An Introduction to Zensight by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW What if you could heal yourself of concerns gently and easily, simply by picturing your concerns and allowing them to heal and transform? What if simply seeing yourself being free of these concerns – and experiencing the feelings, thoughts and behaviors that you would like to have instead - had a very real impact upon your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health? What if the healing effects that occurred took place on a very deep and permanent level? The good news is that you can. Zensight is a self-help energy healing technique created by a psychotherapist who specializes in trauma. Zensight is designed to be gentle, easy to use and of benefit to anyone. Zensight combines aspects of a variety of other energy healing techniques such as Be Set Free Fast (BSFF), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Universal healing energy, together with elements of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Emphasizing the use of visualization together with “healing statements” and focused intent, Zensight activates and engages the energy system and both hemispheres of the brain. Many people experience signs of increased brain activity, such as vivid dreams and imagery, and enhanced visual and auditory acuity, during or after Zensight sessions. Zensight begins with the selection of a healing symbol. Examples of a possible healing symbol are an image of the ocean, a word such as “release”, or a favourite colour. Anything that is chosen as a healing symbol is fine as long as there are no strong negative emotional connotations to it. The identified concern is then focused upon, as well as any “picture” that comes up in connection with it. The picture is allowed to transform while alternating focus upon the healing symbol. As needed, the process is supported with the use of verbal healing statements. What follows is an excerpt from a 30 minute Zensight session with “Verity”. Verity is a woman in her early 40’s. She discussed at the start of the session, a few issues that she wanted to resolve, the most central of which was some chronic pain she had been having in her left hip for the past few years. The pain had been treated through chiropractic care and had gotten better at times but had been worse lately, enough so that it made her feel unable to be as active as she usually would be. If you focus on these current concerns, is there a picture that comes up for you in relation to them? Yes...it’s connected with the ability to move forward. There is this image of myself and this energetic wall of ice or glass – it keeps me from moving forward. What I’d like you to do is just focus on that image, and connect with your healing symbol, and just notice what happens as you do so. The picture just changes automatically. The wall instantly dissolves and melts. My left leg – the side that has been hurting – just leaps forward - kind of like a ballerina. Okay. Just focus on that and use your healing symbol. Amazing! All of the pain in my hip has disappeared! I have a sense of feeling boundless and joyful. I see myself dancing! It’s the dance of life. If you focus on your left hip now, is there any pain left? No…there is no pain at all. It kind of feels like there is an “awareness” there of pain that had been there before. However, the pain itself has gone. “I heal any and all energetic imprint left in this left hip or in any other area of my body, in relation to any of these issues.” Now picture some healing light going into that area of your body. Is there any sensation left there at all? No – it just feels wonderful. We then went on to address two emotional concerns she had also been experiencing. At the close of the session, Verity mentioned a visual image that had been occurring in the background as we worked. She described seeing a set of blueprints layered over one another and over her hip bone. As she watched, she saw these layers simply flutter up and fly away, until they had fully released and were gone. At follow up three months later, Verity reported that the hip pain and the emotional concerns that we had addressed were still completely resolved.

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Alleviating Anxiety with Zensight by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW Rachel looks in the mirror and notices a mark on her cheek. Immediately her breath becomes shallow, her heart races, her chest tightens, and she feels nauseated. She checks the spot more closely, and sees that it’s just a speck of dirt. She washes it off and tells herself firmly that she is fine – it wasn’t the beginning of skin cancer, it was nothing. It’s gone. She is okay. Although she keeps telling herself she is okay, hours later, Rachel still doesn’t feel okay. What if seeing that spot was a “sign”? What is she is about to develop skin cancer? What if she already has skin cancer and she just hasn’t seen it yet? Recurring thoughts of cancer continue to hover in the back of her mind. Weeks later she notices she is still inspecting her skin for unusual marks or blemishes. Like an estimated 13-16.5% of adults, Rachel has an anxiety disorder. Types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. At times the symptoms of anxiety can become so debilitating that the lives of those affected will become consumed by the effort to avoid people, places or situations which trigger feelings of anxiety. Traditional treatment for anxiety disorder has involved long term use of both medication to help to lessen the symptoms of anxiety, and behavioral therapy to assist with coping and challenging irrational thoughts. Zensight is an energy work technique which offers new hope to those with anxiety. In many cases, a practitioner who is very skilled with both Zensight and in working with those with anxiety, can help someone to experience dramatic improvement – and in some cases a complete elimination of symptoms – in just a few sessions. In most situations, many individuals will be able to use Zensight on their own – without ever consulting a practitioner at all – to considerably improve and sometimes even eliminate their symptoms altogether. Those who do choose to work with a therapist or practitioner to help support and accelerate their healing will also benefit from doing Zensight self-healing in between sessions, in order to obtain the best results. How to Use Zensight Zensight involves working with the subconscious mind in a way that is similar to hypnosis – and yet no hypnosis is actually used. Instead, we