Tuesday, June 9, 2009

EFT--try it on everything or (tapping)

I'm going to do one more short post tonight. I know I will be so busy tomorrow that I won't be able to post. I'm leaving to go downstate on Wednesday to see Vanessa and Andy and grandkids. I'm sure looking foreward to getting away and seeing my family. It's also my sister Janice's birthday and we are planning a surprise birthday party for her.

I hope to explain a little more about EFT sometime soon. But for now I'm posting an article by a gal that I met in Patty Peterson's class. Her name is Kate Alvord and she has a business here in Hancock at the Jutila center. Its a holistic nutrition clinic called North Coast Holistics. I saw Kate once shortly before my surgery and she gave me some excellant advice for eating for, preparing for, and healing from surgery. I was happy to hear that she does tapping and is introducing it to our area with classes.

I have been reading about and studying it for some time now. It's also called EFT--Emotional Freedom Technique. I have two sets of DVD's on this from Gary Craig and Dr. Mercola. There is a site on the internet called "Try it on everything. com." I also listened to the World Summit on EFT, a 9 day conference with 18 speakers teaching this technique. There were 40,000 signed up for this conference online. It was so interesting to hear so many doctors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists talking about tapping.

I had some great results controlling my sugar and chocolate cravings with this technique. I have lost 12 lbs. and have not had any sweets for almost two months now. I'm hoping to bring some of my tapes and articles downstate to help my sister Kathi with her anxiety, and hopefully work with Vanessa on her cigarette cravings.

For now I will post Kate's article below. I like the way she describes it.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Tapping class

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Tapping Away Cravings

Does tapping really work? From the time of their inception in the 1980s, tapping systems have been controversial in scientific circles. Also known by the umbrella term "energy psychology," these techniques are based around systematic tapping of meridians or acupoints while focusing on a particular issue, malady, or problem. Fans report remarkable successes with tapping systems like Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Mental Field Therapy/Technique (MFT), and others. But critics say there have been few peer-reviewed studies supporting their effectiveness.

Recently, though, that has begun to change. For instance, the abstract for David Feinstein's paper "Energy Psychology: A review of the preliminary evidence" states that "energy psychology has reached the minimum threshold for being designated as an evidence-based treatment." In other words, there is now enough evidence that it works to take it seriously.

There is still the need for much more tapping research. In the meantime, individuals have many ways they can evaluate these techniques for themselves. The tapping system I use is Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt's Mental Field Technique, or MFT, and I am still learning about ways it can work for me.

The most recent way I used MFT was in dealing with some food cravings. Though I have used the technique for a few years now, my cravings on this night were so strong that I really didn't expect tapping to quell them. But I went through the process anyway – it only takes a couple of minutes – and darned if it didn't work. As I began tapping the first of nine spots in the MFT sequence, the craving was still strong and I fully expected to head to the cupboard for a snack after I was done. But by the time I finished with the ninth spot, my craving had simply evaporated. I felt indifferent to food, and didn't need anything more to eat that night.

It was a great reminder for me that this really is an effective and worthwhile technique. Tomorrow night, we'll be teaching a class about tapping and will go into more detail about how it works and how to do it. That's at 6:30 p.m. at the Jutila Center in Hancock, $10 at the door. If you live in the area, please join us.

Posted by kta

Article from Kate Alvord at www.northcoastholistics.blogspot.com

She can be reached at nothcoastholistics@gmail.com

Brockway Mountain


This was taken on top of Brockway Mountain.




This was a lake on the road near the cemetary in
in Eagle Harbor. The leaves on the trees were just
opening up. Such a late spring and cool weather.






A walk through an old cemetary

On Sunday, May 31st, John and I took a ride up to Eagle Harbor. We took some back roads looking for morel mushrooms. It was very dry, but finally as we drove closer to Lake Superior, it started to rain. It was the kind of rain that felt good to walk in. A slow drizzle and a much needed rain. It has always been fun to explore the backroads of the Copper Country. We love to walk in the woods, down trails and onto the shores of Lake Superior. We enjoy each season, every kind of weather, and exploring, taking pictures, picking wild flowers, agates on the beach and seeing the wild life.
We found a very old cemetary call Pine Grove Cemetary. It was so neat to walk through and read all the old tombstones. Some were so ornate with fences or iron gates around them. The old iron markers were so interesting. It was kept up and some had perennials or fresh flowers at the gravesites. I just loved the picket fence around the cemetary.
















Wednesday, June 3, 2009

About this long post below...

Anyone reading my blog knows by now, I usually try to keep my posts short and sweet. Mainly pictures, projects, and family stuff. I've been doing alot of reading, researching, and studying lately, since I haven't been back to work full time since my surgery. I'm totally enjoying the extra time to reflect, reminisce, and think about the past, and future. I've been connecting with some classmates from school. I graduated in 1970 and our 40th class reunion is being planned for next year. So it's a nostalgic time for me, dreaming of what was, or maybe what even could have been. That is what got me started on scanning some of my old pictures from my younger days.

Anyways, I have been reading alot. I get alot of newsletters in my email box and one article in particular caught my eye. It totally resonated with me and who I am. I'm really surprised
at how this describes me to a tee. I always knew and felt somewhat different than others, but little did I know, I am an Empath. I feel that I can sometimes read others. I'm not totally sure about how accurate I am, but I feel it. And now I hope to test it. Believe me, this is all new to me!

I know I am interested in so, SO many things. And they are not just ordinary everyday things. Now I am studying EFT, which is Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping. I plan to post an article on this very soon. I'd like to say to anyone reading this blog--if you find this is different or boring, or not your cup of tea, just skip over it and check out my pictures.

I'm hoping to post some new pictures taken on a Sunday drive up to Eagle River. I haven't been in the picture taking mode much lately, as our landscape in the Copper Country is just now coming alive. It was so drab for so long. Now the trees are just starting to burst in leaf, and blossoms are starting to show. It has been such a cold, slow spring... I don't want to even talk about! It is almost too cold to sit out in the backyard for sun, and to read and relax on my new swing. We are just now working in the gardens. John planted onions, broccoli and peas yesterday. I'm working on my herb garden. I still have to do my flowers. I hope they will grow in this cool summer we are having. Here it is June 3rd and we are having 50-60 degrees in the day, some nights are in the 30's and 40's. It's really pathetic!!!

About Empathy and Empaths

About Empathy and Empaths

From Christel Broederlow, for About.com

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.

Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others.

Empaths Sense Deep Emotions

Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.

An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.

Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (ie: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.

Empaths Have Deep Sense of Knowing

Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.

There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individualĂ­s awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.

Empathy is Inherited

Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners.

Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.

Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another personĂ­s body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.

How Empathy Works

While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.

Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.

Next: Who is An Empath? / Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world.

Empaths Are Good Listeners

Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life's daydreamers, or even narcissistic.

They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.

Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light.

Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding.

Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one--if only for peace of mind.

Written by Christel Broederlow

About this contributor: Christel Broederlow is a natural born empath and author of numerous articles about empathy through personal experience and continual research. Her Web site, The Empath Report, previously hosted at Geocities is no longer active.

Our Kids

These pictures were taken in October, when the kids
came home for grandpa Mehner's funeral. The boys
flew in from the west coast (Washington), and Vanessa
and Andy and kids came up from Howell.











Our Family

Leah, Chad, Vanessa, and Evan




Evan, me, and Chad


All six of us!