Transformation - What happens in the process of change?
Have you noticed how the word ‘transformation’ gets used a lot nowadays, especially by holistic entrepreneurs? What is transformation and how can we make it happen?
From my experience of transformation, it doesn’t happen overnight and it rarely happens without the support of a knowledgeable mentor, guide or therapist and lots of books or some sort of big adventure. It's an on-going process and it takes time.
When I speak of transformation I mean the decision to strengthen ones character, like the person who decides they are no longer going to be invisible or unheard. This person may decide to step into the role of leadership, determining his or her values and standing over them despite past experiences that gave them false signals that they were weak or insignificant.
It's an on-going process and it takes time.
Transformation may also involve a commitment to developing talents and new skills or it may entail taking a positive stance while enduring a life threatening illness or ordeal. The person who commits to transformation vows to go beyond their fear. Travelling this road one needs to be brave like a warrior because there will be much resistance and opposition on this path. There will be days when the results of all effort seem nil and there will be resistance from people who prefer the ‘meek’ version of your former self.
"Transformation is the process of bringing the best of ourselves into the light."
We all learn lessons as we age but a lot can pass us by if we choose to ‘look away’ or if we avoid the options that are available to us. Some people go through life making tonnes of excuses to keep themselves from growing in a more positive way.
The person who commits to transformation vows to go beyond their fear.
In 1999 the year of my'Break True', I visited the place where South African leader Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment. I bought his book ‘Long Walk to Freedom’. This true life story became my inspiration on the importance of never giving up on a dream or goal, even though there may be no guarantee of success and it may take a very long time.
My own progress was initially very slow and often only noticeable to myself and a handful of people who witnessed my efforts. I’ve learned that the most worthwhile and lasting things in life are attained from hard work, patience, commitment and learning from a good source. It is important to measure and acknowledge progress on this path, especially when it feels like we are stuck.
"I’ve learned that the most worthwhile and lasting things in life are attained from hard work, patience, commitment and learning from a good source."
I am passionate about promoting self-care and helping my clients in their healing process. I see well-being as a means to allow us to pursue our life’s work, whether that is in the home or in the wider world.
My life's work is to inspire others along their Authentic Path. Transformation is the process of bringing the best of ourselves into the light. Seek out those who can help you on this journey.
For inspiration and supports for your journey towards authenticity, wellness and success join my Authentic Path newsletter.
I’m blessed with two hands, they assist me in so well, especially in my work as healing therapist and artist. Throughout my studies in both of these realms I took time to focus on their ingenuous make up and power.
Drawing the Hands
In my life-drawing classes at NCAD, our tutor constantly stressed the importance of being able to draw the hands. He would chide us about monuments and paintings we had not yet examined, in particular the statue of James Larkin (Big Jim) that stands in the main street of our capital city.
‘Did you look at his hands?’ he would repeatedly goad us. Larkin is remembered for his role in fighting for the rights of unskilled workers. The sculpture, created by Oisin Kelly, captures his pose from a scene in which he was addressing a crowd.
I had often passed that formidable statue, one day, I stopped for a closer look. The outstretched arms of James Larkin certainly made a striking pose and his hands appeared to be holding up the sky.
So as to put an end to my art tutor's weekly taunts, I took out my sketch book and began to draw a quick impression. Now I had proof that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin. I put my sketch on the wall beside our other homework for class review. The tutor never asked us about James Larkin's hands again.
Now I had that I had looked at the hands of James Larkin.
Art of Caroline
James Larkin O'Connell Street Dublin, Ireland
Authentic Hand | In Private Collection
Self-Portrait of My Own Hand
Part way through my art studies I had to under-go eye surgery for the removal of cataracts from both my eyes, as a result of my history of retinal detachment. I was optimistic as I had the best specialist and surgeon that I could hope for. Within eight days I had two surgeries, one for each eye, resulting in replacement of my natural lens with artificial ones.