begin by creating a “healing symbol”. This symbol can be a word, picture, or colour. Some people choose to use a symbol such as “ocean”. They then can focus on the word “ocean” when that feels right, and at other times may actually visualize the ocean. When this healing symbol is used or focused upon with intent, it allows the fears, concerns, and “blocks” that someone is experiencing to gently heal and transform. The healing symbol is then used together with healing statements and visualization, to soften, dissolve and release the concerns that are being experienced. The individual is instructed to stop and notice any visual image that comes to mind when she or he thinks about a specific concern – and then focus upon this image while connecting with the healing symbol that was chosen. This use of visualization helps to greatly accelerate healing because it does not rely upon the limits of our conscious mind. The visual image that comes up may be an actual representation of a specific fear or issue that is being experienced, or it may be something that is metaphorical in nature – such as seeing oneself with a leg caught in a trap. The different images that come up are highly variable and are not always understood by the individual. The beauty of it is that they don’t need to be understood. The image is simply focused upon while connecting with the healing symbol, and is allowed to transform. What generally happens is that the image spontaneously transforms in a way that feels healing. The individual watches as the trap that was holding the leg simply dissolves and disappears. They see themselves then being able to move about freely and with a sense of greater contentment and peace. If the picture doesn’t change, if no picture is seen, or in order to resolve any remaining upset, the individual uses healing statements. After each statement, the person takes a deep breath and lets it go, and focuses upon the healing symbol. Concerns are then healed and transformed, as positive feelings grow and strengthen. Examples of healing statements are: I heal all of the fears that any parts of me have, that I can’t get free of this problem I heal any and all feelings that any parts of me have, that I am trapped. I let all of the parts of me know, deeply and completely, that I am safe. All of the different parts of me now experience a growing sense of peace and comfort. My entire body is relaxing now. Sound simple? It is – extremely simple, and yet powerfully and deeply effective. Best of all, the effects are lasting - providing that energetic imbalances are addressed and healed, results will in most cases be permanent. Energy Balancing Zensight can be used for much more than simply targeting specific symptoms. In the case of anxiety – especially experiences of pervasive fear and anxiety – it is best to begin by targeting energetic imbalances that are most likely being experienced. Someone who experiences frequent and/or pervasive feelings of fear has an imbalance in his or her triple warmer meridian. The energy meridians have been widely recognized in Eastern medicine as impacting upon our emotional, physical, and mental concerns. Acupuncture is only one of many modalities which focus upon bringing healing to the energy meridians. The triple warmer meridian is the meridian in the body which governs the fight/flight/freeze response. Sometimes – often in response to an original event or series of events in which the individual felt intense fear or terror – the triple warmer meridian becomes overenergized. In the case of anxiety, the emphasis will be upon the “flight/freeze” response, and the individual will quickly respond with fear to many situations which may to others appear innocuous. Trying to talk someone out of their fear often has little effect. Rachel rationally knows that the mark on her face was simply dirt and was no more an indicator of cancer than is a stain on her jeans. However, in spite of this awareness, and in spite of her logical mind which tells her she is safe and is overreacting, Rachel can not let the fear go. The problem that Rachel is experiencing is not in her mind so much as in her body and in her energy system. Often patterns of triple warmer overenergization begin in childhood, in response to repeated experiences of terror. Sometimes this may be due to experiences of abuse that were either experienced or witnessed, and sometimes it may be connected with less obviously traumatic experiences that were nevertheless fear-producing for the particular child involved. Rachel knows that she is safe – but her body and energy system need to know it too. In a sense, they need to be reprogrammed. With Zensight, this “reprogramming” can occur gently and easily during a rapid yet extremely relaxing process. Other energetic imbalances may also be involved. Homolateral energy (where the energy runs straight up and down the body rather than crossing over it) may also be involved. Once any energetic imbalances that are involved are addressed, many symptoms of anxiety will lessen immediately. The work then becomes focused on targeting the concerns more directly. Bringing Healing to the “Whole” Person The emphasis which Zensight places upon using both visualization and verbal “healing statements” ensures that both hemispheres of the brain are involved during the healing process. This assists people in linking logic with emotion. After using Zensight, not only does Rachel logically understand that the spot on her face was not a sign of impending doom – she emotionally “gets it” as well. Zensight also addresses the experience of parts of self. All of us have parts of self. In many situations where healing is not experienced even when highly effective modalities are being used, the issue is that the person on some level – in some small part of them – may believe that it’s not safe to heal the concerns. Rachel may be afraid to completely heal her anxiety because some small part of her may fear that if she stops worrying about and expecting to develop cancer, that she will pay less attention and will miss warning signs and thus be unsafe. Zensight allows the individual to access and bring healing to – through the use of visualization and targeted healing statements – to even those parts of us that are afraid to heal, or believe it is not in our best interests to do so. By ensuring that the individual is treated at as a whole – physically, emotionally, mentally, and energetically – Zensight enables even some of the most challenging concerns to be as gently and quickly healed as possible.

