Emotional Freedom Techniques, by Andrew Bryce

In the late '80s, a partner and I led fire walks.

We made some observations regarding the emotional states of the participants as they were stepping onto the hot coals. We observed that some states were safe to be in while on the coals while others were not.

Arrogance, for example, often led to blisters, whereas a calm center allowed others to walk many times without a single burn. We could sense that each emotion, such as fear, anger or joy, has specific frequencies or vibrations, and that there is also a specific biochemistry involved with each emotion.

Have you ever noticed that our society has focused on the mind to the extent that the emotions are looked upon as less important than the intellect or, even worse, as a necessary evil to be dealt with and controlled?

While I was growing up, the prevailing wisdom was that women had permission to express their emotions but men, real men that is, shouldn't. It certainly left me feeling, at least, a little out of step, and sparked my curiosity about emotions. I became interested in what they really are, how they may be useful, and how I can be in touch with them--without being ruled by them.

Many people say that we cannot separate the mind from the body or the emotions, which I believe is true. Thought is creative; it is an electrical impulse that has an effect on the physical body. However, the real fuel for creating our reality is emotion. For instance, the thought, "Oh look, it is three o'clock" is a neutral thought, which will have little or no effect. But a thought with an emotion attached becomes powerful, such as "It is three o'clock and my mommy was supposed to pick me up at one o'clock!" and can have a lasting effect if that child buries the emotion inside, or makes a decision about the event, such as "No one really loves me" or "I can't trust anyone." Sometimes these decisions are filed away from conscious awareness, yet affect our decisions for the rest of our lives.

It's clear to me that if we use our thoughts and our emotions as tools, we can create anything we want. Whereas, if we are at the mercy of our thoughts and emotions, we are blown about life like boats without rudders, suffering the consequences of any passing wind rather than creating the circumstances we desire.

The bottom line is that emotions are the fuel we use to empower our thoughts and dreams. We can become true magicians if we gain the ability to understand and direct our thoughts with the power that emotions like joy, hope and determination supply, rather than being tossed about by random bouts of fear or anger.

The most powerful tool that I have discovered for gaining control of emotional states is called the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), created by Gary Craig. I have found EFT to be the most potent tool for healing old issues like phobias, and for managing pain. It's especially effective in releasing the emotional baggage that keeps us from living fully. I have used EFT to identify and release many of my old fears and doubts. It has been instrumental in my creation of a life that is balanced and exciting. I now use EFT as a part of my coaching to help people create the life they have dreamed of but not yet realized.

EFT combines some of the principles of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, known as NLP, and acupuncture. The acupuncture aspect avoids the use of needles and substitutes tapping on the end points of the meridians. The technique was originally used for phobias and other emotional issues but has evolved into a tool that has a multitude of applications, from pain management to releasing emotional trauma to encoding powerful new choices that affect every area of life you can imagine.

While the basics of EFT are simple and easy-to-learn techniques that have little chance for negative side effects, I encourage interested readers to check out Gary Craig's website www.emofree.com, or my website, www.spiritcoach.ca, to learn EFT properly.

In closing, I would like to add that all emotions have value. They keep us in touch with life, and to do so they must flow like water or electricity. Whenever we block the flow, we risk negative results. While it is important that we not be ruled by emotions, it is vital to our well-being to be in touch with and aware of them. The most powerful way to live is to be in an aware and balanced state, one in which you can harness your imagination and fuel your ideas with the power of emotional intensity.

We make all our choices out of fear or positive desire - so why not make all your choices count?

I welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have and I am excited to share my experience with interested individuals or groups by phone, e-mail or in person.

By Andrew Bryce

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