Mind Over Matter, August 2011 -- Healing From The Inside Out

Healing From The Inside Out

Inspiration, Tools and Techniques for Living a Joyful Life, Now

In Today's Newsletter:

EFT/Meridian Tapping: Why it is more powerful and effective to use with the guidance of a therapist.
EFT/Tapping Tips instructional videos now posted on FaceBook: Sign on for daily updates:
Benjamin Schwarcz, MFT - Tapping Tips Videos and More on FaceBook.
Complimentary 15-minute guided mindfulness meditation available for immediate download,(see the gold buttons below).
Meditation Tips: Love is the secret ingredient.
My Program for Natural Treatment of Depression:
Tapping Into Joy: Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness for Depression. This 96-Page eBook covers a wide range of issues and root causes of depression and shows you how to awaken to your natural state of peace and happiness. Program includes 2.5 hours of Audio Book recording, and a One-hour guided meditation.
Tapping Into Joy: Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness for Depression - Available Now.
Bipolar Recovery Coaching: Learn to live an extraordinary life without the "chronic illness" consciousness.

Learn more about Bipolar Recovery Coaching and Alternative Bipolar Treatments. Tapping with a Therapist - Why it's more powerful than tapping solo
One of the most common questions people ask me is, "why don't I get the same results using Meridian Tapping (EFT) on my own, as I do in our sessions together?"
This is an important question, and it brings up a number of interesting points.
First of all, I still maintain that Meridian Tapping on your own can be an extremely powerful method of self-healing and personal growth, and I use it all the time myself.
Tapping for Joy - Meridian Taping and Mindfulnessness for Deppression

Chapter 2: Understanding Depression

Depression can be rooted in a wide variety of factors that are unique to each person. The emotional underpinnings of depression are unique to each person. One person may have an unresolved trauma from years past. Another may have unrelenting feelings of shame and worthlessness. Another may be living their life for someone else and abandoning their own dreams. Another may be full of unexpressed anger. The problem may also be more physiologically based. It doesn't necessarily matter what the root cause is, Tapping can still help, and research thus far suggests that it can allow for rapid changes in your body chemistry on a physical level too. Doing some journaling, or working with a therapist can be an excellent way to identify the feelings and issues that are at the core of your depression. They can then be used as target symptoms for the EFT process. Again, the more specific the symptom that you focus on, (feeling, body sensation, memory, negative thought or belief), the better the chance of a good result. More on the Underlying Roots of Depression Depression is a state of negativity that may include a wide range of symptoms among different people. Mild depression can involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, forgetfulness, poor concentration, sleep problems, eating more, or less than usual. Severe or prolonged Depression (Sometimes clinically diagnosed as “Major Depression”), can be extremely debilitating, and at it's most severe, can even cause a sort of frozen or catatonic state, or can involve psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. A milder and more prevalent form of Depression is called “Dysthymia,” which is a long-term, chronic, but less severe type of depression. If you feel that you've “always been a depressed person” - then it is likely that you fit into this category. Dysthymia tends to originate at an early age, usually through environmental factors, family dysfunction, abuse or neglect, or specific trauma. It is quite consistent over time. You might consider yourself depressed if you have a low period in your life, but clinical depression, at it's worst, is a deeply entrenched state which feels quite beyond your control. In this state, there are accompanying biochemical changes in the brain. Whether brain chemistry causes depression, or depression changes brain chemistry is another discussion. Both are actually true. For any emotion or thought there is a change in brain and body chemistry, and a change in the electrical impulses of the nervous system. Fortunately, to effectively use Meridian Tapping – you don't need to understand any of that! That's one of the reasons I love this technique – it requires no deep or complex intellectual understanding of these matters.

Higher Perspectives - We are Specks in the Cosmic Soup
Every atom of our known world - the earth and the material that makes your body, all comes from our Sun. Next to the Sun, the Earth is a mere speck. A little ball bearing in space. (And what's more, here's a mind-blowing thought: Our beloved Sun, the source of all life on Earth, is a microscopic sized speck in comparison to many other, much, much larger suns (stars) in our Milky Way galaxy and beyond). So compared to those massive stars, the Earth is the size of an atom!
Can you imagine how small that is?
If the Earth is the size of an atom - then how small are we?
And yet our problems seem so big!

