Global Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Podcast

Did YOU know that past Events shape our emotions and behaviours.

Traumatic events can lead to being stuck in the past and experiencing negative emotions and reliving them every day.
Have you ever heard of the profound impact that traumatic events can have on YOUR mental and emotional health. These past events not only shape our emotions and behaviours but can also cause YOU to become anchored in their past, continually reliving the trauma and the accompanying negative emotions. This fixation on the past often results in avoidance of certain situations and a constant, almost ingrained sense of discomfort that can feel like a perpetual burden. And YOU know something it doesnt necessarily have to be like that. There are relatively easy methods and techniques that I can teach YOU to be FREE from the pain of the past and set you FREE to create a future YOU desire. If this is something you're interested in, just type yes in the comments below because I want to invite YOU into a FREE community where you can learn many more strategies to help you be FREE of that, that's been burdening you for so long now, unnecessarily. Thanks for watching. Remember tyoe yes below if your're interested.

This recording is hypnotic in nature and YOU DO NOT listen to this whilst driving or operating machinery or anywhere your undivided attention is required.

Listen only whilst it is safe to do so in a quiet and private personal environment.

I want you to enjoy and listen regularly.

This is a therapeutic Metaphor and there is deliberately no transcript included.

Speaker A [00:00:00]:

I have a question for you. When is the problem, not the problem? Paul Watzlawick, excuse the pronunciation, a renowned psychologist and philosopher, once shared a profound insight that reshapes how we think about challenges and solutions. He suggested the problem is not the problem. Yes. The problem is not the problem. The problem is how the client, how you, are trying to solve the problem. This statement, simple yet powerful, holds a very a key to understanding why we find ourselves stuck in cycles of frustration and failure when facing difficulties. Imagine you're trying to fix a leaky faucet a tap.

Speaker A [00:00:52]:

You're you've tried tightening a screw here, replacing a washer there, but the drip, drip, drip continues. Frustrated, you consider the falsehood to be the problem. But according to Vatslovic, the real issue lies in how you're attempting to fix it. Perhaps you're using the wrong tools, or maybe the actual problem isn't what you think it is. The faucet isn't the problem. The approach to solving it, is. Now, of course, this concept applies far beyond plumbing. It's relevant to personal relationships, workplace dynamics, and even in how we tackle internal struggles like anxiety or low self esteem.

Speaker A [00:01:44]:

Often, our instinctive solutions to problems like avoidance, confrontation, denial don't resolve the underlying issue. They might provide temporary relief, but the problem persists or even worse is worsens. Now let's say you're feeling overwhelmed at work. Your solution might be to work longer hours, skipping breaks, and bringing home bringing work home. Initially, it might seem like the right approach to manage your workload. However, over time, you find yourself more stressed, less productive and facing burnout. The problem wasn't the overload itself, but how you choose to handle it. A more effective solution might involve time management, delegation are discussing workloads, adjustments with your manager or colleagues.

Speaker A [00:02:48]:

Vatlavik's insight encourages us to step back and reassess not just the problems we face, but our strategies for solving them. It's about questioning our automatic reactions are considering whether they're truly effective or if they're just familiar parts leading us in circles. This shift in perspective can be liberating. It opens up a range of possibilities for creative problem solving like that we might have overlooked if we focus solely on the problem as we perceive it to be. In practice, this means being open to change, seeking advice, and being willing to try new approaches. It's about recognizing that our first instinct might not always be the best one, and that sometimes the solution lies in changing our own behavior, your own behavior, your thoughts, your attitudes rather than trying to change the external situation. It's an invitation to be more reflective and less reactive to embrace flexibility over rigidity and to approach challenges with curiosity rather than despair. Vaclavik's wisdom isn't just a psychological concept.

Speaker A [00:04:21]:

It's a practical guide for more effective problem solving in every aspect of our lives. Remember, when you're faced with a problem, don't just focus on the obstacle itself. Consider how you're trying to overcome it. Now sometimes the path to a solution starts with reevaluating our approach, your approach. By doing so, we can transform our struggles into opportunities for growth and learning. I have a question. What is it that you're currently not aware of? And if you allowed yourself to become aware, you might just solve the problem or find find a sought after solution. Try it.

Speaker A [00:05:15]:

Leave your comments or questions below. Thanks for watching, and bye for now.

Full transcript NOT Available due to space Restrictions imposed by Anchor/SpotifyApologies.

Hello again, and thanks for being with me here today. So no matter where you are or maybe you're alone, maybe you're with somebody, maybe you're not feeling too good. So just bear with me, and, let's have a little chat. And what I want to talk to you today about is how do you take things personally? Yes. Think about that. Do you take things personally? Because when when feelings are very, very strong, they automatically overwhelm our rational intelligence and prevent a more subtle or wider viewpoint from being considered. In other words, that we're blocked off from resourcefulness or resources that exist or in our consciousness mind somewhere, and we're not able to access them. But do you take things personally? Because it matters how personally you take things, take events, and how pervasive, and how permanent you think the effects will be.

Consider this. If dinner didn't taste good, and you were the cook, would you tend automatically to think that it was your fault? Would you fail to think about whether the meal stayed in the oven too too long? Or perhaps because people you were cooking for arrived late to eat it, or whether the recipe instructions we're unclear. Perhaps you add a little a little too much salt. Would you worry about it for some time afterwards, berating yourself for spoiling the occasion rather than than just apologizing, shrugging it off and forgetting about it. Yes. How pervasive do you think events will be. In other words, pervasive being having a general broad application in your everyday life, affect affecting you, affecting you. So if you lost your job or failed to get offer the new one that you really wanted.

Would you tend to lose heart in everything? Might you see your whole life as a failure and respond negatively to suggestions from others that you should start looking in past years, new for a new job. How permanently do you think the effects will be for you? After all we're talking about you, wherever you are, or whoever you may be. After losing a job or failing to get a new one, would you think I'll never find that job, another job? If you failed an important exam, would you view your whole life, your entire life as a as a failure, being delighted by that 1 single event. Think of some of the setbacks or sorrows that are making you miserable in your life now, and ask yourself the same sort of questions as to how you are responding to them, as opposed to reacting to them, responding or reacting. And I suppose in an ideal world, to respond is the more mature, the more resourceful, the far better place to be rather than reacting. Because when people take things personally and interpret events as having a far bigger or longer lasting impact than the the kid than is re really the case. They are overemphasizing or exacerbating the black and white thinking style of the emotional brain by generating more and more emotion. And I introduced, you know, the concept of cause and effect.