Authentic Hand
There were many sensations as a result of my 'new vision'. It was an excitement to the brain to experience the vibrancy of colours that had been dissolving from my vision over time.
I now could see details in the distance that I could't previously see with glasses. My near vision was also new. My brain was undergoing an adjustment to my new artificial lens. Curious about this, I devised a way to test my new sight.
I decided to paint my left hand from life. I painted with my right hand, opening all the tubes of paint before I started, ensuring that I could leave my other hand in place as much as possible, so as not to alter its position. I made some markers so that I could take necessary breaks and return to the exact pose.
That’s how my painting ‘Authentic Hand’ came about. I did not appear to be missing many details. In fact I could even see the veins beneath my skin, as it was quite warm in the glass filled conservatory where I had completed the piece.
Giving Thanks
If you are fortunate to have your two hands, I encourage you to take a moment to look at them more closely and give thanks for the purpose they serve in your life. Through all that skin and density of bone, blood vessels and tissue is the power to enable ourselves, to transmit care, to create wonders and to inspire others.
Do you need a hand choosing a colourful painting for your home or work space? Explore my online gallery, see something you like, get in touch, make it yours today.
Being Authentic Gets You Places Including the Finals of Blog Awards
Ever wonder what your life would be like if you had the courage and know-how to move beyond your limiting beliefs, otherwise known as doubts & fears or even trauma and anxiety?
This story is just one example of what can happen when you dare to walk the road less travelled or what I now call the Authentic Path.
I was so excited when my article'Autism - Reflexology Offers Calm'got selected as a finalist in Ireland Blog Awards of 2018, listed in the category Best Business Blog Post!
"Reaching the finals of these blog awards is a reminder of what has really been won, a lot of confidence and authenticity and freedom."
Here’s why reaching the finals was so significant:
My work & my skills as a writer were being show-cased amongst my peers, including those more specially qualified in marketing and business.
I only started to blog in 2013. I first entered the Ireland Blog Awards in 2015 and for the next 4 years my blogs have featured in several categories (health, wellbeing & travel) at finalist and short-list stages of the competition, including the business sections.
My finalist article in 2018 put the spotlight on how my therapy reflexology can be a huge benefit to those living with autism, including their families.
In 1999 I left a teaching career as a result of burn out from stress and a lack of awareness of self-care and much needed healing. I never dreamed back then that an adventurous, creative and satisfying life lay ahead. Only after healing and personal growth did I start to glimpse those openings. Reaching the finals of these blog awards is a reminder of what has really been won, a lot of confidence and authenticity and freedom.
I have every right to feel proud of myself, no be-grudger can take that from me. However, the point I really want to make is this:
"If I could rise from place of doubt & fear and very low confidence in myself then it is definitely a fact that many more people can do the same."
Getting by in life on a low-grade feeling is not what any of us really want.
We want to feel alive and usually we want to feel that our life matters, that we have purpose. I went in search of that purpose in 1999, I call it my 'Authentic Path' and it has brought me a lot of adventure, happiness and success.
What happens on the Authentic Path?
Ultimately, you must decide what you really want in life, not what you think others want from you.
The next step is finding ways to move towards what you want to achieve or experience.
For many people following their 'Authentic Path' will involve healing, moving beyond limiting beliefs, bringing body and mind back to balance.
It will involve constant learning and may involve developing new skills and talents.
It can sometimes involve travel but it will most definitely involve listening to your heart and becoming a better version of yourself.
I’m still learning on this path but I’m also capable of using my teaching, caring and creative skills to help more people on their 'Authentic Paths'.
Each person who steps forward to make positive change in their life, has the capacity to positively affect their wider community. Working together to bring about this change is invaluable. Are you ready to step forward on your Authentic Path? Check out my courses, books and coaching programmes or simply join my newsletter to receive inspiration for living your amazing life.
