Transformational Change - Our Discomfort with Life Changing Events

Recently I've been aware of how many patients I see, who are on the precipice of a deep and meaningful life change.  

This cornerstone is almost always unknown by the patient who sits across from me.  Their arrival is usually due to a form of physical discomfort such as pain in the body somewhere, like musculoskeletal aches, menopausal symptoms, stomach pain, headaches or insomnia. Emotionally they might be experiencing anxiousness or panic attacks or suffering from unmotivated low mood. Mentally there may be fogginess, poor memory and concentration or a rumination and obsessive thinking.  Overall a feeling of discomfort is felt in the mind, body and spirit.

During an in depth consultation a patient often speaks of their discomfort in great detail and the measures that have been taken to remove it. When asked, what else was happening around the time their condition started, it always astounds me to hear it's arrival coincided with a significant life event. 

What do we mean by a life event?

Any aspect of life that is drastically different or new can be considered as a life event.  For example, an end of a relationship or marriage, redundancy, a new baby, death of a family member or pet, failed conception, a big move across the country or a change in career.  Sometimes you might have more than one of these going on at once.  If we are unable to process, adapt and overcome our mind, body and spirit will start to show the strain. The sensations of discomfort ask for us to wake up, to the hear and now and acknowledge our response to change. 

Why don't we wake up?

The feeling that something is not right or something feels a bit off, is generally ignored in our society. We carry on regardless and distract ourselves from the discomfort and pain with medication, alcohol, drama, work, family and friends and being busy.  The sensations that arise are calling out for your attention. "Hello", they say "is anyone there?".

How often do we pay attention? 

As you read this sentence you might be aware of how little attention you are paying to you and your surroundings in this moment. Perhaps you are consumed by the words written here or your thoughts. Maybe this is not even holding your attention as you think about what's for dinner, sending an email or flicking over to social media. In our society we are very much in our heads and with our thoughts and rarely in the moment of now, paying attention to our bodies our feelings and our environment, usually these are nothing more than something to move through and without regard.

Transforming a life event in to a life change?

I have found that coaching and five element acupuncture facilitates healing and aids the transition of a life event into a life change. By reconnecting ourselves to our mind, body and environment in the present moment we bringing awareness to any source of discomfort. This alone is the relief and brings us closer to a place of balance in the mind, body and spirit, allowing us to live our full potential and thrive.

Below is a link to some testimonials my patients experienced with life changing treatment.