Need more self-esteem? - I thought so.
Just about all of us would like to see some degree of
improvement in the way we perceive ourselves. If only there
was a magic pill that would make us feel bold, smart, rich,
beautiful, and cute all at the same time. Yet, this priceless
treasure called self-esteem seems to be elusive and volatile.
To make matters worse, everybody else seems to have it in
abundance – so why can’t I just grab a big junk of it and hold on
to it, at least until I have secured this great job/lover/win?
Well, there is a reason for this: self-esteem is not a single,
solid “thing” one can chase down, obtain and possess. It is
rather a fluid quality that evolves naturally, when the
obstructions that keep it from expanding are dissolved. These
obstructions could be: traumatic (childhood) memories, bad
habits, fears/phobias, performance anxiety, or a poor body
image. In other words, it is usually not a single negative event
or circumstance that does the damage: It’s the long-lasting,
underlying, often hidden issues that erode our self-worth,
often without our awareness.
O.K., there really is no magic pill to get rid of all these
problems in a very short time, but there is something that comes
pretty close: It is called EFT, and it is designed to take on
everything that stands in the way of high self-esteem.
So, what is EFT?
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), developed by Gary Craig, is
an emotional form of acupressure. You tap with your fingertips
to stimulate certain meridian energy points on your body while
you are “tuned in” to your problem. The cause of every negative
emotion lies in the disruption of the body’s energy system. EFT
is usually rapid, long-lasting and gentle. No need for drugs or
equipment. It is easily learned by anyone, children included.
Let’s say you had a father who told you that you were a failure
and that you would never amount to anything. In this case, you
could first tune into the pain and the anger surrounding this
relationship and tap on these feelings. Most likely, memories
will come up. Was there a specific situation when he put you
down? What did you feel? Go through every memory and feeling.
Often, the emotional intensity decreases immediately.
Another example: You have low self-esteem, because you are
overweight. There are several approaches possible. Do you have
any cravings? Tap on each and every one of them. Do you dislike
your body? Tap on your specific feeling. Emotional pain? Get
specific and tap on it.
Sometimes, especially with complex problems, it is more effective
to do the tapping under the guidance of an EFT practitioner.
However, any tapping on a specific issue and the pain, anger, or
sadness that surrounds it, helps. Dissolve the negative emotions
that control your life, and high self-esteem emerges – naturally.
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