depression

EAM, freedom, love, mindfulness, present

Cultivating Inner Peace and Calm: Navigating Life with Serenity

John Leave a comment

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of inner peace and calm can feel like a distant dream. The constant chatter of anxious thoughts, worries about the future, and regrets about the past often leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. Yet, amidst the chaos, there exists a profound opportunity to cultivate a sense of serenity that permeates every aspect of our lives.

The Power of Inner Peace

Inner peace is not merely the absence of external chaos; it is a state of being characterized by a deep sense of tranquility, contentment, and harmony. It is the ability to remain centered and grounded, regardless of the circumstances swirling around us. While external factors may be beyond our control, the cultivation of inner peace allows us to find solace and strength from within.

Embracing Calmness Amidst the Storm

Without the constant chatter of anxious thoughts, life becomes more peaceful and serene. There’s a newfound sense of calmness that permeates every aspect of daily life, allowing individuals to navigate challenges with clarity and grace. Rather than reacting impulsively to external stressors, those who cultivate inner peace are able to respond thoughtfully and intentionally, guided by a deep sense of inner wisdom.

The Practice of Mindfulness

At the heart of cultivating inner peace lies the practice of mindfulness – the art of being fully present in the moment with non-judgmental awareness. Mindfulness invites us to observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment or aversion, allowing them to come and go like passing clouds in the sky. By anchoring our awareness in the present moment, we free ourselves from the grip of anxious thoughts and worries about the future, finding refuge in the here and now.

Techniques for Cultivating Inner Peace

There are countless techniques and practices that can support the cultivation of inner peace and calm. Meditation, for example, is a powerful tool for quieting the mind and cultivating a sense of inner stillness. Whether through focused attention on the breath, loving-kindness practices, or body scan meditations, meditation offers a sanctuary for the mind to rest and rejuvenate.

Deep breathing exercises are another effective way to calm the nervous system and induce a state of relaxation. By slowing down the breath and extending the exhale, we activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

Engaging in activities that bring us joy and nourish our souls is also essential for cultivating inner peace. Whether it’s spending time in nature, practicing creative expression through art or music, or simply savoring a cup of tea in silence, these moments of respite replenish our spirits and remind us of the simple joys of being alive.

Navigating Challenges with Grace

One of the greatest gifts of inner peace is the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Rather than being swept away by the turbulence of external events, those who cultivate inner peace remain rooted in their sense of self, grounded by an unwavering faith in their ability to weather the storms of life.

Challenges become opportunities for growth and transformation, rather than sources of fear or resistance. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, they are seen as valuable lessons that propel us forward on our journey of self-discovery and self-mastery.

The Ripple Effect of Inner Peace

The benefits of cultivating inner peace extend far beyond our own individual well-being; they have the power to ripple outwards, touching the lives of those around us. When we embody a sense of calmness and serenity, we become beacons of light in a world often overshadowed by darkness.

Our presence alone has the power to uplift and inspire others, offering a sense of solace and reassurance amidst life’s uncertainties. By cultivating inner peace within ourselves, we contribute to the collective awakening of humanity, creating a more compassionate, harmonious, and peaceful world for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cultivating inner peace and calm is not merely a luxury reserved for a select few; it is an essential practice for navigating the complexities of modern life with clarity, grace, and resilience. By quieting the mind, anchoring ourselves in the present moment, and nurturing our spirits with practices that nourish and replenish us, we unlock the doorway to a life of profound serenity and contentment.

So, let us embrace the journey of cultivating inner peace, knowing that the path may be winding and the terrain unpredictable, but the destination – a life filled with peace, joy, and boundless possibility – is well worth the effort. As we embark on this transformative journey together, may we each become ambassadors of peace, radiating our light outwards and illuminating the world with the beauty of our inner serenity.

anxiety

Embracing Serenity: A Glimpse into Life Without Anxiety

John

In a world where stress seems to be the norm, imagining a life without anxiety might feel like a distant dream. Yet, for those who have experienced the transformative journey of overcoming anxiety, it’s a reality that is both liberating and empowering. In this blog, we’ll explore what life is like without anxiety – a life filled with peace, confidence, and boundless possibilities.