Now it's not the standard understand understanding of what cause and effect is, of what cause and effect, our understanding of what we mean when we say cause and effect, it's different. And I want you to consider this the difference of this. Because when you are at cause when you are at cause, you are the author of what happens. You are the instigator of what happens, you are the one who is detailing what it is you want in your life, what it is you want happening. However, when you are at effect, you are at the effect of other people, of other situations, situations outside of yourself, maybe organizations out of yours outside of yourself, you are at effect. In other words, I like to think of it that you hand away or hand over to that organization or that person or that whatever it is, you hand to them your remote control. And you say, look, go ahead, press my buttons, and I'll do what you want me to do. Or rather than saying, look.

How a Chain Saw accident opened my mind.

This is a time-limited offer and Terms and conditions apply

I was reminded of something recently when a client of mine who presented with the pain and discomfort of irritable bowel. The not being able to go places where they want to go, to do the things they they want to do. Always looking for the nearest toilet, needing to know the location of the nearest toilet/bathroom is. Having to bring a change of clothing in case of an accident. Always having to plan ahead and being mindful of every action and how doing the things you used to really enjoy are now majorly impacted by IBS. The sheer exhaustion of everything combined into what should be an enjoyable event, now becomes an almost nightmare.
There is ample published evidence that the gut-brain axis, is how the brain and the gut communicate and that where the communication between your brain and your gut is out of sync or not communicating as it should can provide an environment where IBS can take hold of you.
Hypnotherapy is an evidenced-based modality to greatly help in the alleviation of pain and bloating and discomfort. Giving you back your life.
A personalised plan, a bespoke plan, can easily be drafted and designed specifically for you to help you ease the pain, the discomfort, the not having to worry about where the toilet/bathroom is. That life can return to some form of normality.
With over 29 years of experience, I've created a short yet very effective programme that I'm offering to the first three people, who are serious about working to get themselves better, I will work with you totally FREE of any monetary charge and I will support you. When you sign up you get a free copy of my new book on IBS as well as agreeing to join my mail list and receive very valuable information and support going forward. All you have to do is agree to give me a video testimonial at the end when you are feeling much better.
This is a time-limited offer and is available only to the first three people who sign up to receive my new book on IBS. The offer expires on December 12th 2023, 5pm Dublin/ London time.

The Quick and Easy Way - An Almost Done For YOU Process

YOU getting results, you getting what you want from consulting a therapist and more specifically a registered and certified Professional Hypnotherapist who subscribes to a code of professional ethics and conduct.  

As in all walks of life to achieve anything worthwhile, it takes planning, commitment dedication, and seeking out Professional help.  Some might say it takes hard work to achieve anything worthwhile and of value to YOU. 

Is this statement always true all of the time? Generally, I would say yes, however, there are exceptions and other equally productive ways to get the results you want.  

Let me explain to YOU. Some might refer to these ways as smart ways, the easier, quicker, and less painful or indeed pain-free way. There are probably as many forms of therapy as there are stars in the sky. 

In the field of Hypnotherapy, over the last 40 years, there has been huge inroads, and huge developments proven to work and be successful,  like new interventions, and new ways of achieving results all done in a relatively short period compared to the previous 40-plus years. 

That’s why I offer YOU some of the quickest and easiest methods of YOU making change. For example, if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Insomnia, or Tinnitus, and or want to Stop Smoking, I offer You probably the quickest and easiest method of facilitating that change whatever that is. I take the pain out of YOU getting the results YOU want by offering YOU a step-by-step system and processes so that YOU don’t have to do all of the heavy lifting. I do everything to help alleviate any fear or doubt YOU might have. Really what I’m talking about is the ease with which YOU can achieve YOUR Results.

So if YOU want to save YOUR valuable time, money and energy,  greatly increase YOUR success, I’d love to chat with YOU.  I will support You all the way and I have prepared for YOU a  SPECIAL personal development module for YOU to keep, on top of the work YOU and I do together. 

Last but not least, I work only with a select number of clients who are committed and dedicated to achieving the results they want to achieve. I have a selection process to enable both of us to decide whether we are a good fit to work together.  I offer YOU a FREE strategy call. Thanks for listening and watching and I look forward to hearing from you.  

What has Your Circadium Rhythms got to do with You Getting a Good Nights Sleep.

Welcome back to another episode of the Thoughts of An Irish Therapist Podcast! Today, we have a fascinating topic to discuss - the role circadian rhythms play in getting a good night's sleep. This is a subject that affects us all, as quality sleep is essential for our overall well-being. So let's dive right in!

Circadian rhythms, often referred to as our internal body clock, are the natural, twenty-four-hour cycles that regulate various physiological functions, including sleep-wake patterns. These rhythms are influenced by external cues, such as light and darkness, and are synchronized with our surrounding environment.

Research has shown that when our circadian rhythms are in sync, we are more likely to experience restful sleep. The release of hormones, like melatonin, is regulated by these rhythms, playing a crucial role in promoting sleepiness and maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle.But what happens when our circadian rhythms are disrupted? Well, it can lead to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling fully rested upon waking.

This disruption can have a significant impact on our overall health and cognitive functioning.

Studies have demonstrated that individuals with irregular sleep patterns, such as shift workers or those who frequently travel across time zones, are at a higher risk of developing sleep disorders and experiencing disruptions to their circadian rhythms. These disruptions not only affect the quantity but also the quality of sleep.

So, what can we do to promote healthy circadian rhythms and ensure a good night's sleep? Firstly, it's important to establish a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps to regulate our body clock.

Additionally, exposure to natural light during the day, especially in the morning, can help reinforce our circadian rhythms. On the other hand, avoiding bright lights, such as mobile screens and electronic devices, leading up to bedtime can minimize disruptions and promote a more restful sleep.In conclusion, our circadian rhythms are a vital component in maintaining healthy sleep patterns. By understanding and aligning with these natural rhythms, we can optimize the quantity and quality of our sleep, leading to improved overall well-being.

That's all we have time for today, folks.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Thoughts of An Irish Therapist podcast. Remember, getting a good night's sleep is a crucial step towards achieving your full potential, both mentally and physically.

Until next time, sleep well and stay healthy!

Because You're not probably aware of the importance that Ultradian rhythms play in your health and well being, YOU are likely not getting good restful rejuvenating sleep.

Keep listening as today we discuss this fascinating topic. Ultradian rhythms.

Ultradian rhythms, refer to the short cycles that occur within our body throughout the day. These rhythms regulate various processes, such as hormone secretion, brain activity, and even our sleep-wake patterns.

