“Kindness expands the light within us and reaches out to touch the light in others as well.” Madisyn Taylor (Daily Om)

We all know that we should be kind to others, but what about showing yourself that same kindness?

According to Psychology Today, a wealth of research has shown that self-compassion has positive outcomes related to many aspects of our well-being; such as, emotional intelligence, interconnectedness with others, greater life satisfaction, happiness, and optimism to name a few.  Self-compassion also leads to less depression and anxiety. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201802/be-kind-yourself)

Do you feel as if you are always self-critical?

Do you seem to remember each fault–no matter how big or small?

Have friends or family members told you that you are too hard on yourself?

Do you take pride in being a perfectionist?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could benefit from a lesson in self-love and self-compassion.

How, You may ask?!

Make it a priority to be kind to yourself.  Instead of being self-critical (I haven’t exercised in 2 week….I will never get in shape), show self-compassion and plan (I haven’t exercised in 2 weeks, so today is a great day to start).

One way to practice self-love, self-kindness, and self-compassion is through meditation, which can take many forms.

In today’s Take 10, I will guide you through a tapping meditation.

My suggestion is to watch the video first, to get the general idea of how tapping works.  Then, follow along and participate in the video.  Finally, incorporate your own thoughts and feelings in to self-led tapping.

What is Tapping?

Tapping (also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a combination of Ancient Chinese Acupressure and Modern Psychology that physically changes your brain, energy system, and physical body.

The practice uses the pads of your fingers to tap on specific meridian points while acknowledging deep emotions and working to release them.  Tapping allows you to take your physical and emotional well-being into your own hands.

This technique can provide relief from chronic pain, behavioral disorders, addictions, phobias, emotional problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical diseases.

The body is made of energy. Negative feelings and emotions, pain, illness, etc. throw the body’s natural energy system out of whack.   Tapping is one way to restore the body’s energy balance; thus, restoring the body to homeostasis.

How to Tap

The basic method involves tapping on specific meridian points while acknowledging, accepting, and resolving your negative feelings, physical pain, emotional pain, etc.

According to ancient Chinese medicine, by stimulating these meridian points know as chi, you can tap into your body’s natural energy system to heal yourself by re-balancing your natural rhythmic flow.

Tapping is similar to acupuncture, except no needles!  Yay.

Tapping is simple and painless and can be learned by anyone and used anywhere.

Does EFT Really Work?

Like many ancient techniques, tapping has been met with criticism.  However, in recent years, research done at Harvard Medical School “found that the brain’s stress and fear response – which is controlled by an almond-shaped part of your brain called the amygdala – could be lessened by stimulating the meridian points used in acupuncture, acupressure, and of course, tapping.” (https://www.thetappingsolution.com/what-is-eft-tapping/)

 

In the following video, I will guide you through a tapping meditation to help you release your own inner critic and begin to treat yourself with kindness, love, and compassion. 

The tapping method I follow is from New York Times Bestselling author and Tapping expert, Nick Ortner.  His comprehensive book is The Tapping Solution: A Revolutionary System for Stress-Free Living.

 

Tapping Points Used in the Video

General Guidelines

• You should use firm but gentle pressure.
• You can use all four fingers, or just the first two (the index and middle fingers).
• Tap with your fingertips, not your fingernails. The sound will be round and mellow.

 

About Shari

Shari is VFit’s resident miracle worker from Texas! She leads an “Unwind” class, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. But don’t let her zen like ways fool you. She can deliver just as Yang of a high intensity class and leave your muscles “good” sore for days to come.

“Born and raised in Texas, I was a competitive gymnast in grade school and went on to be a competitive twirler in High School.

I attended college at The University of Texas in Austin, majoring in English and Kinesiology.

Having always had a love for physical fitness, I taught group fitness throughout college, and upon graduating was hired to teach public school.With the demands of a new job and a new husband, exercise became my time to unwind.

With my 3 children now in school, I returned to my first career as a group exercise instructor.

Yoga is one of my favorite styles to teach because it has something for everyone. It is healing and strengthening all in one. It truly is the complete package.

When not in the gym teaching, I enjoying spending time outdoors hiking and exploring with my husband and 3 children.

We are avid travelers who enjoy each new adventure that we encounter. All three of my children are very active in competitive sports.”

Credentials:

RYT 500 Yoga Therapist
ACSM CPT
Senior Fit Specialist

Mobility Specialist

Yin Yoga Specialist