Surprising Changes

The neuro-reorg has produced some interesting results and so far they have been positive.  The first couple of days J was a little wobbly but since then it's been really good.  She's been extra happy, extra affectionate, more regulated and if she starts getting the tween 'tude she catches herself and changes things up quickly.

One of the tests that is done to see if you need a certain exercise (I don't remember which one) is having that person close their eyes and you touch them somewhere on their arm or leg.  They must then touch the same exact spot.  The first time that she was tested she couldn't find a single spot that was touched.  She would miss it by a mile.  Last night I tested her and she was able to touch every spot correctly on her left arm but not on her right arm.  She was closer this week than last week but still missing the spot by a good bit.  Interesting....

Last week she did:

Belly crawls, you cannot tell them how to do them but they cannot let their belly button get off the ground. She has to do it 5 minutes at a time until she can build up to 20 minutes per day.

Regular crawling (must be with knee pads), again I cannot tell her how to do it but she'll work up to 20 minutes a day, 5 minutes at a time.

I'm certainly no expert but the way I understand it is that these are kind of like progression exercises.  A baby progresses through learning how to belly crawl then on to regular crawling and during the process it develops the part of the brain that causes the left brain to communicate with the right brain.  Also known as pons.  More info here.

Brushing that is similar to the Wil barger technique but a really stiff bristle is used.  The thick rubbery ones like are used for dog washing. NOT the wire kind! We have this one.  You have to use really firm pressure and it feels incredibly good.  When we have time I have J brush me and it is so fabulous.  We have to brush for 15 seconds, wait 5 minutes then do compressions on the area that was just brushed.  These are done 5 times a day.

This week floor patterning has been added.  There's no way to describe those but it sure is interesting and it takes some brain power to do them.  I struggled with them.  There's two different patterns that have to be done and they have to be perfect.  It's better to do 5 correctly than 30 incorrectly.

Here's a link to the research and how it works.

J's most recent tapping script is:

Even tho I hate myself, my mom totally loves me.

Even tho I push my mom away, my mom totally loves me.

Even tho my body remembers so much trauma, my mom loves me.

Even tho I have these body memories I can choose to let them go.

Even tho my past has taught me not to trust, it’s safe to trust now. 

Even tho I’ve had so much fear, I am totally safe now.

Even tho I’ve had some scary times in my life, I am safe now.

I’m letting go of hating myself.  

I’m totally letting go of hating myself, because I don’t need it anymore.

I’m choosing to let go of hating myself because it’s alright to accept myself.

I’m choosing to accept myself.

I’m choosing to let go of my fears because I am safe now.

I’m letting all the fear go because I am totally safe now.

I’m choosing to feel safe now.

I’m choosing to let go of the body memories too, because I am safe now.

I am totally safe now.

There is enough love for me.

There is enough food for me.

There is enough family for me.

There are enough attention for me.

There is enough joy for me.

There is enough happiness for me.

I will always have enough.

I can be kind to others because I have enough.

I can always be kind to others because I am safe and I have enough of everything I need.

I am enough.

I am enough just the way I am.

I can feel confident that my mom totally loves me.

Today I can show my mom love.

Because I am safe and my mom keeps me safe.

Today I will show my mom love.

Today I will let her into my heart and it will be safe to let her in my heart.

My mom is the perfect mom for me and she loves me totally.

Today I will show my mom a bit of my heart.

I can relax now because I am safe.

I will relax my brain because I am safe.

I will relax my muscles because I am safe.

I will relax my brain because I am safe.

I will relax my heart because I am safe.

I will be calm and relaxed today because I am safe.

I will be kind today because I have enough.  

There will always be enough of everything for me.

Mine is on sleep lately because turning off a Type A brain is hard.  (J also taps this every night to go to sleep).  Sometimes I have to repeat it two or three times but usually I fall asleep in the middle of the 1st time. 

Even tho so much has happened today, I can relax.

Even tho I have so much crap running through my head, I can totally relax.

Even tho I have so much to do, I can let it go just for tonight.

Even tho I’m afraid to sleep because I have so much to do, I can turn it off just for tonight.

Even tho I feel guilty that I didn’t get everything done today, I can let it go just for tonight.

Even tho my brain will not shut up because it keeps thinking of things I should do, I can let it go just for tonight.

