Hypnosis for Fear of Flying

This time of year is an exciting time for many, as we come into the holiday season.
Maybe you have already been away . . . maybe your booked holiday is coming soon . . . or maybe you are yet to book a last minute deal or go later in the year.

The big question really is . . . "Do you feel free to holiday where you like, or does the Fear of Flying stop you?"

As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I know only too well the debilitating experiences that have clouded many clients lives before coming to see me to overcome their phobias and fears around flying.
The fear of flying has many different aspects ~ for some it's the fear of being out of control, for others it's around the fear of heights, for others it's the fear of death or dying often linked to the "What if . . ." question, for example ~ what if something happened, the plane was hijacked, or exploded or crashed . . . etc etc.

As with all phobias, there will be specific triggers which start the thoughts, fears and phobic responses into play. These triggers will have often been sparked from an unconscious thought process from our childhood, whether connected to planes or flying or something else. It simply becomes a habitual behaviour and emotional response towards the source of your fear/phobia.

As with all phobias, phobic responses to flying are unique to each individual, and through the Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach the patterns can be changed, reframed and resolved in the ways that are right for you personally. Cognitive Hypnotherapy tailors hypnosis and positive psychology methods to each client, helping them move through their fears and phobias in a way that's just right for them.
Hypnosis techniques connected to overcoming phobias are powerful and supportive ways, which not only help you feel 'back in control', but also much more confident in yourself in many different situations. Fears simply hold us back and stop us from living our lives to the full. Resolving these fears, frees you up to enjoy being you and feel comfortable in yourself and your surroundings, wherever you are, whom ever you are with. . .
You can fly and feel free to enjoy flying too!
Contact Harshani at Mind Body Wellbeing in Islip, Kettering, Northamptonshire, for a confidential consultation, and start looking forward to that sense of freedom being yours, sooner than you once thought possible.

Hypnotherapy can help free you to be you!

Have you ever felt like you're weighed down with life, stuff, people, places, events that go on around you? I'm sure we all have from time to time. Sometimes it's easy to let go, to free yourself and move on. Other times we feel stuck, almost unable to move on . . . we can't see the wood for the trees. . . we feel stuck in a rut . . . life gets on top of us . . . feel trapped.
Life has it's ups and downs . . . so it is so important to take a step back from time to time to see things from a different perspective, one where we can be an observer of the mind and thoughts (which often cloud our mind) . . . less emotionally involved, so we can find the answers which are right for us, to help us move on and let go of those things that weigh us down.

When you learn how to take a step outside of any situation, the answers are there, things appear more clearly, the things you need to do or not do (as is sometimes the case). It is so much easier to see patterns, habits and behaviours in others, because of this reason . . . you are less emotionally involved, you are slightly away from the situation and things seem clearer ~ in fact sometimes things seem so clear they are just simply so obvious to you, when you can see things from a distance.

As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist in the Kettering area, I guide my clients through being able to take that step outside of the 'Stuff' that they are in, so they can discover the changes which are right for them, to be able to move through the 'Stuff' and move on to brighter things . . . freeing them up to be themselves . . . discovering new ways of being.
Just like a bird that is trapped in a cage, wants to spread it's wings and be free . . . free to fly . . . free to be . . . free to explore new experiences in it's life. So as we release the thoughts, feelings and habits that hold us back . . . we too can enjoy that same kind of freedom too.
Hypnotherapy can help build new resources and strengths within you, such as Confidence . . . Self-Belief . . . Motivation . . . Courage . . . Positivity . . . Purpose . . . etc etc. We are all different and need different things in our lives, and at different times of our lives . . . and we all have the capacity to develop these resources through support and guidance.

So if you were totally free . . . who would you be? . . . what would you do? . . . how high would you fly?  
Realizing what holds you back is the first step to change . . . the second is doing something about it!

helping you find freedom
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

The Therapeutic Effects of Gardening

With such glorious weather over the last few days, it has been such a joy to be out in the garden, starting to plan, plant, sow, weed and tend all the various plants which we have in mind to grow, eat and enjoy this coming summer and autumn.
Gardening is good for you and if you haven't tried it for yourself yet, then I'd highly recommend you giving it a go! It's so easy to sow a few seeds and things do grow, even in the smallest of spaces.

In my spare time, I just love being outside, being in tune with nature and in our garden.
It lifts your spirit and keeps you grounded and balanced.

