The Inevitable Cycle of Change

Each season brings about an inevitable cycle of change and transformation of the land, the climate, and even social and cultural tradition. Change involves making a shift from one state to another. It is the natural and continual cycle of the universe and earth, and ironically, is something we can rely on as a constant in life. Why, then, are we such creatures of habit with a natural instinct to resist change?

Change can be either self-imposed or imposed by others. The changes we choose for ourselves we respond favorably towards because we know it will most likely bring about a better circumstance. However, when change is forced on us, we oftentimes resist because we are uncertain and/or fearful of the results. Recent advances in brain analysis technology have allowed researchers to track brain reactions to thoughts about change, and the results are clear. We all pretty much react the same way to change—we resist it!

Most of our daily tasks are repetitive and habitual requiring little mental energy. When we have to learn a new task or make a change to our routine or habits though, it requires a great deal more energy thereby yanking us out of our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory. This, in turn, can engage the “fight or flight” response causing us to become overwhelmed with the complex and unfamiliar concepts. Once in this state, we are then subject to the physiological and psychological disorientation and pain that can manifest as anxiety, depression, fear, sadness, fatigue or anger.

The quantum model of reality tells us that in order to change our lives we must change the way we think, act and feel. How many of us wouldn’t love to improve our life or business in one way or another? Here’s the catch—to do so requires change. The good news is that recent brain studies are showing us that we can overcome our habits and change our lives by using a variety of techniques, some of which include meditation, guided imagery, and repeated affirmations and demonstrations of change.

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” –Jim Rohn

Deborah Perkins

Luminous Transformations

480-788-7140

What is Coaching?

Luminous Transformations Coaching Method

Coaching is not therapy, counseling, mentoring, consulting or advising but is about communication, action and achievement.  Coaching is about posing powerful questions for you to consider with the hope that you will see new possibilities that can shift your perspectives and ultimately cause a shift is your personal reality. A coach will not tell you what to do but will enable you to find the answers that lie within.

An effective coach will use coaching tools and techniques that enable you to get in touch with what you really want, help you create measurable goals along with an achievable action plan, and then hold you accountable throughout the process to agreed-upon actions and timelines.

A coach is different from a therapist. Here are a few important differences between coaching and therapy:

• Coaching is about achievement whereas therapy is about healing.
• Coaching is about action whereas therapy is about understanding.
• Coaching is about transformation whereas therapy is about change.
• Coaching is about intuition whereas therapy is about feelings.
• Coaching is about performance whereas therapy is about progress.
• Coaching is about creating whereas therapy is about resolving.

A coach is different from a consultant. A consultant’s role is to provide their clients with answers based on their experience and knowledge in a given area whereas a coach will guide their clients to find the answers for themselves.

Similarly, a mentor’s role is to provide the mentee with knowledge and guidance to achieve a goal based on the mentor’s knowledge and experience with that particular goal. A coach will guide a coachee through the process of self-discovery to gain clarity on what they want, identify their challenges, and develop a plan to achieve their goals.

If you would like to make an important life change but aren’t clear on exactly what to change or how to go about making the change, a coach will empower you to overcome your obstacles so that you can take the steps needed that are for your greatest good within an achievable timeline. Call Deborah at Luminous Transformations to learn more and schedule your first session.

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
480-788-7140

Regression Therapy

Regression therapy originated in hypnotherapy. It is a technique used to help someone access a past memory in order to heal a present issue and can work wonders with inexplicable fears, guilt or shame, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or with a number of psychosomatic problems. It is a safe, low-cost, and drug-free way to overcome psychological issues and its effects can be immediate.

For example, a client came to me for help with a fear of closed-in spaces, especially airplanes. She had to travel the next day by airplane and wanted to reduce her anxiety before and during the flight. When I regressed her to the point of the first occurrence of her fear of closed-in spaces, she was able to remember a time when she was very young and would hide in a closet whenever her parents argued. This memory was the trigger point to her current fear of closed-in spaces.

Oftentimes, just the remembrance of a past memory can greatly reduce or alleviate the present effect. In this case, my client reported that although her claustrophobia symptoms were not entirely alleviated, her symptoms were reduced to the point where she was able to relax enough to enjoy the flight.

Another client of mine who was accosted by a burglar while in her home, requested regression hypnotherapy to remember more details about the experience in order to help the police solve the crime. A detective joined us during the session and recorded it in case additional details were uncovered. We agreed that the primary goal of the session would be to reduce her fear so that she could once again sleep and feel safety in her own home. Although a few more details about the attack were revealed during the session, the most important result was that her fear was greatly reduced to the point that she was able to sleep for the first time since the incident. Over the following weeks, she reported to me that the hypnosis session reduced her fear and allowed her to once again feel peace and safety in her own home.

Past-life regression therapy is a form of hypnotherapy used to help a person access a previous lifetime memory to understand and resolve a current unexplained issue. Whether the story brought to mind while under hypnosis is true or a fabrication of the mind is not the focus of the session. The focus is on using the healing power of our subconscious mind and imagination to learn about and resolve the present issue at hand.

If you have questions about regression or past-life regression hypnotherapy and how it may be able to help you, please contact me. I would be happy to answer your questions.

Deborah Perkins

Luminous Transformations

480-788-7140

Deborah@LuminousTransformations.com

EFT - Tapping Your Way to Health and Wellbeing

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a method of energetic healing that utilizes a number of theories from alternative medicine such as acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT).  While related to acupuncture, EFT does not use needles. Instead, it is a simple process wherein a person mentally tunes into a specific issue while stimulating certain meridian points on the body by tapping on them with their fingertips. When properly done, EFT balances disturbances in the meridian system thereby reducing the duration of conventional therapy procedures. Anyone can learn the techniques and experience positive results.