Understanding Anxiety

Before delving into the beauty of life without anxiety, it’s essential to understand what anxiety truly entails. Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried from time to time. It’s a persistent and overwhelming sense of fear, apprehension, and unease that can interfere with daily life and relationships.

For many, anxiety manifests in various forms – from generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety to panic attacks and phobias. The physical and emotional toll of anxiety can be debilitating, affecting everything from sleep patterns and concentration to physical health and overall well-being.

Breaking Free from the Grip of Anxiety

The journey to a life without anxiety is often marked by courage, resilience, and self-discovery. It begins with acknowledging the presence of anxiety and making a commitment to confront and overcome it. While the path may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable.

Therapy, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes are often instrumental in managing and reducing anxiety. My work using the Alexander Technique and EAM , in particular, has been shown to be highly effective in helping individuals challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation, can also be powerful tools in cultivating a sense of calm and presence. By learning to observe and accept thoughts and emotions without judgment, individuals can reduce the intensity of anxiety and regain a sense of control over their lives.

The Beauty of Life Without Anxiety

So, what does life look like on the other side of anxiety? Here’s a glimpse into the beauty of living without the weight of constant worry and fear:

  1. Inner Peace and Calm: Without the constant chatter of anxious thoughts, life becomes more peaceful and serene. There’s a newfound sense of calmness that permeates every aspect of daily life, allowing individuals to navigate challenges with clarity and grace.
  2. Confidence and Self-Assurance: Anxiety often undermines self-confidence and self-esteem, leading individuals to doubt their abilities and worth. In its absence, there’s a profound sense of self-assurance and belief in one’s capabilities. People are more willing to take risks, pursue their passions, and step outside their comfort zones.
  3. Deeper Connections: Anxiety can isolate individuals, making it difficult to connect authentically with others. Without the barrier of fear holding them back, people are able to forge deeper and more meaningful connections with friends, family, and colleagues. Vulnerability becomes a strength rather than a weakness, fostering genuine intimacy and trust.
  4. Enhanced Well-Being: The physical and emotional toll of anxiety can take a significant toll on overall well-being. Without the constant strain of stress and worry, individuals experience improvements in sleep quality, digestion, and immune function. There’s a newfound vitality and zest for life that permeates every aspect of their being.
  5. Embracing Possibilities: Perhaps most importantly, life without anxiety is filled with boundless possibilities and opportunities. With the weight of fear lifted, individuals are free to dream big, pursue their passions, and embrace new experiences wholeheartedly. The world becomes a canvas waiting to be painted with the colors of adventure, joy, and fulfillment.

Embracing the Journey

It’s important to recognize that overcoming anxiety is not a linear process – it’s a journey filled with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. There may be moments when old fears resurface or new challenges arise, but with the tools and techniques learned along the way, individuals are better equipped to navigate the twists and turns of life with resilience and grace.

Ultimately, life without anxiety is not about the absence of fear, but rather the ability to embrace it with courage and compassion. It’s about reclaiming control over one’s thoughts and emotions, and living each moment with intention and authenticity.

So, if you find yourself longing for a life without anxiety, know that it’s possible. With dedication, support, and a willingness to embrace the journey, you too can experience the beauty of serenity and freedom that awaits on the other side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, life without anxiety is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation that leads to a life filled with peace, confidence, and boundless possibilities. By confronting and overcoming anxiety, individuals can reclaim control over their lives and embrace each moment with clarity, courage, and grace. So, if you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey, know that you’re not alone. With the right support and resources, you too can experience the beauty of life without anxiety.

Alexander Discovery, EAM

When Alexander met EAM

John Leave a comment

Recently I attended a weekend retreat for EAM mentors, I volunteered to present for an hour on how I work with clients.

I personally really enjoy my presentation, it flowed and I got my message across, those who watched and participated looked like they enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. After the presentation I had a flow of people wanting to experience what I presented; during the presentation I demonstrated with two volunteers and they wanted some of what I did. I can’t remember their exact words the two volunteers said something on the lines for feeling light and free.