I had a dream in 2018 so I decided to explore a way to make it real. A life in the sun can sound exotic when you’re used to the cold and rain. In previous years, travel brought healing & heightened creativity and my confidence soared after every exploration. My journey in Peru is one example, when I lived in a small town in the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu. The lessons I’ve learned through travel have served me in business and life.
Luckily, Portugal’s Algarve is closer to home, with regular flight options and it’s even in the same time zone as Ireland. I imagined the people who could benefit from my relaxing therapeutic reflexology treatments and coaching programmes while being surrounded by the beauty of the sunny Algarve.
The Algarve Village on Facebook - VISIT US
Authentic Reflexology in the Algarve
I found a therapy room in Carvoeiro, a picturesque fishing village with a pretty beach. It’s a tranquil place offering good food, gorgeous sunsets, morning walks along cliff tops, boat trips to solitary beaches and caves and ambient street festival entertainment to pass the night, Carvoeiro had it all.
It was an exciting time, travelling to a new country, making new connections and making new opportunities. Such a different life than the one I was living prior to 1999 when I worked as a maths and science teacher burning myself and not paying attention to my wellbeing. I’ve written lots of stories about my Authentic Path because I want more people to see that life can be so much more when you step out of your comfort zone and confront your fears.
The Algarve was my home for a very short while and I got a taste of what it is like to live there. Life has changed since the coronavirus pandemic that swept the world. I will definitely return the Algarve it’s not far from home.
I provide personalised reflexology treatment plans and coaching services to people who dare to be authentic and want to make their dreams a reality. The best guides are the ones who have walked the path, academic knowledge doesn’t come close to lived experience. Let me help you on your Authentic Path. Check out my range of books, online courses and coaching programmes.
Having an Authentic Path Coach on board could be just the kick start you need to get going with a new career, new personal goals, new business or a new you!
"The right path is constantly being revealed to us once we make a decision to start to seek it out"
Making that start can often be the hardest part, causing anxiety, procrastination and tension. And while you agonise, your dream of a more compete existence is passing you by. That was my experience before I embarked on my unique 'Authentic Path'.
When I started out with my therapy business as 'Authentic Reflexology' a number of people wondered why I considered that name for my brand. Having anticipated this question, I already had my story lined up ('Why Authentic').
Remember not everyone see's your dream or knows the bigger picture of goals that you may aspire to. Even at that time, I knew I had a lot more to offer than just reflexology, which is one of my favourite touch therapies.
Within three years of starting my business, I started painting and writing books and launched an extensive marketing and pr campaign to get my brand known. I chose the phrase 'Inspiring your Authentic Path' as my tag-line or motto!
Why would I dare to do that? Because I am someone who wears my passion on both sleeves!
"I desire to have a positive influence in this world by inspiring others to follow their dreams and to achieve their goals, whether those dreams and goals are big or small"
Now I can say that I am seeing these results before my very eyes. Through all my work of painting, writing, reflexology, workshops and communications, I have seen people become energised, more optimistic about achieving self-care goals and some people have even gained inspiration for new business ideas or become 'un-stuck' and ready to start their new career or life path or fitness programme.
Following your 'Authentic Path' is not always the easiest path but it can certainly be the most rewarding one and can lead to greater well-being in the long-run as we tend to focus more on healing any thing that has impacted us negatively in order to move forward with a sense of freedom. I talk about this more fully in my article'Be Authentic' which was published in Woman's Way magazine in 2018.
Knowledge that is valuable is often hard won. I can honestly say my knowledge comes from my long-term committment and investment in creative studies and personal develoment since 1999 (The Moment of Break True).
Are You Ready to Discover Your Authentic Path?
Are you having trouble knowing the right path to take?
Are you feeling stuck or blocked?
Is all this confusion leading to tension and anxiety and lack of sleep?
Do you want to learn from someone who has been there and done that and learned how to manage stress and reach clarity and focus?