As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I often see clients who are going through difficult stages in their lives, and encourage them to find an outdoor hobby like gardening, as it can really help them feel more positive and inspired. Even colleges, schools, universities and some business companies, are recognising the positive influences of growing your own produce, tending a small garden plot of flowers, herbs & veggies for staff, students and employees alike. It's great to see these 'Wellbeing' projects on the go ~ and the great thing is, that we all benefit!
It's good for the environment too, all those bees and butterflies help support plant pollination and need to be encouraged into our gardens more and more.

Standing in my front garden earlier on today, it just makes me smile every time I step outside! My beautiful spring flowers are blossoming and appearing everywhere.

So next time you feel a little down or disheartened, take yourself off to a beautiful garden somewhere, or maybe simply go for a walk around your local neighbourhood and look out for all the hidden gems of flowers and plants which we walk past without sometimes even noticing. . . it may surprise you, that there is more than you thought! And if there aren't that many, then maybe you could start your own garden revolution, whether it's a couple of pots, a hanging basket, a window sill of herbs or anything else that you can enjoy.

What I'm looking forward to more, is the impact of the Olympics from last year and hoping to see lots of glorious wild flower meadows popping up around the country. Please share yours if you do one!
Best wishes and Happy Gardening,
Harshani
Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Integral Yoga Teacher
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate!!!

Chocoholics everywhere love Easter time . . . all that chocolate everywhere . . . total indulgence . . . white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate . . . Easter eggs in an array of shapes, colours, sizes and temptations.
And I must admit, that I too have times when I can easily allow myself to get hooked on chocolate if I let myself . . . because chocolate has that feel good quality . . . it makes you smile . . . it can lift any dull moment and make you feel better . . . instantly!

So what is it about chocolate that drew Charlie into the Chocolate factory . . . was it the smell of chocolate (you know that smell, you can think of it now . . . if you wanted too!) was it the taste (that melt in the mouth sensation) . . . or is it all about the happy hormones that release from chocolate which make it addictive and desireable.

Now, if you don't like chocolate and are really not bothered by the stuff, then great, you have no need to read any further . . . However for most others (and especially it seems to be more of a female thing) chocolate can have such a hold over you that you secretly eat it, or over-indulge, feel guilty about it, and have a weight problem because of it. Not the best outcomes for something as innocent as a little peice of chocolate. And there lies the problem, if only you could just have a little bit! It can be for some people that once the taste buds for chocolate have lit up, then it all has to be eaten . . . something inside saying . . . oh, just one more peice . . . only a little more . . . oh, there's only one left now, I shall have to eat it anyway ~ shame to waste it!
Does any of that resonate with you???

So my way of breaking those addictions is that every year, for the past 5 years I have given up chocolate for lent. None has passed my lips since Shrove Tuesday and I will re-convene if I choose to on Easter Sunday, along with the rest of the population. I don't stop eating chocolate for any specific religious reasons, I do it to make sure that I can! It's good to check that self discipline from time to time, and I fully endorse that you try it too ~ okay so you may have missed starting for lent this year, however you could start today and go up until Easter . . . or choose one month a year (say May or June ~ so you can focus on reducing those excess pounds for Summer)
Any craving or addiction really means that 'IT' (whether that's chocolate/alcohol/wine/cheese) is in control of you . . . and it's important that YOU can gain control of 'it' back.

You are in control if you can feel indifferent about something, something you can take or leave . . . content either way.
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm all too aware of how the mind plays tricks on us, can torment us, says "Oh, go on . . . have it, no one will know unless you tell them . . . it's our secret!"
So I'm always amused when my mind starts doing that too, and the first non-chocolate week was probably the hardest. Everytime I opened the fridge, I would be drawn unconsciously to where I normally have chocolate and then notice that slight sinking feeling that came up inside me which said "There's none there!". Gradually those moments get less and less, as you re-affirm "No, I'm allowing myself to have a break right now." Friends round for dinner and my husband suggesting "Let's make a nice chocolate cake?"  . . . my reply being "Remember I'm doing lent, how do you fancy a lemon drizzle cake instead?" . . . because I know that once you get the taste again the spell breaks and it's chocolate time again, so if you're going to put yourself in control, you have to prove to your mind that you really mean it. What you find then, is after those first few tests, it gives up and let's you get on with your determination to prove you can do it. . . letting you be in control once more.

There are some great helpful techniques which I teach my weight loss clients to put them in control of their cravings. My last HypnoSlim weight loss group had a chocoholic turn away from it completely and has not bothered with it since! So to discover more about how it might be supportive for you too see ~ http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Weight+Loss-26.php

Put yourself in control and have a healthy relationship with those Easter Eggs!
Happy Chocolate Free Easter!

     

Smoking ~ Do you think you choose to smoke or what?

Today is National No Smoking Day! 

