Q:

How do you know if you need therapy?

A:

When you feel stuck and do not know where to go or who to turn to. 

When your old solutions are not solving your problems anymore. 

When you feel that there must be more to life, or that you need to be more somehow.

When you want to understand yourself and your relationships better

When you find destructive habits or behaviour patterns repeating in your life

and especially

When you want to find the joy in your soul that you know ought to be there and

When you want to grow - emotionally and spiritually

"The Seeker who sets out upon the way shines bright over the world"

(Sayings of the Buddha)

GETTING READY - PLANNING WHERE YOU WANT TO GO:

"The path, as always, begins beneath your feet with the first step you take.

Where do you stand right now?

This is where we begin….

Each of us must find our own way,

at our own speed,

and in our own place."

(Lama Surya Das)

INTROSPECTION

Start by bringing your awareness to your body.

Sit quietly in a safe place and contemplate the following:

How healthy are you?

Do you have energy for work, love and leisure?

Do you enjoy your life and do you have fun?

How fulfilling is your life?

How satisfied are you with your relationships?

Do you make time to take care of your body - do you exercise, sleep enough and feed yourself regularly?

What foods do you eat - have they been killed by over-processing or are they fresh and raw and full of life-giving energy?

If you have taken stock and are not satisfied with your assessment, make the decision now to look after yourself as you deserve. You may have forgotten this, but let me remind you, that YOU, and no one else but YOU, are responsible for the state you are in. And,YOU, and no one else but YOU can change it.

Do not leave the choices and changes to others in your life...take charge of your own life, now!

AND THEN WHAT?

Remember, everything that you want to achieve has to have its beginning in your mind. One of my favourite authors, Wayne Dyer, says: "You'll see it when you believe it".

EXAMPLE OF A VISUALIZATION

Picture what you want in the finest detail:

Sit comfortably in a quiet place. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax your body by allowing it to sink heavily into the cushion or chair that you are sitting on.

Start with your body and physical health. Imagine  yourself walking on a beautiful beach. See yourself in perfect health and full of confidence. See yourself walking tall and proud, happy and energetic, having fun and enjoying life. Embroider the picture - see yourself in interaction with others, imagine what you would be saying, how you would be saying it and to whom….

See yourself in your ideal work environment…

Now, think about the changes you need to make in order to achieve your vision. Plan them carefully and start implementing them immediately. Perhaps you will have to get more information or better education… Don't panic, take it one step at a time.

BASICS FIRST

It is easier to make life changes when you are in good health. If you are uncertain about your health, go for a medical check-up.

Start exercising - walking is very good  and doesn't cost a cent.  A brisk walk for 15 minutes a day is a good starting point. Work up to 30 minutes a day.  It has benefits of stress release, lowering of blood pressure and increase in metabolic rate (to name but a few) which could contribute to weight loss if you need that.

Remember to breathe deeply and slowly - draw the life-giving energy and air into your body and fill yourself with it. Imagine the air as a bright , white light and breath it into your body. Fill yourself and the space around you with it. Bask in the brightness and enjoy the glow.

Make a decision to take care of yourself properly - eat small, nutritious meals, regularly - sleep enough. Get life back into your life - If your life is boring, start investigating new and different activities, find a new hobby or a new friend.

START CULTIVATING GOOD HABITS:

TO DO DAILY:

Visualize yourself in perfect health and happiness.

Breathe the bright bubble of light into and around your body (as above).

Say the following affirmation to yourself  several times during the day-

"I am happy and healthy and open myself to the abundance of the universe"

Have at least one friendly conversation with another human being.

(If that is too daunting, have a chat with a cat)

Do at least one nice thing for yourself, for example:

take a lovely bubble bath,

walk in the garden and smell the flowers,

pick a flower from your garden for your bedroom,

read a good book,

listen to some beautiful music,

meditate for 15 minutes,

unplug the phone while you have supper at the table…