You may be aware of the intense heatwave in the UK, as in so many parts of the northern hemisphere. We had loads to do in the garden over the weekend. And unlike in South Africa where we had a wonderful gardener every Saturday, it’s now all up to what our 4 hands can accomplish. It was hard, hard work in the heat … and still there’s much to be done.
This morning, I woke up just feeling ‘meh’ and flat.
I’ve had many clients recently who mentioned that they just can’t get themselves to tap when they feel unmotivated. Boy, I get it! When we need it most, is when it’s hardest to use the tools we have. However, I do want to practice what I preach so I reluctantly thought, “Oh okay then… let me just give this a bash!”
I sat right there in bed, and started tapping for the meh, flat feeling. The thought popped up that I shouldn’t feel this way, there is so much to be grateful for – especially because we’re going on a holiday next week.
I kept it simple: just continuous tapping during all the thoughts. That’s when we just ‘tap-and-talk’, or ‘tap-and-think’, while we tap continuously through all the points, with no stops to measure how we’re feeling.
Aha!
Suddenly I became aware of all the things that were weighing on me:
The weekend was too busy, and I did not have my usual level of rest and lazing or reading. There were soooo many tasks to complete, and we both had to work hard and fast. Combined with the dry heat, it was sapping!
As we were watching the temperature predictions soar, my introvert brain and my Empathy talent (CliftonStrengths), started thinking of climate change. What a deep rabbit hole to disappear into...
As I tapped this morning in bed, it all came back to me.
My thoughts went to how people across the world are coping with unbearable heat – some in countries where electricity is a luxury, therefore no fan or air-conditioning. India earlier this year had heatwaves of 50 degrees C (122 F)! In some countries recently, water supplies dried up, and people had to fight for a bit of water at a mobile water tank.
I noticed the despair brewing underneath for me, and the spiralling down into all the worst scenarios… “This is only going to get worse, there’s no way out for any of us.”
Of course, then I thought of the 2 hectic heat-days ahead of us: 36 C in Haslemere, 40 C in London. Over the weekend, already, I had started to dread the next few days – it felt like impending doom. The news articles I read about it over the weekend didn't help! (Hot tip to self: stay away from them, they really whip up the drama.)
Remember – I was still tapping as I was thinking all these thoughts, and if you’re not yet tapping with me, maybe it’s a good idea to do a round or two right now! Below are 2 videos where I show you how.
I also started thinking of my very busy week with clients, and the workshop I’m hosting on Tuesday. I still had a lot of prep, and I’m hosting it on the hottest day of the summer so far, at 5 pm - the hottest part of the day! My mind was projecting all the worst scenarios about sweltering heat, sweat pouring down my face on camera, feeling drained, not doing my best, and being stressed and
unhappy.
Caring Introverts and Thinking
If any of this was touching a nerve or two for you – my apology for any triggers. And more importantly - I really do hope you did a round of tapping just reading all of this. Or at least - took a few deep, calming breaths.
Isn’t this exactly what introvert brains often do? I don’t want to generalise because every introvert is unique… but I’ve seen this pattern often enough in the many caring introverts I work with.
They care deeply about others, nature, and the environment. They carry other’s emotions. They can feel burdened by the effect humans have on our one Earth. They think constantly about the deeper things in life. And the two combined can create a bit of difficulty (read worry, anxiety and sleepless nights.)
It can lead to fear, trepidation and anxiety about our future (individual and global). We fear we won’t have enough stamina or resources to manage, and instead of looking forward and creating it the way we want, we dread what we don’t want.
Awareness is the start
Thankfully I was suddenly super aware of the things brewing under the surface which had all contributed to ‘MEH’ on a Monday morning. Before the tapping, all I knew was I was feeling flat, unmotivated, with no energy. I continued another 5 minutes, just tapping my way through those thoughts.
After mere minutes, I felt ready to get up and even a little excited. I suddenly had the thought, “Oh don’t be silly – I come from AFRICA, for crying out loud, I’ve done heatwaves before!”
In EFT, we call it a cognitive shift. When the tapping has relieved the stress, our brain suddenly has different, healthier, more resourceful thoughts. And then – better actions are possible.
KISS – Keep it simple
That’s all it sometimes takes to start changing our direction, dear . A few minutes of tapping can start some movement and progress.
We don’t need to fix the whole problem. I can’t fix climate change, how much water people in India have, or plastic waste. Yet, I can do something about my own state, and therefore how effective I am in my own circle of influence. I can do my best to prepare for the workshop if I’m feeling calm and resourceful, not with spinning wheels about global things I cannot change right now.
With the tool of EFT, It doesn’t need to take an hour of self-work. In 5 minutes of tap-and-talk, we can create some movement that is enough to start us off in a new direction with more energy, hope and enthusiasm.
Examples:
If you want an example of how to tap silently on your own, when you don’t feel like getting up, or feel flat, meh, unmotivated, watch one of the below videos.
If you are curious about EFT, there are only 2 spots left for my complimentary workshop tomorrow. Sign up right away if you want to attend. Details below.
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Invitation
Introduction to EFT: A self-help method for people with Empathy
I am hosting a (fre*e!) EFT workshop for people who care 'too much' about others and want a self-help tool to manage that. The workshop was created for people in a Strenghts group, hence the title. And, you are warmly invited if you've heard of EFT and want to know more.
What we'll do:
- A teeny tiny bit of EFT background and teaching - just enough to get us tapping.
- A lot of practical exercises, and using EFT (tapping) to experience how it can bring relief from 'carrying' and stress.
When:
Tuesday 19 July 2022
5 pm UK | 6 pm SA | 12 Noon Eastern | 9 am Pacific
75 minutes
I look forward to sharing this excellent self-help tool with you!
There are only 2 spots left at this stage. If you want to attend and find it's full, please let me know.
Recordings:
I'll record it, yes, and prefer you register if you plan to be there live. I'll share the workshop free of charge on my Youtube Channel and website.
Looking forward to seeing you in this workshop, or elsewhere!
