ARTICLES

3 Steps to Time Management

What could be more stressful than not having enough time? The day comes and goes and you still didn’t get even half the things done that you had intended to get done. So how exactly do you manage this elusive thing called time? Actually, you don’t. Time can’t be managed. Time just is. (In fact, time is not what you think, but that’s for another article.) So the title of this article is a bit misleading, but it’s named as such because most people still believe it’s TIME they need to manage, when in truth it’s really ACTIVITIES that they must manage.

Step One
The first step is to sort out all the helpful, goal-oriented activities from the dead-end activities. And by the way, don’t list the activities you always do, like getting out of bed, eating breakfast, etc. Those you already know you’re going to do, and they are part of your routine. The activities I want you to concentrate on are the ones that are unquestionably linked to a big and spectacular goal.

For example, if your spectacular goal is to earn at least $300,000 this year, then what activities in your daily life are supporting that goal? Reading a book about your particular industry, or taking a seminar in goal setting, or replacing watching a TV show with going to the library and looking up information on how to write a business plan would be definite and constructive goal-oriented activities.

So weed out on paper the activities that are non-supportive from the activities that are fully supportive. You might be amazed at all the non-supportive activities that have been filling up your busy days.

Step Two
Once you have your list on paper, take a look at the supportive activities and add to them or amplify them to really target your goal-oriented direction.

For example, let’s say you have on your list that you read every evening. That’s great, because that’s a possible way of expanding yourself and your knowledge. However, if the book is a comic book, it might not be helpful towards your goal of making at least $300,000 this year (unless, of course, you’re a comic book writer, artist, or store owner!), but if you exchange that comic book for a book about your industry, or a successful person’s biography, or some other related material, then you are in alignment with your goal.

Step Three
Now, of all those goal-oriented and supportive activities, choose the six most important ones that must be done first—the ones that are the first steps of an enormous goal. (Remember, the longest journey always begins with a single step!) You should be able to complete all six activities within a single day. Of those six most important activities, decide which should be done first, second, and so on, so that all six activities are in their order of importance.

Write these six activities on a blank sheet of paper, in their order of importance, and begin work on the first one. Only go on to the second one when the first one is complete. If you don’t finish the entire list in one day, let it roll over to the next day, adding the next activities so that you always have a list of six most important things to do in a day. Make sure to carry this list with you so that you can always remind yourself of what comes next on your list.

Follow this strategy for at least a month, every day, and you will change your life.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Kim Markison is a master hypnotherapist. Her lifelong path is to teach and show everyone how powerful and extraordinary they really are. To align with that path and purpose, she is creating unique, empowering hypnosis meditations for HypnoFreedom. Each one is designed for complete relaxation and stress relief, so no matter which one you listen to, you will always arrive at the center of your being to safely enjoy who you truly are.
Copyright 2007. If you would like to reproduce the content contained in this article, please reference: http://www.hypno-freedom.com.

Stress RELEASE

How do you ease stress? What a question! How pertinent the question is as a poignant reminder to say yes and return to your powerful center. For surely when we are centered and grounded we express an easy and relaxed air. You know such moments when we start and breathe deeply with gratitude. It is within said moments we remember with all senses the meaning of life beyond concepts, deadlines and what reigns in our heart is of primary importance. That which reigns is peace. All the dramas of our cultural inheritance, our upbringing, the memories and mental filters dissolve and your true beauty shines. So again I ask: How do you ease stress?

Recently with a steamy cup of tea and a day of leisurely memories behind me, I sat with laptop open and an unhurried canine at my side. Out to explore what it really means to embody ease and breathe thoughtfully. Mind you I am no expert on the subtleties of pranayama, the art of breathing within full awareness, however I must make mention of the importance of mindful breathing to you.

When we hold our breath we freeze time. Have you ever heard it put quite like this? “Preposterous” some may say. Again I am no expert though something I noticed which at once I knew I must share with you “popped” into my consciousness recently. It was this: our body is a time capsule and conscious, focused breathing practice is the key to the machine if you will. Secondly, when we hold our breath we stop time. Have you like so many others experienced the feeling of fearful breathlessness? A moment of fear so gut wrenching so as to hold your breathe in attempt to hide from the event? When we stop breathing in such moments, fear is literally stored in the cells of the body. The very first time you held your breath in fear, a pattern was created, a neural pathway, a habitual way finely worn over the months and years. It still affects you today; for better or worse.

There are many of us who are awakening now and taking life giving breaths deeply into our center. Take a moment now to join us…go ahead wherever you are; no matter who you are surrounded by; if you are alone take a breath deeply now.

