Vacation Time

(image - Banksy's Wet Dog)

Just got away last weekend for some much needed R&R, and to enjoy hanging out with family. It was a chance to catch up with a good book (Anthony Boudain's Kitchen Confidential - so much fun i was laughing out loud!), some sun (sorry, Sharon - I might have incurred a little sun damage but soaked up some much needed vitamins!), some good cooking (spaghetti with red sauce and italian sausage, quinoa with a million veggies, and some tuscan cured meats and mozzarella and a fabulous but inexpensive Gavi - yum!) and, of course, the wonderful 4th of July fireworks. My sis has a place with a roof deck, so we had a great view.

Mostly, vacation time was a chance to try and sleep past 5:30am and stay up past 10:30pm. Mission accomplished.

Here's hoping you can get that rest and replenishment you need in these steamy summer days!

Forensic Hypnosis

What is forensic hypnosis? It is the process of utilizing hypnosis to access your own mind to remember something that that you have forgotten, but that you know is in there.

Down the shore watching a rerun of House. He has amnesia and is being hypnotized so he can remember something important that he has forgotten. It was so nice to see hypnosis portrayed in a positive light. He simply remembered what he needed to, without any negative posturing in the script, or lack of belief. It is what it is. Hypnosis can work when you need to remember something.

One caveat - if there is something significant you may have forgotten, it is often the mind protecting you from something you may be better off forgetting. This is a complicated discussion better left for another blog, or, even more carefully, a discussion with a professional you trust! An even more complicated discussion revolves around repressed memories and false memories.

Painfully shy otherwise known as Social Anxiety?

I usually do fine speaking with people and meeting new people. I often have to go out to various functions, walking into rooms full of people I do not know. However, I went to a function today, Sunday, and really did not want to go in by myself. My Dad was supposed to join me but he had not yet arrived. Luckily, a couple I am friends with were also going to join me, and after waiting outside for about 15 minutes, they arrived at the function. I was very glad to see them. After waiting outside a few more minutes for my dad, I called him and found out that he wasn't joining us, as he had overslept, and I went inside to join my friends.

Maybe it was because it wasn't a work function that I felt like I had a choice about whether to mix with others. I'm not sure. I was just very happy that I didn't have to be there by myself. Once I got inside with my friends I felt better and had a good time.

When I work with clients, I feel as if I have deep understanding as I continue to struggle with some of the same challenges that they do. So my advice for others is, be gentle with yourself, hang in there and do the best you can.

Fears and Phobias

Over the years, I have worked with so very many people suffering from various fears and phobias.

Women facing childbirth want a happy experience but have heard the "war" stories from others. After learning how to relax and getting past the fears, they report back that the birth experience was wonderful, surprisingly peaceful.

One of the most daunting is the fear of something that we need, like food or fluids. We can get ourselves twisted up into fears that turn into phobias, that feel so real, but we know are irrational. The frustration builds on itself until it feels as if we will always feel that fear.

Others have anxiety around other people, or nature, insects or animals. It all feels so real because it becomes real. You are not crazy.

Peace is possible. It is possible to get past those fears, that visceral, physical reaction that is getting in your way from living a full, happy life.

Learning a combination of relaxation tools and talk therapy, we can help desensitize you to the root fear so you can get past it and experience long-lasting relief! You can also learn the tools that will empower you to get past flare-ups and feel better, quickly.

Julia is graduating!

My younger daughter, Julia, is graduating from college this weekend. She is receiving her BA in English, just like her mom. However, unlike her mother, she got a 3.5 in her final semester. I barely made it, though, for the record, I did graduate. Julia is continuing her education in social work in the Fall. I couldn't be more happy for her, or us.

Julia's sister, Jess, graduated from college two years ago, and is continuing her education in nutrition. She is a brilliant young lady who also works hard and is planning the future she wants.

They are both exactly where they need to be in their lives right now. I wish the same for each of us. Mazel Tov to my girls and blessings to us all!

Your Personal Power - Crosspost from Abraham Hicks

Click here to read about your personal power!

Busy Healing the Universe

I heard this phrase once - used to ask for special favors for a fellow healer who "had been busy healing the universe". Aren't we all? I wish you special favors today!!