CATALYST NEWS

Eva Dahm, CPCC, MA

September, 2003

Dedicated to your growth and exploration.

WONDERFUL CHANGES

Long-time readers know that you can tell what I am working on and learning about by the topics in this newsletter. This month I want to share the changes I have made over the past year or more doing the work using the chakra system and my body sensations together to create change. Then I will tell you more background about the coaching.

First Chakra

The "Pathways to a Radiant Self" first chakra chapter helped me notice that I stockpiled food, clothing and toiletries. The thought of facing a bear cupboard gave me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. By examining the related belief in scarcity, I discovered it was a childhood attitude. Doing Kathy's daily grounding meditations and working with "The Abundance Book", also recommended by Kathy, helped me adopt a level of trust in the world. Now when I feel the nausea, I know I am going down that path to scarcity thinking. I now identify, stop, and convert the thoughts to assurances of plenty.

Second Chakra

In looking at the second chakra, I focused on movement. I sometimes feel the ease and quiet joy of days that flow-warm, open sensations in the lower stomach. I also notice that my ego thoughts of "time to do this or plan that" interrupt the flow and create tight shoulders. I have an intention to stop pushing when I notice myself going to my head and to "shoulds". I also focus my meditation on clearing the second chakra energy. Now I catch myself when I am in the tense pushing mode, and I maintain the relaxed, present moment sensations for longer periods.

Third Chakra

When I began concentrating on the solar plexus area (stomach and digestive area below ribs), I noticed a trembling and swirling tornado of energy. This sensation occurred when I felt distracted with multiple chores and tight deadlines. Kathy taught us the Breath of Fire to balance this area (third energy center). I used this breathing technique to reduce the almost sickening solar plexus energy, and it worked. Now when my head is full and the third chakra is churning, I use this breathing technique to calm my mind, release energy, and get centered. Then I proceed with focus and actually get more done.

Fourth Chakra

When my class discussed the heart chakra, I focused on all past relationship grievances. The remaining threads of anger or betrayal were holding me down. I began journaling about love and writing forgiveness letters as Kathy suggested. To my surprise, forgiving increased my self-love and love for others. I continue to notice my hardened heart, write and do energy meditations to release yet another layer. I feel more energetic every day!

Fifth Chakra

As I studied the fifth chakra, I recalled my childhood pattern of listening much more than speaking. As a result, I made the life changing decision to speak my wishes more. I started to experiment with sound, and discovered that I "feel" the energy of the chakras when listening to music. Chanting and chakra music are methods I use daily to balance all the chakras. This focus on sound makes it easier to ask for what I want.

Sixth Chakra

Future vision and solid intuition are strengths of mine. However, because I never remembered my dreams a major source of insight and inspiration was missing. Kathy explained how to keep a dream journal, and I challenged myself to do it. In one week, I received two separate dream messages about relationships needing healing. And recently, I received a very unusual health-related message that helped me immensely.

Seventh Chakra

Doing this chakra work has given me a much better "observer" who watches my emotions, thoughts, and sensations come and go. I notice I am very sensitive to loud music or noise that builds stress and tension in my body. I choose to be in silence more often now. Honoring my calm, peaceful core, I turn off the TV or the car radio. Then I can pray or breathe or notice the clouds or butterflies. All these choices bring me closer to my spiritual nature.

More About Chakra Coaching

In the past year I have been using a very innovative and effective coaching technique called initially Mind Body Coaching (now called Integrative Inquiry). Created by Kathy Pike (my new business partner), this model asks clients to notice the sensations in their bodies. Being present to themselves and their reactions allows clients to quickly uncover past issues and beliefs that keep them stuck.

I've used this technique with small groups, individuals, I've used it with a huge variety of surface issues. I've seen individuals whom in a matter of weeks:
1. acted in defiance of a long held fear;
2. spoke their truth in an intimidating business setting;
3. started classes to achieve their life passion;
4. and found peace in the end of a relationship (after working through all phases of grief in a few weeks).

The other fascinating thing about Mind Body Coaching or Integrative Inquiry is that the person does not need to understand the issue in her head. Simply noticing the body's sensations and working with energy using one or more of the strategies (imagination, intention, body movement, journaling, meditation, massage, and divine guidance) moves and changes the energy. There is either a release in the energy or revitalization in the area.

When we are very young the behaviors we are shamed or scolded for form life-long associations. All of our memories are stored in our cells, so learned behaviors and beliefs may erupt in odd unpredictable times as REACTIONS. The body experiences the same sensations as in the original situation. (Even the reactions from before memory are stored.) When we feel the sensation and are present to it instead of pushing it away, change can happen in a seemingly miraculous time frame.

For me, personally, doing this work has made huge changes. I'm sensitive to when my energy is not focused. I work with my breathing to dissipate the confusion and get centered and calm. I am aware of tightness in my neck and shoulders and work with breathing and stretching to relax. Shoulders are associated with heart energy and relaxation keeps the heart energy flowing. The biggest change for me is new body awareness. The chakra system is a model for gathering information on my reactions and moving energy. When energy moves, I change.

If you are interested in doing a sample session using this coaching method, please go to my web site and sign up for a free sample session. Experiencing this process and the changes it can make is the best way to understand the potential. I look forward to working with you. Please share this with friends and family, too.

eva