Was that difficult? Did you breathe in deeply now? If it is easy or difficult for you… good. You are alive and on a path as a spiritual being having a human experience. What you will find if you have difficulty sustaining a constant rhythm, is that you are thinking too much. Interestingly enough thoughts, especially the habitual ones, are quite often little memories frozen in time. In fact it is surmised by some that most thoughts that occur throughout our day are the selfsame ones we had years ago. Now this is relatively true for most people though not absolutely true for all people. Join the small percentage of people who live fully in enlightened presence and breathe. Let us be the majority.

Let your conscious breathing practice move you to a place secure in your center. Allow your deep breathing to guide your inner wisdom to a haven within. From here you may witness the pattern of your thoughts. Realize habits and repetitive thoughts are only a small aspect of your true potential. Like light through a pinhole in an otherwise dark box, take your breath with you, shatter the box like thoughts and step fully now into light. You are safe here, you are loved and all is well.

Shawn of hypno-freedom.com

Shawn Duyette is a martial artist of ten years. He has been trained in several energy healing modalites including reiki, quantum touch, and Native American energy healing. Shawn is also a Certified Hypnotherapist and massage therapist. He has been trained in herbology and Chinese medicine (acupuncture, shiatsu, tui-na bodywork) and is currently on sabbatical from medical school. Copyright 2007. If you would like to reproduce the content contained in this article, please reference: http://www.hypno-freedom.com.

3 Easy Steps to Find What You Value Most

I’ve noticed time and time again, that people tend to make choices in their lives with little or no regard to their values. In fact, I would say that most people don’t have a clear picture of what they value most! There are, luckily, some easy and sound methods to finding those values that are the top ones in your life, and you’re reading this to find out!

First, take a good look around you. Look at your home, your family, your job, your hobbies. What is the first thing you think of in the morning? What is it that you spend most of your time doing? Your ACTIONS will give you a very clear idea of what you have been stressing in your life. For example, even if you say you want a lot of money, what are you actually doing to generate money, and how much are you actually bringing in? If you say relaxing is what you most value, how are you applying that in your life right now? Take a piece of paper, and on the left hand side, write down a list of the activities in your daily life—the ones that repeat over and over again. Then, for each item on the list, write a value on the right hand side. For example, if you work long, hard hours, you might list “dedication” or “responsible” as a value. It will depend on how you view what you are doing. No matter what, the values will always be a positive attribute even if you think the action to be negative.

The second step would be to take another sheet of paper and write down your dream day. What would you do if you had all the money in the world, and all your problems were easily solved? All you have to do is dream about what your everyday life would be like. Tell the story of a single day where you wake up at home (your dream home!) and go through the day as you would like it to be. Once you’re finished with that, take another sheet of paper and list the activities from your dream day on the left hand side, and when you’re finished, list the value on the right hand side. For instance, if you said you cook a gourmet breakfast for your family in the morning, maybe the value is “family” or “love” or even “health.”

The third step is to take a look at both value lists and compare them. What are you doing right now in your life that is in alignment with your dream day? If you’re like most people, the lists might be total opposites! If you have a few things in common, fantastic! Cultivate those things and work to make the others more prominent. This third step is about being real about where you are now, and getting clearer on where you want to be. Look over all the values you’ve listed and circle the ones that have THE MOST meaning to you. Get out another sheet of paper and list those values from top to bottom, with the top being the most important. So they are now in the order of importance. The top five are the ones to really focus on. Yes, all the others are important as well, but those top five are key to living the life of your dreams!

Now that you have a working list of true values, you are in the top 1%-3%! Most people never take the time to get a clear picture of where they stand with their values and what this means in their life. This list is a work in progress—you will always be changing, so your values will shift and change as well. But now you have the tools to gage your values any time you wish! To live the life of your dreams, start making decisions and choices based on what you truly value.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Take Time Out For YOU!

In my line of work in the alternative health industry, I have noticed a common theme in the lives of some very powerful healers. In the most beautiful way, these powerful healers are heart-centered and quite self-less. The flip side of this can lead to caring ONLY for others and not giving much attention to themselves. Burnout is a very serious issue for these desperately needed healers. This is why I am always reminding people of how important it is to take some time out for themselves each and every day, no matter how busy the day seems to be. If this sounds at all familiar to you, I’d like to remind you of three important things: 1.) Like attracts like, 2.) There are quick and easy ways to take time out for yourself, and 3.) If you’re stressed, you won’t be as helpful to others as you can be.

Like attracts like. Where have you heard that before? “As you sow, so shall you reap,” and so many other famous quotes could be inserted here. It all basically comes down to what you put out in the world comes back to you—always. If you are stressed, you’ll keep getting more of the same—for yourself AND the clients or friends or co-workers in your day to day life. The people you meet or associate with will show signs of stress that you are feeling on a regular basis. However, if you begin by taking a few moments out for yourself, and you nurture and relax yourself on a regular basis, you will find the situations and circumstances in your life improve exponentially! Why? Because like attracts like—always—and when you are relaxed and centered you are better equipped to attract the ease you are magnificent at creating in your life.

