There was a super article in the Feb. 8, 2011 Plain Dealer health section by Ellen Jan Kleinerman on the topic of happiness and positive psychology. It was nice to see happiness getting coverage at a time of year when people really do get down in the dumps. I know that because I coach people and see the “February” pattern over and over again. The darkness, winter cold, isolation indoors and the approach of Valentine’s Day can bring on a low mood or trigger a pity party in even the most positive type of person – INCLUDING ME!
There was something HUGE missing from this article, which I am compelled to comment on. It is the power of human energy flow to enhance happiness. One of the best ways to fuel and balance human energy flow is by tapping meridian points with a process called EFT – Emotional Freedom Techniques. It’s very simple, looks funny, but it is brilliant and my experience has shown that it works rapidly for most people without negative side effects.
As a way to emphasize my point, I took a look at the 8 point “happiness plan” included in Kleinerman’s article and thought to myself, “How would EFT tapping enhance the outcome?” Here are the 8 points and EFT tapping suggestions on each:
1. Count Your Blessings: While it is great to list what you are thankful for in a daily gratitude journal, to boost the energy of gratitude by stating each blessing out loud while tapping on a specific treatment point. I have a video demonstration of “EFT for Gratitude Enhancement” you can watch at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWmRoTRqMeU
2. Pay attention to little pleasures: People in low states often have a very hard time noticing the little pleasures surrounding them because they are overwhelmed with some big negatives. It is important to acknowledge reality first before choosing to shift awareness to the positive side. The EFT self-care treatment process handles both extremely well by starting with “Even though I am lonely and this job hunt is so exhausting, I choose to awaken my senses to the beauty that surrounds me now.” A sample EFT treatment video for enhancing awareness of simple pleasures, “Awaken my Attention” may be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt_b5LU1KBw
3. Engage in acts of kindness: Emotional or physical pain can be very isolating, making it very difficult to have the energy or awareness to reach out to others. EFT tapping can first be used to help relieve the pain, then engaged to amplify creative ways to reach out to others. There are many ways for kindness to occur and simply tapping while asking the question “How could I express more kindness today?” can suddenly provide insight. My clients have realize that even if they are physically isolated from others, kindness can be offered to animals and pets, through a phone call, voice mail, email or short note. Every act of kindness is significant and need not wait.
4. Learn to forgive: Holding on to resentment, rage, anger and grief is an enormous energy drain and happiness leak. EFT tapping is by far the most outstanding remedy for facilitating forgiveness I have ever come across as a coach and minister. Use the tapping script “EFT for Difficult Relationships posted on my Feb. 14, 2011 blog to help get you started. Call me for a consultation if I can help you develop something more specific for the forgiveness issue you are dealing with.
5. Thank people who help you: Throughout your day there are people offering acts of kindness in your direction. Sometimes it is their job and often it is their choice. Notice and acknowledge their service and kindness. Look them in the eye. Use their name when thanking them. Help them see that they matter and are significant. Every single human longs to be significant. Tap your EFT treatment points while saying the word “thank you” as part of a great routine to get your energy flowing.
6. Spend time with friends or family: It’s not just about spending time – it’s about creating memorable and meaningful time together. Appreciate those who are in your life exactly as they are. Use EFT tapping before your time with friends and family to set a positive intention for how you want to experience and contribute to the happiness of the time spent together. Choose statements which begin with “I am”, “I choose” and “I enjoy” to pump up the positive.
7. Care for your body: I have often said that self-care is a sacred act. By caring for yourself, you prepare yourself to be of highest service to others. EFT tapping for self-care is fast and effective for releasing pain and facilitating comfort. Pay attention to all the ways you can care for your body, through diet, exercise, thought, movement and rest. If you notice any patterns reflecting negligence or self-sabotage, use EFT tapping to move toward better choices. You can only change what you notice and accept. You can get some great sample EFT Statements, my tapping diagram and more by downloading my “Winning at Waist Management Starter Kit” at the link at www.theindigoconnection.com
8. Create ways to deal with stress: Every one of us will fall victim to stress at some point. Balance is a dynamic and ever-changing process. The key is developing resilience and energetic shock absorbers that allow you to gracefully handle what life throws at you, while you keep moving forward. Tap with a focus on what’s bothering you and simply ask for help. It can be a very effective form of surrender through prayer. Having EFT in your toolkit will allow you to get unstuck and de-stressed very rapidly. You’ll find time for a yoga class or a new hobby as overwhelm melts away. You’ll be more likely to stick with positive habits too.
Everyone can learn more about EFT by participating in The World Tapping Summit, a free online event which begins Feb. 21. To learn more and enroll in the program, go to http://www.thetappingsolution.com/cmd.php?Clk=4145574