The presentation was a mix of Alexander and EAM, helping those attending to be more present and more knowledgeable about how their body works, I focused on the head neck joint, and the hip joints, getting greater awareness of these three joint ( you have two hip joints) your use will change dramatically.

You may have read that I’m very intuitive and can sense what’s going on in others bodies; don’t worry I only use my intuition when requested.

Using my intuition and the body mapping I introduced helps me to sense the angsts in people. The two volunteers got to sense my touch and I got the opportunity to help them where things in their bodies tight, where there was unnecessary tension. By me noticing and telling them they had the opportunity to release this tension.

Releasing tension is very difficult without help, you have probably been to a massage to help you with this. When I’m working with someone or a groups of people I invite space into the room and into their bodies. When I’m touching someone I can be more direct and invite space into a particular limb to show them what it is like to have freedom and aliveness. Sadly, this won’t last as they will normally return to their old habits over the coming days.

What I was experimenting with at the retreat was to include the above, part of the Alexander Technique and the next thing I’m about to write, EAM.

My thought was what would happen if I helped clients to improve their body awareness and also released the trauma that was causing their limbs and body to be in tension. With the queue of volunteers over the remaining day and the next, I experimented and had wonderful results extremely quickly. I could notice, resolve and release their angst within a few minutes with lasting effects.

I did get the comment that it looks like you put your hand on their shoulder, say a few words and they go away free, full of liveliness, big smiles and glowing.

I’ve since worked on my clients with the same rapid transformations. I am happy for you to contact me and tell me what I can help you with.

I’ve included two videos of what they thought of my work.

Alexander Technique, breathing, depression, EAM, freedom, habit, trying

Kintsugi for the soul

John

Kintsugi is a Japanese practice of repair broken pottery by using gold to lovingly and carefully join the broken pieces together again, hence making the piece even more precious than before.

What I do is Kintsugi for the soul, people come to me because they have physical pain and or emotional pain in the form of depression and anxiety. My techniques and methods are the gold to their cracks of pain.

The gold that seals the cracks in their soul.

Turning these cracks into gold so that you can show up for every moment of every day your precious beauty and magnificence.

EAM, love, mindfulness

Real Excitement

John Leave a comment

Today I discovered that I’ve been fooling myself for many years, I really knew it already but have been hiding from the truth until today.

It was ok to admit it, I did get the help from someone else, they supported and guided me through my discovery.

I was overjoyed at my discovery, then I had a huge mental collapse for the afternoon. I stayed with my collapse, living and accepting it as I was realigning, now these events don’t take too long, once they used to take days now a few hours. I really don’t like these mental collapses, when I’m in them they never seem to end, I loiter around allowing things to happen, sleep helps, being kind to myself helps, waiting helps even if its painful.

Then it’s all over.

Clarity, I know my way ahead.

You may be wondering what it was?

It was the discovery that I’ve been stuck in a metaphorical box which has been constraining me and preventing who I really am. It’s been going on for years in fact decades and I haven’t even noticed it, obeying the rules with a little wiggle room to help me believe I’m a free spirit. I guess you may be like this as well or you haven’t yet noticed your own box.

I’ve been pushing against my box for sometime, it’s exhausting and futile. I had emptied my core, I felt like a doughnut with no centre, my centre hole all burnt, scarred, cracked and blacked, there was nothing in the centre. All my effort and energy was pushing outwards and burning my core as it went. I felt the only way out of the box was to be in service to others and ignoring my service to self. I’ve been burning myself out from the inside. The charred empty burnt feeling felt very real earlier today, I can still sense its emptiness. I hadn’t noticed before today, today opened up my senses!

This has been smouldering for a very long time.

Now the smouldering has been put out!

I’ve now burst out of the box with excitement and now getting on with my life.

What an awful Image, I guess its got your attention!