Research has shown that these ultradian rhythms not only influence our physical health but also play a vital role in our overall well-being. One area where ultradian rhythms have a significant impact is in the realm of sleep and its crucial role in our cognitive abilities.

We already know the importance of sufficient sleep for cognitive function, but it turns out that these ultradian rhythms and the quality of our sleep go hand in hand.

Our sleep consists of several ultradian cycles, with each cycle lasting around 90 minutes. These cycles include both REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep.During REM sleep, our brain is highly active, and this is when we experience vivid dreams. This phase is crucial for memory consolidation and learning. On the other hand, non-REM sleep is known for its restorative effects on the body, allowing it to repair and rejuvenate.

Properly functioning ultradian rhythms ensure that we experience enough deep sleep, which is essential for memory formation and cognitive performance. Without enough deep sleep, our ability to learn, remember information, and make connections may be impaired.

Furthermore, the interplay between Ultradium rhythms, exercise, and cognitive health cannot be overlooked. As we discussed in a previous episode, exercise is crucial for maintaining cognitive abilities as we age. However, recent research has found that lack of sleep may offset the cognitive benefits of exercise, particularly for middle-aged individuals.

A study conducted by researchers from University College London revealed that middle-aged individuals who were physically active but slept less than 6 hours per night experienced faster declines in their cognitive skills. After a decade, their cognitive functions were comparable to those who were less physically active.This study highlights the importance of adequate sleep in obtaining the full cognitive advantages of physical activity. It also emphasizes the need to consider both sleep and exercise together when assessing cognitive well-being.

So, what can we take away from this? Ultradian rhythms, especially when it comes to sleep, are critical for our overall health and well-being. Ensuring that we get enough quality sleep and pay attention to these cycles can have a positive impact on our cognitive abilities. It's a reminder that sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity for our bodies and minds to function optimally.

That's all for today's episode on Ultradium rhythms and their role in health and well-being. I hope this information has been enlightening for you. As always, I'm Aidan Noone, and thank you for tuning in to the Aidan Noone Podcast.

How Good Sleep Can Affect How You Benefit From Exercise

Scientists have discovered that middle-aged individuals who don't get enough sleep may not fully benefit from exercise in terms of protecting their memory and thinking abilities.

A study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) revealed that people in their 50s and 60s who engaged in regular physical activities but slept less than six hours per night experienced a faster decline in cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and learning.

After a decade, their cognitive functions were similar to those who were less physically active.

The study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, emphasizes the importance of sleep for safeguarding cognitive health as people age.

The researchers suggest that adequate sleep is necessary to obtain the full cognitive advantages of physical activity and highlight the need to consider sleep and exercise together when assessing cognitive well-being.

When is a Problem a Symptom? What YOU need to know. When YOU present to me with Your problem or issue, YOU might begin to tell me about the symptoms YOU are experiencing, the discomfort you experience, and sometimes the pain you are experiencing.

Perhaps YOU might present as a smoker wanting to become a non-smoker. Or do YOU want to lose weight? Or do YOU have an addiction? YOU name it.  Whatever the symptom is, YOU describe to me in detail YOUR experience. Whatever YOUR presenting symptom is, that's exactly what it is, it's a symptom. And like all symptoms, a symptom is a sign that something is not quite right within YOU. You might be shocked about what I'm about to say. 90 plus percent of the time, the stated problem is not the problem. 

It's just a symptom of something deeper. I'll say that again, 90 plus percent of the time, the stated problem is not the problem.  It's a symptom of something deeper. The problem is usually something else, the smoking, the nail-biting, anxiety, and weight problem, are symptoms of something deeper.  That something is usually outside of your conscious awareness. And when it's outside of YOUR conscious awareness, it usually resides in the unconscious mind - the deeper mind. No matter how logical YOU seem to YOURSELF when you tell YOURSELF what YOU think the problem is or how convinced YOU are of what the cause is - be reassured, what YOU believe is the cause of YOUR presenting symptom usually has very little to do with it.  

YOU just speak your best guess. Now that's not YOUR fault. It's just YOU attempting to do the best YOU can for YOURSELF. That's normal and natural to want to do that! Most of YOUR problems exist at an unconscious (subconscious) mind) level.  If YOU knew what the real problem is, YOU would fix it. Wouldn't YOU? You'd be crazy not to want to do it, YOURSELF? Wouldn't YOU?

When YOU seek out the appropriate professional help available, YOU are put in a place where YOU can fix the problem YOURSELF in YOUR own mind with the assistance of the therapist present or virtually present. So what I want YOU to do now, please, is, to think of YOUR problem and or symptom in a new way, knowing that the symptom is just a symptom. The real issue lies at an unconscious mind level. Appropriate and suitable professional practitioners are available, it's just a manner of being discerning and checking out who is the best option for YOU.

Making a personal breakthrough is probably a lot easier than YOU ever thought possible.

If you like this video, let me know. I've lots more material to share with YOU.

Thanks for being here and watching and listening.

Bye, bye for NOW!

Here are 6 further ways for YOU to get Better Sleep.1. Create a Sleep-Friendly Lifestyle: Regular exercise during the day can promote better sleep, but avoid intense exercise close to bedtime. Maintain a healthy diet, as certain foods and drinks like heavy meals, spicy foods, or too much liquid before bed can interfere with sleep.

2. Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep. Developing effective stress management techniques, such as practicing mindfulness, journaling, and now journalling is really powerful to get out of your head all that stuff that's been building up, either writing into a journal or into a Word document on your digital device. Learn relaxation exercises, to calm your mind before bed. And it's no harm to consider seeking professional help.

3. Audit and Adjust YOUR Sleep Environment: Yes check out your sleep environment for factors that may be contributing to poor sleep quality. Check for noise, uncomfortable bedding, excessive light, is it too hot or too cold. Make Your own adjustments to create a much better sleeping environment.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): If you consistently struggle with sleep, consider talking with a CBT-I therapist.

5. Avoid Napping: If you have trouble staying asleep at night, try to avoid daytime sleeping or limit it to a short power nap early in the day. Sleeping too close to bedtime can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

6. Talk to Your Primary Medical Carer, Your GP. If you have done all that YOU personally can do to help improve your sleep it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional. Above all, remember you are not alone, help is always available. Do not suffer alone, please share.

Remember, everyone's sleep needs are unique, so it may take some to experiment to find what works best for you. Implementing a combination of Sleep Improvement and sticking with them can significantly improve your ability to get to sleep and remain asleep, leading to better overall sleep quality and potential long-term health benefits.

