Doing a body scan as part of meditation is essential, but observing the body during a stressful situation reveals a lot and puts you in a place of control and confidence. Observe your body's reaction during the day and learn from it.
Body Talk:
Sensations around the head, often a tightening around the temples and brows are indicating there is an overload of what you have to make a decision about. Observe the pain or sensation and question why you are in the situation. You choose your life more than you realize. Do you need to be the one in control with all the answers. A price is paid for your need to know. Give yourself a break from being the one with all the answers and let go once in a while and you'll find a way to free yourself from this excess.
Carla
An engineer working in a mostly male environment, Carla was concerned about her relationship. She came with agitation and nervousness needing to “over” explain her circumstances often repeating herself, eyes piercing as she spoke. Carla came from a family with two other siblings, a sister and brother. Her father, an accountant was highly regarded in her neighborhood and generous with his tax advice dispensing his services without payment. He was emotionally distant from his family, retreating to his office or a book when he returned home, but did complain verbally about the neighbors coming by without compensation. Carla was in a role reversal with her mother finding herself a comforter to her mother’s common and chatter filled rants verbalizing her insecurities Carla was an excellent student with honors awards. In high school she tutored math and science and also worked part time as a cashier at a local market. She graduated from a prestigious university and took the first job offered to her. Carla became the “go to” family member as her father was distant emotionally and her mother disappeared into confusion. In her explanation about her troubled relationship with her current boyfriend, it became clear that she had attracted what she knew, another person dependent upon her. A “head” person is the most challenging for hypnotherapy. Carla’s early programming had declared her the “strong one” who needed no help, but was assigned to help. Typically Carla complained of headaches and overload. Appealing to her strong sense of logic, she began to see her role more clearly. Teaching Carla to slowly release the role of “CEO for everybody” began the process of freeing her. The challenge for Carla was to allow enjoyment of things that gave her a sense of detachment as her ego was tied into her CEO role. She admired creative people and insisted she had no talent in that area. She enjoyed cooking and with encouragement started taking cooking classes. It became the perfect balance for her as she could still nurture, yet find an escape and through time accept the artist in herself who did not have all the answers. Her relationship with her boyfriend improved. They were a good match and Carla took the leadership role once again. In time she learned to balance her CEO role and harmony between the two followed.
The Neck
Tightness around the neck indicates you have become a beast of burden. Lift up your head and realize your uniqueness. You are spending too much time at the computer or carrying heavy loads, physical or emotional. Observation is the key again as you uncover where you have led yourself. If you found your way there, you can find your way back. Have faith in yourself and the many opportunities that exist for you to express your gifts.
Jaya
An immigrant from a country that subordinated women, Jaya owned a jewelry business. She hired a male friend from her country for sales and other clerical duties around the store and office. He assumed the role as dominator soon after he was hired, insisting on doing things his own way and aggressively offering her advise on how to run her business. She attempted to let him go on several occasions, but he played on her emotions, even insinuating affection for her. She had an attachment to this man as he was capable and dependable and her English and comfort level in her adopted country were marginal. He served as protector and offered familiar presence. Jaya came to me complaining about feeling down and confused. She had some trouble expressing herself and when I offered the phrase “dis-empowered” to describe her situation, she lit up. As she spoke, she periodically turned her head back and breathed out an aah sound. She complained of constant tightening around the neck. We spoke about whether to continue to employ her friend, but she had come to the decision to keep him and work on herself, as she knew she had the ultimate power as the employer. We role-played before sessions so that she could experience calmly asserting herself with her employee. As she put the sessions into practice in her business and in relationship with her employee, she began to notice the neck pain start to disappear. Her brother made a visit and spent a year living with her. He became associated with her employee and the three often had dinner together. Her neck pain returned and we worked out a solution. She had to find a social life outside her business. Being shy and self-conscious about her English skills, she decided to take a class in the history, culture and philosophy of her homeland. She eventually met other people she felt an affinity with and managed her life moving forward. As her confidence grew she eventually became involved with an Argentinean man who owned a restaurant not far from her store and who she eventually married. Jaya worked toward freeing herself from a narrative of family and cultural self-description and assignment. She began to distinguish the useful and non-useful elements from her past and slowly that grip loosened. The neck tightness disappeared as her life unfolded in the direction she truly desired.
The Throat
Pain or restricting sensations around the throat are caused by an imbalance of verbal expression. Is there something you need to express or do you talk excessively? Have a look inside and be brave enough to listen more or get the words out you must express. The world is a better place when you can express your gifts with balance and respect for yourself as well as others.
