Tap into Gratitude
Gratitude is such a powerful force available to us. Expressing thankfulness helps us to tune into what matters most. We see more clearly, feel with more focus, and connect more authentically when we are grateful. To put it simply, to be grateful is to feel alive. Often in life we are focused on filling our homes with more things, our Instagram feeds with the perfect facade, and our bank accounts with an over-abundance. The problem with the above pursuits is that they never fully satisfy. No matter how "perfect" it all is on the outside, we don't ever feel complete on the inside. So we keep yearning for more. I love the quote from Brené Brown -
You can either walk inside your story and own it or stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness. Brené Brown
This is a reminder that to own our story means we view our lives just as they are, we express ourselves just as we feel and we allow for imperfections to be a part of how others see us. Only when we are postured in this vulnerability can we truly express and live a life of gratitude. The negative tapping in our sequence today helps us to get really raw and honest with ourselves so we can work from a place of authenticity. We then shift to positive tapping to invite more helpful emotions to wash over us.
You can utilize the following practice in your daily life. It's a great accompaniment to the holiday season - or anytime you want to reorient yourself back to what matters most. I hope it blesses you and helps you feel alive!
You can learn more about Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) in this article, but essentially we utilize gentle tapping techniques for an acupressure effect on meridian endpoints in the body while reciting mantras to generate a flow of emotional freedom. You don't need any special equipment, just a few moments to yourself and a free hand. So settle into a comfortable seat, take a few deep breaths and let's begin!
Below are the tapping points used in EFT. We will just be tapping at 9 points in this practice.
Today we will be following this sequence:
Thymus - at the center of the chest on the sternum. Use your two peace fingers together to tap gently up and down the sternum.
Several of the following land on just one side of the body. You can do on just one side of the body or move through the sequence on both sides as you repeat the mantras a second time.
Eyebrow (EB) - At the medial end of the eyebrow.
Side of Eye (SE) - On the outside of the eye, on the bone.
Under Eye (UE) - On the cheekbone.
Under Nose (UN) - Curl in the top lip to tap with more ease here. Right in the center.
Chin (CH) - Curl in bottom lip. Tap at the chin indent.
Collarbone (CB) - Create a gentle fist (in lieu of the two fingers) and tap across the collarbones.
Under Arm (UA) - Use the opposite arm to access.
Top of Head (H) - All five fingers tap around the crown of the head.
EFT for Gratitude
Of note: you can change any of the phrases if you want to personalize this to your head and heart space.
@ Thymus - (1 min) / repeat mantra to yourself
"Even when I struggle in my life, I am grateful and completely accept myself."
Negative Tapping (2 rounds)
EB - "I often feel like I am not enough"
SE - "I try to fill my life with things"
UE - I feel unsatisfied"
UN - "I envy others"
CH - "I hold onto things selfishly"
CB - "I hustle after worth"
UA - "I feel stressed and anxious"
H - "It all feels so overwhelming"
Positive Tapping (2 rounds)
EB - "I am alive"
SE - "I feel satisfied"
UE - "My life is filled with joy"
UN - "I am grateful for community"
CH - "I have an abundance to share"
CB - "I am worthy"
UA - "I am at peace"
H - "I am here in this moment"
Follow along with the following video if you would like a guided session.
Be blessed, friends!