Alana Sheeren, words + energy

Healing Your Soul Through EFT with Gary Craig

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Are you familiar with EFT or “tapping”? Chances are, if you know much about the world of personal development, then you’ve heard something about Emotional Freedom Technique. Introduced to the world in the 1990’s, EFT has positively impacted millions of people with astonishing results. Most of us have dealt with phobias, childhood traumas, anxieties and fears, PTSD, or other emotional issues. All of these can be greatly improved—and even permanently healed– using EFT. Are you curious about how it works? The difference EFT can make in your life is nothing short of amazing.

While you can find many versions of “tapping” on the internet, and many teachers who claim different benefits, we wanted to go straight to the source: Emotional Freedom Technique originator and founder, Gary Craig. His website has tutorials, techniques, and other helpful information—all free! Check out our resources below for more information. 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • The two types of EFT Gary developed are Gold Standard and Optimal.
  • Gold Standard EFT is the “emotional version of acupuncture without needles.”
  • The healing process can be reduced to hours and minutes instead of weeks, months, and years!
  • Gary talks about working with veterans to heal their PTSD.
  • Gary’s website includes two free tutorials to teach you everything you need to start working with EFT.
  • “Easy EFT” occurs when you “tap” along with someone else—also called “borrowing benefits.”
  • Buyer beware in the world of EFT! Be sure to check out a teacher or practitioner thoroughly before working with them.
  • Gary explains how he developed EFT and discusses a deeply spiritual experience that changed his perspective on life.
  • In Optimal EFT, spiritual methods are added to tapping for deeper results.
  • Optimal EFT has the goal of removing the blocks to love’s presence and helping us to “climb our spiritual ladder.”
  • Gary explains “The Unseen Therapist” and “The Guardian at the Gate.”
  • Optimal EFT has two steps and it brings faster results, more efficiency, and greater love, joy, and peace.
  • In this episode’s segment of Alana’s Guide to Magical Living, we meet Maree Gecks, the founder and designer of Marzipants, which are beautiful, Bohemian-style trousers. They are a comfortable, form-flattering pant, styled after the loose, wrap pants of the Thai fishermen. They are ethically and sustainably made in luxurious organic cotton. Check our Resources section for more information!

Resources:

http://www.emofree.com

http://www.eftcertification.com

http://www.marzipants.co.uk 

 

On love, hate, grief and remembering

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photo © fergregory
photo © fergregory

I’ve been at a loss for words since the shooting in Orlando this weekend. I woke up to the news on my 12th wedding anniversary and felt myself bounce back and forth all day between the celebration and the horror.

My emotions have been jumbled. Anger. Grief. Love. But as I made my breakfast Monday morning, hugged my daughter, laughed with my husband, I was keenly aware of everyone waking up to a new reality.

I remember thinking after Benjamin’s stillbirth how crazy it seemed that the rest of the world kept going while my life was plunged into grief.  This morning and every morning for the next however-long-it-takes, there are people waking up to that awful moment of remembering that life changed yesterday, (or the day before, or a month ago) and they will never see their lover/friend/child/parent again. They’re waking up to the reality that the grief isn’t going away any time soon (or ever). They’re waking up if they were lucky enough to go to sleep at all and forget, for just a few moments, how much pain they’re in.

I remember that feeling of not being able to breathe because it hurt so badly. I remember the shock and the calm and the waves of pain and the grief coming out sideways as I got angry with my husband for no reason other than the anger was easier than the ache.

I remember the feeling of going under and the fear that I wouldn’t resurface. I remember the way I lay awake at night, terrified that my daughter would die too. I remember praying, hard. I remember the way grief shape-shifted and looked like tears one moment, fear the next and often felt like a fire that was burning me from skin to soul. I remember people being so kind and others falling away. I remember wondering how it was possible that the world felt normal to anyone.

My heart is with the friends and families of the victims of the Pulse shooting in Orlando. It is with the LGBT community and the Muslim community. It is with all of us who have known the deep grief of loss.

I want to remind you to be gentle with yourself, because grief triggers grief. I want to remind you that you can be angry and loving at the same time. I want to remind you that violence is never the answer to violence.

I want to invite you to do more than send prayers and love (although do that too). Speak up when you hear hatred being spewed or not-so-subtly hidden behind a joke. Teach your kids, especially your boys, how to navigate their feelings and express their anger in healthy ways. Learn how to do that yourself.

Hold your loved ones close. Because we all know there will be a next time. But don’t give in to the fear.

Choose love, always.

Edited to add: Love is not an excuse to do nothing, nor is it permission to spiritually bypass what feels dark or difficult. Love is about growth, getting uncomfortable, making changes and hard choices. Love is not easy, but it is what makes life worthwhile.

 

The Power of the Written Word on The Inky Path with Jena Schwartz and Cigdem Kobu

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We all know the power of the spoken word, but have you given much thought to the power of the written word? For some, the urge to write is as natural as breathing, while others would rather do ANYTHING else. If you’ve ever tried to write, then you know emotions that range from pure, pulling-your-hair-out frustration to unparalleled satisfaction and joy. If you’re a reader, then you know the magical emotions evoked by written words as you’ve connected with an author or carefully crafted characters that can become as dear as family.