Victor
Victor was an accomplished musician who appeared very sad. He was employed by the local symphony and also worked successfully in the entertainment industry. He was newly married with a new baby on the way and was sent by his wife to get a handle on his anger. Victor did not feel that anger was really his problem, but it was his wife’s nagging since her pregnancy that set him off. Sadness and anger often go together. Victor had an aggressive father that often berated him for his interest in music and lack of interest in a career that would be substantial enough to support him and a family he may have one day. The father had died just after Victor immigrated to the United States from Romania. He had mixed feelings about his father at once expressing teary eyes and at other times tightness around his mouth. He also expressed great love for his new wife even expressing he did not expect to find one so special. Victor feared in a place deep inside that he did not really deserve his good fortune and would lose it all someday. He easily connected the dots when we spoke about that fear that his father had programmed into him. When speaking of his father or his wife, he would swallow uncomfortably, then lift his head and go on attempting with apparent difficulty to define their relationship. He could never express to his father his love for him and the pain of his passing was still quite present. Victor could not conceive that fear and anger had anything to do with one another and was sure that sadness was also its own isolated emotion. We discussed the need to express his love for his wife and also his fear that he may lose her someday. We discussed this as a remedy for his anger. He did not quite understand, but said he would attempt this very frightening task. I explained the cure for fear is to walk through it and the result would always be enlightening regardless of what that outcome would be. We discussed courage and Victor was mildly insulted that I would perceive him as anything less than courageous after what he had accomplished. We discussed the ever-present challenges in walking toward your dreams. Victor postponed his next session and finally returned at his wife’s probing. Anger she said was still his problem and Victor confessed that he could not bring himself to express his fears to her.
She gave birth soon to a beautiful baby son and the marriage thrived for the next couple of years. Eventually she did end up leaving Victor taking her son with her. Victor’s career also weakened and he returned to see me three years after the breakup. He seemed calmer and the difficult swallowing had disappeared. He still seemed sad and expressed that in having his worst fears realized that he felt he hit bottom and was ready to work on climbing up. He is making measured progress and says he is mostly helped by the love of his son and is determined to be a brilliant role model for him. He is still challenged with the concept of fear and anger, but is moving forward and thus far, the swallowing sometimes manifests when he discusses particularly difficult subjects.
Shoulders and Upper Back
Shoulder and upper back pain and stress reveal responsibility syndrome. As a child you may have been the sensitive one in the family that was given the burden of needing to watch out for the other members be they older or younger. You probably carried this behavior into your adult life and you are the one your co-workers can depend on to always take on more. Observe if you are stooping and stand tall, getting others to be responsible for themselves with expectation, not words. You will rise to the top as you have worked for this, being an
adult before your time. You need to always allow more fun into your life. Keep observing your posture and take a leap.
Sophie
Sophie was a successful attorney who made partner quickly in her chosen law firm. She was head hunted by a number of firms and chose one that was on the opposite coast from where she grew up. Sophie was the second in line of four children. Growing up she took on the role of the eldest as that older brother tended towards trouble and spent time in reform school as a youth and served a prison sentence as a young adult. Sophie described him as the ne’er do well in the family, always expecting things to be done for him. She described herself as the opposite; responsible, dependable, hard working. She had few if any friends and preferred work to socializing. She was the proclaimed “star” in the family with a successful career, multiple real estate holdings and a comfortable portfolio of investments. She was begrudgingly generous to other family members who would on occasion ask for loans that were paid back slowly. Sophie came as a confident client who felt the only thing missing in her life was a good relationship. She had dated infrequently and felt that men were intimidated by her success. She complained of meeting “needy” men often who admired her, but then told her she was not feminine. Sophie was also very attractive and had a sense of style and one could see why men would be initially attracted to her. The only unattractive physical trait that showed prominently was her posture. Her neck was stooped and this was hard to ignore as she projected such confidence and attractiveness. When it came to the opposite sex, she said she was usually willing to go out with most men who asked her, as it was a relief from the responsibility of her job. When we got down to it, she admitted that she was actually a little afraid to say no. She did not want to be thought of as a snob and she did have trouble relaxing around other people. She also “felt” for anybody she did not want to date and thought she “owed” at least one date if a guy would ask. When we got to what Sophie really wanted, it was fairly easy to get to a solution as her true nature was one of a bit of a loner. But of course nobody is an island. She enjoyed living alone as she had been depended upon often by other family members, but was never challenged by them. She had varied interests and stated that she had no problem going to art galleries, walks or movies by herself. What she had trouble with was accepting her success in a deeper way and saying no. Sophie opened up when this was revealed to her. She came only one time and I received a thank you note from her a week or so after, stating how revealing the session was. I saw her again when she invited me to a small party she gave for only women. Her eyes were brighter, her stoop diminished and her confidence more healthy and centered. She had found a great guy who was also a busy professional and was achieving a wonderful balance in her life. She quickly understood herself through one session, a tribute to her openness, intelligence and willingness to look directly at the problem.
