy days, wet days, cold frosty days . . . or do you change with the weather and match it's vibration?

We are all so different in our likes and dislikes ~ yet so many people find their moods change with the weather ~ and sometimes not for the better.

Just see if you can take that step back, come rain or shine and find something really positive about what it brings ~ just because others are feeling hot, cold, happy, fed-up, down ~ doesn't mean you have to follow suit.
There is always a positive benefit that comes with every ray of sun and every drop of rain ~ so see whether you can find "that silver lining" in all weather . . . and spread that energy around!

Just enjoy everyday for what it is!

Time and Tide Wait for no Man (or Woman!)

Where does the time fly to?
 
I'm finding myself contemplating this time and time again . . . we are now in May and almost half way through the year ~ which just makes me want to enjoy every moment of every day and every hour.
So do we actually take stock of ourselves and our lives in this way ~ or do we let the days and weeks go by, until we are suddenly planning Christmas again with another year closing.

2012 is an eventful year, we have the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and Para-Olympics throughout the summer ~ so often they say that time flies when we are having fun . . . . so just take some time out during all the fun to be in the moment . . . to simply step back and smile at just being with family and friends . . . to sit in awe of our Golden Olympians ~ no matter what nation they are from . . . and just remember that their moment of glory accumulates from years of hard work, dedication and devotion to their practise.

What a wonderful thing to achieve . . . all are champions . . . yet only 3 get medals . . . all are champions for sure!


Lets just draw upon some of their motivation and belief . . . to achieve the greatest moments . . . and make the most of our lives during 2012!


As Nike say "Just Do It !"

Reiki Natural Healing Weekend

https://www.facebook.com/events/323495607673796/?context=create#!/events/

Reiki is a Japanese natural form of energy healing and a most amazing treatment to experience.
During a Reiki treatment you might experience all or some of the following ~

• Heat or warmth in a particular area 
• Colours coming and going (whilst your eyes are closed)
• Tingling sensations flowing through you
• Energy twitches of arms or legs as energy blocks clear
• Deep relaxation and sense of inner peace
• Body feeling heavy & totally relaxed
• Feeling of floating sensations or levatation

Your body will naturally draw on what is right for you, whether physically, mentally or emotionally.
A wonderful way to ease tension, stress and let the body un-wind in it's own natural way as your energy flow re-aligns along your meridian lines.

So try it for yourself sometime . . . it was life changing for me!
12 years on I still find it fascinating through working with clients and teaching the natural Usui Reiki method of healing to others.

Mindful Meditation

https://www.facebook.com/This morning on radio 4 there was an interesting discussion on mindful meditation.

So what does mindfulness mean to me?
It is about being present; being in the moment; aware of self and immediate environment; doing things slowly and carefully (mindfully) . . . .  so when you link that with meditation, to me it is a more active meditation than classic forms of traditional meditation, almost as if you try to live your life in a mindful meditative way of being present in all that you do.

Thich Nhat Hanh, author of "The Miracle of Mindfulness" is a world known revered master of Meditation & Mindfulness. He has a retreat community centre called "Plum Village" in SouthWest France where monks, nuns, laymen & laywomen practise mindful living. 

Traditional meditation is a pure focus on one point, a withdrawal of the senses, a connection of oneness.
In my yoga classes I encourage a mindfulness of practise in the Asana's (postures), which is very meditative in itself, yet being fully present and aware of the physical, mental and emotional body.

To me, all paths to meditation and 'being mindful' help us to become more peaceful, more at one with ourselves and the world around us.

Peace always begins within!