Jul 01 2010

Independence Day

Independence Day is a celebration recognizing the freedom of the United States of America, a country of self-determination and sovereignty. Why not make this 4th of July, your own personal day of independence?

Uncle Sam celebrates Independence Day with Patricia in Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard

Uncle Sam celebrates Independence Day with Patricia

Do you recognize and rejoice in your own personal liberty? Or do you feel trapped or limited? Will you allow yourself the freedom to make the right choices to create joy in your life? Or will you make up some reason why it’s not possible? Do you embrace self-rule and self-government? Or are you influenced by the choices or restrictions of others?

Like all beliefs, your view of personal freedom and liberty is a perception of your subconscious mind. It is a thought that you keep practicing. You can choose to change the thought at any time.

You are completely in control of your freedom as well as your limitations. You set your own boundaries. What limitations have you set on your success and happiness? Would you like to be free of self-imposed limitations? Would you like to create your own Independence Day?

We live our lives based on our perceptions and beliefs, often unaware that there may be a new and different way to approach a situation. Einstein tells us “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.”

Our founding fathers created a new way of government and a new way of thinking. They imagined “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. We have benefited from their vision and their beliefs.

Why not approach a situation in a different way? Explore the use of powerful mindbody energy techniques to let go of self-imposed limitations. Access the power of your subconscious mind to imagine a future of self-mastery and a new way of being. You deserve to pursue happiness. It’s an inalienable right. Happy Independence Day!

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Jun 24 2010

Choose Your Thoughts, Choose Your Body

Cell biologist, research scientist and former Stanford medical school professor, Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, & Miracles, says that our genes are nothing more than a blueprint. He states that our thoughts can activate changes in the activity of the cell membrane, and thus alter our health and our life. In fact, he states bluntly that by changing our subconscious programming we can influence cell membrane function. Lipton says, “Genes are remarkable molecules, but they are only blueprints that are activated by signals from the cell membrane”, and therefore, “we are not victims of our genes, but masters of our fate.”

This research about the processes by which cells receive information may radically change our understanding of life. It shows that DNA is controlled by environmental signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our subconscious mind in the form of positive and negative thoughts. The cell’s membrane, Lipton says, is where “consciousness and matter interact”. Considered to be a major breakthrough in cell biology and quantum physics, this research shows that our bodies can be changed when we change our thoughts.

The mystic healer Edgar Cayce once said, “Remember that thoughts are things, and as their currents run, they can become crimes or miracles.”

If our genes are a blueprint, our mind is the contractor. What kind of a body have you built? Are you healthy? Are you physically fit? Is it time for a re-model? I can help you to access your most powerful tool…your subconscious mind. Are you ready to do some trance-formational work? It all begins with a thought. The Mind Matters.

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Mar 22 2010

Miracle of The Mind

Morris Goodman crashed his plane. The doctors said that his injures were too severe for him to survive. They stated that he would be a vegetable for the rest of his life. He wasn’t able to move, breathe or swallow. He was connected to machines and the only physical movement he could do was to blink.

He was completely consciously aware, and spent days and nights visualizing how it would feel to walk out of the hospital with his own legs. During the months spent at the hospital he kept telling himself that he would be out of it “before Christmas”. And that’s exactly what happened, just before Christmas.

The doctors dubbed him “The Miracle Man”, and never understood how what they witnessed was possible.

There are many documented cases of people who, with the power of positive thinking and positive feelings, have eliminated deadly physical conditions. Medicine is unable to explain it scientifically, but at the same time doctors and scientists accept it as a fact: “miracles” happen.

Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”.

Either way you decide to live, you are right. You create your reality.

I can help you to use the power of your subconscious mind, the 88% of your mind that controls your behavior. I can help you to focus on positive thoughts and positive emotions to create a more positive reality. I can help you to tell yourself that anything you set your mind to accomplish is possible.

Be realistic; plan for a miracle.

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Mar 22 2010

Yes

 Anything can be your reality once you make the decision to create it. Let the first thought be, “Yes”.

Nothing more is needed to begin. One step at a time,  one choice at a time,  one thought at a time… until you are there.

~ Patricia Lynn Belkowitz

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Feb 02 2010

Hypnosis Helps Substance Abuse & Addiction

The subconscious mind is a powerful goal-achieving machine. The mind matters. When one has the desire to let go of destructive habits and addictions, hypnotic suggestions to reinforce the motivation to achieve the goal are very effective. Subconscious programming is the basis for conscious action. Research studies show significant long term success rates.