The Heart
Heaviness in the heart indicates a sensitivity that may be out of control. Remember to forgive those around your life, less sensitive than yourself. Those who can appreciate life to the fullest are the most sensitive to its greater value. Those who are less secure know how to find a sensitive soul to bully and foster their illusion of self worth. You are the lucky one, but must gain appreciation of your worth and build self confidence with successes. Small gains build and you become the "captain of your soul". You are the one who will feel pain the deepest and joys the most freeing. Just do not become a boring wimp. Your potential for strength and individuality is very large.
Charles
Charles appeared like a light bulb that was dimming and about to go out. At first encounter, he smiled a bright smile and almost immediately it dimmed. He was obviously uncomfortable and acted overly polite. He relaxed quickly as we began to speak and the dimming smile went out. I could almost feel the heaviness in his chest, which was sunken a bit inward, and slightly being protected by shoulders that folded a bit forward. Charles was a successful optometrist in his late thirties with varied interests and many friends. He was an activist for Ocean Conservancy, an active outdoorsman and an accomplished athlete. He was a good-looking man that seemed to have it all. He came to me for insight as to why he could not seem to find the right relationship. When I complimented him on all he had to offer, he bristled and bit and related he had no problem attracting women, just the right one. His initial behavior and this comment worked in unison to reveal a bit of a broken man. He was wounded and worked subconsciously to cover up whatever wound deeply pained him. He was not quite as confident as a person of his accomplishment would be expected to be. Charles father had abandoned his mother when she became pregnant with him while she was in college. In his early years, his grandparents cared him for, but he had no memory of that. His mother married when he was 4 years old and her new husband adopted Charles and by Charles’ account was a loving and caring father. His parents went on to have twin girls and Charles’ identity moving forward was as the “big brother”. He was almost eight years old by the time his sisters were born, a third grader who had started school a year early due to his precociousness and intelligence. The mystery of Charles was unfolding. He had a sense of disconnection and discomfort from his own identity. The diminished memory of early years, loving, but distant parents, always the younger member in his school, the big brother with less attention paid when his sisters were born told the story of a child who felt a sense of disconnect, but never was able to acknowledge his subtle inner pain. Charles called a few days after the session and wanted to relate a dream he had. He dreamt he was way out in space and was connect to earth by an umbilical cord. He was starting to related to his own feelings of disconnectedness. Working on this break through, he started to accept his pained heart. Visible signs of calm and real confidence began to shine within him. He found himself letting go of “particular friends” as he put it and started to fee more comfortable around women who he felt were a good match for him. Charles was “circling the wagon” with friends to feel safe and accepted. As he moved forward in accepting himself, he started to attract women who matched his criteria for partnership potential.
Sensations and queasiness in the stomach area indicates fear or disgust. Something is bothering you to the extent you feel you need to turn away. The way to free yourself is to accept what is causing the problem. You know what it is, so do not turn your stomach in fear. Have a good look, even if it is in the big pool of you. Balance in digestion affects all parts of the body and its up to you to realize what is bothering you so much that it makes you feel sick. Be brave and own the sensation and have a good look at what you may fear most. Look deeply and come out into the light.
Kylie
When I first met Kylie, she exuded shame and fear. Her boyfriend had just left her and she was in despair. Her roommate who had been recommended to me by a former client called me to their apartment. The roommate feared she was suicidal. Kylie could barely speak, but finally she started to clutch her stomach and then burst out into a flood of tears. She said her stomach was cramping and was in terrible pain. I suggested the emergency room and she quickly retracted with a firm no. I finally got her talking. Kylie was far from home. She was an English lady with a dysfunctional family she was attempting to break free from. The common conflict of missing the familiarity of circumstances, no matter their dysfunction propels one into the confusion of wanting to be free, yet still feeling the affection for family members. As Kylie began to describe her background, she revealed a “child” very unsure of herself with no real foundation from which to grow. She was at this point in her life “frightened to death”. Her mother was a depressive and her brother had attempted suicide himself. Kylie had not found a way to the light in her attempt to distance herself. She brought the darkness with her. As she kept folding over with her hands over her stomach, I told her to feel the pain there and asked her what it was. She said she felt no real pain there. I got her to understand that she was searching for a place to put it. Then I asked her if she would just like to let it go. She did not need to hold it there. This was somewhat of a revelation to her and she began to listen. During the progressive relaxation technique, more tears fell. After calming her, she seemed brightened, yet felt the need to keep discussing her pain. It took many sessions to get Kylie to a place of empowerment. Deep habits and programming take as much time to break as they take to imbed themselves. And habits imbed without permission as they are taught by a family structure and narrative. Kylie had no real idea how to free herself, but worked on techniques I taught her about empowerment. She gradually broke some of her chains, but would often return to destructive thinking. She would feign over confidence at times, which actually helped her in being victorious rather than a victim. As the saying goes, “fake it ‘til you make it.” The stomach issues were a challenge and she would gain and lose weight depending on what was going on in her life. The gain came with confidence and the loss with despair. As she became “lost” in creating opportunity for herself, she would “find” the different aspects of herself that showcased her many talents and gifts. The road to liking and accepting herself was becoming more natural and joyful to her. Her physical problems reached a balance along with her mental challenges. She learned the courage of facing fear rather than placing it somewhere to grow and create constant and darkening shadows.
