The news has not been good, pleasant or happy for some time now. The talking heads of media of all shapes and sizes and outlets tell us how bad we have it, that it is going to get worse. I see a vision of cartoon characters running around like Chicken Little, shouting, “the Dow is falling, the Dow is falling.” Since early October 2008 the markets have been on a financial roller coaster. The level of fear of economic uncertainty and thus the level of individual, family and communal stress is either at or near an all-time high as I write this shortly before the 2008 Presidential election.

It does not appear that the talking heads of media, nor I have the perfect solution, but I do know of a plan—a proven and sure-fire method to help you transcend the fear, doom and gloom that is all-pervasive in the society in which we live. The key is to realize that there are things beyond the control of any single member of this planet. We may very well be powerless to change or greatly influence people, places or things, and that is O.K., if you allow it to be. The one area you do have choice, input and control over is your Attitude. Spiritual Masters throughout the ages agree on a few simple things. Two of these are that real, true happiness and personal peace can only be found on the inside, by venturing within the human psyche and soul to discover your own truth, and what that might mean for you, your family, your community and the world in which we all live.

How might one begin? How can I move past the incessant drone of negative vibes from many divergent sources? A suggestion here is to simply let less of the negative messages reach and thus influence you. Remove or lessen or release your need and perhaps addiction to 24/7 coverage of world events. Turn off the T.V., the talk radio, the headlines that scream from your newspaper and take time out to connect with that Spark of the Divine that resides inside each and everyone of us.

The first step is to quiet your mind so you can heal the whisper of your soul. As a person created in the image of the Divine Creator, you have the spark that cannot be erased, although we can nearly bury it with worry, fear, guilt, shame, blame…and the list goes on and on. A simple but effective method I share with my clients is Breath Meditation. Alan Schnarr, from the Claret Center taught one of my favorites, called Divine Breath. It goes like this: Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and interrupted for 10 minutes or more. Sit in a relaxed but upright position with your feet flat on the floor. Begin by breathing deeply, slowly while saying softly out loud, “Receiving Love, making all things well” on the in-breath and “Releasing Love, making all things well” on the out-breath. Repeat this for three, five, seven, ten minutes or more. I believe you will be pleased with your renewed level of calmness and peace it has been known to produce.

The next step to examine where your invest your time and energy. Do you feel overwhelmed with mistakes, blunders, and missed opportunities from your past? Are you overwhelmed with all the things on your plate today? Do you constantly fear the uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring? Do not panic, you are not alone. The key is to slow down, take a good look at the current 24 hours and ask, “What are my real priorities for today?” What might you let go of, what might you say “no” to create some peace in this day’s routine? Be advised, by going within, you will discover the freedom and the power to say “no”. We cannot be all things to all people all the time.

If you feel that you tend to dwell in regretting past events, situations or relationships, you may want to utilize some of the energy techniques I teach my clients to resolve and dissolve the pain from their past. Colin Tipping created Radical Forgiveness over ten years ago. (Visit www.radicalforgiveness.com or contact me for further information) The process is simple to use, it consists of completing two worksheets; one for helping you forgive others, the other for helping you forgive yourself. This is fantastic process for addressing your feelings towards extended family gatherings and the tension produced, an overcrowded schedule, and a perceived lack of resources. The gift of the Radical Forgiveness process is that real shifts in perception are possible. It is the shift in perception, your attitude shift towards the situation that allows for the change. I believe it is a gift from the Divine Consciousness that promotes the shift, but the beauty of the energy methods I work with as a Spiritual Life Energy Counselor/coach is that THEY WORK whether you believe in the process/method OR NOT.

Another phenomenal tool is to learn how to apply Emotional Freedom Techniques. (Visit Gary Craig, the founder of EFT at www.emofree.com or contact me for further information. I can teach you how to use this method right over the phone!) This simple form of acupressure (like acupuncture, but without the needles) coupled with specific statements allows you to neutralize and release the negative sting of the past for emotional, spiritual or physical pain and help you to let go of the fears you hold concerning the future.

I have shared but three of the profoundly effective methods I teach my clients to help them address the two greatest areas of concern that rob us of vital energy and focus. When you have released the demands of the past and turned over the events of the future, you are simply left with today. That is why today is called the present. It is a true gift, one that is much easier to manage with focus, gratitude and joy. Eckhart Tolle reminds to “Live in the Now, for Now is all there is.”

A Thriving Holiday Season is possible for you and your family, no matter what events are happening in the world. The key is to shift your focus from seeking outwardly to look deep within. All of the answers are there, if you take the time to look. If you would like a guide for the journey, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The foundational principals of my practice are acceptance, gratitude and love. I seek to be an instrument of the Divine to encourage, empower and help people produce positive change in their life. I would truly love to help you make the changes in your life you have the greatest desire to address. If you would like a guide for the journey, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Peace is with you,

Fr. Tim

By Fr. Tim Dodd, MA, EFT-ADV
Spiritual Life Energy Counselor/coach
creator of Be Not Afraid International
www.benotafraidintl.org

Author's Bio: 

About the Author:

Rev. Tim Dodd, MA, EFT-ADV, created Be Not Afraid International in 2005 as an avenue of outreach, healing and hope to those seeking positive change in their life. A passionate presenter, workshop leader and Spiritual Life Energy Counselor/coach he asks simply, “Where does it hurt?” and “How I can help?”

By building a bridge between Traditional Spirituality and Energy Psychology, Fr. Dodd has the tools, training, compassion and experience to help you heal your emotional, physical or spiritual pain. This process helps the individual or group heal past wounds, current pain and future discomfort. Private sessions are available via telephone or Skype videoconference anywhere in the world.

For those in or around Chicago, the counseling/coaching office is located at University Church,
5655 S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. The office phone number is 773.324.8151.
Email at info@benotafraidintl.org

To learn more, visit Be Not Afraid International online at www.benotafraidintl.org.

Rev. Tim Dodd, MA, EFT-ADV, is an Ordained Interfaith Priest of Universal Ministries and received his Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology from the Catholic Theological Union at Chicago. A member of Spiritual Directors International, he received his Spiritual Director certificate through the Claret Center. Fr. Dodd holds an Advanced Certificate in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) by Gary Craig, the founder, and Dr. Pat Carrington’s Pace Educational Foundation and has studied with EFT Master’s such as Dr. Carrington, Carol Look, Loretta Sparks, and many others. Additional on-going training in the spiritual/energy field with Colin Tipping of Radical Forgiveness (RF), Tapas Fleming, originator of the Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) and Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len in Ho’oponopono.