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Creating Balance with Zensight by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW Headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss or gain, fatigue, high blood pressure, chest pain, depression, irritability, memory problems, phobias, social isolation, rage, and feelings of overwhelm: all of these are just a few of the many symptoms associated with stress. We live in a modern age, with increased technology to assist us in our daily tasks. However, at the same time, our tasks have greatly multiplied. Single parent families are increasingly common, with one adult needing to perform the job of two. In two parent families, two incomes have become the norm - as has commuting - making the balancing of work, parenting, and childcare, increasingly complex. We have become a society that expects people to have more, do more, and be more, than the generations that went before us. Workplaces often expect longer and longer hours from employees, and it has become increasingly difficult to obtain well paying employment without, and sometimes even with, post secondary education. Furthermore, downtime has become increasingly difficult to obtain. Email, cell phones, pagers and the blackberry, intrude upon the home life of many, with the work day frequently extending well beyond the time that is actually spent at work. There are many different and wonderfully valuable approaches to reducing and managing stress. Yoga, massage therapy, delegating tasks to others, increased assertiveness, healthy eating, exercise, relaxation tapes and meditation are all excellent and wonderful approaches with countless benefits. However, while the helpfulness of such tools in managing stress is relatively well known, many of us choose not to use them. What is it that stops us? In many cases, what underlies the reluctance - or perceived inability - to do what is needed to reduce and/or manage stress, is fear: fear that one is not deserving enough; fear of what others will think; or fear that if we work less we will fail. Sometimes the fear that lies underneath excessive busyness is a desire to avoid feeling upsetting emotions. We may keep ourselves even busier than we need to, so that we don't stop and feel our unhappiness about our past, our work, relationships, or life situation. A comprehensive - and yet fast and easy - approach to stress management, wellness, and internal equilibrium is necessary in order to maintain not only physical, but emotional and mental well being. Instead, we need to not only bring in and use tools that will help us to feel better, but also heal the underlying issues that have been preventing us from using these tools before now. Zensight is a self-help approach that is not only highly effective as a stand alone technique for managing stress, it also has the added advantage of being useful for releasing patterns of guilt, fear, and anxiety, so that we simultaneously experience less stress while also feeling good about setting limits and doing the self care that is needed. How to Use Zensight Zensight involves working with the subconscious mind in a way that is similar to hypnosis, and yet no hypnosis is actually used. Instead, we begin by creating a "healing symbol". This symbol can be a word, picture, or colour. Some people choose to use a symbol such as "ocean". They then can focus on the word "ocean" when that feels right, and at other times may actually visualize the ocean. When this healing symbol is used or focused upon with intent, it allows the fears, concerns, and "blocks" that someone is experiencing to gently heal and transform. The healing symbol is then used together with healing statements and visualization, to soften, dissolve and release the concerns that are being experienced. The individual is instructed to stop and notice any visual image that comes to mind when she or he thinks about a specific concern - and then focus upon this image while connecting with the healing symbol that was chosen. This use of visualization helps to greatly accelerate healing because it does not rely upon the limits of our conscious mind. The visual image that comes up may be an actual representation of a specific fear or issue that is being experienced, or it may be something that is metaphorical in nature - such as seeing oneself with a leg caught in a trap. The different images that come up are highly variable and are not always understood by the individual. The beauty of it is that they don't need to be understood. The image is simply focused upon while connecting with the healing symbol, and is allowed to transform. What generally happens is that the image spontaneously transforms in a way that feels healing. The individual watches as the trap that was holding the leg simply dissolves and disappears. They see themselves then being able to move about freely and with a sense of greater contentment and peace. If the picture doesn't change, if no picture is seen, or in order to resolve any remaining upset, the individual uses healing statements. After each statement, the person takes a deep breath and lets it go, and focuses upon their healing symbol. Concerns are then healed and transformed, as positive feelings grow and strengthen. Examples of healing statements are: I now heal, transform and release, any and all patterns of fear, anxiety, or guilt, from all areas of my life. I heal any and all feelings of being overwhelmed. I heal the original decision that any parts of me have made that I'm not good enough, or not deserving, for any reason. I heal all of the beliefs about work or about relaxation, that any parts of me have internalized from my family, from society, or from anyone else, that don't serve my highest good now. I now heal transform and release any and all stress, tension or discomfort that is being held in any area of my body. I now heal any and all anger, resentment, or frustration that any parts of me are holding onto, for any reason. All of the different parts of me now experience a growing sense of peace, comfort, and relaxation. My entire body is relaxing now. I now create and install new patterns of feeling completely confident and comfortable in taking time each and every day to take care of myself. I now fully recognize that when I am rested and relaxed I perform better at work, in my relationships, and in my life. While a full and completely effective healing session targeting the creation of increased balance will likely be far more comprehensive than this, these statements will get you started. With Zensight, healing even embedded emotional and behavioural patterns can be extremely simple, and yet powerfully and deeply effective. Best of all, when an additional focus is placed upon healing energetic imbalances, past traumas, relationship issues and other related concerns, results are usually permanent and will be experienced in many different areas of life.

