Negative Thoughts/Byron Katie...rework

We all have negative thoughts that can be bothersome. These negative thoughts have power only because we believe them to be true and not for the lies that they are. Some are “programs” that can be corrected with hypnotherapy and some can be dealt with on your own on a conscious level.

I frequently teach clients a powerful technique developed by Byron Katie called “The Work”.  It takes only a few minutes and it trains us to question these negative thoughts and free ourselves from their grip.  This technique consist solely of identifying the negative thought and then asking four questions about that thought.  They are:

1. Is it true?
2. Is it absolutely true?
3. How do you feel when you believe that thought?
4. Who would you be without that thought?

Then simply turnaround that statement to the positive equivalent and affirm it to yourself.  It’s that easy!  We can never be completely free of all negative thought, but we can take away their power and live the confident, happy life we deserve.

For examples and/or assistance feel free to schedule an appointment or go to http://thework.com/thework-4questions.php. 

The Happiness Habit

Many people believe that happiness is something that just happens or that it’s circumstantial, but you might be surprised to know that this isn’t true.  Happiness is a skill that can be learned.  Some learn naturally throughout their lives but unfortunately, many people never learn that the power to be happy rests within themselves. 

There are many ways to develop the happiness habit.  Eating healthy foods, exercising and getting enough sleep help us feel much less stressed.  Meditation and/or self-hypnosis help us feel more empowered and enable us to see the world in a happier light.  All of these boost our natural “feel good” chemicals and make us more resilient (to say the least!)

Taking the time in your day to laugh, have fun and spend time with loved ones, even for just a few minutes can remind us of the joys in life.  Also, it’s important to look for inspiration in your life in order to remain optimistic.  Whether it’s a movie, a poem or some good advice, having go-to resources to help direct your perspective in a positive way is key.

Happiness is a choice that we make every moment.  The more you choose it, the easier it is so that the highs of life greatly outweigh the lows.  

Epigenetics

Excerpted from the author of “The Biology of Belief”
 

"The new science of epigenetics recognizes that environmental
signals are the primary regulators of gene activity. As described
in my book, The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of
Consciousness, Matter and Miracles, cells read and respond
to the conditions of their environment using membrane protein
perception switches. Activated switches send signals to control
behavior and regulate the activity of the genes.

This editing process can provide for normal or dysfunctional
protein products from the same gene. You can be born with
healthy genes and through epigenetic processes, express
mutant behaviours, such as cancer. Similarly, you can be born
with defective mutant genes, and through epigenetic mechanisms,
create normal healthy proteins and functions. Perceptions shape
biology and behaviour.

The conventional belief that the genome represents the equivalent
of a computer's 'read-only' program is now proven to be false.
Epigenetic mechanisms modify the readout of genetic the code--
which means that genes actually represent 'read-write' programs,
wherein life experiences actively redefine an individual's genetic
expression. The 'new' biology is based upon the fact that
perception controls behaviour and gene activity!

The control is with YOU."

~ Bruce Lipton

Multitasking

In today’s fast paced world, society encourages the idea of doing as many things at once as possible.

However, since the brain can only think one thought at a time, when we take on multiple tasks, our brains are literally bouncing back and forth betweens them, honoring none of them fully.  When we do this we also scatter our minds and energies, draining us more than if we did one task at a time.

This doesn’t mean that we can’t be fast and efficient.  On the contrary, when we focus on one task at a time, we do it better (and faster) than ever and are then free to move on. Not only that, doing so is healthier for our bodies and minds. 

Many Thanks!

This holiday season marks the completion of 18 years for me as a Hypnotherapist and Instructor. My heart is full as I reflect back over the years to you and so many other wonderful connections and amazing breakthroughs.  

Thank you all for sharing your experiences, perceptions and struggles with me and allowing me to do what I love as well as what you contribute every day to the world.  The value of each individual life is infinite and inestimable!

With an open heart, I share my gratitude as we all welcome a wonderful new year!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is the ideal time to focus on all there is to be thankful for.  Naturally, at the top of the list are loved ones and a wonderful meal, but also appreciating the very joy of being alive, breathing, thinking, being able to make choices are just as important.

Noticing not just significant things in our lives, but appreciating all that we generally take for granted, is how we develop an attitude of gratitude. The benefits of gratitude are vast including, but not limited to, better health and a longer life, being able to handle challenges more easily, being happier and certainly an improved quality of life.                                       

It helps to make a long list of things to be thankful for and then add to it and reflect on it regularly.  It’s important to develop this attitude so that it stays with us in challenging times as well.  When we do this, we’re sure to live thankfully all year round.

Control

This month I would like to address the concept of control, which we all struggle with at some point in our lives.

We all have a tendency to try to control external events in our lives. We tend to think that in order to get what we want, we must ensure things go exactly as we have planned, but instead we end up forcing things, resulting in our strangling the universe and the joy right out of our lives.  This, in fact, hinders our goals and creates stress as we fight with the universe. 

The truth is, the only thing in our control is ourselves.  Initially, this may seem disheartening but is actually quite empowering. This means that we actually have complete control over how we feel, think and behave and considerable control over our own realities. 

In terms of getting what we want, we can choose our lives by setting the intention of our desires, live with confidence and faith, and then continue to move in that direction until those desires have manifested.  Of course, there will always be unexpected twists and turns but we must be persistent and optimistic and trust that it is on it’s way.

The key is to focus on the end result of our goals and to let go of the how and when.    Only then do we remain in the flow, allowing the universe freedom to utilize infinite ways to bring us what we want.