IBS
IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is often found in "people pleasers". Women are often afflicted as the ones who have to be approved of. Break through this by learning to say no. Definitively but with calm assertive control. Let it be OK that somebody does not like you. Assistance from a medical professional may be needed with this as medications are available, but as always keep your responsibility for co-partnering with medical professionals as they see many patients and you are unique.
Francine
Briefly about Francine who suffered from IBS; She had been overloaded with a new life after getting married. She came to get her “mind in order” so as to work out a new move, new extended family and friends and a new job. After the second session, Francine had fewer problems with her IBS. The mind solves and soothes when correctly utilized and Francine learned quickly the lessons of attention and reprogramming. Since IBS is a clinical disorder sometimes treated with medication, the reference here is that the cooperation of the mind along with any medicine or other conventional treatments can work as a synchronistic remedy.
The Legs
Leg pain and aches that keep you from sleeping may indicate that you want to run from something, or need to run or get more quickly to your goals. Usually this is the something that may be keeping you back. Examine what it is you really want. Walk "towards" your dreams. You may need to actually begin to take long walks to relieve the tension and allow your mind to release thoughts and reveal to you what dreams you have waiting. As easy a remedy as walking benefits in many ways.
Lucie
After turning forty years old, Lucie had gained a lot of weight. She was seeing an MD for hormonal therapy, so taking that into consideration, she was advised relative to the purity of the session in connection with this outside treatment going on as well. Lucie’s mother and grandmother both died around age 50. She surmised that in the back of her mind, she had some anxiety about this, but said she was working on it and dealing with it in her own way. She had mixed feelings about her mother as many women do. We love them deeply and the issues around them often come up as we grow and have our own children and careers. Lucie described her mother as loving, generous and controlling. She was threatened by any differing view that Lucie held. Knowing this, Lucie was careful to avoid this Achilles tendon with her mother. Lucie was not in a relationship but had many female friends and acquaintances that kept her social life busy. She claimed she would like to be in a relationship, but felt it may never “happen”. Lucie was an only child and had a conflicted relationship with her father. She felt disconnected from him and had favored her mother when arguments arose between her parents. Lucie had some complicated feelings and narrative about loss and abandonment that showed up in conversation, but could not own them. She complained of tightening in her legs that awakened her at night and wanted to find a way to relieve the problem. Her doctor could not identify any clinical association with the problem, so she was recommended to me. Lucie was a somnambulist, that is she went deeply into hypnosis very easily. Under hypnosis, we can identify “ab reactions”, body movement which when repeated can be associated deeper fears and anxieties. Lucie would start to twitch her ankles involuntarily and then open and close her eyes quickly. During the post hypnotic session, she was surprised to learn of the reactions she had. Working on this she came to realize some of the pain and fear she held tightly and deeply in her subconscious. Her greatest challenge was to forgive her father as she began to understand her parents’ relationship through more adult eyes. Awareness allowed Lucie to let go and rest more deeply. She came for numerous sessions and showed slow, but marked improvement. Her weight gain stabilized and eventually dropped some of the excess as her enlightenment and personal awareness grew.
The mind body connection and the power of the mind in healing should not go unnoticed. You are always invited to test the power of your own mind. Your body is the receptacle for your thoughts. Let your body be the indicator for damaging thoughts and review with a body scan on regular intervals. Practice body scans and observations of body sensations. Unchecked the mind can cause body problems and health consequences. Do not underestimate the power of your mind. If you can make yourself ill, you can make yourself well. Your choices are very powerful and you must always be a co-partner with any health practitioner when it comes to full holistic health.
"Joy is a return to the deep harmony of body, mind and spirit that was yours at birth and can be yours again." ~~Deepak Chopra