The excitement isn’t the head sort of excitement which I see as a frenzy, being over ecstatic with excitement. What I sense is the heart and gut excitement that is driven and focused, it has it’s own beauty to this excitement, there is a vision and goal to it, there is a clarity and joyfulness that drives this excitement, its very personal excitement, its the energy you see in motivated people. There a love of life!

This may have happened this morning, it now seems such a long time ago. A lot went on in the session I had.

Simply put my energy, yin and yang and auras were aligned.

Post Note:

I wrote the above yesterday, today I’ve been busy doing practical stuff, clearing out old paperwork from my office, there was a lot of it! Helping my wife with things and being happy with whatever I’ve done, a strange concept that I’m very happy to get used to.

Going through all this anxiety and depression has really opened my eyes to how difficult it is without support and love from others.

Please get in touch if you ever need a chat or help, I’m here and I understand.

Alexander Technique, anxiety, depression, EAM, freedom, Inhibition, intention, stopping

Embracing Life’s Imperfections: A Journey of Kintsugi

John Leave a comment

Imagine your life as a delicate ceramic bowl, crafted with care and precision.

At first, it’s flawless, gleaming with perfection.

But as time passes, life happens.

Stress fractures begin to form, caused by the pressures of everyday existence—work, relationships, expectations.

These cracks, they’re not just physical imperfections.

They represent the trials and tribulations we face, the moments of heartache and hardship that threaten to shatter us into a million pieces.

But here’s where the magic of Kintsugi comes in.

In the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, broken pottery is not discarded or hidden away. Instead, it’s repaired with gold lacquer, transforming the fractures into veins of shimmering beauty.

It’s a metaphor for resilience, for embracing our imperfections and turning them into something extraordinary.

Similarly, in our own lives, it’s the love that binds us back together when we’re broken.

Like the gold in Kintsugi, love fills the cracks, strengthening us and making us whole again. It’s the support of friends and family, the kindness of strangers, the compassion we show ourselves in moments of darkness.

Through love, we find healing. Through love, we find connection. And just like the repaired pottery, we emerge from our struggles stronger and more beautiful than before.

So, embrace your cracks, dear friend. They are a testament to your strength, your resilience, and the power of love to mend even the most broken of souls.

If you find yourself navigating through life’s challenges and feeling like a broken vessel in need of repair, know that you’re not alone.

I’m here to offer support and guidance as you embark on your journey of healing and self-discovery.

Just like the gold in Kintsugi, my support can help you mend your fractures and embrace your imperfections with love and acceptance. Whether you need a listening ear, words of encouragement, or practical advice, I’m here to help you pick up the pieces and rebuild yourself into something even more beautiful than before.

Together, we’ll navigate the twists and turns of life, finding strength in vulnerability and beauty in resilience. So, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m available to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Contact me at john@rediscover-freedom.com to start your journey toward wholeness today.

Alexander Technique

These thoughts will change your world

John Leave a comment

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

There are many wonderful people out there, more than you think. People who you can trust and they can trust you, they accept you as you are as you can accept them.

The niggly bit about trusting those wonderful people is that you have to trust yourself first, that’s really trusting yourself, none of this playing at it. You know when you when you are playing at it as things just don’t feel right. You say “yes” to yourself or others, maybe more like “maybe”, “perhaps later”, you know your cop-out words that you use! You use these words to placate you and other as know you will never do what you promise. It is common and its ok to think and behave like that, well, for several years then you will fall off the rocks or whatever your favourite metaphor is for your emotional crash.

Not being truthful to yourself always ends up in a mess, your energy is in a mess with opposing thoughts and beliefs.

I know I’ve recently been there!

Coming to terms with being honest to yourself is difficult as your inward and outward beliefs and thoughts need to align with each other and be in harmony, a tall ask after years of the opposite especially if you keep doing what your always do.

This is where being present really helps and allowing yourself to feel all your emotions.

You will get overwhelm, listen to your body and respond as your body requests. If you need to sleep, then sleep don’t put it off else you’ll slip into your past behaviours.

Say NO to yourself and others when your body says so, this is the hardest thing if your are a YES person, the people pleaser, wanting to be nice all the time, thinking others know best for you: how can they, they probably don’t even know themselves.