“How can I think about ease when I’m stressed out and working frantically,” you ask? Easily. Take one minute at a time. If you’re super busy and on the go every day, schedule in a five-minute “ME” break on your calendar. Five minutes is very quick and everyone can do this easily. Maybe first thing in the morning could work for you, or during a lunch break at work, or while waiting for the bus or train. Five minutes listening to some beautiful, relaxing music, or a relaxation recording, or just simply taking conscious, deep breaths will give you enough relaxing space to rejuvenate yourself. I’d also like to point out that there may be some things you are already doing for yourself that you are putting in the “chore” category instead of the “ME” category. Things like exercising, eating a delicious meal, taking a shower, going to a movie, visiting a museum, and the list can go on and on. Think of these things as “rewards” for being you, and wonderful time out moments!

It’s always so easy to think of others when you are heart-centered. There are so many deserving people to love, nurture and care for. If all you do is take care of others (your children, spouse, friends, clients, co-workers, boss, relatives, etc.), and you leave no room in your life for you, you won’t nearly be as effective a caregiver as you could be. The healthier, stronger, more relaxed and centered you are, the more powerful you will be for your children, spouse, friends, clients, and so many others!

Remember: YOU are important, too. Here’s what I would point out: If you believe that others are deserving and important enough to care for, and that all people are expressions of the Universe (God, Creator, Goddess, etc.), could you believe that you, too, deserve love, support, and relaxation in your life? You are a part of this world and being stressed-out is NOT doing anyone any good, least of all you! Take the time for you, because you deserve it, and so does the world.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Fire: A Metaphor For Wealth Building

Whosoever has attempted in his life to build a fire under the watchful eye of nature (i.e. not in a fire place) has in my opinion all the tools and temperament with which to build extraordinary wealth.

Imagine the times you have set out to build a fire at a campsite. Were the conditions perfect? Rarely are the conditions perfect for such an endeavor. And rarely does the world present opportunity for wealth building in a manner other than one requiring patience, hard work and a little bit of luck and skill.

Do you remember now the task of building that fire? Did you have all the necessary tools? There are tools one needs in the forests of this world and the jungles of this culture. Tools are needed to start and maintain a fire and to begin the upward spiral toward wealth. Axes, saws, matches, books (not to burn!), knowledge and mentors all are necessary to achieve the goals of warmth, safety and peace of mind.

Let’s build a fire. I am a dreamer and idealist and have decided to throw some downright massive logs into our fire pit. Try and try as I might I will have created much smoke but little fire. Now I am the type of person who will give all my energy in short bursts and soon lose track because of the greener grass on the other side. So I put lots and lots of dry grass and flammable kindling and watch as my fire by all outward appearances looks like a genius created it. But wait just a minute and see the fire diminish and my enthusiasm return to the dream state. Not a good way to create a fire or wealth.

Now let us build a fire properly, patiently and with the expertise of those who have come before us. We must gather some wood, a metaphor for the energy and effort required to get our fire of wealth burning. In order to build a fire that will become the foundation of our warmth building efforts, (a metaphor for income) we need some kindling. Next we need some slightly larger sticks and finally some logs. In order to build fire or wealth one step must come before the next or the flames will never grow. We grow each stage in increments each calculated to set the next level ablaze. We must begin growing wealth with some tools and knowledge using baby steps like kindling to get the ball rolling. Next we must put on some bigger branches to keep the fire growing. This step is like putting several key action steps together to create a deal. The final step when the fire is still growing will work only if the first goals have been attained. In this final step of wealth building we use the resources, the heat and energy, of the first steps to create residual wealth and heat. When we’ve attained this third degree the fire takes on a life of its own. Now there is little left to do but sit back and enjoy the heat of our efforts and the residual income we have created to sustain us through the long winter of our lives.

Shawn of hypno-freedom.com

Oprah and The Secret

Thank the stars, the universe, God, Goddess, your higher self or whatever it is you thank, for Oprah. Oprah brings the world incredible insights and amazing bits of knowledge for anyone and everyone who would listen. She has just completed two shows dedicated to The Secret. The first show received so much attention by fans that she did a follow-up show. Apparently, the public-at-large is ready to begin hearing of such “secrets.”

So what is the secret? Quite simply, it’s the Law of Attraction. What you put out is what you’ll get back. Every major religion talks about it. Now, even science is proving it. The most amazing thing is that anyone can direct it, with the proper tools, of course.

And just what are the tools, you ask? First, you must be aware of it and have the right attitude. Next, you’ll need to believe it with all your being. And the last part is to be grateful for it, even if it’s not present yet.