Significantly More Methadone Addicts Quit with Hypnosis. 94% Remained Narcotic Free

Significant differences were found on all measures. The experimental group had significantly less discomfort and illicit drug use, and a significantly greater amount of cessation. At six month follow up, 94% of the subjects in the experimental group who had achieved cessation remained narcotic free.

A comparative study of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of methadone addicts. Manganiello AJ, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1984; 26(4): 273-9.

Hypnosis Shows 77 Percent Success Rate for Drug Addiction

Treatment has been used with 18 clients over the last 7 years and has shown a 77 percent success rate for at least a 1-year follow-up. 15 were being seen for alcoholism or alcohol abuse, 2 clients were being seen for cocaine addiction, and 1 client had a marijuana addiction

Intensive Therapy: Utilizing Hypnosis in the Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. Potter, Greg, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2004.

Raised Self-esteem & Serenity. Lowered Impulsivity and Anger

In a research study on self-hypnosis for relapse prevention training with chronic drug/alcohol users. Participants were 261 veterans admitted to Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (SARRTPs). individuals who used repeated self-hypnosis “at least 3 to 5 times a week,” at 7-week follow-up, reported the highest levels of self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the minimal-practice and control groups.

American Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy (a publication of the American Psychological Association)
2004 Apr;46(4):281-97)

Hypnosis For Cocaine Addiction Documented Case Study

Hypnosis was successfully used to overcome a $500 (five grams) per day cocaine addiction. The subject was a female in her twenties. After approximately 8 months of addiction, she decided to use hypnosis in an attempt to overcome the addiction itself. Over the next 4 months, she used hypnosis three times a day and at the end of this period, her addiction was broken, and she has been drug free for the past 9 years. Hypnosis was the only intervention, and no support network of any kind was available.

The use of hypnosis in cocaine addiction. Page RA, Handley GW, Ohio State University, Lima, OH USA 45804. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1993 Oct;36(2):120-3.

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Feb 02 2010

Smoking Cessation with Hypnosis

Many studies show hypnosis to be an effective form of treatment for smoking cessation. Smoking is more than a physical addiction. It is a habit. It is behavior based on “triggers” which increase desire for the habitual action. Habits are a result of sub-conscious programming and repetitive thought patterns. As such, treatment on a subconscious level is effective and long-lasting. The following research reflects such success.

90.6% Success Rate for Smoking Cessation Using Hypnosis

Of 43 consecutive patients undergoing this treatment protocol, 39 reported remaining abstinent from tobacco use at follow-up (6 months to 3 years post-treatment). This represents a 90.6% success rate using hypnosis.

University of Washington School of Medicine, Depts. of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2001 Jul;49(3):257-66. Barber J.

87% Reported Abstinence From Tobacco Use With Hypnosis

A field study of 93 male and 93 female CMHC outpatients examined the facilitation of smoking cessation by using hypnosis. At 3-month follow-up, 86% of the men and 87% of the women reported continued abstinence from the use of tobacco using hypnosis.

Performance by gender in a stop-smoking program combining hypnosis and aversion. Johnson DL, Karkut RT. Adkar Associates, Inc., Bloomington, Indiana. Psychol Rep. 1994 Oct;75(2):851-7.
PMID: 7862796 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

81% Reported They Had Stopped Smoking After Hypnosis

Thirty smokers enrolled in an HMO were referred by their primary physician for treatment. Twenty-one patients returned after an initial consultation and received hypnosis for smoking cessation. At the end of treatment, 81% of those patients reported that they had stopped smoking, and 48% reported abstinence at 12 months post-treatment.

Texas A&M University, System Health Science Center, College of Medicine, College Station, TX USA. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2004 Jan;52(1):73-81. Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: preliminary results of a three-session intervention. Elkins GR, Rajab MH.

Hypnosis Patients Twice As Likely To Remain Smoke-Free After Two Years

Study of 71 smokers showed that after a two-year follow up, patients that quit with hypnosis were twice as likely to remain smoke-free than those who quit on their own.

Guided health imagery for smoking cessation and long-term abstinence. Wynd, CA. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2005; 37:3, pages 245-250.

Hypnosis More Effective Than Drug Interventions For Smoking Cessation

Group hypnosis sessions, evaluated at a less effective success rate (22% success) than individualized hypnosis sessions. However, group hypnosis sessions were still demonstrated here as being more effective than drug interventions.

Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Columbus, OH 43210, USA Descriptive outcomes of the American Lung Association of Ohio hypnotherapy smoking cessation program. Ahijevych K, Yerardi R, Nedilsky N.

Hypnosis Most Effective Says Largest Study Ever: 3 Times as Effective as Patch and 15 Times as Effective as Willpower.

Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking, according to the largest ever scientific comparison of ways of breaking the habit. A meta-analysis, statistically combining results of more than 600 studies of 72,000 people from America and Europe to compare various methods of quitting. On average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone.

University of Iowa, Journal of Applied Psychology, How One in Five Give Up Smoking. October 1992.  (Also New Scientist, October 10, 1992.)

22% Report Kicking the Habit

 Of almost 3,000 smokers who participated in one group hypnotherapy session, sponsored by the American Lung Association, to kick the habit, 22% reported not smoking for a month afterward. (The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2000)

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Nov 23 2009

Use Your Imagination

Category: Health & Well-Being,Modalities,Therapeutic Imageryadmin @ 4:16 pm

In a June 2003 Nursing magazine article, nurses are encouraged to use imagery with their patients, stating: “people with strong imaginations, those who can literally “worry themselves sick” are excellent candidates for using imagery to improve their health.”

The article further states that “imagery has documented physiologic effects: It can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and affect brain wave activity, oxygen supply to the tissues, vascular constriction, skin temperature, cochlear and pupillary reflexes, skin response, salivation, and gastrointestinal activity.

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Nov 23 2009

Steps to Goal Achievment

Category: Creativity,Health & Well-Being,Motivation,Quotesadmin @ 3:51 pm

Have in your mind that which would constitute a miracle for you. Get the vision. Suspend disbelief and skepticism. Allow yourself to take the journey toward real magic.  ~ Wayne Dyer

The elevator to success is out of order. You'll have to take one step at a time.

The elevator to success is out of order. You'll have to take one step at a time.

What you tell yourself has the greatest of power over your life.What you tell yourself ultimately determines what you are and are not able to do.

What are you telling yourself?

Begin by being specific in defining your personal vision of success. Take a few moments each day to visualize what you want. Daydream. You are clearly defining success, not keeping it some vague, unknown entity. Get in touch with the emotional connection to a particular goal. As you visualize, bring to mind the feeling of success and accomplishment. When you connect with your feelings about your goal, it sets the creative process in motion.

You must believe it is possible. “For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.” John and Lyn St. Clair Thomas.

You must accept that it will happen. When you tell yourself you can and you will, you have taken the first step towards accomplishing what you want to accomplish. And you will find that you can and you will accomplish your goal. Conscious action alone does not create change. Successful change requires planning. By creating changes in your thoughts, you are reinforcing your idea of success. Success also requires self-acceptance; a positive attitude and the ability to concentrate on and develop your strengths.

There is no limitation to mind power and the ability to direct it to make positive things happen. Set your goals high. Create positive images. Project the best of yourself. Your efforts are always important to your success. Think about what you want, not what you don’t want! And remember, anything you set your mind to accomplish is possible.

 

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Nov 03 2009

Photography & Life – Capture the Moment

Many years ago, I met a man who was to become a mentor to me, not only as an artist and a photographer, but as a human being. His motto, which hangs above the blackboard in his classroom states simply, “Comfort is your Enemy”. Being “comfortable” is the same as being stagnant. We miss opportunities. If we don’t move out of our comfort zone, there is no forward motion. No creative flow.

barnacles on branch

Life is a lot like photography.

 In order to capture the moment… to get the results we want…     

Sometimes we need to change our point of view – to look at things from different perspectives.    

Sometimes we need to focus in really close on the details…and

Sometimes we need to step back to see the big picture – the whole picture – in order to get a more balanced perception.

                PDR_2348                                         

Sometimes we need to step up to a challenge and take a risk…and Sometimes we need to step out of the way.

Sometimes we need to put our focus on the important things and let the insignificant things blur out in the background…or fade away.

Sometimes we need to become aware of something we’ve missed… and

Sometimes we need to know when to ask for help.

But ALWAYS we need to take ACTION or the opportunity is lost.

And the actions we take create a lasting impression on this experience …this series of moments we call “life”.

When we change our focus or move in a different direction (even just a little bit!!!) we change our experience. We change our habits…our relationships…our health…our prosperity…our life.

We take actions every moment of the day…most of them subconsciously motivated. Are you aware that your behaviors are directed and controlled by your subconscious mind…your past programming?  Your conscious awareness is only effective for about 90 minutes. After that your behavior is dictated by the “knowns” of your subconscious mind… the 88% of your mind that makes the decisions about your actions… as well as your re-actions.

What actions are you taking to create your life… your image of success and happiness?

What opportunities…or lack of opportunities… are you creating by the actions you are taking?

