|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When we talk about the Enchanted Self we are referring to positive states of mind and body that are unique to each of us. We are also referring to the process by which we tap into our Enchanted Self. (The name I have given to this delightful, happy, elevated part of us that knows how to have fun, feel alive and be joyful.) One step in the process is learning how to heighten and how to return to positive states of mind and body. Our memories always assist us.
As autumn flows into winter this a time when most of us prepare ourselves emotionally and physically for the Holiday Season. Many of us have just come off or a great American tradition: Thanksgiving. In fact, I am sitting at my computer right now feeling stuffed--too much pie and too many nuts, sweet potatoes, ice cream and who knows what else!
I am literally thankful to be sitting here, though, already 'full' both in the tummy and the heart with more good memories to bank in my personal memory account. I had the pleasure of time with my children and grandchildren and some other dear relatives. The minor aggravations already look smaller as I move away from Thanksgiving, and the good moments look larger as they take a place in my personal story. How can I even further enhance feeling good right now? How also can I get a quick fix of good emotional energies, when I need them, when I don't feel as great as I do now?
The most important first step is to focus on, review and then 'bank' our current positive moments. For example, rather than focusing on how tired I felt this morning as the weekend came to a close, I reviewed all the good moments over the last few days. I used my senses to help me. I remembered visually the pleasant scenes--sitting with family, joking in the car. I remembered sounds--my grandson's sweet little voice and laughter. I remembered aromas--the smell of the fresh applesauce I made on Thursday. I remembered touch--hugging our cousins. I remembered tastes--the pecan pie brought from Pittsburgh ... yum!
So, because I had some current wonderful moments I took advantage of them and literally savored them! I practiced tasting them again and again. I looked for the sensory part of each memory. A very important way to stimulate positive memories is to utilize your senses: taste, smell, touch, hearing and vision. Very simply stated, your senses provide information, which are transmitted to your brain helping you to perceive the world in which you live. You may never have paid any particular attention to your five senses but when focused upon individually or in groups, they can provide the stimuli necessary to recapture positive experiences either to help 'bank' them for further review and uplift or to go to your memory bank when you need to and take out some old memories that you can once again enjoy by remembering the smells, tastes, feelings, sights and sounds that went with them!
I hope the above serves as a little 'present' for you and that you will try the following play-date with enchantment.
A Play-date With Enchantment Using the Past to Your Pleasurable Advantage
Here is an exercise that can help you to retrieve positive images and sensations focusing on one or more of your senses. Begin by closing your eyes and listening to the sounds around you. Listen for a few minutes. When you feel drawn to a particular sound, stay with it. Allow yourself to mentally wonder remembering to focus on the positive. When you are ready, open your eyes and find an object to hold in your hands, such as an article of clothing. Close your eyes and explore the object, listen to the sounds around you. What positive memories and experiences are evoked by focusing on two of your senses, i.e. touch and hearing. Try this exercise mixing and matching your other senses.
About The Author
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein , originator of THE ENCHANTED SELFŽ, a method of bringing delight and meaning into everyday living, invites you to view her new line of ENCHANTED WOMAN products, downloadable e-books, and free gifts at http://www.enchantedself.com. Chat with others in Dr. Holstein's e-group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/encself/join, and sign up for her free e-group at www.enchantedself.com. Order her book, THE ENCHANTED SELF: A Positive Therapy, or the CD-rom or tape version and her book RECIPES FOR ENCHANTMENT: The Secret Ingredient is YOU!, or the ED-rom version, at http://www.enchantedself.com/ordering/ordering.htm.
Chorus: An' he said: "I went ski diving, I went... Read More
In the philosophical teachings which form the foundation for the... Read More
I find of particular interest in the Eastern Religions many... Read More
In the streets of Bogotá, a child - named Simon*... Read More
1. Once a week, visit somewhere you've never been before.... Read More
According to the Buddhists, between January 29 and February 12... Read More
I tremble at the thought that millions of people suffer... Read More
"I was washing my breakfast dishes one morning when it... Read More
"I attend courses, read books, listen to CD's, yet I... Read More
The fever had been high late into the night, but... Read More
"Can't see the forest because of the trees," heard it... Read More
Why does this happen?It's all to do with the way... Read More
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.... Read More
At some stage of living your life you will ask... Read More
I feel rather foolish writing this letter, but I need... Read More
What are you passionate about? We didn't ask if you... Read More
I've always loved the awesome majesty of mountains. They are,... Read More
There are few enough miracles in life, God knows. I... Read More
We all assume that making choices is a simple process.... Read More
There is one thing you want...My guess is you want... Read More
First, let me share a quote from Ashlee Simpson's latest... Read More
I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 1,... Read More
We have given a lot of thought, paid an indecent... Read More
Text: Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3: 31-35, Luke 8:19Mother's Day has... Read More
I have no idea how it started or who launched... Read More
Last week we started a five part series on The... Read More
Sacred space, sacred timeBelieve in your personal power, retrieve if... Read More
This is a true story about a woman I worked... Read More
"Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the... Read More
My friend Donald said to me one evening, "this is... Read More
I have, in recent years, come to believe that IQ... Read More
If you were an Angel what could you do to... Read More
Continued....I have since grown a lot. I have grown through... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 1,... Read More
The secret power of positive thinkers is their faith. And... Read More
Soaring 700 feet above the forest floor is a granite... Read More
The greatest achievements were obtained by those who took one... Read More
There is an old proverb with a lot of wisdom.... Read More
What is passion? Recently after a presentation, I was once... Read More
"It's better to give than to receive." You've probably heard... Read More
From my experience some healings come instantly or during short... Read More
1. Constant affirmation without accountability is a sure-fire way to... Read More
Did you ever watch a bird in flight? Especially ducks... Read More
We all know the truism that "charity begins at home."... Read More
Think of an adventure that you might like to take.... Read More
How often do you have opportunities every day to exercise... Read More
You may be one of the thousands who think "Strategic... Read More
Today, August 22, 2005, I am clean and sober for... Read More
What you believe in the inside, to a large extent... Read More
Inspirational |