The goal is to have a healthy lifestyle that promotes good rejuvenating SLEEP.

Poor sleep quality can indeed have a negative impact on overall health. Here are the first 4  of 10 tips to  help YOU improve Your ability to get to sleep and remain asleep:

1. Sleep Environment: Create a sleep-friendly environment by ensuring your bedroom is cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable. Use curtains or blinds to block out light, consider using earplugs or a white noise machine to mask disturbing sounds, and invest in a supportive mattress and pillows. Maybe try out an eye mask.
2. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Set a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and promotes better sleep.
3. Bedtime Routine: Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Engage in activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or listening to calming music
4. Limit Stimulants and Mobile Phone, Tv or Electronic Tablets : Avoid consuming stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime as they can disrupt sleep. Additionally, limit exposure to electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, before bed due to the stimulating effects of blue light.

Did YOU Know That Poor Sleep Can Contribute To Prolonged Chronic Health Conditions?
Perhaps You are one of the 80% of people recently surveyed in Ireland who are sleep deprived. The study involved over 13,000 people.
Did you know that Sleep Quality can affect the length of chronic illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, mental health issues, and alcoholism. This list is not exhaustive. And that 90% of depressed people have poor sleep quality.
Many people have reported restlessness contributes to their falling asleep. Others report waking up and not being able to return to sleep.
Poor sleep contributes to Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Depression, Seizures, Migraine Headaches. Weight Gain, yes weight gain is reported as an effect of poor sleep.
The ultimate Goal is for YOU to rediscover the ability to get restful rejuvenating sleep. To learn strategies to fall asleep and remain asleep, ultimately developing a healthy lifestyle.

Warning - DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS RECORDING WHILST DRIVING AND OR OPERATING ANY TYPE OF MACHINERY. ONLY LISTEN WHILST RELAXING AND SAFE TO DO SO!

I'm often asked about how trauma can be related to or connected to your experience of irritable bowel and or your experience of the symptoms of irritable bowel.  Many clients tell me that such and such an event in their life was significant and or what they describe, was painful.  You see, often times it's the aftermath of an event that is traumatic, that is, what's happening in our mind as a result of us having gone through a past event and that can be the trauma.

Some of the ways that trauma can impact a person's life include:

1. Physical symptoms: Trauma can cause a variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach problems, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
2. Emotional symptoms: Trauma can also cause emotional symptoms, such as feelings of sadness, anger, or fear. It can also lead to changes in mood or difficulty controlling emotions.
3. Mental health problems: Trauma can increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
4. Difficulty in relationships: Trauma can also impact a person's relationships with others. It may make it difficult for a person to trust others or to feel close to others.
5. Difficulty functioning: Trauma can make it difficult for a person to function in their daily life. They may have difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, or making decisions.

It's important to remember that everyone's experience with trauma is unique, and the impact of trauma can vary widely from person to person. If you are struggling with the aftermath of trauma, it's important to seek support from an experienced mental health professional.

Hi, I have a question for you! What I'm about to say may not necessarily apply to you. Perhaps you may know someone who would benefit from what I'm about to say to you. If so, please pass this on to them. You are probably doing them an enormous favour. Did you know that you don't have to remain stuck, yes stuck in a rut, yet knowing deep down inside yourself, in that part of you that knows everything, there is to know, you somehow know there is more, you know you want to make changes in your life and yet don't know how! Remember, you were born into this world not feeling the way you currently feel or not believing what you currently believe. Or perhaps you have a limiting belief about who you and what you can achieve. A feeling of being stuck! This stuckness is probably a protection mechanism. Yes, a protection mechanism. Maybe being afraid of what other people think of you, or have an unrealistic belief you have about yourself, that you're not good enough. Or that you'll never succeed. You see, It all started way back when Man and indeed Woman were hunters, hunting for their food or being hunted for food. From that, we get the flight, flight, or freeze response. To fight the Saber Tooth Tiger or run away from it to safety if we can. Or we freeze. Science tells us that, the memory of the Sabretooth Tiger remains engrained in our deeper mind and we operate in the same way today that our ancient forefathers reacted. The freeze response, as mentioned above, is a protection mechanism. Protection from what you may ask? We are no longer hunted by a Sabre Tooth Tiger yet we experience the same emotional response/reaction as if we are being hunted. Strange isn't it? You are probably familiar with what I'm saying. If you can identify with what I've just said, it's probably somewhat reassuring: that you're not alone. Thousands of people feel that way. Yet thats not very consoling, is it? You know what? You don't have to feel that way. You don't have to feel that way or You don't have to have those same old limiting beliefs about yourself. Isn't it time you did something about it, Now? Henry Ford is credited with the following statement: " Whether you think you can or you think you can't," You are 100% correct. When you were born you weren't handed a manual on how to run your brain. Yet, today, science has given us so much information on how our brains work that it startling how much we know now about our brains compared to let's say 25 years ago. Modern-day science has coined the phrase Neuro-Plasticity. The nerve or neural pathways in our brain are constantly being renewed and or repaired enabling us to learn and to continue to learn. Similarly, if you consider some of the unwanted behaviour you currently indulge in, is a learned behaviour. Guess what? If you learned that unwanted behaviour, Yes you can learn something new, something that is way more expressive of the true You, to unleash that creative capacity of your mind so that you thrive and express yourself to the fullest. To learn new beliefs, leaving behind the old jaded beliefs that have held you back for so long now. Being much calmer with the capacity to make that breakthrough, that shift, you have desired for, so many years now. And your relationships become way more expressive and meaningful. You don't have to take my word for it. Many eminent scientists attest to the plasticity of the Human mind. Your Mind. Where change happens. Is that something you'd like to do? I know you're going to say yes. You'd be crazy to not want to make those changes, all for the better, Now! Ok so, I want to make you aware of a great bunch of Professional and ethical people who can help you. Let me introduce you to the European Association of Professional Hypnotherapists. As the name suggests, they are based in Europe, for now, mostly Ireland and the UK. Many work online, so you have the peace of mind that you'

Ok, I get it, you just want results. You just want to make that breakthrough. I can't blame you, it's what anyone would want. It's normal and natural.

You don't want to hear all the theories and concepts behind how change happens and how you make that breakthrough that you've wanted, for so long now.

You don't need to hear how it's done, all you want is the result, the breakthrough. It doesn't matter how it's done, providing it's done professionally and ethically, of course!

