Emotional Freedom Techniques: Heal Yourself With Emotional Freedom

By Rohini Singh Chopra

 ÒThe wonder of being a human is the unique freedom offered to you through your separation and distance from every other person and beingÓ. This is the freedom to feel completion within and by yourself.

Yet in order to feel this fullness that is inherent in us, rather than seeking liberation, we unconsciously bind ourselves in external fetters. We cling to possessions and people, and look for certainty in circumstances and relationships in the belief that these will bring us fulfilment. We are happy or sad depending on how these elements follow Òour planÓ. If they do, we feel Òin controlÓ; if they donÓt, as often happens, we are disappointed, and we become full of resentment, bitterness and self-pity. Many of us live out our lives in sec-ret spaces of grief and guilt. Unknowingly, we enjoy inhabiting these spaces. While we may proclaim that we long to be joyous and free of fears, doubts, hurt and sadness, if we were to honestly look within, we may find we do just the opposite. We nourish hurt, often proudly displaying it; we feel loyal if we refuse to shed the loss of someone passing; we carry the cross of guilt, unable to forgive ourselves or others for perceived transgressions; we ÒresponsiblyÓ worry and fret.

Can we choose to be joyful, free of fear and worry? Can we remain unaffected by circumstances? And what about letting go of deeply inflicted hurt and pain? Would that not mean cheaply letting off the hook someone who deserves to be punished? Can we choose our emotional states?

While many of us are very aware of our body, its physical systems and its frailties, perhaps we do not really understand how much of a role we play in keeping it healthy. Apart from food, sleep, exercise, the need for solitude and sadhna, we are unaware that we are also responsible for keeping ourselves emotion-ally fit. The energy system, crucial for good health, is invisible and often uncared for Ñ we allow ourselves to be buffeted by waves of emotion, get swept away by anger or depression, and drown in self-pity. Attempting to warn us, the body manifests disease, we feel stressed, get irritated and become powerless. We vent our feelings on loved ones, relationships deteriorate and self-esteem dips. It is a vicious circle.

To break the circle, the first step is to become aware of these dynamics, to realise the anatomy of the ego and the power games it plays; to realise that we donÕt have to drown. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a radical and quick-acting proclaims that Òall negative emotions are caused by a disruption in the bodyÕs energy systemÓ. If this disruption is removed, the physical or emotional pain magically disappears. Described as Òemotional acupuncture without needlesÓ, it does this through a simple routine of tapping on certain points on the hands and face. These are the end points of energy meridians, and as you tap, the blocks, like knots in a rope, get released, and suddenly you find yourself free of a debilitating pain, emotion or attitude. Perceptions often change as you begin to see more clearly and dispassionately; attitudes shift, healing happens. There are no drugs, no side-effects, no prescriptions and no expensive equipment. And comparatively, no pain!

It has often worked when nothing else has. On all kinds of physical aches and pains, on improving sports and creative performances, getting rid of fears, phobias and addictions, oppressive emotions and memories. Emotional Freedom Techniques examines the body-mind connection, emotional processing and the anatomy of various negative emotions. It helps participants gain confidence to heal themselves and others.

Rohini Chopra is a Reiki master and practitioner of hypnotherapy, reflexology  and Emotional Freedom Techniques.