I'm sure for many smokers, they think . . . here we go again!
Everyone telling us about the harm smoking causes & why we should stop smoking.
Probably for some it's a day they forget to remember, as they are happy to continue enjoying those cigarettes and perhaps even think that it's their choice . . .
they choose to smoke . . .
or do they actually choose at all?

You see the thing about choice means YOU are in control, which also means you can take it or leave it. And if you can do that with your cigarettes, then yes you are in control of the choices you make ~ but for nearly all smokers, they are far from being IN control, in fact the habit, addiction and cigarettes control them. So what might start as a choice thing, something which you choose to do, then gradually as the addictive and habitual aspects of the cigarette and nicotine kick in, what actually happens is that you no longer choose to smoke . . . the cigarettes and nicotine are now controlling you . . . and your freedom of choice as to whether you can take it or leave it . . . has gone!
Because if you were totally in control, then if you wanted to stop, or choose to go without smoking for as long as YOU wanted to, then you would have that sense of indifference about your cigarette, something you could take or leave. . . maybe forget even, if you chose to.
But what most smokers find is the minute they think they can't have a cigarette or may have a time without them, those mind games start . . . they may have extra cigarettes (to top up) beforehand, so they don't miss out . . . or they may smoke like a chimney afterwards to make up for it . . . but what all will find is that they keep thinking about them . . . craving them . . . planning when or where the next one will be . . . etc etc and that cigarette has got control of you.

As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm fully aware of the struggles that smokers go through to stop smoking, the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the previous failures, the mental torture . . . and this is why actually having hypnosis can really support a smoker through the process of getting back into control, being more able to forget about cigarettes more and more, to overcome cravings, and learn others ways to relax and de-stress. Which helps to make the process of stopping smoking much more accessible and dare I say more comfortable (especially by helping to reduce the mood swings).

So to read more about it then see my link here on the benefits of hypnosis to stop smoking today ~

http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Stopping+Smoking-22.php

Because ultimately we all want to feel like WE are in CONTROL of our lives and the choices we choose to make. . . don't we?

The Healing Power of Sound

I've always felt that sound has an amazing effect on us all . . . it can change your mood from happy to sad, from grumpy to cheery, from depressed to up-beat . . . and visa-versa. Sound not only can effect mood but also emotions, thoughts and our physical responses to them as well.

When you think about your thoughts/feelings/moods make a conscious note to maybe the sounds around you, whether it's music you're listening to, or talking, or birds song, the sound of rain, or wind or loud industrial noises around you . . . all effect you both energetically and vibrationally.

Sound can be a healer and a harmer. I know which one I'd rather choose to follow . . . healing sounds are so powerful and incredibly re-balancing to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual sense of self. My first experience of the positive effects of yogic chanting, was in an Integral Yoga class in Bournemouth, and even though at the time I thought it a bit weird (as most people do), I discovered an energy, a quality afterwards which had such a profound effect on my life ~ that now as an Integral Yoga Teacher I love to chant whenever and wherever I can, because it feels so wonderful.
Shortly after my first steps into mantra chanting I also very gratefully found myself lying down on the grass outside on a yoga retreat being bathed with the healing Gong vibration of a Sound Bath!
Wow, such an amazing experience to enjoy . . . being bathed in sound ~ and I highly recommend it.
Since then I have been fortunate to experience many through my wonderful Yoga friends and their giving of healing Sound Baths . . .

So if this has whetted your taste buds to be curious about Sound Baths and would like to experience one for yourself too then check out this link to our next Yoga Sound Bath Workshop day being held on 14th April in Kettering . . . you never know you might like chanting too!

http://www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk/Cognitive+Hypnotherapy-Kettering-Personal+Development+Courses-46.php   

You never know we might see you there!
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Harshani
Mind and Body Wellbeing

Educating the world

Today is World Spelling day . . .

Tomorrow is World Maths day . . .

and Thursday is World Science Day . . .

How great is that . . . education flowing the world over.
Check out this for your children to get involved in "World Education Games" part of a guinness book of records attempt for free and for fun!

And if you have number block, or spelling blocks you could explore the possibility of getting in contact with a Hypnotherapist to discover how left and right brain balancing can help you find it easier to recognize numbers and words and patterns within them, to improve this aspect in your life.

It's never too late to learn something new . . .  you're never too old to learn and change the habits of a lifetime. We learn new things everyday, so maybe at the end of the day you might look back and wonder what it was that you learnt today and more importantly how you can use it in the future . . .

Happy Learning,

Harshani Curbishley-Brown
www.mindbodywellbeing.co.uk