Let's be honest and upfront, I'm not a medical doctor, nor a medical practitioner of any sort. Therefore, in all medical-related matters, you must consult with a medically qualified person to seek out the correct medical advice available and follow their instructions to the letter.

What I do have a good working knowledge of, is how your mind processes everyday stuff that every day we need to process in order to function as expected. Sometimes, things happen that interfere with how we process stuff and the outcomes we get are not what we want nor expect.

This is where mind therapy comes into play. To clear out the stuff that's holding you back from living the life you have wanted to live for, for so long now.

Because the mind and body are so well connected, anything in the mind that's not sitting there well or just floating around inside it and not sure where to settle down there, can cause upset in the body and or in the mind. There is an imbalance and where there is an imbalance, that can be seen in certain symptoms that may cause you distress, even pain, anxiety, digestion problems, if a woman, menstrual issues, even difficulty getting pregnant issues. So there can be a broad spectrum of issues arising from unsettled stuff that's floating around in your mind. You may or may not be aware of stuff floating around there. This free-floating stuff or possibly a misunderstanding at a deeper mind level is expressed in symptoms as previously mentioned.

It has happened and is happening to many people each day and every day. Sometimes you may not know what do to, you may not know what's happening to you and yet you know it doesn't feel as usual as you usually feel, it's a different feeling or awareness. So you are not alone in feeling the way you feel.  And you well know, this is possibly holding you back from doing and achieving what you want to do and or achieve. Perhaps holding you back for years now.

The good news is that help is at hand. A good responsible way to deal with this is to call to see your medical professional and take their advice and seek out a good ethical and responsible professional therapist, one who can provide you with understanding and empathy and may suggest a way forward to help you make that breakthrough that you so badly want to make and move forward with your life and your career.

Nowadays, Breakthroughs can be achieved in a relatively brief time frame, giving you the results you so greatly deserve.  Best of luck with that!

Why is it we do the things we don’t want to do and don’t do the things we want to do?

Seems a bit of a dilemma and yet many people experience that reality for themselves.

Perhaps it’s got to do with our beliefs and our beliefs are what motivates us. Combined with the pleasure principle. What brings us pleasure is highly appealing and we are drawn towards it. There is a pull forward.

What brings us pain, usually demotivates us and there is a big push away from that which is painful.  I acknowledge there are exceptions to the rule, believe it or not.

What you believe will happen, generally happens. You may be familiar with the expression: whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t – you are correct.

What you believe usually turns out as you expected. Interestingly, our unconscious motivation provides the impetus to achieve what we expect and believe. To make real what we believe should be so.

What are your beliefs and expectations? Are they serving you well? How do you start to change them?

Consider this, when you experience stress and or anxiety, your whole body does into overdrive and gets ready for something to happen. That something to happen, your mind and your body cannot identify exactly what it is. You see its all related to the fight or flight response. The well-known explanation of the saber tooth tiger is ready to devour you and you must be in a position where you can protect yourself, do you either run away or fight to defend yourself? It’s a state of hyper-vigilance. Draining.  Somehow your mind has picked up on something as being threatening and triggered off this flight or flight response. Even though there’s no saber-tooth tiger present.

The interesting thing about this is that in this mode of behaviour, this fight or flight response behaviour, your digestion slows down and becomes sluggish, not working as it should.  Your body under the direction of your brain sends most of the blood to the limbs to assist in the expected running away or defending. This whole process can be exhausting, and it can contribute to an increase in digestive problems. It’s a cyclical process. Maybe even going non-stop.

Perhaps some ways you can help yourself is to try to calm down using techniques that work. Guided meditation, and hypnosis, are well-documented methods of alleviating symptoms. Remember there is help available. Stay with me for more updates to help you to help yourself with IBS.

Is my Anger Causing IBS?

Do you often get angry? Perhaps you blame your parents, your husband wife partner, or significant other? Or maybe a work colleague or son or daughter? Maybe you’re dealing with resentment or trauma of some sort!

What if you haven’t dealt with the resentment, the anger, the frustration?  Do you need to forgive someone? And how long is long enough for you to put yourself through the wringer of torment because of the anger, frustration, and resentment you carry around daily with you?

Unresolved emotions and hurts are quite possibly the cause of many physical symptoms you may experience. So whatever symptoms you may be experiencing, ask yourself, am I even aware of any unresolved anger or am I withholding forgiveness from someone I need to forgive to enable me to move forward living a healthy life?

I’ll leave that with you, just think about it!

Hello there, I’m often asked the question is there a connection between the mind and the body? The accepted wisdom is that there is no mind/body split.

Many of you will have busy lives, busy workplaces, targets to reach, children to care for, meals to cook, etc, etc.  And sometimes we ignore the things that we know we need to pay attention to.

And yet I'm sure you've heard of the expression: Look after yourself because if you don't, you won't be able to look after anyone else or when traveling on an aircraft: the message is, put your own oxygen mask on first before you attend to anyone else.

So it's all about self-care. Taking care of things.  makes sense I think.

What has that got to do with the connection between your mind and your body?

How do you know when it's time to exercise? When it's time to eat?  Usually, in the case of exercise, You may have a daily routine. You can choose to pay heed to the daily routine or ignore it.  The feeling of hunger, again we can choose to eat or not eat.

What are the consequences of not exercising or not eating? Obvious, I'm sure.

You see, Your thoughts, your feelings, and your beliefs, and your decisions and attitudes can affect negatively or positively on your physical health. Your mind can affect how healthy your body is.

And again how much you eat or how much you exercise correctly can impact your mind: and your mental health.  Hopefully positively rather than negatively.

I suggest paying attention to your mind and your body connection. Look after yourself!

Thanks for watching and listening.

I'm sure you are familiar with the concept of the "one size fits all", policy.

It's, perhaps it's similar to when you call your bank on the telephone and you have to go through the process of listening to the options available to you! Press one to arrange a mortgage, press two to order a statement, etc, etc. You already know what I mean, you have gone through this ordeal to try to get the answer to a quite straightforward question.

Oftentimes, it takes ages. A phone call, that can last hours.

I think that's a prime example of the: "one size fits all policy".

And yet this 'one size fits all' doesn't really meet our needs, we are forced to go down a funnel in the hope that we find the answers to the questions we have.

Or it's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It won't happen.

I think it's somewhat similar to when you try to find the right therapist for you.

Not all clients are the same, not all therapists are the same. People are different. This is what makes life interesting.

Next time, you or someone you know and or love is looking for a therapist, remember it's important to seek out the right therapist for you.

