Archive for September, 2011

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT is a very good way to help us to understand our thought processes.  It’s used for people with depression and anxiety. I used it when I had severe anxiety and it really helped me to understand the healing process.

I believe if every GP in the UK (MD in the US) knew the basics of CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) there would be millions less anti-depressants diagnosed and doctors wold be more empathetic with their patients.  If I’d understood CBT when I had my breakdown (leading to my breakthrough!) I honestly don’t think I would have suffered with the anxiety for so long.

Thoughts, Physical feelings, Emotions, Behaviour. These four elements of our being are interlinked. Each one effects the others. If you draw a chart and put them into 4 boxes with arrows linking each one, you’ll get a picture of what I mean.

Choose an issue that you are upset about, or become anxious about … then think about how you Think about it, what your thoughts are; think about the physical feelings you have when you are thinking about it; identify your emotions connected to this issue; and then look at your behaviour – do you try to run away, do you freeze?

Now … change one of these things .. either don’t run away; smile instead of frown; relax your body so you have different feelings in your body (take a deep breathe – ALWAYS take a deep breathe!); and finally choose to Think about it in a different way… decide you’re going to make a change about this thing that’s upsetting you.

I found that as soon as I understood how this worked, I immediately changed, then I worked slowly on the various aspects of my issues, and they slowly cleared. I was no longer frightened.

Please don’t spend a lot of money on expensive CBT therapists … and don’t believe them when they say it may take two years to heal …  it is not necessary to spend that amount of time drudging over the past and the things that upset you. I’m sure the therapists are very good, but it can be done in months and even if not completely healed (are any of us ever?!) you will definitely go great strides in improving.

My anxiety manifested as a Fear of Being On My Own. I don’t just mean feeling lonely, it was a terrified panic of being left alone in a room, in the office or in my home. This is rare, but no uncommon, but whatever your fear is, and being a fear of being outside is more common … it CAN be overcome, and at the very least diminished.

Please, please do contact me for guidance … based on my very recent experience in 2010, I hope that I can help you.

I now give talks on Overcoming Anxiety and would be pleased to come and talk to you and your group.

Jacquie

A Course in Miracles

It’s a really amazing course…. it changed my perception of the world & the universe, everyone living in it and what my real Truth is.

If you’re drawn to it, I recommend Kenneth Wapnik’s Introduction to ACIM book & Gary Renard’s Disappearance of the Universe as perfect introductions. The Course can be approached in many ways. I did the the Workbook lessons first, and then dipped in and out of the Text, as well as reading the whole of the Manual for Teachers and Clarification of Terms at the back.

I also set up a local Study Group which was very supportive and great to share my journey with others in a different way to any other spiritual self-help books I’d come across before.

I joined the Miracle Network in the UK  for study groups, workshops, their newsletter and support.

Do contact me if you want to ask any questions about ACIM.

Love

“innit lovely?” … thank you Webmaster!

God, the Source, the Universe … is Love.

Therefore, Love is in everything, including you and me. It’s as simple as that.

The trick is to find that Love, to develop it, and know that despite everything and anything that goes on in the world, in your world/ your perception, Love is at our Source and we can always return to “It”.

I love Love.  LOL!

I like to keep things simple, to be open and honest as I can. It’s not always easy, but with Love it gets easier.

Just when you think you’ve conquered one issue, along comes another one to love, give up and let go.  A useful phrase is “Let go and let God”.

Another useful phrase that’s helped me is, “They know not what they do” … for when I’ve let someone upset me! It reminds me to love them despite everthing.

Our spiritual journeys are not necessarily easy, but with Love and having faith in knowing that Love is at our Source, it really does make it easier.

It’s not necessarily easy because we all have so much stuff going on in our lives that distract us from our Aim.  Interesting….. anagram of Aim = I AM! I only just noticed that! I didn’t used to understand, or like it when people wrote “I Am”, but now I understand that they realised they are part of God, part of Love, and using a capital letter indicates this understanding. I used to think it was arrogant … but that was my ignorance and judgement.

I love the use of language, and the spelling of words often highlights wisdom .. eg the word “assume” makes as Ass out of U and Me! Another reason for me to speak up and speak my truth… so I don’t misunderstan my friends and family’s communications!

I love this topic and would be more than happy to answer your questions and explain my understanding of Love to you.

Jacquie