As with most things, the first step is usually the hardest. Most people, even though they’ve heard biblical quotes many times over, don’t consistently live by, “as you sow, so shall ye reap.” It sounds good, but the practical application is usually never more than an afterthought. The Secret is telling and showing us that the Law of Attraction is in full force and effect each and every second! There is never a time when it is turned off — it is always working and we are always sending out a signal. So awareness is key.

But awareness is only the beginning. You must also apply the right attitude. If you just give a cursory glance at this Law, and then dismiss it as having nothing to do with your life, then you’ve picked up an attitude of close-mindedness. This is quite prevalent in the U.S. and something that needs to change if we are to live in peace. The most helpful attitude for yourself and the world is one of open-mindedness and curiosity. It’s not about believing everything you hear or read, it’s about discovering new things and ideas and being open to learning about them. You can decide later what they mean to you personally.

Which brings us to the part about belief. When you are attempting to change your life for the better, and you’re using the Law of Attraction, one of the important tools is to believe that which you want is already with you, because it is! Look around you right now. Everything that you can see, you attracted to you. If you say you want a million dollars, and you don’t yet have a million dollars in your bank account, then the signal you’re sending out is not in alignment with a million dollars — YET! Now, change your mind right now to believe that you have a million dollars. Feel what that would feel like for you, see yourself with a million dollars, in a million dollar lifestyle, hear the sounds, and experience it! Congratulations! You just successfully put yourself into a million dollar vibration. And that’s what you need to do on a consistent basis. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s how millions are attracted.

As you’re putting yourself into that million dollar vibration, the last important piece is to be fully grateful for it as if it were here right now. Thank whatever entity you thank, and be fully of love and joy! It’s fun to imagine and easy to be grateful for such joy. Think about all the things and people already in your life that you are grateful for. If they disappeared tomorrow, would you still be grateful that they were a part of your life even though they are no longer physically present? It’s the same thing, only in reverse. Be thankful FIRST, and it will show up all the faster.

Our lives are filled with things that are intangible. The energy that constantly surrounds us is real, and our personal power within that energy field is enormous — even more than we now know. Let’s start using the Law of Attraction to its fullest and highest potential. Let’s help Oprah create a beautiful world.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Breathe In The Face Of Fear

Do you know how to breathe properly?

In my travels day to day I notice that the majority of people I meet do not breathe with intention and ease. The labored breathing patterns of humans I have witnessed are not an isolated and random event. At the time of this awakening one knows such disconnection from our breath to be a phenomenon in an alarming pandemic pattern. The world at large seems to be holding our collective breath as if before some spiritual plunge.

Only recently have many of you begun to notice this among our Earth brothers and sisters. You may also know, as awareness of seemingly new trends and human nuances comes individually to the forefront of thought, that the event is not something entirely new. One becomes with the awareness fully engrossed with the idea that thousands of years has the human family been holding our collective breath in deep spiritual slumber.

What can we do about this? What are the repercussions of such a “fall”? How is the world we know been influenced and forged by the unintentional dreams of unconscious denizens? And why have the answers and truth been omitted and erased for so long when cooperation not slavery is our highest goal?

We could spend a lifetime pondering and acting out conspiracy in our mind for purposes no other than justice in hindsight; or we could take the reigns for a new truth: That inside us is the power and presence of fearless and infinite co-creative ability.

Marianne Williamson wrote a beautiful truth that when understood is the simplest explanation for such a history of somnambulation and causes us to fully comprehend the urgency and necessity of this awakening. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us”. How succinct and profoundly inherent is this truth. The time for blame and finger pointing is representative of an outmoded consciousness that we find daily does not work toward our blossoming. What once was a recurring nightmare is no longer. What is the old makes now its way for the new and exciting world of collective human consciousness.

Now is the time for a follow-up question: Do you know how to breathe properly? If one watches one’s breathing patterns and patiently discerns the source, the frequency and depth, myriad conclusions one will arrive at regarding ones own level of present sleep. There is a trick here. If we were to discover we are holding our breath it is at this moment an awakening occurs and spiritual lethargy dissipates. In this moment fear, excessive thought, doubt and an entire host of lackluster emotions and self inflicted fetters all become irrelevant and melt away in a fragrant flowering.

In short one of the most profound spiritual practices and human obligations to oneself, one’s community and this Earth family is to become aware of our breath in every wakeful moment.

In the moments that an individual begins to shine many things can happen. Always there is a response from the Earth and our fellow humans in reaction to such a spiritual solar flare.

The Earth of course reacts ever as the flawless and unconditional lover; patient and wise and most of all non-judgmental and infinitely supportive.

The man next door, next tribe, next sect, cult, next set of beliefs is often violently opposed to the light of truth we shine. This is merely more of the old ways clinging to fear, greed and control and has no particular hold upon the choice we must make now to regain spiritual sovereignty.