If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions Authentic Path Coaching Sessions are for you. I help you to gain clarity and by giving you strategies that will last you for a life-time. I continue to provide reflexology services in the south east of Ireland and this too has evolved with my Authentic Path approach. I simply cannot leave half of myself outside the door. I’m here to help you fully or not at all (:
I got the call on a Tuesday. In fact I got a number of calls that day, but since I was busy show-casing reflexology at a network event I missed all of them!
It was much later that I listened back to the messages from at least three different numbers all saying one thing 'Caroline, Nationwide are looking for an author who has written about anxiety, ring this number urgently!!!'
I had no pen and in a tizzy, I picked one of the missed numbers randomly and thankfully it was the right one. I was speaking to RTE journalist Helen McInerney. Straight away I detected her warm personality and her enthusiasm for my work.
Helen had already paid a visit to my website, thanks to a tip off from Carlow Mental Health Association. Seeing that, along with being an author of a book about anxiety, I also had accomplished work as a painting artist, travel writer and reflexology therapist, Helen was keen to get my story on national screens. We filmed three days later on a Friday!
How did an anxious village girl leave a secure teaching job to follow her creative dream and end up travelling to faraway lands in the process?
You can watch replay of that Nationwide episode by clicking the image.
Filming with Helen and her crew was fun, especially as it was not just me who got the opportunity to shine, but my friends at Carlow Library (who have been very supportive of my creative development) and the Visual Gallery in Carlow who display my books in their bookshop. My parents were proud to be seen in their beautiful garden and my mother especially thrilled to have her feet on show for the reflexology piece.
'Seven C's to Calm - reclaiming your anxiety-free self' - that's the book that attracted the attention of this Irish National TV Channel. Thanks to the editor and team at RTE for choosing my story and especially to Helen McInerney for making sure all of my acheivements were on show.
I thought you might like take a peek behind the scenes of how it was all made:
Developing trust for following your instincts can take some trial and error but it’s a powerful feeling when you get a clear sign that you did the right thing.
RTE Nationwide’s reporter Helen Mc Inerney took time to visit my website and realising I there was more to my story she persuaded her editor to allow her the scope to share it.
In particular Helen felt it was important to highlight my story of leaving the security of a teaching job, venturing into the unknown of developing my creative talents.
"Developing trust for following your instincts can take some trial and error but it’s a powerful feeling when you get a clear sign that you did the right thing."
My Story
I left a teaching career in 1999, following burn out from stress and anxiety. Simply putting it I was a mess. I had kept an external façade of everything being OK but with the demands of work and useless coping mechanisms I reached a point where I simply had to stop.
The sad thing is, I constantly see people (men and women) who are allowing this to happen to them, some know they are risking burn out and others are in denial mode. In 1999, you could be somewhat forgiven for being in denial mode as there was less awareness in the public domain regarding wellbeing and mental health. I didn’t even own a computer that time and I had a very simple mobile phone with no access to internet. Now, it’s different and you would have to be in serious denial mode to be blocking out the signs that you’re neglecting yourself.
My burn-out experience was humbling. I had to stop and take stock of things. It was a turning point in my life. Through my search for ways to recover and become more resilient, I uncovered my own healing and creative abilities.
3, 2, 1 Action
I had great fun with the staff at Carlow Library during this shoot. It was fitting that they shared the spot-light as they had been a tremendous support to me, providing a beautiful space to launch my books and to showcase my paintings.
The feature also included The Visual Gallery Carlow as my books are available in their gallery shop. Thanks to Helen all the right people were mentioned in the clip including my parents who were proud to have their garden on show in one of the scene and our family dog who has since gone to greener pastures.
Imagine for a moment that you're holding the delicate stem of a flowering plant between your thumb and index finger. What will happen as you apply pressure to the stem, squeezing it slowly between your fingers?
As you apply more pressure (tension), you will notice the crushing of the parts and the wilting of the flower itself as the entire stem loses its structure and strength.
