Mentoring Matters
Since 2009, I have benefited from regular peer to peer monthly or weekly mentoring, depending on need, with Martine Moorby. (That is approximately 12 years now) I have also enjoyed the support of many other EFTInternational Mentors over the years - I have been practicing EFT since 1999 – so I have more EFT mentors than fingers and that is a fabulous thing!!
At present, I am reading "Cultural Perspectives on Mental Well Being" by Dr. Natalie Tobert, thanks to Martine. This in turn inspired me to write this article.
Basically, this article is a personal take on the IMPORTANCE (purposely in caps) of MENTORING.
Mentors provide agenda-free CARE for your personal, professional and spiritual development.
C – Clarify and challenge your perceptions
A – Assist, make Recommendations and Suggest
R – Reflect and mirror what you may have missed
E – Encourage you to be more than you imagine
Clarify
There are times when we need someone to challenge our paradigm, challenge our worldview so that we can get clear. Having someone who can call you out with kindness, helps you notice when you are taking things for granted. A mentor with objectivity can point out when you have got into a rut, this can make a difference to your practice. A mentor will notice if you are being opinionated or thoughtful. There are times when you can get caught in a story, especially if there is some hidden trauma feeding it, these unconscious drivers trigger you to focus on what should and shouldn't happen, limiting what is possible. A mentor can be there to -
Assist, Support and make Suggestions
They provide you with pointers and signposts. References and experiential wisdom. For example, when Christine Sutton pointed me the direction of Carolyn Spring and her trauma training courses or when Jade Barbee pointed me in the direction of “Ethics for Energy Psychology Practitioners” by David Feinstein. Mentors point you in the direction of resources. They also hold space for you while you -
Reflect
Reflection is vital for growth and development. A mentor will invite you to reflect (contemplate) and ponder (reveal by being a mirror). This is an art that takes years to master, but is effortless when applied by an experienced mentor. At the same time, the mentor will provide you with nourishing -
Encouragement
Encouragement that arises from empathy and enthusiasm is a powerful motivator. It is like having someone who understands you and has your back. It can help you direct your energy to manifest your best self.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Jade (part of our peer-to-peer mentoring journey). We discussed using sound alongside EFT. He had created an audio many years ago, titled, "Sound of the Struggle" (please do get in touch with him at jade@emotionalengine.com to find out more). Our discussion was super interesting. I spoke of how I use movement and sound to help my clients move through some complex challenges and he said, done that – try this audio. Those of you that are auditory, or who have studied Human Design or have worked with trauma, or, or, know how deeply sound affects our nervous system, will know that this is a powerful way of working. This conversation brought home to me the importance of mentoring dialogues. Mentoring exchanges unlock possibilities and make our work amazing in every way.
On that note, I conclude this short article to applaud all the EFTInternational Mentors and mentees, it’s great to CARE. Thank you.
Ranjana Appoo is an inspired Wellness Educator and a liberating facilitator. She is a holistic health professional dedicated to emotional and spiritual freedom.
Co-author of "Detachment - The Secret to Infinite Peace" and the co-creator of LiberatingTouch®, Ranjana practises and teaches EFT and Jin Shin Jyutsu with depth and experiential understanding. She is a compelling EFT Trainer of Trainers, an intuitive artist and an inquisitive health researcher.
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