The Sun has been the object of reverence, prayer, awe, and respect for as long as humans have walked the earth. We take it for granted, and yet we all must realize that we would not be here without the sun. Most of us feel happier when it is shining. Those who grow their own food, have an intimate love and appreciation for the sun. In Yogic science and spirituality, the Sun is our greatest source of "prana" or life-energy, of which we can take in and absorb for our own healing and benefit.
The Sun is the brightest light source we have ever experienced, and is the largest object that we can easily feel. The Sun is a great source of healing - and just like any aspect of the natural world, holds deep secrets that only reveal themselves when we approach with mindfulness, respect and love.
You can walk through a forest, with your head full of worries, chatting to your friend about the stock market, while you fail to notice even one tree. Or you can take that same path, observing in silence, breathing the fresh air, and feeling the living energy of the forest breathing with you.
You can see the Sun as an annoying heat lamp in the sky, and rush to put your sunglasses and your sunscreen on. Or you can observe that body of incomprehensible splendor and reverently soak in its life-giving rays.
Consciousness and Love are the ingredients that transform the world and awaken the Soul.

"When desires trouble the mind, always remind yourself of this truth: 'When ecstasy comes, everything goes."
-Paramahansa Yogananda
Learn more about iatrogenic (medically caused) illness.

“Why are so many more people disabled by mental illness than ever before? Why are those so diagnosed dying 10-25 years earlier than others? In Anatomy of an Epidemic investigative reporter Robert Whitaker cuts through flawed science, greed and outright lies to reveal that the drugs hailed as the cure for mental disorders instead worsen them over the long term. But Whitaker’s investigation also offers hope for the future: solid science backs nature’s way of healing our mental ills through time and human relationships. Whitaker tenderly interviews children and adults who bear witness to the ravages of mental illness, and testify to their newly found “aliveness” when freed from the prison of mind-numbing drugs.”
—Daniel Dorman, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine and author of Dante’s Cure: A Journey Out of Madness
“This is the most alarming book I’ve read in years. The approach is neither polemical nor ideologically slanted. Relying on medical evidence and historical documentation, Whitaker builds his case like a prosecuting attorney.”
—Carl Elliott, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota and author of Better than Well: American Medicine Meets the American Dream

Listen to Dr Joseph Mercola's Interview with author and medical journalist, Robert Whitaker

Bipolar Recovery Coaching and Alternative Bipolar Treatments
Bipolar Recovery Coaching is an individualized program to assist in your recovery from the devastating symptoms of Bipolar Illness.
"Before starting treatment with Ben, I was at my wits end. My life was disintegrating, and I was very close to driving away the most important people in my life.... Fortunately, in searching for an alternative approach, I found Ben's site. Shortly after starting the steps in his Alternative Bipolar Treatment Plan, I began weekly therapy and EFT coaching sessions with Ben. In the six months since, he has helped me completely change my way of being in the world. I've rediscovered what it means to enjoy my life. My days are once again relatively peaceful, and I no longer live in constant fear of lapsing into another violent episode of mania or depression. There is still work to do, but I now feel confident in my ability to stay on track.
Whether you are at your wits end because standard treatment is not helping you, or you are newly diagnosed and looking for an alternative approach, do yourself a favor and give Ben a call. I will be forever thankful that I did just that (and for what it's worth, my sessions are remote, as I couldn't find anyone supporting an alternative treatment approach locally - this has not diminished my results one bit!)"
-Natalie, Bipolar Recovery Coaching Client 2010
This program is for those who:
- Have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and don't know what type of treatment plan to follow.
- Have been taking a cocktail of psychiatric medications and are still experiencing bipolar symptoms and mood episodes.
- Are tired of the debilitating side effects of psychiatric medications and are seeking natural and complimentary treatments.
- Reject the idea that Bipolar Disorder is a chronic, life-long illness that will require drugs for the rest of their lives.
- Are ready to take full control of their lives and their health by learning to live in a disciplined and balanced manner, giving full support to their mind and body.
- Want to continue using psychiatric meds while also exploring other means of improving your quality of life.
- Want to try a model of recovery, rather than blindly accepting that traditional approaches are the only way.
  
  Bipolar Recovery Coaching is an individualized program to suit your unique needs, utilizing a variety of methods, stress-reduction techniques, trauma-release techniques such as EFT/Meridian Tapping, goal setting, mood tracking and more. Most of my coaching clients are not local, and we work together by phone or Skype video calls. Call for details.
  Reduced rates for January 2011. Learn more:
  
  Learn more about Bipolar Recovery Coaching program
  
  Meridian Tapping: Learn the Basic Technique
  
  EFT/Meridian Tapping Sessions by Phone (or Skype)
  
  Schedule a Session Now!
  