What we must do despite such opposition and unbelief in oneness is to uphold the breath and face the fear head-on. With continued micro awakenings and increased awareness of the quality and consistency of our smooth and relaxed breathing pattern, a tipping point will be reached and the Earth will one day become the beacon of peace and prosperous abundant enlightenment for which we are destined. A web of quality constructed by heart felt communication, acceptance and compassion is now being woven. Differences will no longer divide only serve to strengthen this beautiful bond. Now is the time to face all fears and breathe this life energy back into this human body.

You have the love, the support, the guidance and all the tools you need to make the leap of faith. Do it now without hesitation and I will meet you here with open arms. Let us rejoice and peace be with us.

Shawn of hypno-freedom.com

Blame Vs. Responsibility

Who among us has never felt remorse or guilt for something we have done? And who among us has never been at the receiving end of a cruel or thoughtless act? Whether by accident or on purpose, we have all felt both guilt and hurt. In our western world, we have been taught to think in terms of blame and fault. With our heavy-handed legal system, blame and fault are at its heart. We even use the word “responsibility” as if it means “blame” or “fault.” But it doesn’t, in my book.

In my many years of practicing hypnotherapy, teaching and workshop leading, I have come across some individuals who are offended when I speak of responsibility. They protest by stating things like, “No one would choose to be hurt!” Or they defend victim mentality by saying, “It’s not their fault they live in a dangerous neighborhood!” While these issues are serious, and worth exploring for anyone who finds themselves in those situations, they are more about the vibration of the individual than anything else.

So just what is my definition of responsibility? Responsibility is the manner in which you feel about yourself, others, the world, and any particular situation and the actions you take regarding them all. It’s about you and you alone and your integrity in dealing with situations in the world.
The way you feel about something is giving you a clue as to what vibration you are in. Everything in this world and universe is made up of vibration. There are higher vibrations, like laughter and happiness, and there are lower vibrations, like anger and jealousy. Ultimately, you are responsible for the vibration you are in at all times. There is truly no such thing as someone who can make you feel a certain way. Only you can allow yourself to feel that certain way. If you are happy and have a healthy mind set, if someone where to call you a name or lash out against you unjustly, you would know that the incident was not a reflection of you but of the person who lashed out. You would realize that you are not what they called you and you would ultimately remain happy.

Actions are also the responsibility of each individual and certainly reflect the vibration of the person creating the action. Someone who is happy and secure with himself will produce actions that are in alignment with that outlook. Somone who is unhappy and even angry with himself might take it out on the world with angry actions towards himself and/or others.

So what is blame? Blame is victim-hood. Blame is giving your free will and responsibility away to someone or something else. Our western laws are set up with this victim mentality, but that does not mean it’s the truth. The truth is that we are responsible for our thoughts, feelings, and actions in the world and there is no room for blaming in that equation.

A wise soul once said to me, “The difference between a child and an adult is an adult can choose how he or she wants to feel.” So what side of the coin are you on: blame or responsibility? The choice is all yours.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Remember to Breathe!

I was on the train the other day, along with a whole lot of people who looked like they had just gotten off of work (it was about 5:30 pm). No one was talking, and no one was making eye contact. Most just looked at the floor, or kept busy by attending to their hands or some other object on their person.

All of a sudden I felt like I couldn’t breathe! I tried to take a deep breath and I realized that I felt uncomfortable doing so. No one else was breathing deeply. What gave ME the right to take a deep breath? Who was I to live life fully, breathing in life-sustaining air that would travel to every cell of my body?

When I stopped that line of thought, I realized that I had picked up on a collective thought current that was subtly running through the group on the train. Most, if not all, were on automatic pilot, getting up early, going through their morning routine, catching the train, going through their usual workday, and then catching the train home. Same old, same old. Many had long since given up on their dreams, even though those dreams were still in the back on their minds beckoning them to step up, maybe even taunting them at this point. But they were now experts at making excuses for NOT living their dream.

Sitting snugly between two commuters, all of us bundled up in coats, scarves and sweaters to protect us from the winter weather, I dared to take a deep breath. My shoulders pushed against my companions until my lungs had their fill. The woman on my right looked at me. No matter what she was thinking, that breath felt so good I just had to take another one! For the next breath, I decided to go for a nice deep, long yawn. Again, the woman looked at me, and then something fantastic happened—she yawned, too!

Next thing I know it someone across from me yawned, then a man standing in the aisle who I don’t thing was even physically looking at me yawned! I even noticed some people taking a deep breath. To me, this was exhilarating! It felt like the entire train was taking a load off.

I don’t know what anyone else felt, and I can only speak for myself, but I felt so much lighter and a whole lot better than when I entered that train. Breathing is a necessity of life, something we do every day. Even so, there is an art to it, and when done consciously and intentionally, it becomes magic. It releases tension, soothes our mind and body, and it frees up our very soul.