I can let all my worries go just for tonight.

I can let all my fears go just for tonight.

I’m letting go of the fears, worries, guilt and shame go, just for tonight.

I can pick them back up in the morning but just for tonight I’m letting them go.

I can let my brain rest.

I can let my body rest.

I can let my muscles rest.

I can let my brain rest.

Everything on my body can just rest for the night.  

I’m letting everything on my body be calm and relaxed.

My brain is relaxed.

My muscles can relax.

My whole body can totally relax and just let go.

I am safe.

I do not have a care in the world.

I can be totally calm and relaxed.

I can sleep peacefully.

I will sleep peacefully all night.  

P.S.  The reason I'm posting our scripts here is because it keeps me accountable to change them regularly instead of getting in a rut. 

TRE

I have had several people ask me what TRE is and what it does.  TRE stands for Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises and was created by David Berceli, PhD.  I'm sure none of you have any tension or trauma in your life but on my stars, I DO!  J does too.  Big ol "Duh" there.  Our bodies remember trauma whether our brains can process it cognitively or not.  Trauma that remains in the body can have lasting damaging effects sometimes even resulting in illness and disease.

I'm paraphrasing from the website but it is a set of six exercises that causes your body to start a self controlled muscular shaking (don't worry, shaking is a good thing and you will love it.)  This is called neurogenic muscle tremors.  Quote from website: The uniqueness of this technique is that this shaking originates deep in the core of the body of the psoas muscles. These gentle tremors reverberate outwards along the spine releasing tension from the sacrum to the cranium."  The exercises are simple stretches that cause the body to start the muscle tremors.  These simple techniques are easily mastered and can be used daily. Plus they are easy peasy!  This is similar to the wet dog shake that I've posted so much about (you can search over on the right side of my blog) but it releases the trauma at a much, much deeper level.  

You do not have to consciously remember the traumas but your body will and the shaking will release them and allow your body to heal both physically and emotionally.

Here are some of the benefits of TRE:

Reported Benefits Include:
•    Less Worry & Anxiety
•    Reduces Symptoms of PTSD
•    More Energy & Endurance
•    Improved Marital Relationships
•    Less Workplace Stress
•    Better Sleep
•    Less Relationship Conflict
•    Reduced Muscle & Back Pain
•    Increased Flexibility
•    Greater Emotional Resiliency
•    Decreases Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma
•    Healing of Old Injuries
•    Lessened Anxiety surrounding Serious Illness
•    Relief from Chronic Medical Conditions


I have had several on this list, however, my biggest benefit is not on this list but let me just say it was quite miraculous results. I'm not sharing here.  Sorry.  A few of you are privy to the info and the rest of you will find out in Orlando.  J always says she feels lighter and more peaceful every time she does them.  She is always happier.  I'll take it. :)

As Wendy said, we'll be doing the DVD of the exercises (as they are demonstrated) and we'll be there to help support you through the exercises and do modifications if necessary.   So if you're interested or just curious and want to watch, sign up and show up.  We'd love to have you.  

I do them regularly now and have found that after I've completed the 6 exercises, I can lay in the bed to do the shaking process while I'm reading or watching TV.  The benefits are the same.  

Also, to all the ladies that need/want to learn to tap, I'll be available all weekend.  Don't be shy....just come by the house (Sanctuary) any time and I'll walk you through it.  Those that might have a hard time leaving on Monday, just let me know and we'll walk it together.  I'm not leaving till later in the afternoon on Monday so I'll be around.  Susan and Tab at Emerald Haven are tapping masters too and can help you as well.  Don't hold me to it but I'm going to try to have a tapping script printed and ready to hand out to all who think they might have a hard time with flying out and/or re-entry.  

Neuro and Changes

J's Christmas shoes above

So much has been going on that it's hard to catch up in one blog post.

We were all down with the flu at Christmas, including my parents, so it was a very quiet holiday this year.  Slowly but surely we are all getting better except for the ever present lingering cough.

After Christmas it became very clear that some things needed to change.  I seemed to be angry and depressed all the time.  A lot of it came from some serious things happening in my family.  Some of it was leftover from years of forgetting myself.  Something had to give. Soon.