Ask questions, who are they, how long have they been in business, and how much experience have they? Are they registered and certified? Do they have professional indemnity insurance? Do they engage in ongoing supervision, ongoing continued professional development?

I know, lots of questions. Yet very important to protect you!

Be Powerful.

As human beings, we are capable of experiencing great emotions and feelings. Man and indeed woman have conquered Everest, come up with the most ingenious inventions, and as we now know of technological advances of the 20th Century and it seems that we can look forward to much much more advances in technology to come.

Say, for example, man per se didn't get involved in science and technology and research. Where would we be today? Would we be worse off or better off?

I'll leave you to come up with your own answer.

When it comes to our feelings and emotions, we probably have no choice but to process them, to experience them, to feel them.

Aldous Huxley was a British Philosopher and writer who contributed to our understanding of psychology and human experience.

He gave us the 'reducing value theory'.  Let me paraphrase. He told us that the function of the mind was to reduce our perception. Millions of pieces of sensory material or data are constantly bombarding our senses. Think of all the sounds around you, you probably hear them yet do you focus your attention on them?  How many different smells can you detect? Walking in a city is a kaleidoscope of colour, sounds smell, and even taste.  Yet we come fully equipped with our very own deletion device to preserve our sanity.

We focus only on a tiny part of all that we could experience or could be aware of. Huxley's reducing value enables us to filter out much of what is going on around us. It's really necessary if you were capable of processing all of what you could experience might cause you a mental breakdown.

Finding equilibrium, a balance in our mental health is so important.

Have you ever tried to communicate to someone about an experience you had, only to realise that it's well nigh impossible to truly and fully communicate to another an experience in its entirety so that the person listening to you experiences the exact same feelings.

Difficult indeed. Words indeed are inadequate.

Each person experiences life in their own way.  Two people looked out the window, one saw mud, and the other saw stars.

I know you get it.

Be powerful.

Investments, investments, investments.

You want results, you want to know that if you invest in something you get results. The financial gurus constantly talk about the results you get when you invest in a particular portfolio or fund.

Results, results, results,  and one of the best investments you can make is,  investing in yourself!  It sort of makes sense, doesn't it? Why invest in someone else unless perhaps you love them dearly and care about them. That makes sense!

You have a busy life, stuff to do, people to see. and maybe you have this thing, this problem that's been niggling at you for some time and maybe even years.

Maybe it's an addiction that's costing you lots and lots of money, maybe you feel as though it has been stealing from you for many years. Robbing yourself.  Crazy isn't it!

Maybe you are overwhelmed with stress or too much anxiety, or perhaps you want to be smoke-free, free from a habit that has been ruining your life for some time now?

Statistics are showing that people who are experiencing depression are increasing at a fast pace.

Would you like to be experiencing feelings other than depression? Freeing yourself from that, that has been controlling your life for yours.

How long will you remain inside your problem? Is, now, not the right time to break free from that problem and live your life your way? Just imagine, what's the story you want to be telling in two or three years' time having done this now?

How is life different, then? What if I asked you a question, which by the very nature of the question, caused you to go deep inside yourself and break apart that stuck present reality, and as you realise now, you have freed yourself by tapping into that creative emotional intelligent part of you, stepping into your own excellence and authority. Would that be of any use to you?

Hypnotherapy is probably the quickest, tried and tested, easy method that saves you a fortune by making a wise investment in You!

Do you want results? Of course, you do! Make that investment in you and immediately reap the benefits.

Want to discuss this further and find solutions for you, solutions that help you free yourself now?

I offer you a Complimentary Consultation to discuss your needs and decide on a path that leads to freedom and the results that you want now, and overall you save more money in your pocket.  A wise investment. Just click the link, here or paste it into your browser: 

https://bit.ly/3xPVmMf

Be Powerful

Today's short podcast is going to be a little more technical than usual. So please bear with me.

I want to briefly talk about two parts of your brain. At the outset, I fully acknowledge the brain is a hugely complex organ and my explanation is also hugely inadequate. It's just a simplified explanation.

1. The Amygdala - this responsible for processing strong emotions. The part of your brain that reacts without thinking. This capacity of the brain is necessary when you really are in a life-threatening situation, to enable you to survive. In this mode you are in blinkered vision, unable to see options that are available to you. Creative thinking is stifled, is stopped, and shut down.  Your only concern is survival.  Also known as the fight, flight, or freeze response centre of your brain.
2. The other part of your brain is what's called the Pre-Frontal Cortex.  It's just behind your forehead. It's the rational part of your brain where critical thinking happens.

Being aware of what it is, that's causing you anxiety and or stress, naming it, labeling it, is a tremendous way of calming yourself, because when you bring it out of darkness into the daylight of rational thinking you can defeat it. It loses its power over you.

It's important that you must make an executive decision to STOP what it is you are doing. Just STOP. This takes practice.

Next time you are feeling angry about something or someone or you feel stressed or anxious. Just stop for a moment. Yes just Stop.  Just imagine for a moment you are literally hovering out of your body just like a drone, up and out of your body and you have moved about ten feet from yourself and you look back over at yourself.  Now take a look at yourself, and write down a few words that describe how you are feeling. Not blaming anyone, just how you are feeling. Write it down.  And bring that piece of paper back with you as you hover back into your body.  Now notice how you are feeling!

Another way to calm yourself is to breathe in and out through your nose. Holding your in-breath for as long as you can and then exhaling. Do this for as long as is necessary.  Warning:  if you have a lung or breathing deficit, please do not do this.

The ideal mental state,  to be experiencing is the rational mind state, the Pre-frontal Cortex thinking because rational thinking is able to pour cold water on highly irrational thinking. Then you are able to make wise decisions and wise choices that enhance you and your life. Creative thinking can happen and the world is your oyster.

Practice. practice, practice.

Be Powerful.

There's a very popular poem by Irish Poet, Padraic Colum, entitled, "The Drover".  I remember learning it in primary school, not sure if it's still taught.

It's about a Drover, usually, a man who drove cattle from the west of Ireland where the land would have been considered poor land for rearing cattle, to the rich pastures of County Meath, much flatter land. It's where life was easier, easier to rear cattle to make a living.

The Drovers were usually paid a pittance for their work.

Whilst reading the poem, I was transported back in time to a different era where life was completely different from what we know life to be today.  I contemplated what life would be like if I  was there now. There probably would be much more physical work to get things done, unlike today when we just press a button, switch on a machine or send an email.

Washing laundry on a washboard by hand. Spending time doing the same thing over and over. Probably a lot less drug use or perhaps the drug of choice was alcohol.