  A Trauma can be created in a matter of seconds, and with Meridian Tapping/EFT it can heal in the same amount of time. So let go of your ideas about “deeply ingrained trauma,”.... it's much easier to change than you ever thought possible.
  Testimonial:
  ""... I have already benefited greatly from your guided meditations and your book! I never trust anyone (especially someone I don't even know), but as I used your website and free meditation, asked you a question which you promptly answered, and moved on to your book and began regularly practicing EFT/Meridian Tapping, I began believing in your methods as the results were speaking loud and clear--relief and release from mental and emotional behaviors I have lived with my whole life, and thought I would have to live with forever. I am becoming a new person, seeing life in a whole different context, and actually being happy! While I still have a ways to go with some problems, I know that I can, and I will, make it through--thanks to you and your generosity in sharing your methods. Six months ago I was in a hospital on suicide watch; today I am actually happy and optimistic about the future. Proof that it is never to late!!"
  
  You can listen to a sample from the Audio Book Introduction right here:
  
  (The Full 2.5 hour audio book comes as a bonus, along with my full 62-Minute Guided Meditation Audio, when you purchase the eBook)
  Special Limited-Time Offer for New Clients: Purchase Tapping for Joy before February 28th 2011 and get two for one private EFT-Phone or Skype sessions with Ben Schwarcz.
  Now available here:
  
  Tapping Into Joy: Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness for Depression
  The basic technique is simple to learn. Coming up with the right words or phrases takes a little more practice. Experiment with it and as they say, "try it on everything." It's the only way to prove to yourself that this is actually a powerful tool worth an absolute fortune. By learning to use Meridian Tapping/EFT for yourself and your family, you will be saving yourself from pain, poor health, and even expensive medical treatments, just by activating your body's own natural healing abilities. You will have a tool that can overcome virtually any emotional or mental obstacle to your peace, happiness and success in life. It pays to be persistent!
  Learn the Basic EFT/Meridian Tapping Technique
  
  Energy Psychology and Meridian Tapping (EFT)
  "This may be the biggest breakthrough in Medicine and Psychology in the last century."
  
  Dr. Dawson Church - Author of Genie in your Genes
  
  Variously called "Energy Tapping," "Meridian Tapping Technique," and Emotional Freedom Techniques® or “EFT” - tapping is an amazing Energy Psychology technique that can be easily learned and self-applied for an enormous array of problems. It is excellent for depression, as well as virtually any emotional disturbance, phobia, fear, traumatic memory, negative thought, and even for many physical problems (including some chronic problems that may have been unsuccessfully treated for years using all sort of conventional and alternative methods).
  By tapping on these electrochemical activation points, the nervous system is balanced, and the emotional center of the brain (the amygdala) ceases it's reactivity to the disturbing negative thought, image, memory, or whatever the case may be. Studies now show that tapping quickly reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol...
  
  Learn more about Meridian Tapping and EFT
  
  Learn to Meditate: The True Self Is Ever-New Bliss
  
  Healing The Apparent Self
  Of The Ignorance Of
  The True Self Is The Ultimate
  Essence Of All Healing"
  
  -Yogiraj Siddhanath
  
  "The 'here' is everywhere and the now -- always. Go beyond the 'I-am-the-body' idea and you will find that space and time are in you and not you in space and time. Once you have understood this, the main obstacle to realisation is removed."
  -Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj
  
  Realization is our true nature. It is nothing new to be gained. What is new cannot be eternal. Therefore there is no need to be doubting whether we would gain or lose the self."
  -Sri Ramana Maharshi
  
  "Learn to be calm and you will always be happy."
  
  -Paramahansa Yogananda
  
  You always have the ability to go within and to surrender to your own Higher Self - your eternal and ever present Consciousness. Here is the source of your true happiness, bliss and contentment. That which you seek in the world is already here, within you Now.
  
  Try my guided meditation here and now. Just make yourself comfortable, stop what you're doing and take a 15 minute break to feed your soul:
  
  "I went to your website and found your “guided meditation for depression”. The 15 minute one. I laid down... just exhausted from all the inner pain and the “trying” to make is stop... and "trying to fix it"... and I listened to your guided meditation for 15 minutes. The inner pain went away. I was kind of stunned! (I meditate daily)…so I felt as if some kind of “inner demon” was tormenting me or something, and it was simply gone and I could breathe and felt I came back to myself. I felt like my self for the first time in days. The pain wasn’t just “shouting at me” nor was it simply “lurking in the background”... lurking to come back...it was gone."
  