I’d like you to ask yourself this question …

Right now, what is the one thing I could…start doing…stop doing…or do differently…that would most improve the quality of my life?

Take a moment to consider all aspects of your life…your health and level of physical fitness…your mental acuity and ability to focus and concentrate…your financial stability…your sense of emotional well-being…your level of joy and happiness in your relationship with self, others and spirit.

When you have identified that one action that would create a better life…tell yourself that you can do it. And then just do it!

 Now, I’d like you to consider this…

 On a scale of 1 to 10… rate your life satisfaction level. Are you happy with that number? If you are not, perhaps you need to access the “goal-achieving feature” of your subconscious mind.  

In my practice of helping people take action to create a better life, I have implemented synergistic methods which teach how to set goals and provide motivation to achieve those goals.

Whether it is pain management, weight loss or smoking cessation…whether it is finding or healing a relationship or a career…whether it is the simple and priceless gift of achieving a new level of self confidence, I can help you to take action…to create the opportunities and get the results you want.

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Oct 29 2009

Align Your Thought Field

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) (see www.emofree.com) is an unconventional method which offers remarkable results. It can be used to release negative thoughts and emotions and reinforce positive affirmations and beliefs. You can let go of limiting beliefs that keep you from living the life you want. EFT can be used to focus and choose positive thoughts by affirming what you want. Since you are only able to process one emotion at a time, you must make a choice. EFT helps you to make that choice energetically.

 EFT is a form of Energy Psychology, Meridian Therapy, or Thought Field Therapy. It is an obvious extension of Einstein’s discovery that ALL matter, including the human body, is composed of energy. When we experience a negative emotion or physical discomfort or pain, it is because there has been a disruption in our energy system. The thought energy affects the emotional energy which affects the physical energy. EFT works by tapping on a series of points on the body which correspond to acupuncture points in the energy meridian system. Tapping on the conduits between the energy body and the physical body releases blockages and limitations and enhances the well-being and functioning of the individual. EFT is an emotional version of acupuncture, except you stimulate the meridian points by tapping on them with your fingertips. Tuning into a problem or a limiting belief can be done by simply thinking bout it. Thinking will bring about the energy disruptions involved which then …and only then… can be balanced by tapping the 9-Step Sequence.

 To release negative emotions, rate each of the negative beliefs or experiences using a number scale from 1 to 10, giving each a rating about how bad it makes you feel – a subjective unit of discomfort (SUD). Take a deep breath, focus on your issue and create a set-up phrase, which identifies the problem.

 “Even though I have …this problem… I deeply and completely accept myself.”

 Examples of “this problem” may be something like:

 “Even though my father told me I was lazy…”

“Even though I’ve failed before…”

“Even though I’m overweight…”

“Even though I’m unworthy…”

“Even though I’m really angry with my husband…”

 Using two fingers begin by tapping on the first spot. Either tap on the thymus gland located at the center of the breastbone, or tap on the side of the hand at the karate chop point. While tapping, focus on your issue and breathe deeply. Do this while repeating the set-up phrase three times. It doesn’t matter if you tap on either your right or left side. Or you can use both hands while tapping through the 9-Step Sequence; tapping on both sides of the body at the same time.

 Now, while saying “releasing this problem”…”don’t need this problem”…” letting go of this problem”, tap on the remaining spots of the 9-Step Sequence: 

2. inner eyebrow

3. outer eyebrow

4. under eye

5. under nose

6. chin

7. collarbone

8. under arm

9. crown of head.

 For a particularly intense issue, continue tapping on the outer side of the thumb, pointer, middle and little fingers, as well as the karate chop point on the side of the hand. Evaluate your SUD and continue the process until you have reached a level of comfort. You may also use the 9-Step Sequence to release any unwanted emotions at the time you are experiencing the feeling. It is not necessary to verbally express and identify the emotions…just tap. To reinforce and choose positive behaviors and affirmations, use the 9-Step Sequence to tap as you focus on your choices. For example, after you have “released anxiety” you can then “choose to be calm”. You can also choose confidence, focus, motivation, joy, freedom, empowerment or any other positive emotion. After you have written your affirmations, take a moment to tap through the 9-Step Sequence while you read and focus on your affirmation. Notice if you are energetically aligned with your desires. If not, take the opportunity to tap away any limitations.

 There are many ways to fine tune the procedure. The set-up phrase, identifying the problem or formulating the affirmation or choice, is a very important factor. Please contact a Certified EFT Practitioner for assistance. Belief in the process is unnecessary. EFT is like gravity or electricity. It works whether you believe in it or not. In order to achieve results, you just have to do it. Persistently and consistently.

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