Words have the ability to anchor us back to a time past when we experience the same emotions, and feelings now, as we did then.

So when you speak or when you write, choose your words carefully. The impact you can have on someone, especially a child is enormous. You set the tone and change someone's mood with the intended choice of words.  Choose wisely.

Be Powerful

I was speaking with a colleague recently who specialises in Sports Hypnosis. She revealed to me something really very interesting.

We were discussing muscle memory and the role mental rehearsal plays in our success when we plan for success.

She mentioned that the brains of athletes were scanned, as they imagine and or mentally imagine themselves being successful in the sport they specialise in. Achieving way more than they ever thought possible.  The interesting thing is that that very same exact part of the brain is activated as when you imagine it and when you actually do it in real life. According to the brain there's no difference between something imagined and something real.

Just think about your dream, how real they can be!

Mental rehearsal is a powerful way to help yourself be successful.  Just imagine when you go to that time in the future where you have achieved your goal. As you are there looking out through your own eyes, seeing what you are seeing, feeling and hearing, and even smelling.

Mental rehearsal and being in the zone are powerful allies to help you way more than you ever thought possible.

Be Powerful.

Keeping in tune with the theme of nature, I remember trekking in Peru, South America in the year 2005, I was fundraising for a well-known Irish Charity.

Being in Peru opened my eyes, to the stunning landscapes. At one stage whilst trekking at about 4,500 metres, it looked as though I could throw a stone and hit a glacier just right in front of my eyes. It was a magnificent sight.

More amazing were the Peruvian people, with big broad smiles, pleasant demeanour, welcoming. To see farmers at 4,000 metres running with ease after Llama: I was just in awe. I thought their hearts must be enormous to be able to run at such an altitude where the oxygen level is so thin.

I remember the party I was with about 28 people, we visited a school there in the wilderness. Happy smiley faces.

Overall, what I noticed was that the people had the outward sign of being happy, their happiness didn't come from material possessions. They just didn't know wealth as the western world knows.

I believe their outward happiness was a true reflection of their inner happiness. Being content about their lot. I state all of what I'm writing with respect and honour for the people of Peru.

What we don't have we don't miss. That probably sounds blase. That's not my intention. 

We make the best of what we have available to us in the context, in the place we find ourselves.

What makes you happy? Is it possessions? Money? Loving relationships? Success or whatever success means to you? Belief in God?

What do you need to do?

Be Powerful.

When was the last time you took a break to walk in nature, like in a forest park or along the sea shore if you live near the sea shore, or even in a city park?

Sit or take a leisurely walk at your own pace.   Breathe through your nose and smell the air, feel the air as it caresses your face. What does the seat you are sitting in feel like, if you are sitting?

How does the ground feel as you walk upon it, the sound of each step and you crunch the pathway way or perhaps you are on a sandy surface like a beach somewhere, perhaps your favourite place.

I believe it's important just to get out into the air, look around you, smell the smells, and shake your hands if you are able to do that.

Just get out and do yourself a favour.  Again, you might just surprise yourself at what you discover.

Be Powerful

Do you think it's reasonably true to state that most people have a problem they want to be sorted?

The infamous song from the movie, Sound of Music: "How do solve a problem like Maria?"

Now I'm showing my age! So what?

Many people have problems they want to be sorted or to find the solution to that, that has been annoying you for some time.

And yet, what if the solution to most if not all of your problems lies just inside your head?

Yes, inside your head, more specifically inside your unconscious mind.  You see your unconscious mind has one of the most creative resources and intuitive available to you, for free.

Consider when you are aware of your dreams, and how real they seem to you.  Acted out in the theatre of your mind and what a theatre it is. Lights, actions, sound, colour!

Similarly, that creative unconscious when given appropriate instruction can be a powerful ally in helping you sort out problems. Have you ever been mulling around in your head that something that has been wracking your brain for weeks and when you leave that 'something' aside when you forget about it for a while, even perhaps a night:  next morning you wake up and hey presto you are presented with a probable solution to the problem you have been stressed out about.

What if, when you daydream, we all do it, that daydream could be the start of something exciting or even profitable for you.  Dreams can become a reality! What if you just gave your imagination permission to imagine what it wants! How would you be different?

Be Powerful

I recently read the following line: The actions I take, will and will not impact on my life.

It got me thinking, about how very true that line is.

Hard work and dedication usually pay off.  Similarly doing nothing has it pay off, also!

Charting a way forward is essential if you are to get where you want to go.  Follow the process, and the necessary steps.

Even a commercial aircraft has to file a flight plan in order that it gets from A to B.

How are you impacting your life? What would you like to do? What would you like to achieve? What are you achieving?

The actions You take, will and will not impact your life.

Since childhood, I always wanted to learn to swim, however, due to a bad, learning to swim,  experience, I left hopes of me ever learning to swim aside until I was aged 40.

I did some work around my fear of water and drowning and hypnosis helped me enormously.

The gym I attended had a 25-metre swimming pool and whilst I didn't take lessons per se, I splashed around hoping to find the secret to learning to swim.

I recall a friend of mine happened to be in the pool alongside me one day and whilst he can swim he never really made any big deal out of the fact that I couldn't.

I was still clinging to the sides of the pool and occasionally dunking my head under the water so quickly that my head didn't even get wet.

One time when he was exiting the water he made a very profound comment to me. "Try just floating," he said.

Well I tried and I tried and I tried.  No good.  Then I thought since I'm in the shallow end of the pool, what's the worst possible thing that could happen to me?

I gave it one last attempt. I did it, I floated.  Another thing I learned was: surrender to the water and you will float.

Surrendering is that all-important concept.  Just think of it. Whether it be learning to ride a bicycle or learning to swim, surrendering is an all-important component.

Just 'wing' it and see what happens.  Right now, what do you need to just 'wing'?

Set out and yet be safe and 'wing' it and you just might surprise yourself at what you can achieve.

Be Powerful.

Were you ever chatting to someone, perhaps a friend or a colleague, and after you have spoken with them, it struck you that they looked almost as though they were somewhere else? Their mind seemed preoccupied.

I was speaking with a friend recently and they told me their story and that's exactly what happened to them.  My friend was perplexed. He asked himself, was it something he said or did?

I assured him it probably had nothing to do with him or indeed what he said.

My take on it is: that we never know what's going on in someone else's head.  We can mind-read what we might think is going on in their head.

The reality is unless you have a direct link, a brain-to-brain link your summation of what other people might be thinking is flawed.  You just cannot mind read.

