Poking the Bear

            “If our goal is for EFT to create lasting changes in our lives, we must look our shadows in the face.  No, we don’t need to do hours of deep shadow work, but we do need to poke the bear.  We need to toss those negative thought patterns around a bit, and maybe even make fun of them.”

EFT or Emotional Freedom Techniques, seems like a pretty light and easy processes when viewed at first glance.  Simply tapping while stating affirmations is likely what we are used to seeing if we have come across some of the more highly promoted interpretations of this practice in the past.  All of it gives a nod to Louise Hay and her mirror work of the 1980’s, or even to Jack Handey with his “Deep Thoughts” from the old days of the comedy skit show “Saturday Night Live.”

It’s true that in some ways, yes, we do use affirmations (sparingly).  And in some ways we may look like Jack Handey (we can tap that perception away), but EFT is much richer and not at all for the faint of heart if we want to use it to catalyze real and meaningful shifts in our lives or worldview.

What many folks who start using these processes don't yet realize is that with these techniques, we are not afraid to get down into the mud with shadows in order to reclaim those pearls of wisdom, peace and self-reflection that we may have thought we lost years ago.

But the truth is that for Emotional Freedom Techniques to be truly effective, simply tapping meridians while proclaiming positive affirmations won't cut it.

That would be lovely but this wouldn't address the deeper subconscious thoughts that keep us stuck.

If our goal is to create lasting changes in our lives, we must look our shadows in the face.  No, we don’t need to do hours of deep shadow work; but we do need to poke the bear.  We need to toss those negative thought patterns around a bit, and maybe even make fun of them.

It's often surprising for those new to EFT to experience a skilled practitioner dancing around with their open wounds and drawing forward worst-case scenarios, but that is how it's done. Our job is to play and trot with the pains that have been holding our clients back and it's a balance for sure because we also know, often from personal experience, that the suffering is real and life events are not only difficult, but also that they are often traumatic.

So how do we find a way to hold space for the tenderness required while also stimulating the subconscious?  The truth is, it's easier than it seems if we are open to breaking social taboos, politeness doctrines or perhaps even long held belief systems.  It is quite a dance that also asks clients to open to new perspectives and beliefs, and its up to us practitioners to find a way to gently and lovingly draw them towards a new take on what was previously an impossible point of view in regards to their greatest fears or struggles. The process of stimulating the meridians is functional in itself helping to calm our limbic brain and it's flight or fight response, but it also can serve as a bit of a distraction while we stimulate the subconscious with the words and phrases that in other settings might feel off putting.

That is why it is helpful to have some help with the process. Yes, EFT is effective for tapping on pet peeves and anxieties alone as you are driving in the car, but to get to the root of distress, we need to awaken the subconscious as well. For that, the element of surprise is helpful and we can’t really sneak up on ourselves.

All that said, If you would like some help in your journey to poke the bear, or even just to release any old thought forms or stressors I am here to help. 

My goal is to help clients connect to their own heart’s song by releasing trapped emotions, negative belief patterns and calming anxieties. 

If you feel like this is something I might be able to assist you with please schedule a private session or join an upcoming group call.

Book a Private Session

If you have any other questions, please reach out and let me know how I can assist your journey.

Continued Love in all Directions!

~Ariel Rose