Be kind to yourself and love yourself, these thoughts will change your world. They have changed my world.

Do get in touch and I can teach you ways to say yes and no honestly and truthfully to yourself.

Asthma, depression, EAM, mindfulness, present, Rediscover your Freedom, trying

Those emotions!

John Leave a comment

It’s a difficult life learning to live with all my emotions, it was so much easier living between my glass floor and ceiling. Things just felt right and in control though I wasn’t getting anywhere fast. I had my gut that went tight when I sensed danger, whether true or false, this stopped me in my tracks with thoughts of I can’t do that. I remember back when I used to shake with fear when asked to do a presentation of some sort or speaking to a group, I’d start by pumping up my energy with fear lurking and hiding behind, I’d rehearse my script, not very well as I knew I was going to fail. I’d start with false confidence then doubt and fear would cut in, my throat would tighten, the dry cough would appear and my asthma would awake. When I was in the height of my asthma I’d also over use my inhaler before I started.

Then I’d look for a friendly supportive face and tell them what I planned to say, ignoring everyone else. Job done and then I could breathe again. There was an elation that I’d survived the ordeal.

Does this resonate with you?

These events now seems so long ago, I’m happy to present and talk to anyone, the secret is to speak from the heart and speak authentically. You may be wondering how I’ve managed to change me? Simply put I’ve stopped doing stuff I’m now being me. All that stuff is fear and other low energy emotions, which I still have, I now manage by being present and honest with myself, when I’m present fear can’t enter the stage, though its waiting in the wings for its opportunity.

The art of being present is a long journey, there are many blind alleys and rabbit holes; all these are thoughts, beliefs and emotions that are unhelpful and need to be accepted and allowed to leave, many have been here for a long long time and are deeply attached and need to be visited several times to encourage their energy to change.

I thought I had cracked it, that’s being present between my glass floor and glass ceiling then the floor smashed and now I realised I was only playing at life in my little sphere of protection, now there is a whole lot more to life and I can see what is holding me back (until the next glass floor smashes).  I’ve had many glass floors in the past, I’ve assumed I’d known enough then something happens to show me there is more than I thought. This time it seems such a huge a shift, perhaps the other ones did at the time, these ah ah moments that introduced a paradigm shift. It’s now been three weeks since I crashed and I still feel that I’m still in the healing phase with lots to assimilate and lots to let go of. My personal work on my energy, thoughts, beliefs and emotions is on-going as I assume will continue well after this healing phase has finished. You may think why continue, well, if I stop I’ll then create another glass floor and glass ceiling and this doesn’t serve me as well as being without them.

Over the past few years I’ve come along way from being scared of my own shadow to being present and have a vision for my life.

If any of this interests you then please get in contact, I run workshops and 1:1 sessions on-line and in person.

anxiety, depression, EAM, habit, Rediscover your Freedom

When the glass floor smashes

John Leave a comment

I came to a halt a couple of weeks ago, a real halt, I simply couldn’t do anything. My energy was in turmoil, I was swinging from despair to happiness in a few seconds and back again this lasted for most of the morning. I’d hit the enough is enough button and enough was enough and I wasn’t going anywhere soon. Later I discovered that driving my car was scary and very exhausting so I was really not going anywhere soon!

You may have heard or read about the glass ceiling, where you restrict yourself from achieving your dreams. I discovered that we also have a glass floor, I broke this floor and fell to the bottom of the basement where grief, hatred, guilt and despair live.

We all tend to live within the boundaries of the glass floor and glass ceiling, it is safe here as we know what is going on even though we aren’t meeting our full potential. It is like being a battery that we just partially top up to the glass ceiling and let drop to the glass floor before we recharge, eventually our potential and the batteries potential is restricted to this range. We wouldn’t do this to a battery so why do we do it to our bodies. Perhaps habit and comfort are our reasons.