So next time you speak with someone, just remember that the person whom you are speaking with has a lot going on, inside their head and if they come across as bad-mannered which is not normally the case, then you can form a reasonable assumption that they are preoccupied with some other happening or other all-consuming thoughts.

Your friends' or colleagues' all-consuming thoughts act like a barrier or a filter on what you are saying to them.  They don't really get to process what you are saying to them.

So remember, leave mind-reading outside and always check the reality of the situation before you go off thinking, you are being ignored or otherwise.

Nearly almost always you are the innocent one and it's not your fault.  Really has nothing to do with your actions or speech.

Be Powerful

Opening Your Mind, Opening Your Heart

What does it mean to open your mind and open your heart? Are they one and the same thing or are they different? Do each want the same outcome for you or are they seeking something totally polar opposite?

I'm not suggesting that you open your mind and heart to the philosophy that's against your morals and faith.

And yet, are you open to the possibility that change can take place within you.

What is it you want to achieve? The infamous expression attributed to Henry Ford, goes as follows, "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you are correct"? There is probably a slightly different version available and or perhaps I don't have it as exact as it should be!

Does it need to be exact?

In any event, you understand the message!   In other words, if you think you can achieve what it is you want to achieve or whether you think you can't achieve what it is you want to achieve, you are 100% correct.   You are free to choose!

What is essentially necessary is, that you must believe you can and have an open mind and an open heart for that to happen. For success!

Sometimes we may say: "Part of me wants to do that and part of me doesn't." That's called parts therapy and that's for another time to talk about.

What if you opened your mind and opened your heart?  What would that mean to you? How would your life be different? What would you be doing then, that you're not doing now?

Be Powerful.

You are probably familiar with the expression being out of your head and I might at some time in the future talk about that, it's not quite what I want to talk about today.

I'm saying, get out of your head and into your body, yes into your body. Do something physical, go for a walk, stand in the rain, of course only where it's safe to do so.

The feeling if being barefoot on a cool surface. Feel every inch of your foot as it touches the ground.

The feel of cool wet grass on your fingers and hand, allow one hand to reach over and touch your arm, the feeling of skin, warmth, coolness, just how does it feel?

In summertime, the feeling of wearing shorts, cool air surrounding your legs, and short sleeves allow you more mobility.

Focussing on sensations, feelings, sights, sounds, tastes, and smells.

The smell after it has rained on hot dusty ground.  The fragrance of flowers, a myriad of different fragrances.

Just getting out of your head.   Try it.

Be Powerful.

It's that time of year when young and not so young students sit for their examinations.

Having worked so hard for years to reach a time when their studies reach a crescendo in an examination.

Just some tips to help you be at your best.

1. The importance of sleep, restful sleep the night before the exam.
2. Eat a good energy breakfast, one that feeds your brain.
3. Be positive, and have an I can do this mindset.
4. Breathe in thru your nose and out thru your nose.
5. Keep your mouth closed.
6. Read the exam paper fully. You have practised this many times before, especially if you are doing school public exams.
7. Decide which question gives you the most marks: ie the ones you can answer.
8. Keep an eye on the time.
9. Breathe through your nose and out through your nose. Keep your mouth closed.
10. Plan how you will do the essay, this is important, especially in an English exam.
11. Give yourself time to read your answers.
12. After your exam, go for a walk or do an activity that gets your mind preoccupied.
13. Relax.
14. Plan for your next exam.

The above list is just a list and I hope it helps you. In truth, there is probably a million ways to build a house. However, the best way is probably the best practised way.

Every success to you.

Be Powerful.

Taking Perspective on Other People is Important

I was aged about 6 or 7 when I had my first experience at baking, more specifically baking what can be known as a loaf of Irish Wheaten Bread.

To this day I follow the same recipe as I did as when I was a child.

Coarse wheaten flour, plain flour, salt, golden syrup, soft brown sugar,  Handful of oat meal, melted butter, bread soda/ bicarbonate of soda and of course buttermilk. I add an extra, and that's chopped walnuts. Mmmmm.

At an early age, I discovered the importance of adding the right ingredients at the right time, and timing is all important.

Following the method of the recipe is also important.  All is done using hand mixing, no mechanical mixing whatsoever. The buttermilk does the trick, and kneading is not necessary, just mixing it all together in the correct quantities at the right time.

Preheated oven at 200 degrees centigrade for one hour.

The result is a golden loaf of delicious wheaten bread, so tasty!

I learned at an early age to follow a process, a process that was set way before I ever was on this earth. And the interesting thing is that when you follow a process, you achieve an outcome. The loaf of bread is baked.

No matter how much I may try, I'll never be able to return the bread to it's individual ingredients.  Where is the buttermilk now? Or the sugar? golden syrup? The ingredients have done their job  and I had a hand in making that happen.

It's complete!

Be powerful.

You are probably familiar with the expression, "Oh, that's perfect." For example, John could say to Jill, 'Oh Jill, I've completed that task you asked me to complete." Jill might respond with, "thank you, John, that's perfect."

So the "that's perfect" is used as an acknowledgment.  It can have many other used!

And yet, does 'perfection' exist?

Many renowned artists have produced acclaimed works of art and yet upon close examination, the acknowledged works of art have within them imperfections. It's the imperfections that make them unique and special and in some cases, priceless.

As human beings, we have many unique features and attributes that make us perfect. It's what makes us special and appealing to our significant other or anyone who is special to us.

Just ask yourself, "why is so and so, so special to me, why do I love them as I do?"

They may have a great skill or ability or perhaps they are just who they are and who they are, is unique and special and indeed perfect to you!

In your imperfections, lies your perfection.  You are unique. Go for it!

Be Powerful.

If you are a reader, then there's bound to be some books in your collection , in your library of books that you haven't yet read. I came across one such book the other day. I had been sorting out stuff, tidying up and for some reason this particular book was left abandoned, isolated on it's own in the midst of a neatly organised book shelf.

The book is by Henri J. M Nouwen and the title: "The Inner Voice Of Love". - "A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom." Nouwen, was a great spiritual writer.

I dipped into this book as I had done so some years back.    The book was written at a time in the life of Nouwen, when he was in total despair, nothingness and loneliness.

And in the midst of his despair with the assistance of two people, who supported him in his total despair, Nouwen managed to write everyday about his experiences. Despite his anguish and despair, his writing didn't suffer.

For over 8 years he hid his writings from public eyes and only upon friends urging him, did he publish, and the result is the book mentioned above.