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Creating the Ultimate Self-Healing Session by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW There are times when we wish to do our healing work with a counselor or other professional, and there are times when self-help better meets our needs. Whether you use energy work, journaling, meditation, or any other self-healing approach, there are a number of things that you can do to ensure that you achieve the most growth and healing possible, from your self-healing sessions. 1.) Choose a focus. Begin by choosing an issue that you wish to heal. If you struggle with identifying specific areas you want to focus upon, you may find it helpful to keep a small notebook with you. Whenever you notice a pattern, issue or concern that you would like to feel better about, quickly jot a note down to yourself so that you will remember it later. Going through personal journals you keep – or emails you have sent to others - is another way that you can identify areas you would like to heal. 2.) Make your healing a priority. Set aside the time – preferably regularly – where you will focus upon your healing. Write it into your schedule so that you make a commitment to setting this time aside and do not forget. Alternatively, build self-healing work into your day: a 15 minute healing session in the morning when you first wake up, at the end of the day, or at any other time that feels right to you, can be a wonderful way to get yourself moving forward and feeling better. 3.) Give yourself the time and space you need. One of the reasons that people often find that they get more out of healing sessions guided by a professional is simply that they focus much more deeply during those sessions. This is partially because a space is created in which outside distractions are not permitted. Whether you choose to set aside an hour or a smaller amount of time, create a comfortable space in which to do your self-healing work. Find somewhere that you can sit or lie down comfortably. Make an effort to minimize distractions – turn the phone, television or computer off, and ensure that you have the time that you need to accomplish the personal work you would like to get done. 4.) Have everything you need, close at hand. This may include Kleenex, a glass of water, a warm soft blanket, or pen and paper to write down thoughts or insights that come up during the process that you wish to address or make note of. Have any healing resources that you have found to be beneficial nearby. If you have a self-help book or journal you find to be particularly helpful, you may want to refer to it. Pictures of loved ones or of peaceful scenes of times and places that you felt loved and safe, may also be beneficial. 5.) Plan to do something nurturing afterwards. Part of healing involves experiencing greater love and compassion for oneself. You can begin to put this in motion both during and immediately after your healing session. This is particularly important if you have chosen to focus upon healing something that feels “big” or particularly painful. In all likelihood if you stick with the process, you will feel much calmer, better, and more peaceful than you would have thought possible prior to the healing session beginning. However, the biggest obstacle that people sometimes find with self-healing work is that if they start to feel upset, they may suddenly decide to stop the process. They suddenly find themselves distracted, or they decide the issue is “too big” to tackle alone. If the issue is too big, seek professional support as needed. However, in most cases simply taking a moment and reassuring yourself, using any self-help skills you have found particularly helpful, and focusing upon your breathing while thinking comforting thoughts or using helpful imagery, will help you to quickly move past the current upset. Let yourself know that if upset is encountered, you can handle it and move through it gently. Make the decision and commitment to yourself to do this, so that this moment will be the last time that this incident, issue or experience, feels so upsetting to you. You owe yourself the greater peace that you will feel if you stay on track with the process. It can be easier to stick with a self-healing session if you are aware that you will be taking really good care of yourself afterwards – whether this is by going for a walk, calling a friend, reading a comforting book, or watching a favourite TV show or movie. 6.) Be kind to yourself. In the absence of a supportive professional, be a support to yourself. If you booked a session with a therapist and during it she or he criticized you or gave you negative messages about your past or present difficulties – or your likelihood to heal from them – would you feel helped by that? Would you be interested in going back to do more work with them again? Not likely! During your healing process, treat yourself the way that you would expect or want a friend, counselor, or therapist to treat you. Practice seeing yourself with compassion and understanding. 7.) If you can not - or will not - set aside specific periods of time to work on self-healing, take full advantage of any hidden moments that you do have. Not every self-healing session needs to be done with the level of detail and care that is described above. Significant, profound healing can occur simply while going for a walk and focusing upon healing thoughts, affirmations and imagery. Making it a habit to give yourself loving and compassionate messages on a regular basis, as you go about your day, can go a long way towards altering your overall outlook and emotional state. 8.) Know your limitations. If it feels unsafe to you to process a particular personal issue on your own – or if you are currently feeling completely overwhelmed or unable to cope in general – it may be a greater act of self-help to make the decision to ask for assistance with your personal healing work. This help may come in the form of a trusted and supportive friend, support group, or skilled professional. Know that there is a middle ground between going it entirely alone and being “in therapy”. You can choose to do mostly self-healing if that feels right to you, and still seek professional assistance occasionally, whether this is once a month, a few times each year, or simply as a one time session. Even those people who enjoy the benefit of regular counseling or therapy sessions will get the most value and benefit from that work, and will they further accelerate their progress and healing by working on their concerns between professionally facilitated sessions.

