Can you believe how fast the days, weeks, and years are flying by? I am brutally aware of being a “baby boomer” when I see my friends’ and neighbors’ “little kids” morphing into young adults in what feels like a blink of an eye. Another “boomer” reminder is how young most of my healthcare professionals appear. Sometimes, I catch myself glancing at the framed credentials on their office walls to make sure they really are doctors! Oi vey…
For this reason, maintaining a healthy sense of humor is a must for aging gracefully and gratefully. And, the good news is: humor invites us to look for the lightness in situations and as a result, experience lots of belly laughs. Now remember, belly laughs are the opposite of tense, upper chest breathing—so humor can be a great stress-busting tool.
In my private practice, doctors often refer me their patients who are struggling with high stress levels. When I offer stress management tools, I encourage clients to find healthy ways to “lighten up.” For example, one of my clients, Elizabeth, felt stuck in a job that she’d had for twenty years. Elizabeth’s doctor referred her to me when her excess weight was beginning to erode her health. When I met Elizabeth during our initial intake session, I noticed a look of sadness in her eyes. I sensed a quiet desperation that became more apparent as she began describing her life to me. In a monotone voice, she shared that her social life was scarce, her work was tedious, and she felt bored with her life.
Elizabeth originally came from a family of accountants/CPAs who often saw things in terms of black and white. Playfulness and humor were not frequent visitors in the serious household where Elizabeth grew up. Now, in adulthood (as a skilled accountant herself), Elizabeth was great at utilizing her logical, linear skills. However, she was unable to access her creativity or her sense of humor until she began breaking out of her one-dimensional identity. A fascinating piece of Elizabeth’s personal growth puzzle became clear during one of our early hypnotherapy sessions.
The focus of this particular session offered Elizabeth an opportunity to access a colorful part of herself—a part that didn’t feel trapped in her “boring” life. After she became deeply relaxed in a beautiful tropical beach setting, I invited Elizabeth to imagine that a colorful, creative energy was joining her. Elizabeth reported, with an amused smile, that a Gypsy woman appeared. The woman she described was wearing brightly colored clothing and had a wide smile that beamed enthusiasm and joy.
Elizabeth began conversing with the Gypsy woman. After a few minutes had passed, I asked if the Gypsy might have a supportive message for Elizabeth. After a moment of silence, Elizabeth told me that the Gypsy handed her a silver pendant with the word “DANCE” etched on the front. When the hypnotherapy was complete, Elizabeth shared that when she was a kid, she dressed up as a Gypsy numerous times on different Halloween nights. As she spoke, I saw in her eyes a flicker of hope begin to ignite.
For the next three sessions, Elizabeth deepened her connection with the colorful Gypsy woman who represented creativity, playfulness, and passion. As a result, Elizabeth began adding healthy portions of fun into her life. She frequented a Zumba® exercise class and signed up for Salsa lessons at a local dance club. Elizabeth’s focus shifted from self-soothing by overeating—to adding colorful and vitality-building activities into her life.
Due to her courageous personal growth work, Elizabeth “lightened up” on two levels: mind and body. Finally, I’m happy to report that belly laughs are currently one of Elizabeth’s favorite abdominal workouts!
Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal: Meditate and Journal Your Way to Better Health. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. Trina soulfully shares her creative approach to personal growth and passionately supports her clients in reaching their goals. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.
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