  This guided meditation audio, along with an additional segment is now available for sale on my website. You can listen to part one (the first 15 minute meditation) any time, directly on the site, or by clicking the player below. The second link below will allow you to download the 15 minute meditation for your personal use - only available through this newsletter.
  
  Meditation Tips: LOVE is the Key Ingredient
  As I said in last months newsletter: The biggest obstacle to achieving positive results in meditation, is failing to meditate. But there is something else that makes the difference between a "breathing exercise" and an actual meditative experience - a taste of higher consciousness -- and that something is Love.
  Try this:
  As you breath slowly and deeply from the belly, imagine that the oxygen that is flowing in and out of your body is more than that - feel it as an energy flow. This is the movement of Prana (Chi) within your body. Imagine every cell of your body being charged, purified, and invigorated by this subtle pranic energy. Think of the air as the physical element, and the Prana as the Soul essence of the air. Now feel the breath as Love - the Spirit - the highest and most subtle essence which connects us to the entire universe. Let that feeling of Love flow in and out of your being. As you continue to take long, deep breaths, you will eventually begin to feel an evenly flowing rhythm that becomes effortless, as you imagine that you are being breathed by Love. You are no longer the doer but are a part of a larger consciousness - a most natural, and peaceful state that is effortless. There is nothing to fear in doing this. The fear of letting go is what burdens you and binds you to this limited 3 dimensional world. All progress is about letting go of the ego. And where Love exists, ego does not.
  If this is too abstract or vague an idea, then try visualizing someone that you love unconditionally while you meditate, and then offer some of that love to yourself as well. Don't try too hard. Don't try to "do it right." Just focus on the heart center (the heart chakra) - behind the solar plexus, and trust the flow of love. Don't judge your experience, but accept whatever feelings may come and go. Emotions may come up as the shell around the heart begins to open. Trust yourself.
  
  Yogic Breathing Techniques to Supercharge and Balance You
  Pranayama – literally “life-force control” – are powerful techniques for shifting your consciousness, purifying mind and body, and raising your energy. Pranayama is a core part of several types of Yoga and is an excellent addition to any meditation practice. Pranayama are dynamic and invigorating and you will feel the benefits immediately.
  
  Learn Pranayama techniques - Bhastrika, Ujjai, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Surya Bheda and more
  
  Learn more about yoga and meditation for health, happiness and vitality.
  
  ASK THE THERAPIST
  Due to an overwhelming number of questions posted to the forum, I have been unable to keep up with the requests. Therefor, rather than continuing to accept new questions which will sit for an indefinite amount of time, unanswered, I have temporarily disabled the Ask-the-Therapist portal. Please do read the hundreds of previously answered questions; I hope to reactivate the forum in the near future. Thanks for your patience! If you submitted a personal question that was not answered and would like to schedule a consultation with me, you may call me at 707-326-5566.
  
  Stay Tuned for the next Newsletter -
  
  Don't Give Up!
  
  Every life challenge is an opportunity to awaken. There is no situation that is hopeless. Something positive, healing and transformative is possible in all circumstances, even when we can't recognize it at the time. Sometimes we forge ourselves out of the fire of suffering and loss, and it isn't until the end that we realize what a beautiful work of art has emerged within. The glory of waking up can't be experienced if you don't first accept that you are asleep.
  
  May we all find peace. May we all know joy. May we all be liberated from fear, and released from illusions. May we all return to the Truth of our inner Light.
  
  Watch EFT-Meridian Tapping Instructional Videos and Connect with me on Facebook:
  
  Benjamin Schwarcz, MFT - Energy Psychology, EFT/Meridian Tapping on Facebook
  
  I value your opinions and your feedback. Please let me know if this newsletter was helpful and feel free to ask questions. I update my website regularly, so check the site for new information, and if you like what you see, let others know about it.
  Wishing you health and great joy!
  Ben Schwarcz
  
  Benjamin Schwarcz, MFT is licensed psychotherapist (#mfc35606), meditation teacher, and energy coach with a private practice at 509 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401. He can be reached at 707-326-5566.
  
  Disclaimer:
  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As with any drug, not all supplements are safe for all individuals and there may be risks and contraindications for people with certain conditions. Always consult a professional health care provider before before trying to treat a serious condition on your own.
  
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