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EFT vs. Zensight: A Comparison of Energy Healing Approaches by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW Many people arrive to Zensight after first experiencing Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Frequently questions arise as to what the differences are, and when to use which approach. EFT is a technique created by Gary Craig, as a result of his work in streamlining Roger Callahan’s Thought Field Therapy (TFT). EFT and TFT both involve focusing upon very specific concerns – often fears, phobias, or some other kind of emotional or physical upset – while tapping on different energy meridian points. EFT generally involves tapping upon the same sequence of points regardless of the particular concern being worked upon, while TFT involves tapping upon different sequences or sets of meridian points, depending upon the type of concern being targeted. EFT and TFT can be considered to be the “grandfathers” of the energy psychology movement. I believe that these were the first targeted energy psychology approaches. Zensight and EFT share many similarities. Both are excellent, highly targeted healing approaches that can be easily learned and used as a self-help treatment for rapidly healing fears, phobias, traumas, and other issues including many physical concerns. Both of them removed congested energy from the energy meridians, and both of them can be easily incorporated into psychotherapy, if desired. The most obvious difference between Zensight and EFT is that with Zensight no tapping is involved. Instead, with Zensight, we use a “healing symbol” to assist us in focusing our intent. As we do so, upsets and concerns simply melt away, while at the same time the energy meridians that were affected by the upset become more balanced. The most common experience during Zensight in addition to feeling better about the targeted concern(s) is a deep and profound feeling of relaxation. Some people may also experience the same type of warmth, tingling and energy “moving” sensations that are frequently experienced with Reiki and other Universal energy approaches. Secondly, Zensight includes a focus upon the use of visualization as part of the healing process. Although Zensight can be done without the use of visualization, it is strongly recommended that visualization – or, alternatively a focus upon body sensations – is incorporated into your Zensight healing work. The reason for the emphasis upon use of visualization is twofold: a.) Working with visual images allows us to access areas of the subconscious mind that we can not readily reach through the use of language alone. Often the visual images that arise during Zensight work are similar in nature to those seen during meditative or dreamlike states – they often include aspects of the situation or concern, that we had not consciously recognized. The use of the healing symbol to then transform and heal those images, allows us to address even those aspects of the situation that we may otherwise have missed. b.) The combined use of visualization together with verbal statements activates both hemispheres of the brain. This allows the whole brain to become involved, which often then assists us in linking logic together with emotion. A disconnect between logic and emotion (for example, having a fear of the dark even though one rationally may recognize that they are safe) is often a big part of most personal concerns. c.) While EFT, TFT and most other energy psychology approaches instruct the user to focus upon very specific aspects of their concerns, with Zensight we begin by targeting our healing approach at the most general level. For example, rather than focusing upon a specific phobia, we will target our healing work to all of the areas of our lives in which we experience fear, whether we consciously recognize all of those fears or not. We do this through the use of visualization and statement that target fear at the general level, as well as through energy balancing exercises that can be accomplished with Zensight in a matter of minutes. We do with Zensight also work on the specific level as needed, but even in doing so, we set the intent of healing a wide area. For example, I will frequently use statements such as: I now heal any and all beliefs that any parts of me formed in connection with this incident or any other incidents similar to it that don’t serve my highest good now. I now heal, transform and release any and all roles or identities that any parts of me have taken on from my mother or anyone else who gave me negative messages about myself. I now heal and dissolve any and all programming that any parts of me have internalized from my family, from society, or from anyone else about my appearance or weight. It may sometimes – but not always - still be necessary to do more work at the specific level. We test this by checking in with the specific concern and see if any upset is remaining, and then dissolve whatever is left using both general and specifically targeted healing statements, or additional visualizations. The activation of both hemispheres of the brain, and the included focus upon the general level – as well as an emphasis upon engaging all parts of self in treatment – leads to most people finding that their results with Zensight generalize to more areas of their life, and thus experiencing more rapid and more thorough results than they may have previously in their healing work. Most people also enjoy the freedom and relief of having less need to identify hidden aspects of concerns. However, some people who are particularly kinesthetic in nature, may feel as if they are not “doing” enough when using Zensight. While it is not necessary to do so, those people may feel more engaged in the treatment process if they use their EFT tapping as they process with Zensight. They also may wish to begin by targeting any beliefs or expectations that if no physical action is taken, that healing is not possible. Just as EFT may initially feel uncomfortable or strange to newcomers - until they experience the incredible benefits it offers - some people may experience an initial uncertainty with Zensight. Another experience that people occasionally have is that when in a state of overwhelm – or in a state of acute physical pain such as with an ear infection or other illness - it is sometimes easier to simply tap than to stop and focus intent, particularly if you are new to Zensight. If such a situation arises, I suggest to people that they may wish to begin with a couple of rounds of tapping to decrease the overwhelm and/or pain, and as it lessens, that they then settle in and process the remainder with Zensight. Whatever technique you experience benefit with, and find easy to use, is the one that is most right for you. The beauty of EFT, Zensight and many other energy healing approaches is that they can be adapted and combined to best meet the needs and comfort level of the individual user. For more information about EFT, please see www.emofree.com

