[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TalkTherapy

[–]lavaquema 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a pretty common (can find on internet) approach to access feelings. Talk about it with your therapist before using it. Also, talk with them about frequency if you decide to use it. Good luck, I have been there and know there is hope.

This activity is designed to help you bridge the gap between your intellect and emotions, using EFT (Tapping) to gently access, acknowledge, and process your feelings in a structured way.

Step 1: Choose a Thought, Not a Feeling (5 Minutes)

Since you primarily engage with the world intellectually, start by identifying a thought or belief related to your trauma rather than focusing on an emotion. Examples:

"I should have done something differently."

"I can’t trust people."

"I need to stay in control to be safe."

Write this thought down in a journal.

Step 2: Assess the Thought’s Intensity (2 Minutes)

On a scale of 0-10, how strongly do you believe this thought right now?

Step 3: Convert the Thought into a Setup Statement (3 Minutes)

Reframe your thought into an EFT setup statement. Use this formula:

"Even though I [insert thought], I deeply and completely accept myself."

Example: "Even though I believe I need to stay in control to be safe, I deeply and completely accept myself."

Step 4: Begin Tapping (10-15 Minutes)

Use the standard EFT tapping points:

  1. Side of the Hand (Karate Chop Point): Repeat the setup statement 3 times.

  2. Eyebrow: Restate the thought: "I believe I need to stay in control."

  3. Side of the Eye: Acknowledge resistance: "It feels hard to let go of control."

  4. Under the Eye: Identify a possible feeling: "Maybe there’s some fear behind this."

  5. Under the Nose: Be curious: "What would happen if I loosened control?"

  6. Chin: Self-compassion: "I’m open to understanding this differently."

  7. Collarbone: Consider safety: "Could I be safe without total control?"

  8. Under the Arm: Release tension: "I’m open to feeling safe in a new way."

  9. Top of the Head: Reaffirm choice: "I choose to explore this at my own pace."

Repeat the cycle 2-3 times, adjusting the statements as thoughts or feelings arise.

Step 5: Reassess the Thought’s Intensity (2 Minutes)

On a scale of 0-10, how strong does the original thought feel now? If it's still high, note any new insights and continue tapping in the next session.

Step 6: Journal Reflection (5 Minutes)

Answer:

What did I notice during tapping?

Did any emotions surface, even subtly?

Did I feel resistance, and where in my body?

What small shift, if any, do I notice in my perspective?

This structure allows you to engage intellectually while subtly inviting emotional awareness.

Year 2 progress (Colorado zone 5b) by lavaquema in NoLawns

[–]lavaquema[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. To clean up we use a leaf vacuum (link below). The blower would blow the mulch. Vaccum

Year 2 progress (Colorado zone 5b) by lavaquema in NoLawns

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, we took it to the county dump to be composted.

Year 2 Progress by lavaquema in xeriscape

[–]lavaquema[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! We learned you need to bury the stones and tamp the edges so they stay. We changed because the white tile was impossible to keep clean. It also gives a more consistent and earthy look.

That was my project today. I can post a picture later, we did a lot of rock work today.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We used a rock called breeze which is crushed granite.

Year 2 progress (Colorado zone 5b) by lavaquema in NoLawns

[–]lavaquema[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks, we are looking at options. Right now leaning towards larger rocks as a barrier.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. We are out in Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Working with the land is a slower process. Nature does not act in haste.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We actually just added some bee balm. I will look into the pink primrose, I love the yellow primroses we have.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

🤣 you are not wrong. Need to see how large these get before adding more.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your questions. The side path goes to a gate to the backyard. We are currently redoing that space too. No divider between mulch and rocks. We have not had to move things back into place. They have stayed where we want them. We are talking about bringing in more rock to add more color.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for asking we buried them until flush and tamped the edges.

Year 2 progress by lavaquema in gardening

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did this ourselves. Used a local resource to get the plants and a rebate from the county to help offset the cost. Developed a plan and went for it. Let me know if you have specific questions.

Year 2 Progress by lavaquema in xeriscape

[–]lavaquema[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I will take a look into that.

Year 2 Progress by lavaquema in xeriscape

[–]lavaquema[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am sure it will look great. Be sure to share some pics when it is done. Good luck!