Tension is a symptom I associate with anxiety and have experienced it in parts of my body at times when anxiety was at large. There were times when I just accepted this unease and carried on with my everyday business but deep down I knew this was not something I should be accommodating.
We all experience anxiety from time to time, there are a wide range of symptoms which I will address in additional articles but just for now I am touching on the symptom of tension.
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Tension is a Symptom of Anxiety
Like the flowering plant, the human body is made up of delicate cells. Each of these cells have their individual and collective roles of carrying out functions in our body, such as generating energy, eliminating waste, protecting us from infection, transporting nutrients and so much more.
Each part is vital to our well-being. When we feel anxious we sometimes tense or feel un-edge, as we consciously or unconsciously perceive a threat or a situation that we are not entirely comfortable with.
The energy that goes into applying this tension can leave us feeling tired or restless, unable to let go, relax and unwind. In the long-term, like the wilting flower, we render our body to a less efficient state of carrying out its functions. Some may experience what is termed as ‘irritable bowel syndrome’, digestive issues, difficulty breathing or perhaps endure headaches and migraine.
Relieving anxiety has a lot to do with knowledge, understanding what’s really going on and the ways in which you can gain control.
It is largely the business of getting to know yourself completely and addressing the issues that have caused you to succumb to such unease.
The practice of allowing calm to reign is highly recommended and it is certainly advised to seek support if you find it difficult to make a start or get stuck along the way.
Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self offers encouragement and support for people who no longer want to live their lives in a limited way. I've written the book from my own perspective of what it took to free myself. It's a great starting point and the strategies shared in the book can be applied to other areas of your personal development too.
The business network event was soon to start as Karen entered the busy conference room. I heard her say hello to some people behind me. She politely excused herself as she passed through the row of seats and sat next to me. She was dressed smartly in her business attire, having come from work. She sat with a straight posture and gazed ahead towards the platform in front of us.
"I know networking is an important part of business but I just feel so tense from start to finish. I end up telling myself it’s not worth it."
Karen – Senior Business Consultant
As we awaited the announcement of the invited guest speaker, I introduced myself and enquired about her business and her expectations for the evening. Karen, a senior consultant in the corporate world, seemed initially reserved and a little tense in her response.
Being a holistic therapist, I often sense when a person is feeling uneasy and do my best to bring comfort by being friendly. She asked me about my therapy work and wondered what kind of issues it was particularly suited to. I listed a number of health benefits and added that I also help people with anxiety.
It was at that moment Karen leaned a little closer and almost whispering, she confided that she was in fact feeling quite anxious. I could sense her dismay that this was her demise. ‘I usually avoid these events’ she explained. ‘I know networking is an important part of business but I just feel so tense from start to finish. I end up telling myself it’s not worth it’. I assured Karen that she is not alone feeling this way as many people suffer in silence with their anxiety, afraid that others will find out.
You’re Not the Only One
I encouraged her to seek a way to deal with it more effectively, instead of feeling ashamed. ‘It is quite possible,’ I added, ‘that the person sitting on the other side from you is also feeling the same way’. She smiled a little and just then her face softened and with it too, her eyes revealed a kindness. She spoke briefly about personal loss and changing life circumstances, it seemed she had a lot to deal with at this time.
Soon the guest speaker was announced and we listened attentively to the insights and pieces of wisdom being offered by this well-travelled lady. As the event concluded, Karen and I spoke more excitedly about the interesting points of the guest speaker’s talk.
"Underneath this disguise she was struggling to hold everything together to appear strong. The energy it took to do this robbed her of joy and cloaked her true authentic nature which was of warmth and kindness."
Anxiety Hides Your Authentic Self
On the way home, there was so much to think about. The guest speaker had done many daring things and fulfilled many of her dreams. I thought too of Karen and how she had been so arrested by her anxiety when we spoke initially. I thought of the transformation in her persona when she admitted her anguish and relaxed a little. At first she had seemed distant and cool but also confident and elegant, yet underneath this disguise she was struggling to hold everything together to appear strong. The energy it took to do this robbed her of joy and cloaked her true authentic nature which was of warmth and kindness.