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Finding Freedom From Fibromyalgia with Energy Work by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and achiness, chronic fatigue and insomnia, fibromyalgia affects 3-6% of the population, and is more common in women than men. Mainstream western medicine has found fibromyalgia frustratingly difficult to treat. By many, fibromyalgia is considered to have no cure. The goal instead is often to assist those with fibromyalgia in learning to cope with and accommodate their difficulties. Luckily, effective treatment for fibromyalgia does exist. Best of all, this treatment has no side effects, and is extremely amenable to a self-help approach. The energy meridian system has long been identified in Eastern medicine – it is the energy system that is treated when acupuncture is used. In her book, “Energy Medicine,” Donna Eden identifies the role that the triple warmer meridian plays with fibromyalgia. The triple warmer meridian is the meridian that governs the body’s fight/flight/freeze response. It is believed that during times of acute stress or trauma – and particularly when these experiences are repeated over and over again – the body becomes locked into a state of chronic triple warmer meridian overenergization. Interestingly, clinicians and researchers have long reported a correlation between fibromyalgia and a history of trauma. When the triple warmer meridian becomes overenergized, it draws energy out of the spleen meridian, which supports the immune system. If it stays overenergized long enough, our immune system becomes compromised and we begin being more susceptible to even everyday illnesses like colds and flus. This is one of the reasons that when we are under stress, we tend to get sick more often and more easily. If the triple warmer meridian stays overenergized long enough, eventually the immune system begins to attack itself, and finally auto-immune disorders such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, develop. Other symptoms and experiences which tend to co-exist with triple warmer meridian overenergization are anxiety, hypervigilance, PMS, thyroid difficulties, and adrenal system fatigue. There are two main self-help energy techniques for sedating the triple warmer meridian. 1.) Donna Eden’s Instructions for Physically Sedating the Triple Warmer Meridian: a) Take the fingers of your left hand and hold them just under your left knee. At the same time, take the fingers of your right hand and hold them just above the left elbow. Hold those points for up to 2 minutes. You may be able to feel a pulse in each of these places. At first the pulses will not be synchronized. If you hold them long enough they will start beating in a synchronized way. This will tell you that you have held the points long enough. If you can't feel the pulses just hold for a couple of minutes. Repeat this pose on the right side of the body (right hand below right knee, left hand above right elbow) and again hold until the pulses are synchronized, or up to 2 minutes. b) Take the fingers of your left hand and hold the indent at the outside of the left baby toe. At the same time, take the fingers of the right hand and hold the point between the base knuckles of on the left hand, between the baby and ring finger. Again you may feel pulses in both points – hold till the pulses beat in a synchronized way, or for up to 2 minutes. Repeat this pose on the other side of the body (right hand at right baby toe, left hand at base knuckles of right hand). 2.) The Zensight Method for Sedating the Triple Warmer Meridian: With Zensight we use our intention in order to heal our concerns. We also address the chronic nature of the concern and set the intent that we will heal the overall pattern. In using Zensight in this way, it is sometimes possible to treat the overall pattern in just one or a few treatments, rather than having to keep treating the same issues again and again. Zensight Healing Symbol Zensight involves the use of a healing symbol to assist you in focusing your intent. Begin by choosing a word, image, or colour that you will focus upon as you begin healing yourself. Any word, image or colour is fine, as long as it has no negative emotional connotations for you. If you can’t think of a symbol to use, use “ocean” and you may either picture the ocean or think the word “ocean” – whatever feels right to you. You will now focus upon your healing symbol for 10-15 seconds, after either thinking or saying out loud each of the following statements. During this process, most people begin to feel increasingly relaxed, both physically and emotionally. If the triple warmer has been overenergized for some time, a sense of sleepiness may occur. I now heal any and all triple warmer meridian concerns, for all of the different parts of me. I heal all of the reasons my triple warmer first became overenergized. I heal any and all past traumas or upsets of any kind that are being held by my triple warmer meridian. I heal all of the ways and reasons that my triple warmer meridian has had any pattern of responding with excessive force. I heal all of the reasons that it takes my body, emotions, and energy systems a long time to settle after I’ve been startled or upset. I heal all of the ways all of these issues have been being held in my body or energy field, or at the DNA, cellular, or molecular levels. I heal any and all remaining energetic imprints connected with having an overenergized triple warmer. I heal any and all of the patterns, emotions, behaviors, habits and thoughts connected with all of these issues. I install new patterns of feeling calm and relaxed. All of the different parts of me are now able to distinguish when I need to be “on alert” and when I do not. My triple warmer meridian is now sedated. My spleen meridian is now strengthened. My triple warmer meridian and spleen meridian are in perfect and natural balance. All of the different parts of me receive all of this healing now. All of this healing is completely effective for all of the past, all of the present and all of the future. Whenever I focus on my healing symbol, my subconscious mind will immediately sedate my triple warmer meridian according to my highest good, whether I tell it to or not. Following this, notice and experience the feelings of being deeply and calmly relaxed that arise. Picture yourself being able to maintain this sensation. Focus on how it feels in your body now that you are in this state, and ground the feeling by using your healing symbol. Notice as you picture yourself being able to maintain this feeling, that any of the concerns you have had before - such as feelings of anxiety, insomnia, and hypervigilance – are not present in this moment. As you take yourself through this visualization, at different points reconnect with your healing symbol and allow the experience to deepen, so that all of the different parts of you can now fully realize that they are safe in the present day. This will go a long way towards decreasing the heightened reactivity of the fight/flight/freeze response. If you find that symptoms still persist, you may wish to repeat the triple warmer sedation regularly. Often it is enough to simply tell yourself “I now repeat all of the triple warmer meridian healing I did before” and focus upon your healing symbol. If you do not feel sufficiently relaxed after doing so, you may wish to repeat the entire exercise. Alternatively you can use Donna Eden’s physical method of sedating the triple warmer meridian, together with the Zensight method, simultaneously. Ideally fibromyalgia treatment will consist of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes energy balancing techniques; the healing of past or present traumas, conflicts or upsets; nutritional support; and consultation with your physician and other professional caregivers.