My two guests today are founders of The Inky Path, a writing and creativity community. It’s a supportive and cozy online space where writers–and those deeply in love with writing–can gather to develop and deepen their writing practice and connect with other creative souls. Jena Schwartz is a poet, writer, and writing group facilitator. Her cohort is Cigdem Kobu, a writer, awarded literary translator, digital publisher, and teacher. Let’s discover more about the wonderful world of writing with these two!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • Creativity has its challenges, such as being overwhelmed by too many ideas and the “paralysis of perfection.”
  • Another BIG challenge is realizing that creativity can be woven into every part of your day.
  • Cigdem has learned to give herself permission to make mistakes.
  • Jena promotes creativity in her “real life” by writing poems on her phone at scattered moments throughout her busy day as a mother.
  • Another obstacle to writing is vulnerability. Our writers explain how to handle this fear.
  • Writing, even if it’s private journal-writing, is a way of learning about and “locating” yourself.
  • Many have a fear of writing because there is resistance to the stillness that it brings.
  • How do I START writing? 
    • Cigdem suggests using a notebook and pen and “letting it flow.”
    • Jena suggests setting a timer, choosing a point of entry, and writing without editing.
  • Telling our stories maps our lives and gives witness and words to our lives.
  • Telling our stories affirms our humanity and has healing potential in our world.
  • Jena explains that writing is a solitary act that can connect people with compassion, community, safety, and support.
  • Cigdem is a self-described “introvert who craves community,” but finds enrichment and fulfillment in her writing community.
  • Also in this episode, as part of Alana’s Guide to Magical Living, we meet Bethany Tran, the CEO and Chief Designer at The Root Collective. They are a Certified B Corporation offering handmade shoes that change lives in poor villages in Guatemala. Find their website in our Resources section below!

Resources:

http://www.inkypath.com (Find writing prompts, classes, writers’ community, courses,  an upcoming online magazine, and MORE!)

http://www.jenaschwartz.com

http://www.peacefultriumphs.com

http://www.therootcollective.com (Find the free e-book, Your Ethical Journey: Seven Steps to Changing Lives with your Purchases.)

 

The Power of the Written Word on The Inky Path with Jena Schwartz and Cigdem Kobu

By

We all know the power of the spoken word, but have you given much thought to the power of the written word? For some, the urge to write is as natural as breathing, while others would rather do ANYTHING else. If you’ve ever tried to write, then you know emotions that range from pure, pulling-your-hair-out frustration to unparalleled satisfaction and joy. If you’re a reader, then you know the magical emotions evoked by written words as you’ve connected with an author or carefully crafted characters that can become as dear as family.

My two guests today are founders of The Inky Path, a writing and creativity community. It’s a supportive and cozy online space where writers–and those deeply in love with writing–can gather to develop and deepen their writing practice and connect with other creative souls. Jena Schwartz is a poet, writer, and writing group facilitator. Her cohort is Cigdem Kobu, a writer, awarded literary translator, digital publisher, and teacher. Let’s discover more about the wonderful world of writing with these two!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • Creativity has its challenges, such as being overwhelmed by too many ideas and the “paralysis of perfection.”
  • Another BIG challenge is realizing that creativity can be woven into every part of your day.
  • Cigdem has learned to give herself permission to make mistakes.
  • Jena promotes creativity in her “real life” by writing poems on her phone at scattered moments throughout her busy day as a mother.
  • Another obstacle to writing is vulnerability. Our writers explain how to handle this fear.
  • Writing, even if it’s private journal-writing, is a way of learning about and “locating” yourself.
  • Many have a fear of writing because there is resistance to the stillness that it brings.
  • How do I START writing?
    • Cigdem suggests using a notebook and pen and “letting it flow.”
    • Jena suggests setting a timer, choosing a point of entry, and writing without editing.
  • Telling our stories maps our lives and gives witness and words to our lives.
  • Telling our stories affirms our humanity and has healing potential in our world.
  • Jena explains that writing is a solitary act that can connect people with compassion, community, safety, and support.
  • Cigdem is a self-described “introvert who craves community,” but finds enrichment and fulfillment in her writing community.
  • Also in this episode, as part of Alana’s Guide to Magical Living, we meet Bethany Tran, the CEO and Chief Designer at The Root Collective. They are a Certified B Corporation offering handmade shoes that change lives in poor villages in Guatemala. Find their website in our Resources section below!

Resources:

http://www.inkypath.com (Find writing prompts, classes, writers’ community, courses,  an upcoming online magazine, and MORE!)

http://www.jenaschwartz.com

http://www.peacefultriumphs.com

http://www.therootcollective.com (Find the free e-book, Your Ethical Journey: Seven Steps to Changing Lives with your Purchases.)

 

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