"We should not consider acceptable that which robs us of joy and ease."
I remembered also, a man who had attended my therapy practice for reflexology. His wife sent him, as part of their fertility treatment plan. He was a friendly quite out-going person, working as an expert in the financial sector. It was during the second treatment that he confided that most of the time he felt really anxious. He didn’t know why or when he had started feeling this way but he just never seemed to be completely at ease. He was at a loss to know how to gain control of his discomfort.
Anxiety is a silent torment for many people. You might not notice this because they become so adept at disguising what’s really going on beneath the surface.
In addition, some people assign themselves to a more restricted way of living, avoiding anything that might aggravate their symptoms.
Changing our World One by One
We have entered an age of personal development like never before. Internet and social media have provided the perfect platform for sharing story’s and knowledge. More and more events and groups are convening to support those who suffer all manner of mental unease and it is now time for anxiety to have its turn at being revealed, unravelled and put to rest.
My own life was impacted by anxiety and panic attacks in the past. I learned how to successfully develop calm, self-awareness and improved coping mechanisms. I love my life now. I write books to share the useful strategies that helped me. A book is a tiny investment for the seeds of your freedom.
If you suffer from anxiety it is quite likely that along with the discomfort of the anxiety itself, you have also been working hard to keep it top secret.
In this competitive world of ours, we do all we can to keep the bright side out, to look our best and be strong. Appearing weak and vulnerable doesn’t seem to fit with the way of things. Yet, sometimes by exposing that very part of ourselves we actually grow stronger.
More and more people (including myself), are calling it out that they have suffered mental anguish and despite this they have managed to overcome all sorts of trials. Our stories of triumph over anxiety contribute to the ending of stigmas and inspire others to take action to seek an improved life experience.
What it is & What it’s Not
Anxiety is actually more like a learned behaviour, habit or response to something that has caused trauma at some point in our lives, particularly at an early age when we are most susceptible and lacking in knowledge.
It’s suggested in some circles that being of a more sensitive disposition makes us more susceptible to anxiety. I am of the opinion that without role models to show us that sensitivity is actually a strength and not weakness we may fool ourselves to thinking it’s all our own fault and not much we can do. We owe it to each other to be that role model. Recovery from anxiety is possible whether you have the gift of heightened sensitivity or not.
What’s Going On
Some amount of anxiety is normal and, similar to fear, it alerts us to take stock of something or pay attention in certain situations. Messages we pick up through our environment, combined with thoughts/stored memories can lead to sensations in our body, triggered by our nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems.
Adrenaline is one of the notable hormones being released into our blood stream when we are anxious. The term ‘fight or flight’ is used to describe how adrenaline prepares our body when we feel there may be some threat or danger imminent e.g. delivering more glucose and oxygen to specific sites such as muscles to help us move faster by generating more energy.
Anxiety (including panic attacks and phobias) however can be triggered when there is no apparent threat. Parts of our brain (e.g. the limbic system) house an extensive record of stored memories, for comparison purposes, with our on-going life experiences. If a significant match is found in these records, suggesting something in our current environment is not good for us or may cause a problem then the stress response is likely to be triggered.
Damaging Long-Term Effects
When anxiety is constantly being triggered you are effectively ‘leaking adrenaline’ into your system. Left unattended, this constant excess of adrenaline has consequences for our long-term health and well-being.
Energy level, sleep quality and concentration are all set to suffer. There can be consequences too for creating imbalance in our endocrine system, as hormones affecting fertility and digestion are impacted by excess amounts of adrenaline.
