This morning I had to go to a local medical facility for an ultrasound procedure and left the house early to make sure that I had enough time for checking in. This place runs like clockwork so it is really important to get there on time or else it affects everyone’s schedule. When I tried to start my car I discovered that it was dead, dead, dead. OMG!
I ran into the house in a frantic state and yelled to my husband that he had to drive me to my appointment. Unfortunately, he was on his way out to a meeting that he couldn’t call off. Thank goodness he has jumper cables and was able to get me on my way in record time. I made it under the wire, registered, and was called in to the scan room immediately.
The only trouble was that I had taken my anxiety along with me. My body was still in a state of panic. I couldn’t catch my breath. The woman doing the ultrasound asked me to be as still as I could, but I was afraid that my body would start to shake because I still felt unsettled. Since I have been tapping for more than a dozen years I immediately realized that although I was immobilized I could help myself.
I started to imagine myself putting gentle pressure on each of the EFT points. One by one I thought of how it would feel to touch and hold each energy point: the eyebrow point, outside of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, under the lower lip, under the collarbone and under the arm. The point that usually has an immediate calming effect on me is under the collarbone, and although that was the area she was touching, I simply imagined that her hand was not there and put my attention to that spot. After only 4 imaginary rounds I found my mind wandering to other plans for the day and I realized that I was completely at peace.
I still marvel at how powerfully EFT works anytime and anywhere. I once had a client who was a quadriplegic and could not tap himself. He would not let anyone else do it for him either so I suggested that he use imaginary EFT. He was thrilled and reported that when he used it his muscle spasms went away.
The nice thing about imaginary EFT is that no one else can tell when you are using it. One woman I know used it while dining with a friend when she felt overcome by a sudden fear. Another uses it in his doctor’s waiting room when he is anxious about hearing the results of a medical test. He discovered that it brought his blood pressure down.
The more you use EFT, whether using your imagination or your fingers, the more you will remember to use it when the going gets tough. Relief is as close as your imagination.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Gloria, I’ve done this!
A couple years ago, I was moving from one city to another. We were about halfway through the process of loading the truck, and I went out to get some lunch for everyone. While I was driving I was suddenly overcome with anxiety about the move – would we get everything done in time? Would we get the truck packed and the apartment cleaned? I had a 6 hour drive ahead of me – how late would we be getting in to our destination? My stomach was in knots and I broke out in a cold sweat – all while driving in Los Angeles traffic. Stopped at a stoplight I did exactly what you’re talking about – I imagined myself tapping. It helped me calm down some in before the light changed.
I’ve also used this technique when stress is keeping me awake. It’s worked wonders.
What a great description of how to use the magical imaginary tapping!
I do this all the time, and when I can move, but don’t want to be gawked at, I’ll just hold the points, moving slowing from point to point.
Natalie