Miners trapped for 69 days
In the summer of 2010, the world watched in horror for 69 days as 33 miners were trapped 2300 feet underground in a mine in San Jose, Chile. The mine collapsed and the circumstances were extreme: limited food and water, lack of communication with the outside world, the ever-present risk of further cave-ins, and death. As news reports flooded the airwaves, the world held their breath as they watched the dangerous and intricate daily rescue efforts.
Fearful of small confined spaces
My client Linda watched the news back in 2010, and she remembered being engrossed in that daily drama. She remembered feeling fear, fueled not only by the daily updates but also by the heightened sense of danger each passing day. Since that time, and because of that exposure, Linda became fearful of getting into elevators and small confined spaces. Thirteen years later Linda was ready to release that fear. She said she simply wanted to feel ‘normal’, and not afraid. She wanted to view elevators and small spaces as routine parts of life.
We agreed a plan forward and began our work together. We discussed how she was feeling and how she wanted to feel. Guided by our co-created plan, we moved slowly and intentionally. She described in detail what aspects of getting onto an elevator were triggering for her. She articulated how this fear showed up in her body. Research tells us that we don't only experience negative emotions in the mind, we experience them physically as well. EFT is a true mind/body technique, and we tapped, processed and recalibrated.
Recalling another event
Often during an EFT session a client will recall another event, linked to the original issue. Linda remembered a time that she found herself in a small bathroom. In that space she thought the door was stuck and as she retold the story she felt fear and panic. We used a technique that allowed her to revisit that memory and resource herself differently. The technique doesn’t erase the memory - it changes it. She was able to resource herself differently in that moment, and could give herself what she needed but did not get at the time - reassurance and a feeling of safety. She was now able to access that memory in a new and different way. It no longer gripped her with fear.
As we concluded our work together we revisited the Chilean mining incident - what she felt was the genesis of her fear. Having done the work she was no longer able to evoke emotion around the event - she said that it held no emotional charge for her anymore. We tested and re-tested. The fear was gone.
Ready to let go of the fear
As we moved through the sessions, there was an evolution, a journey. With each session Linda reported that she felt more distance from the emotions and the physical sensations. Because of the work, she came to a realization that the fear held power over her for years - had held her hostage - and she was ready to let that go. She could imagine walking comfortably into an elevator. We worked on a visualization of her new reality. She shared with me a picture of some mountains near where she lived - the view from the summit was breathtaking. She imagined herself standing on top of the mountain - with her arms spread wide (think Maria Von Trapp!), seeing the amazing 360 degree views. In that space she was able to feel expansive, free, joyful and open. Together we visualized that new reality, felt those new feelings, and created new ways of thinking.
After our sessions she was attending an event. It was on the 3rd floor. Her words to me were “I walked into the lift. It was fine. I did it 6 times in 4 hours… up and down like a yo-yo”. She felt normal. She had released the powerful grip of fear.
As I think about those sessions I reflect on the power of the media and it’s innate ability to shape public perceptions and influence emotions. Watching events in the world today is extremely challenging and emotionally charged. Knowing that, and honoring our own sensitivities can help us understand when we need to disengage and when we need support.
Jennie Warner is an Accredited Certified Practitioner based in Tampa, Florida.
Photo credit: nonmisvegliate on pixabay
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