Another detrimental factor of prolonged anxiety (especially if it presents as panic attack or phobia) is the avoidance of places, situations and people. This in turn can lead to restricted life experiences which can impact our self-esteem and mental health by cutting off some of our basic needs which are obtained from social engagement and personal relationships.
"Seven Cs to Calm is a good investment for people who want to restore calm and experience life with more purpose and joy."
In this little book, I share insights and tips that I’ve learned from my 20 years+ of personal experience and study, which have empowered me to live with greater authenticity and wellbeing.
Designed with Purpose
The book is intentionally small and simple because we tend to feel over-whelmed when anxious.
Seven C’s to Calm can be discreetly carried in your handbag or satchel and can act as a powerful anchor as you go about your day to day business.
A workbook is provided to make it easy for you to implement the suggestions in the Seven C's plan.
My readers have given Seven C’s to Calm a resounding thumbs up for its effectiveness and no-nonsense approach.
Laura, Carlow, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm’ is a handy guide that can be easily referred to because of its size. The content and the 7 C’s idea is good. I am going to use it with an anxious child of mine."
Teresa, Dublin, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm is absolutely excellent, informative, honest and easy to comprehend"
Mary, Dublin, Ireland
"Love it! I found ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ very positive, I loved the idea of a three month plan and finding your comfort place. I am going to start now writing down three positive things that happened during the day and look back over them at the end of the week. A lovely idea and I think very positive. I will read this again. I think ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ is something you can keep referring to."
Bernadette, Wexford Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm’ is beautifully written and full of useful and meaningful information. I also found it very calming. I like the way you made it very simple and instructive as to what people can do and you continued to remind people that it is small steps that matter. I really like the writing style as it is easy to read and not jarring. You know the books that tell you it’s all so simple, which is nonsense but the fact that you have been through this really pulls in the reader to act on your suggestions."
Margaret, Dublin, Ireland
"I have just finished reading and re-reading Seven C's to Calm. I found it very inspiring. When you’re feeling anxious it's often overwhelming but the practical ideas in this book make it seem manageable. Setting a three month goal is a great idea as sometimes people think it's an overnight fix and that there is something wrong when not feeling better straight away. Also I found giving helpful suggestions for the daily and weekly plan is great as sometimes even wondering what to do for that can cause anxiety in itself so when you see the suggestions it's really helpful."
Janet, London, UK
"I read your book and I have to say I found it very good, it is very clear, precise and to the point with good suggestions. I will certainly use it in the coming months."
5 Steps To Becoming A Robot - Is this happening to you?
Human Check-In
Imagine a mechanical society with no thinking or feeling, everyone rushing about on auto-pilot, elbowing out of the way anything that appears on the horizon that doesn't match in with their preferred mode of existence. Would you be happy with this? Do you think it’s already happening on our streets? How can keep you in touch with your human side and does being authentic even matter?
The following questions may help to determine if you are in danger of becoming a robot.
Q1. Is your life running completely on schedule, every minute accounted for, your targets maxed out to the last with someone reminding you that you could achieve a little more if you try harder (that someone could even be you).
Q2. Do you only read articles that start with headings such as '5 Steps To This' and '3 Ways To Do That' because you don't have time to read real life stories of personal interest which aim to impart wisdom in a more meaningful way?
Q3. Do the important people in your life have the opportunity to connect with the flesh and blood version of your true self? Are you around long enough and present for that to happen?
Q4. Does your food taste really good? Does it interest you at all? Can you smell the subtlety of flowers and does colour have any impact on your being? What about birds, are they just for birds?
Q5. Can you feel your toes? Are you becoming numb to what's inside and outside of yourself? Do you expect to be repaired like a machine when part of you stops working, without your input or without any change from your current mode of being?
"Assuming you are still human, use your intuition to decide if you are in danger of becoming a robot."
Caroline Cunningham Authentic Path Coach
What do you need to do to keep robot life at bay?