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Taming Trauma with Zensight by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW,RSW Janet and her partner Keith are a close couple, who have been together for a little over a year. One day they are relaxed and talking about their imagined life together, in the future. Keith – someone who Janet rationally knows is a fully “modern” in his attitude and views, and has always supported her in her work, playfully comments that “no wife of his” is going to work outside the home. Suddenly, Janet goes pale and feels a flash of anger and fear go through her. She pulls away and storms out of the room. Keith is stunned and reacts with feelings of confusion, defensiveness, and betrayal. How could she not know he was kidding - doesn’t she know him at all? An argument follows. What has happened here? How did this fun, playful discussion end in conflict? Janet grew up in a family where money, work, and gender roles were a source of conflict. While no violence was present, an underlying atmosphere of anger, tension, and discord were present whenever issues connected with work or money were discussed. Janet is reacting to past trauma. Trauma is an unavoidable part of life – we have all experienced trauma in some form or another, whether we consciously identify it as such, or not. Trauma is generally defined as being something that overwhelms the ability to cope at the time. No cataclysmic acts of violence occurred towards herself or between her parents. However, as a young sensitive child, Janet was very much affected by the atmosphere of tension, anger and unspoken hostilities were present whenever work or money were discussed. Big, or small, trauma has an impact upon us. At the most extreme end of the spectrum of reactions are trauma-related disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) which are often characterized by hypervigilance, insomnia, flashbacks, anxiety, difficulty regulating and/or connecting with emotion, a pervasive experience of fear, and so forth. At the other end of the spectrum we may notice milder – though no less troublesome – symptoms such as difficulties with relationships, feelings of depression, negative self talk, low self-esteem, avoidance of places and situations that remind oneself of traumatic events, and similar concerns. With energy healing techniques such as Zensight, we can now bring healing to past traumas quickly and gently – without needing to discuss them if we do not wish to, or relive them - so that we can be free of their associated symptoms. How to Use Zensight Zensight involves working with the subconscious mind in a way that is similar to hypnosis – and yet no hypnosis is actually used. Instead, we begin by creating a “healing symbol”. This symbol can be a word, picture, or colour. Some people choose to use a symbol such as “ocean”. They then can focus on the word “ocean” when that feels right, and at other times may actually visualize the ocean. When this healing symbol is used or focused upon with intent, it allows the fears, concerns, and “blocks” that someone is experiencing to gently heal and transform. The healing symbol is then used together with healing statements and visualization, to soften, dissolve and release the concerns that are being experienced. The use of visualization helps to greatly accelerate healing because it does not rely upon the limits of our conscious mind. Sound simple? It is – extremely simple, and yet powerfully and deeply effective. Best of all, the effects are lasting - providing that energetic imbalances are addressed and healed, results will in most cases be permanent. With Zensight, trauma is approached by processing and releasing the “decisions” that were made at the time the event(s) occurred. Often it is not the details of what happened that create traumatic symptoms so much as the information we took away from the event. Janet didn’t experience overt acts of violence but she did internalize the belief that “it isn’t safe” to discuss - or disagree about - money. To experience the power of Zensight in healing trauma, begin by choosing a past event that feels unresolved to you. Focus upon it for a moment and get a rating on a scale from 0 to 10 – where 0 is no upset at all, and 10 is the highest level of upset possible – of how upsetting the event feels to you now, in the present moment. When you have chosen an incident to work on and have a sense of how upsetting it feels, begin by using the following statements, followed with your healing symbol. If it feels safe to do so, you may also wish to notice any visual images that come up as you do so, and use your healing symbol to transform those as well. I heal all of the fears that any parts of me have, that it’s not safe, not possible, or not in my best interests, to complete heal all of these concerns. All of these concerns – and any traumas connected with them – now heal gently, easily, permanently, and completely. I now heal, transform and release, all of the beliefs formed by any parts of me when [name of the incident] occurred. I heal all of the beliefs formed by any parts of me about myself, others, the world, or what I can expect from life, in relation to this incident. I heal all of the beliefs taken on by any parts of me, in relation to this incident, that… I heal all of the ways that all of these issues have been being held in my body and energy field, or at the DNA, cellular or molecular levels. I heal all of the ways that all of the different parts of me experienced this incident. I heal any and all aspects of this incident that I may not remember. I heal all of the patterns, emotions, behaviors, habits, and thoughts connected to all of these issues. I heal any and all neural pathways connected with all of these concerns, that don’t serve my highest good now. I let all the different parts of me know, deeply and completely, that it happened, but it’s over, and I’m safe now. It is safe for me to completely let go of all of my upset surrounding this incident. I install new ways of now feeling at peace with this incident, and at peace with myself in relation to it. All of this healing is completely effective for all of the past, all of the present, and all of the future. All of the different parts of me receive all of this healing now. I now install new neural pathways in order to support, reinforce and continue all of the healing that has occurred, and all of the healing that is about to occur. Check in now with the traumatic incident again. Notice any visual images, body sensations or emotions that come up as you do so, and use your healing symbol to transform these. How upsetting does the incident feel now, on a scale from 0 to 10? If any upset remains, use additional statements and visualizations, together with your healing symbol, to allow it to completely release. Notice also how your body is feeling as you think about the past event. Much of trauma is stored in the body. It is important to process the trauma until it feels emotionally neutral and the body can feel relaxed even while it is focused upon. To further deepen the healing that has occurred, you may also wish to visualize yourself feeling, in the present moment and in the future, completely free of any concerns connected with the incident. See yourself feeling happy and free, and living your life with peace and joy. Use your healing symbol to strengthen this experience, and let yourself know that this feeling of peacefulness and happiness is the new template for how things will be. Once the traumatic events have been processed, the life patterns that have surrounded them will either dissolve on their own, or will become easier to transform through further use of energy healing.