By remembering to take a deep breath from time to time, and consciously allowing it to circulate to every cell in the body, your dreams may rise to the surface… and then ANYTHING is possible!

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Maintaining Health and Harmony in the Modern World

I’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s so secret that it’s obvious (a secrect is always safest from large-scale public attention when it is kept right in front of the public’s nose). And of course, like all truths, it is quite simple in concept and quite difficult in execution. Here, then, is the secret: In order to maintain health and harmony in this life, one must achieve a healthy balance of action and rest. Our modern world is structured around movement and action: hence, the popularity of “fast food.” Our modern world problem is not one of inaction, but of stressed-out humans who are out of balance and do not know the meaning, let alone the mechanism of rest and relaxation.

One thing we need to remember when faced with the stresses of this world is that anyone alive today, or anyone who has ever lived on this earth, has faced everyday living stress. WE ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS! As humans, we tend to think that we’re the only one going through a given situation, and that’s just not true. Everyone faces stress and feels the effects of having to act in a fast-paced manner. The only real differene between humans is HOW they react to the stress.

Let’s take a look at one person who is faced with a stressful situation. Let’s say this person reacts by tightening up, tensing all muscle groups (even one’s they didn’t eve know they had!), and they begin to scream and yell. Their blood pressure rises, they feel awful, they are angry, tense and they have a bad day for the rest of the day.

Now let’s go to another person in the same stressful situation as the first person, but instead of reacting with anger and knee-jerk assumptions, this second person listens, takes a deep breath, and steps back metaphorically from the situation. This person stops and takes a moment to gather all the thoughts and emotions that are swirling all around the situation. They see and feel that a knee-jerk reaction would only fuel the situation, so instead, they choose to breathe and wait. By doing this, they have a chance to look at the big picture, and not take it so personally. They ultimately decide that they do not wish to feel awful, angry, or tense, and they go on to have a great day!

So maintaining health and harmony is a matter of choice. It’s just that the first person might not realize his or her actions were a choice. Even knee-jerk reactions are a choice and it’s this type of crazed choice of action that has lead us into a society of fast-paced, fast food eating, action junkies.

Action is important. It is part of the balance of health and harmony. But it is healthy action, thoughful action, balanced action that is the key. In the case of the second person’s scenario, they took a moment to stop. That was an action! In stopping, they were able to gather and access the whole, and get the big picture. This, in turn, leads to relaxation and stress release.

The only way to fully access serenity is to let go. Start by letting go of control over a situation. You do this by stopping and stepping back, even if only for a moment. Within this moment of release, you may be able to grasp the big picture, and once that occurs, you will be truly free of the stress. Don’t worry if it doesn’t happen right away for you, just keep stopping and stepping back (in other words, stop talking, or yelling, and listen and watch instead). Let go of being “right” and just listen. Most of the time, the situation will resolve itself if just one person lets go of holding the negative energy.

You’ll know when you are in serenity because your sense of fulfilment will be great. The situation will feel complete and you will be able to turn your attention to other, happier things. Even if a stressful situation is not resolved, you can stop feeding its energy by simply deciding how you want to feel! If you don’t want to feel bad, then decide that you do want to feel good and happy, then act on feeling good and happy!

The choice is yours and it’s simple yet profound. You have the power to change the world—that is the gift of being human. Health and harmony is within you and you are holding the key.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Just Breathe . . .

Being that we’re smack in the middle of the busiest time of year, we thought it would be nice to give you some relaxing, quick food-for-thought. On average a human takes 15 breaths per minute, or 21,600 breaths per day. That’s a lot of breathing! We’re professionals at it. Yet, so many of us are not breathing deeply enough during the times we need it the most, and that adds to our stress levels. Let’s take a moment right now to BREATHE.

Start by noticing how you were breathing before we brought up the subject. Take a deep breath, deeper than the last breath you took. Fill your lungs all the way down to the bottom, as if you were going to push it right down into your legs. See how far out your belly will go! Allow your shoulders to rise, and then fall with the exhalation. Sit in stature—your back will straighten and your shoulders will roll back when you sit in stature.

Imagine and pretend that with every breath you take you are nourishing your body; and with every exhalation you are cleansing and clearing your body. Let all the healing energy flow to you and all the stress flow down to the center of the earth. Ahhhhhh . . .

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Mastering Motivation

Every one of us has felt the surge of motivation well up within us. To me, motivation is the product of inspiration, it’s the last step in the process before massive and immediate action takes place. When we allow our dreams to break through and become reality for us, we have utilized the magic of motivation.

So how can we stay motivated? Surround yourself with that which inspires you! Inspiration is the key. That which you love and have a passion for is a good place to start. Make a long list of all the things that inspire you, all the things you want to do. List everything, no matter how small, and when you run out of things to write, list at least five more things. This is the time to be abundant. The next step is to look over your list and choose only one.