The glass floor is where we set measures so that we don’t have to visit our low energies, we model these energies instead, manning up, stiff upper lip are a couple of terms that describe my glass floor. The fear of fear is the essence of what the glass floor is protecting, not wanting to feel or sense the fear, we may not know why we need to do this though it is there in your psyche. I believe it is healthy to have the gamut of emotions from shame to joy and beyond. What is not healthy is hanging on to the energy that was created when an emotion is visited, this is applicable to all emotions on the scale, I know it is wonderful to linger in joy and love, this doesn’t serve you, the only thing that serves you is the emotion in the moment, the authenticity and sovereignty of being present. 

Until I came to a halt I wasn’t aware I wasn’t with my lower energy emotions, I was living with my glass floor, manning up with the occasional crocodile tear as I didn’t know how to allow myself to mourn, how to feel grieve; I played at all this. Crashing to the bottom is a blessing as it has allowed me to engage with my full potential. Allowing me to be me for the first time that I can remember.

My yoyoing of my emotions, I assume, was myself wanting to get to the place of safety above the glass floor, only to realise the floor wasn’t there and I crashed back down. It was only when I let go of trying to escape that things settled. I may have a head start with some of you reading this as I’ve been doing energy work for some years, once I was settled I could do some work on myself and asked for help from other colleagues. Each one brought something different to help me, each was timely and a timely benefit to me.

In hindsight, though it was only a few weeks ago, I’ve needed this crash for sometime, to smash my glass floor and ceiling to allow me to develop further in my energy work, I was holding myself back at the very beginning when i discovered energy work and throughout my other careers. I’ve read, done the training, understood the concepts, what was missing was embedding what I’d learnt into my soul; being it instead of, what I’ve done for years, doing it. There is a huge difference between being and doing, many people have tried the tell and teach me without success. I simply wasn’t ready to listen, I needed to crash and live it.

Thank you for reading my post, if this resonates with you, why not come along to my workshops or take a personal session with me,

Alexander Technique

The Roller coaster of live

John Leave a comment

Over the past few weeks my energy has been in turmoil, yes it gets the best of us, we are only human as well!

Have yo ever noticed that all of a sudden you feel shit, despondent and nowhere to go. I know I’m on the slippery slope from love to fear but I can’t seem to help myself until I’ve landed at the bottom amongst the mess of fear and hatred. From there, after a while of doom and despondency, I can start my work to return to my beautiful, wonderful high energy state of love joy and freedom, it doesn’t take long as I have the tools to use, you may want to know these tools, the easiest way is to ask me and I’ll tell you, I digress.

Life is alway with its ups and downs, it is how we navigate these ups and downs is the important thing. knowing they will happen and having the acceptance that shit happens and equally wonderful things happen then you can see these events as more of an observer instead of trying to fix the unfixable.

Fixing the unfixable just gives you grieve and pain in the strangest of places.

Life is a Roller Coaster, the yin and yang of life, holding on to where you feel comfortable and safe is a fools errand. If you life in the low energy space of fear and terror or the high energy space of love joy and freedom, holding on isn’t serving your highest good. Yes I know it is scary to let go of what you are holding on to, whilst you are holding on you aren’t being yourself, I know from experience and still do with some things, this is why it’s good to shoot to the bottom of the roller coaster as this is where the shit is that is waiting for me to resolve. I journal about these things then do my EAM practice to release the shit and manifest something wonderful. It really works and I’m soon at the top of the roller coaster, I accept that I will have slumps and deep dives know that have the tools to return to the heights.

What I’ve noticed is that my roller coater has changed over the past few years. instead of having vey deep dives and a long long time at the bottom with a brief visits to to the top of the roller coaster and it wasn’t really very high. I’ve now moved to long plateaus at the top and it’s very high with gentle slopes to the bottom, this new bottom in much higher than the top used to be.

This comes with a price, that is practice, dedication and acceptance. The first acceptance is realising that you can change whatever age you are, I have and I’m quite senior. Letting go of the beliefs that start with

I can’t,
I won’t
what will they think
and a whole lot more yo can think of

What is your favourite stopper?

Please get in touch and I can get you on your journey.

It’s simple and free, click on this link, book a time in my calendar that suits you, then we can chat https://calendly.com/john-stevenson99/lets_chat