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Choosing the Right Therapist by Carol Ann Rowland, MSW,RSW The decision to consult with a therapist or other counselor is often made at a time of considerable emotional stress. In most cases, people delay seeking professional help until they feel they are at the limit of their ability to cope. As a result, when they first begin looking, many find the decision-making process overwhelming. Where do you begin? What should you look for? How do you know if you have chosen the “right” or “best” person? Too often people simply pick a name out of a phone book, and begin working with someone without taking the time to learn more about the person they are entrusting with their healing process and mental health. The best approach is to figure out what it is you are looking for, and interview potential therapists accordingly, to ensure that you are making an informed choice, before you have invested a great deal of time or money. While many people feel uncomfortable with or intimidated by the idea of interviewing a therapist, this is unnecessary. In most other areas of life, we interview people before hiring them, and there is no reason to make an exception when the work to be done is personal therapy. If anything, obtaining a good fit between therapist and client is even more crucial than in other professional relationships. In many cases, therapists and counselors will provide an initial brief consultation by phone or in person, to help both of you to determine if the two of you will be a good match for each other. Professional Training Those who practice therapy or counseling may come from a variety of backgrounds. Clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists are all different types of trainings that those who provide therapy, may have. It is ideal to consult with someone who has a strong professional background, and is accountable to a disciplinary college. People often ask me which type of background is “best”. Through experience – both my own and that which clients have shared with me, I have come to believe that most cases the particular discipline the individual comes from is far less important than whom the individual is, and how he or she works in actual practice. The one exception to this is if consultation is needed regarding medications. If you wish to seek an assessment regarding use of medications, in most cases this must be done by a psychiatrist. Many psychiatrists, however, do not offer counseling and psychotherapy. This varies – some of them do. If you are seeking psychiatric assistance, it will be important to ask this question. In many cases, those seeking both therapy and medication will consult with both a therapist and a psychiatrist. Expertise Does the therapist have skills, knowledge, and experience in relation to your main areas of concern? Many therapists will be able to identify what their main areas of expertise include. No one can be an expert on all things, and it is possible that there is no “expert” regarding your issue, in your area. Or, that if there is, they do not otherwise feel like a good match for you. If a potential therapist does not have prior experience dealing with the type of concern you have, are they willing to lean more about it? You may also wish to ask what their beliefs are regarding why this type of concern is experienced, so that you can determine if their perspective fits comfortably with your own views. Gender Would you be more comfortable with a male or female counselor? Many people have a strong preference for one or the other, though many people feel comfortable with either option. If someone has come highly recommended to you, and they are not of the gender you would normally prefer, it may still be a good idea to set up an interview with them to check this out. Sometimes a really good fit in terms of approach and personality, can easily override imagined concerns about gender. Sometimes an option that can seem uncomfortable on paper, feels exactly right in person. Fees What fee is charged? Is it something you will need to pay entirely out of pocket, or is it partially or fully covered by insurance. When is payment due? What is the policy regarding sessions that are missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice? In some areas, agencies exist that offer low cost or no cost counseling. The absence of a fee is usually not an indication of the quality of counselor you will receive. It may, however, mean that certain parameters will be placed upon the work that can be done. For example, many agencies that offer low cost or no cost counseling will have a session limit that can vary anywhere from 3 sessions, to 28 sessions, with most falling within the 6-8 session range. It is often difficult to determine at the start how much counseling you will want or require. Many people choose to simply come for 1-3 sessions and are quite satisfied with that. However, others may assume at the start that they will just do a few sessions, and then discover once they get into things that they would like to extend this much further. Having to change counselors can be a difficult process to go through, so it is important to be aware from the beginning, any limits that exist regarding what can be provided. Availability How frequently can the therapist be available? Are evening or weekend sessions available? Are weekly sessions a possibility, or biweekly? What is the therapist’s perspective on how often sessions should occur? Ideally a therapist will provide a balance between sessions being regular enough to develop a sense of connection and therapeutic relationship, together with an approach that fosters the client’s independence and self-reliance. Is it okay to contact the therapist between sessions if needed? If so, is there a fee for this? During which hours is the therapist available to take calls? How often does the therapist take vacations, and for how long? If you feel you want or need ongoing support for an extended time period, it may be important to know ahead of time if the therapist regularly travels, or goes on vacation for weeks at a time. Location Is the therapist located conveniently for you? Sometimes it is worth traveling for therapy if you are seeking specialized skills or knowledge, or if there is a particularly good fit between you and the therapist. How and where therapy is being done, has changed dramatically in recent years. Many therapists now offer therapy sessions by phone, or even online. While some prefer having face to face contact with their therapist, others find that they really enjoy the convenience and flexibility of receiving therapy sessions from the privacy of their own home. In some cases, working with a therapist by phone or online can make it easier to focus upon concerns, as fewer distractions are present. Some people also find that it’s easier to make difficult disclosures over the phone than in person, thus enabling them to work on issues that they otherwise may have been too afraid or uncomfortable to face. Tools Offered Are you aware of any particular approaches that you would like a therapist you are seeing, to be knowledgeable about? Many people appreciate the speed, effectiveness, and gentleness that energy work or similar approaches can offer. Energy work can help therapy to be much more cost effective, as the work then proceeds much more quickly and with less emotional disruption than can occur with many other modalities. If this is important to you, you will want to ask the therapist if she or he has expertise in this area. Other possible tools you may with to ask about could include EMDR, Narrative therapy, feminist therapy, trauma training, and so forth – whatever feels important to you. Personal Approach If you are at a loss in knowing what approach is best for you, do not despair. One of the most important factors in a successful therapy relationship is feeling genuinely liked and cared about, by the therapist, and that is something that you will be able to measure for yourself, even in the absence of any more technical knowledge. Feeling comfortable with the person you are seeing, and feeling understood by them, is often more important than what their professional background, tools or training, are. While it is important to look at the overall picture and know the facts when making your selection, it is also important to keep in mind that it’s not the answer to any one of the questions above that necessarily should cross someone off your list. Often even more important than any of the answers given in response to the questions asked a potential therapist, is how he or she responds to being questioned. A therapist should be approachable, and welcome any concerns that a client – or potential client – brings forth. If a therapist you have chosen to interview shows evident discomfort with the idea of being questioned or interviewed, that in itself can be extremely valuable information to have, even if otherwise all of the answers that were most right for you, were given. The best clients are empowered clients, and that empowerment begins with the very first phone call that is made to a potential therapist.

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Carol Ann Rowland, MSW, RSW is an internationally known psychotherapist, and the creator of Zensight - a highly effective self-help energy healing technique. For more information, to receive a FREE Zensight ebook, or to access Zensight audio healing sessions, please see www.ZensightProcess.com.

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