On the heels of the recent revelations regarding a Hollywood mogul who apparently is a monstrous sexual predator, the hashtag #metoo this week became a way for women to show solidarity on social media platforms, indicating that they too had been victimized by this type of abuse and harassment.

It was very saddening to see how many women have been mistreated in this way and keep in mind these are just the ones who are willing to be publicly identified. The real number is surely much higher.

These kind of traumatic events may leave lasting negative imprints that can significantly impact a person's quality of life unless address properly processed.

After a traumatic experience takes place, for a time there will usually be strong emotional reactions when it is recalled. In the process of healing, the emotions eventually dissipate and the event goes to what is called, "narrative memory." You know it happened, yet it doesn't provoke as powerful a reaction when you think about it.

Yet for some the memories remain fresh; even decades later it can seem as if it happened yesterday.

This becomes problematic since anything that reminds the person of the original event can provoke feelings of fear and anxiety due to a process known as pattern matching.  For example, a person isn't just afraid of the man who abused her, but is fearful of all men in his age group. This kind of dynamic takes place in many other types of unhealthy fears such as public speaking, heights, insects, etc. The generalization ends up limiting the individual that in a way that is not helpful.

A highly effective technique for decreasing the effect of negative memories is the Rewind Technique. I was trained in it a few years back and have seen some notable successes with it.

What attracted me to the Rewind Technique is that it is completely non-traumatic to the client. It is not a process where a person has to vividly relive past hurt, but rather learns how to release the emotional charge. Another positive attribute of the method is that a person does not have to share much in the way of specific details related to the hurt or upset, a general description is adequate.

If you or someone you know may benefit from some assistance in getting over a negative past experience,. a free, confidential phone consultation is available by calling (732) 714-7040

P.S. If you are a professional hypnotist or other helping professional, you can learn about training in the Rewind Technique and other helpful interventions at the Uncommon Knowledge Web Site.

Pause-Take a Breath by Roseann Petropoulos

Seems many of us are experiencing PTED (Post Traumatic Election Disorder). Whether you are on the left or on the right, whatever your point of view, it is an uneasy time. As a rule, the first 100 days of any change is considered the “honeymoon phase”. A time when we embrace our connection to each other before we move forward to accomplish our dreams, our goals.  

All change does take us out of our comfort zone and this change is a rocky road for sure. Our society is divided like never before. Or is it? When we look back to the history of our country, we find the many roads that brought about change. Our founding fathers exhibited courage as they took a stand for their vision. History recalls them as an American Hero. Only a real history buff will find the back story to the actual way it was played out.

Who were the men of honor? Who played dirty?  Who followed the rules? Who questioned the rules? Who made new rules?    

Perhaps this is a wake up call to speak out. Our society has found the calm after the activism of the 60's. What is happening on the national stage is happening within each of us. We are a part of the whole. Society is stepping up in the name of democracy.

We are refusing to sit in denial, confusion, anger or despair. However, the disturbing issue is that we are out of control. Our positions carry the passionate weight of our emotions. The problem continues as we hold so tight to our views that the discussion and arrangement of the terms of transition comes to a halt. Negotiations fail and we all go back into our corners awaiting the next round in the political arena.      

On a personal level the political merry go round builds stress in our body, mind and spirit. Have you noticed any changes in your physical well-being? Are you easily irritated, fatigued, experience headaches, poor digestion, increase in blood pressure, lack of mental clarity or lost libido, just to name a few. Does any of this sound familiar?    

A meditation practice benefits everyone in managing their stress level. Just to be clear, meditation is the practice of stillness. It is not just for new age people seeking spiritual guidance through ancient rituals. Think about it, all  organized religions promote a form of prayer that in essence quiets life's drama. For those folks who never seek internal answers from a Higher Source, know that being in nature or sitting quietly in a private space relaxes the body, clears the mind and opens the flow of wellness.

For those who say, “ I cannot meditate, my thoughts never stop”. Well yes, that is a real concern. Our minds never stop. Meditation is the process of allowing our thoughts to flow. When we attach a story to our thoughts that is when we stop the process. In time, you will be able to catch yourself, stop the story and return to the natural rhythm of your breathe. It is called a practice for exactly that reason. Even the monks who dedicate their life in silence need to continue it as a practice.

Meditation is the ultimate way to stretch and strengthen our mind. It allows the expansion of our views and awareness. We as a people will be able to be more flexible, accepting, gracious and peaceful.    

Just for a moment, let us pause and take a breathe. Quoting Ghandi, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world”. Searching for the peace and harmony in our society is futile when we are not peace and harmony. True change comes from within and then we can start the negotiation process.

Roseann Petropoulos is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. Private sessions are available to release and break the cycle of limiting patterns in life. Create the life you desire.Roseann combines her knowledge and intuitive insights offering accurate, compassionate responses to all clients. For more information: http://www.Belmarwellness.com or call for a free phone consultation 732 894-3197

Full Confession: I Have a Record!

I've been wanting to tell my readers that I have a record for quite some time, but it has taken me awhile to complete it. (What kind of record did you think I had?)

The Creative Calm Self-Hypnosis Library consists of three hypnosis sessions that you can instantly download for use at home:

• You Better Sleep: your sleep quality has a direct bearing on your mental and physical well being. This track uses intentional relaxation and guided imagery to help you unwind and create a welcoming place for sleep.
• Fly Comfortably: the fear of flying often curtails people's travel plans. On this track a mindfulness-based approach is used to help you detach from fear along with traditional hypnotic suggestion and mental rehearsal. Can be used before and during a flight.
• Relaxation Training: imagine being able to control stress from within, rather than waiting for the outside world to change. Here we use progressive relaxation and hypnotic suggestion to control stress. Self-confidence is also addressed since this tends to inoculate a person against responding as strongly to stressful situations.

All tracks are accompanied by gentle ambient music that enhances the relaxation effect. The tracks are available for purchase singly and as an album through the link below. 

http://bit.ly/1LPZ8Xn