Yes, that’s right, choose only one item on your list. The one thing above all other things that inspire you, that you love and have a passion for. Put the long list away, and write that one item down on a piece of paper and begin to brainstorm about all the reasons why you should have it. Make the reasons up if you have to, make them positive and powerful. Reasons like, “because I deserve the best,” and, “it brings me great joy,” are excellent reasons. The goal here is to prepare your mind before any negative mind chatter creeps in or other people tell you their negative stories. Remember this: every person who has ever succeeded in attaining a major goal has had to weather the storms of negativity. Your job at this point is to give yourself a healthy dose of positive reinforcement.

Once you have your positive and powerful reasons, start to define small, manageable goals, the steps necessary to attaining the ultimate goal of the thing you desire. When you focus on the single steps in front of you, while keeping the ultimate goal in your mind’s vision, you will have the necessary fuel to keep your motivation alive and well. In order for you to do the simplest of tasks, like walking across a room, you must first have the desire (inspiration), then know that you deserve it and can do it (motivation), then take the first steps (small goals/action), and finally arrive at your destination (ultimate goal). All goals, large and small, are successfully attained in the same manner.

Once you have attained your ultimate goal, go back to your long list and choose another worthy goal. Do the process all over again. Make inspiration your lifestyle and motivation will certainly follow.

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Three Stress-Reducing Tips for Travelers

Are you among the many who will be making a journey this holiday season? If so, just to be on the safe side, here are three tips that are essential to reduce the chance of a frazzled nervous system.

First and foremost, drink plenty of water the day before and the day of travel. You want to prepare your body for the dehydrating travails of travel. Our bodies are made up of mostly water, so not hydrating properly before travel is to add insult to injury. Make sure the water is of high quality. Without going into it too much here, you must have an excellent water filtration system (note: you won’t find the best water filter in any store) so that your end product is structured, “living” water. Another hint: water that is packaged in a plastic bottle is NOT healthy. No self-respecting water company would package water in a plastic bottle. Drink your own filtered water and find a filter that you can travel with.

The second tip is BREATHE! Whenever you think about it, take slow, deep breaths. Breathing, as well as being a necessity of life, is also an art form and a very powerful healing tool. There are many methods of breathing to lower the blood pressure and slow the heart rate, thereby reducing or even eliminating stress levels. When you are in the act of breathing properly, you automatically sit or stand taller with your shoulders back, so that your lungs can fill more fully. This is also a quick way to get grounded and centered. The great thing about breathing is that you can do it anywhere and at any time! One great technique is to inhale for seven seconds and immediately exhale for seven seconds, without holding your breath inbetween. This is called “circular” breathing.

The third and final tip for reducing travel stress is to bring something that you love with you. It could be a great book, or fantastic music, or a person! Keep reminding yourself of the good in your life, and how much the good things help to calm and comfort you. Unless you love your work and it’s relaxing for you, let it go and feel free to focus on something you love and appreciate. There are going to be great opportunities for exploring these cherished things (if you’re flying, for example, you may encounter lines at the ticket counter, waiting in the lounge area before boarding, sitting on the runway, and of course, in flight, among other times).

The key to stress-reduction or elimination is your attitude. If you view your travel time as an opportunity, you are on your way to a great experience. And if you bring your smile and sense of humor with you, you’ll be traveling in excellent company. May your journey be safe, healthy, and joyous!

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

One, Two, Three Steps To Inner-Peace

We all have those moments of anxiety which can stop us in our tracks…emotionally, spiritually and physically. For some such a moment can arise during a confrontation with another person. It seems that this time of year although considered a peaceful time of gratitude can often bring out the worst attitude in many. So what do we do to regain inner peace if we experience a confrontation, moment of stress or anything that shakes us off our path of peace?

Here we go…

One, Two, Three: As soon as such a moment arises stop. Stop what you are doing and change the scene. Physically take yourself from the scene and breathe in deeply while saying “I am”…and breathe out while saying “Creating this”. Do this audibly and as many times as it takes for the thoughts to calm down and regain centeredness. This accomplishes several things. For starters it brings the thoughts powerfully back into the present moment. In the present moment the mind cannot dwell on the past event and thus perpetuate the pain or discomfort. Saying aloud “I am creating this” is a powerful way to immediately take back any power lost during the uncomfortable moment.

Next, the act of consciously breathing releases the diaphragm. Holding the breath as many of us do during times of stress stops the movement of energy in the entire body. Stopping the breath causes stagnation of any uncomfortable memory and literally clogs our energetic rivers or meridians. Done frequently this will lock the memory inside and ultimately wreak havoc upon body and mind. The frequency of such memories will alter the frequency we live in and in doing so will cause the universe to respond in kind to those (unwanted) vibrations.