Changes are being put in place to get us out of our rut and to help get a little more healthy.  A vegetarian menu has replaced our regular dining fare.  A feat that is nothing short of miraculous since I love my meat with a side of meat.  So far I haven't missed it but the recipes I've been using I have been really satisfying.  More activity is being included in our daily routine.  Zumb* has been added and it's kicking my tail.  Not to mention I look flat out ridiculous since I don't have a coordinated bone in my body and absolutely no rhythm.  I could care less and just keep moving.  Eventually I will get it or not.  Either way is fine.

I have spent less time on the computer and more time engaged.  I am limiting the amount of negativity that I "hear" and "see." I am happier when I am more focused on the positive.  J and I have started a new thing that we do together.  At the end of every day we each list at least 5 kind and loving things we have done for each other.  I'll make a list of what I've done for her that was kind and loving, at the same time she's making a list of what she's done for me.  This has been interesting.  #1 It helps me make sure that I have not gotten busy with daily business and forgotten to be engaged with loving acts.  #2 J's list helps me see what she perceives as kind and loving so that I'm fully attuned to her needs.  Sometimes we have the same things on our list.  That's good too.  It lets me know I'm connecting with her where she needs me to.  #3 It's cementing the fact that she is indeed a kind and loving person AND helping her be attuned to my perception of loving kindness.  A reciprocal relationship.  It's always a good thing.

With all the changes I have come to realize that we had also gotten in a rut with our tapping routine.  Ummmm....note to self....you HAVE to change up the tapping routine for it to work effectively.  Duh, Lisa.  I'm trying to make an effort to change it up at least every two or three weeks.  Maybe I should add a phone alarm to remind me or I'll get in a rut again.

J has started doing a tapping script (on her own) to help her to go to sleep and she has learned that if she wakes up in the middle of the night she can tap it and she'll fall right back to sleep, usually in the middle of her script. :)

We are still doing TRE with great results.  For both of us.  Such a simple, easy way to let your body release trauma.  I'm still astounded at the changes we have seen.  The book was helpful but honestly I've gotten more out of the DVD.  Kristy and I both think they should be doing these exercises in school.  Lindsay, Wendy and I are going to be doing a class on them in Orlando at ETAAM for those that are interested.  Speaking of ETAAM, there are just a few spots left if you're interested in going.  Email me if you're interested.

Next week we are starting neuro-reorganization.  We've done something a little similar in the past with The Learning Breakthrough Program and so much was gained through that program that I'm really excited to start with neuro-reorg.  Kara started it just last week and her family is already seeing some interesting (in a good way) results.

J's Newest Script (mine is below):

Even tho I want my life to be easy, I'm willing to work hard on my life.

Even tho I have challenges, my mom totally loves me.

Even tho I hate making mistakes, I'm human so I should make mistakes.

Even tho I want to be a perfectionist, if I were perfect that would make me boring.

Even tho I am still scared a lot of the time, I'm a totally great kid.

Just for today I will work hard on my life.

Just for today I will be able to show love and receive love.

Today I will do things that will make me proud of myself.

I can laugh at my mistakes today because I'm not supposed to be perfect.

I can be kind to myself.

I will let go of some fear today.

I will feel close to my mom today.

I will love myself and others.

I will let others help me when I need it and it's ok to ask for help.

When I start feeling wonky I will choose to tap to make myself feel better.

Today is a new day and I can choose to have a good day.

It's totally my choice to have a good day.

My new script:

Even tho I'm not perfect, I'm not supposed to be.

Even tho I hate making mistakes, that makes me human.

Even tho I screw up all the time, I accept myself.

Even tho I wish I had all the answers, I can just do the next right thing.

Even tho I've had a lot of losses, this is part of life.

Even tho I have so much anger, I totally love and accept myself.

Today I will be a kind and loving parent.

Just for today I will allow myself to make mistakes.

I will laugh at myself and my screw ups and repair them when I'm able.

Today I will be kind and loving to myself.

Today I will let go of the serious and embrace some fun.

I'm letting go of the anger.

I'm letting all the anger go and replacing it with happiness.

I will love myself and others.

I will let go of some of the fear.

I will ask for help when I need it and let others help me.

I do not have to have all the answers.

Today is a new day and I can choose to make it a good day.

When I start feeling wonky I will choose to tap to change things up.

Today I choose to have a good day.


Amazing how similar our scripts are, huh?