A healthy mind and body is one that is nurtured from the inside out. Without proper attention to both you’re in danger of neglecting signs that your health may be deteriorating. Developing self-care strategies that lead to resilience, stand to us in times of challenge such as when there are upheavals in your work or personal life or both. It’s not just about eating the right food and getting the right amount of exercise. We need strategies for managing the effects of stress and better coping mechanisms in general.
In addition, touch therapies such as reflexology help to keep us in touch with our human side by alleviating us of the tensions that build up over time. By developing the senses, absorbing colour, smell, taste and sounds, we have the ability to be more present to ourselves and others.
Knowing is Not Enough
Even when people know what they need to do to maintain their wellness, studies show that knowing is simply not enough. The biggest obstacle to putting self-care strategies into place and implementing them is actually due to a default feature of the human brain. In my coaching programmes I show my clients how to deal with these obstacles in order to stay on track for successful living.
"Aim to enrich your life. Show your human side. You deserve the best of care."
Caroline Cunningham Authentic Path Coach
On behalf of actual robots, I apologize for implying that you are not appreciated in our society. The first robot I ever learned of was Hal (of Arthur C. Clarke fame), he paved the way for all robots and raised a lot of sympathies. As for us human’s, it’s better for us to remember that we are in fact human.
This article was finalist in the business category of Ireland Blog Awards in 2015.
Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?
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"What is Reflexotherapy of the feet and who is Hanne Marquardt?"
Thanks to my studies of the history of reflexology, I already knew that Hanne Marquardt has played a key role in it's research and development.
In the summer of 2014, I enroled in a workshop to discover more about this fascinating pioneering therapist and teacher.
'I'm going to be '80' soon', Hanne informed us at the outset of our two day course. Her eyes twinkled perhaps with curiosity as to what this new age bracket might herald. That curiosity has remained alive and well for Hanne, who as a young nurse and physiotherapist became most interested in the findings outlined by Eunice Ingham in her book 'Stories The Feet Can Tell'.
Eunice Ingham is attributed with developing the term 'reflexology'and with the mapping of the whole body onto reflex areas of the feet. Thus we have a micro-system which reflects the whole person in the feet.
Hanne wistfully reflected on the fact that she actually set out to disprove Eunice's findings. In those early days of investigation, the claims of reflexology were considered quite radical and new.
As I attempted to probe Hanne with my own investigative questions I got a glimpse of how brave she must have been to challenge her pioneering teacher.
Hanne admitted humble defeat in her efforts to disprove Eunice's results. Instead she developed a growing respect for her teacher and the practice of reflexology.
She has earnestly and whole-heartedly, continued its development and practice, fine-tuning the position of reflex areas and treatment techniques according to her own findings and thereby opening the door to her use of the term 'Reflexotherapy'.
Two days we spent with Hanne, eagerly listening as she imparted much wisdom and knowledge interspersed with humour and anecdotes for living simply and fruitfully.
We watched intently as she demonstrated techniques for treating sensitive reflex areas and harmonising holds. We were put through our paces as she challenged us to locate the reflex areas corresponding to scars on the body of the person being treated. We practiced the treatment of scars and all that she demonstrated to us, under her watchful eye.
Thanks to pioneers such as Eunice Ingham and Hanne Marquardt, reflexology has grown to be a highly respected and recognised therapy.
In Germany, however, Hanne has gained even further recognition for her use of reflexotherapy, as she treats 'patients' instead of 'clients', and for 'specific illnesses' rather than 'generally'.
'Always remember', she paused for effect, 'you are treating a person not a body or just their feet but a whole person.' In order not to forget this fact, Hanne urged us to use the term 'someone' as opposed to 'somebody'.
Studying with Hanne as our tutor was a productive and valuable learning experience. As we parted company she urged us to be creative in our practice and to be mindful of the unique potential that exists in all of us.
Have you experienced the benefits of reflexology?
This article was listed in the Finals of Ireland Blog Awards 2017 in the category of Best Corporate Article.