Remembering that like attracts like, only more of what we don’t want will come to us and we may not even know or remember why. Breathing consciously and deeply releases not only the diaphragm but also the memories of painful events stored inside our body. If we do not practice such breathing frequently we become more and more unconscious as the rivers of our body become more and more clogged.

To breathe deeply is to undam the rivers of subtle energy within and become clear channels again. It is from this centeredness that we regain inner strength and become conscious co-creators. From this place of strength and centeredness our infinite potential shines.

To recap…One: Physically remove yourself from the scene; Two: Breathe deeply in and out; Three: Take back your power by stating “I am creating this”.

This quick three-in-one step to inner-peace is one of the simplest and most powerful techniques we can use whether mother or yogi, cab driver or President. Use it and never underestimate your amazing self. If things seem not to be going your way this season…stop, breathe and reclaim your divinity.

Shawn of hypno-freedom.com

Exponential Stress Reduction

Our clients have given us some great feedback regarding stress reduction. Many of the themes we hear regarding reduced stress is a more rewarding life full of great relationships. You see, when we move through the day in a stress free light-weight spiritual joy, the world responds to reinforce those feelings through our loved ones, strangers and experiences.

When our clients return to us with such stories they often tell us that they are so happy with our professionally recorded hypno-sessions that they buy and experience more. Also the direct referrals that our clients make to their friends and family is increasing in leaps and bounds. We are pleased on several levels and the greatest of which is the blessing that is spreading in the form of spiritual joy from one human to another.

So relax, enjoy, realize the self…and let us know how you like our service by referring your joy to your friends and family this holiday season.

Shawn of hypno-freedom.com

Three Thoughts For A Magnificent Life

Have you ever thought about how much thoughts control your life? Think about it—whatever you are thinking about is related to what you are feeling. What you are feeling is going to drive what you do (your actions). What you do, in turn, is what creates the events of your life. So your thoughts are extremely powerful tools. What would you think if I told you that you could change your life by thinking three positive thoughts?

This is the magic that’s not really magic at all: Anyone can change their life by what thoughts they choose to dwell on. Whatever you consistently think about is what comes about in your life. If you’re constantly worrying about loved ones, your loved ones will come up with more things for you to worry about. Consistently! If you stop your worrying, and instead dwell on how much you love and cherish your loved ones, they will start showing love and reporting good news to you. The trick is to really think in the positive and not just say you are.

So here’s the technique. Each night at bedtime, think about and analyze three GOOD things that happened to you during the day. They can be big things (like winning the lottery) or small things (like seeing a baby smile). It doesn’t matter how big or small because that’s a judgement. The Universe does not judge things in the same manner as we do. A penny is the same as a billion dollars—they are both forms of energy and abundance. As long as you are analyzing three GOOD things that happened to you during the day, your mind is occupied with the positive.

Make sure that you really mull these good things over. Analyze WHY they happened to you. If you don’t know why, then make it up! Yes, just dream up why these good things happened to you. Make your dreams grand and elaborate, or short and sweet—just so long as it’s fun and good to you. It’s so simple!

It’s so simple, and that’s why so many people might overlook it. How can something so simple be so powerful? If you look at nature, you’ll find that ALL the most powerful things are simple. Our bodies, for example, operate on air, water, warmth, and food. Simple. You could say that all the chemical reactions within our bodies are complex, but that is the mind’s way of trying to complicate things. We were born with a mechanism that unconsiously takes care of all our “complex” operations. In other words, we don’t have to think about utilizing oxygen, getting water into our cells, making our heart beat, or digesting our food—these things are done for us unconsciously, and that’s exactly how nature intended it to be. However, if we consistently direct our mind toward simple, positive thoughts, we can change our lives for the better every time.

The second part of this simple and powerful technique is to do it for at least four weeks straight. Why four weeks? Because it takes anywhere from 21 to 28 days to form a habit, and what you are doing with this technique is forming a habit to think positive thoughts! It will become unconscious after 28 days for sure. Your mind will then start running positive pictures.

When you think positive thoughts more often than negative ones, your life changes in magnificent and positive ways. What could be better than a magnificent life?

Kim for Hypno-Freedom

Success and the Subconscious

One Issue At A Time

3 Steps to Time Management

Recipe for Extreme Stress Relief

Your Energy Chakras

Stress RELEASE

3 Easy Steps to Find What You Value Most

Take Time Out For YOU!

Fire: A Metaphor For Wealth Building

Oprah and The Secret

Breathe In The Face Of Fear

Blame Vs. Responsibility

Remember to Breathe!

Maintaining Health and Harmony in the Modern World

Just Breathe . . .

Mastering Motivation

Three Stress-Reducing Tips for Travelers

One, Two, Three Steps To Inner-Peace

Exponential Stress Reduction

Three Thoughts For A Magnificent Life