EFT is used for physical, emotional, and performance issues and operates on the premise that there are unresolved emotional issues causing a disruption in the body’s energy system. Even physical issues such as chronic pain and diagnosed illnesses can be caused by emotional stress that impedes the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Some of the emotional impediments to health that EFT is used to alleviate are stress, anger, fear, grief and low self-esteem.

Losing weight is a cultural obsession backed by a billion-dollar industry. While healthy eating habits and exercise are important ingredients for achieving and maintaining optimal weight, most often there are emotional issues driving poor or obsessive eating habits. EFT works on the energy body to release blockages that build up in the body’s energy pathways (meridians) from traumatic life experiences and negative emotions. Once the energy pathways are cleared and energy is able to flow freely once again, the body can do the work it is designed and heal emotional and physical issues.

One of the best things about EFT is that it is safe, free to practice, and can be done almost anywhere with only 5 brief steps to complete. Once the technique is memorized, each round can be performed in about 30 seconds. Click here for a brief intro (6:58 minutes) on EFT from founder Gary Craig. It is important to note that although you can learn and practice the techniques yourself, in order to receive the most benefit, work with a skilled practitioner. Email Deborah@LuminousTransformations.com or call to schedule an appointment and begin your journey to health and wellbeing. For special savings on your first appointment, click on the Join & Save button on the Luminous Transformations.

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations

480-788-7140

Dream Weavers

Paramhansa Yogananda's poem "God! God! God!" referenced the idea of the mind weaving dreams. The original reference to the term "dream weaver" may have been spiritual, but many current teachings talk of using our mind's power to manifest our dreams. However, to be a powerful dream weaver requires that we know the threads needed to weave a dream into reality.

First, we begin with the threads of an idea or fantasy. Oftentimes these threads will appear as lucid dreams when our bodies and minds are relaxed and our imaginations engaged. Lucid dreams are dreams in which we are aware that we are dreaming, and usually occur spontaneously. With practice, anyone can cultivate this skill.

Some of the world’s greatest scientists and artists actively engaged in lucid dreaming. Albert Einstein regularly utilized the power of his lucid dreams and said, “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” Director, James Cameron, cited lucid dreams as being the inspiration for the movie Avatar. He said “…I’ve kind of realized that what I was trying to do was create dream imagery, create a lucid dream state while you’re watching the film.”

Successful dream weaving may start with a dream but it certainly doesn’t end there. The threads of passion and purpose must be woven into the fabric. Purpose weaves reason and meaning into the fabric, and passion weaves in the fire necessary to make the dream vibrant and compelling.

The next vital threads of our tapestry include our values and goals for these constitute our compass pointing us in the right direction. Furthermore, when we align our values and goals, we remain focused on the priorities of our work ensuring the most direct and luminous path to fulfillment.

Finally, we must weave in the threads of reality for powerful and successful dream weaving requires planning, hard work, dedication and persistence. Imagination and reality go hand-in-hand and are both necessary components for bringing your dreams to life.

When my mind weaves dreams
With threads of memories,
On that magic cloth will I emboss:
God! God! God!
- Paramhansa Yogananda

Control Dramas

Control dramas are behaviors exhibited to secure power or control over a person or group of people. They are conscious or unconscious struggles for power—competitions for human energy. Whether or not you are aware, you have exercised control dramas and have been the victim of other people’s control dramas throughout your life. However, you may find that there are 1 or 2 specific control dramas you demonstrate based on your personality type and learned behaviors.

In the book The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, he outlines 4 major control dramas:

• The Intimidator: This highly aggressive control drama is demonstrated through threats, either verbal or physical, to force you to bend to this person’s will for fear that something bad might happen to you, or sometimes just to get you to pay attention to this person and give him or her your energy.
• The Poor Me or Victim: Contrary to the Intimidator drama, this control drama is very passive. A person demonstrating this drama will tell you all the horrible things that are happening to him or her, implying that you are responsible, and that if you refuse to help, these horrible things will continue. They position everything they say and do to put you in a place where you have to defend against the idea that you are not doing enough for this person. They make you feel guilty just being around them.
•  The Interrogator: The person demonstrating this control drama is subtle in their aggression, finding fault and slowly undermining your world in order to get your energy. They set up a drama of asking questions and probing into your world with the specific purpose of finding something wrong with your answers. Once they do, then they criticize this aspect of your life. If this strategy succeeds, you will suddenly find yourself becoming self-conscious about your words and actions. You will pay attention to what the interrogator is doing and thinking about because you don’t want to do something wrong that the Interrogator will notice. This psychic deference gives the Interrogator the energy he or she desires.
• The Aloof: A person demonstrating the Aloof control drama will withdraw from conversations. They will look and act mysterious and secretive and may tell you, or give you the impression, that they are being cautious when in fact they are trying to pull you into their drama. You will find yourself trying to figure out what is going on with the Aloof, perhaps questioning them. When you do question them, they will remain vague forcing you to struggle and dig more to discern their true feelings.

There is a noticeable pattern with these 4 basic control dramas. The Intimidator drama creates the Poor Me drama and when they are in a relationship together expressing their dramas, they will feed from each other’s energies. Interrogator control dramas create Aloof control dramas and vice versa. People who predominantly express these dramas will oftentimes be in relationships and feed from each other’s energies.

The key to letting go of a control drama is first to bring it fully into your awareness. You do that by looking back through your life at your behavior patterns in conflict situations. Notice the particular style of control you have exercised over others. Notice what you may have learned in childhood to get attention and energy moving your way. Perhaps you had a parent who exhibited Intimidator control drama behavior causing you to adopt Poor Me control drama behaviors.

Second, you must make a conscious decision to let go of the need to control others to get attention, or energy. Learn and practice techniques to defuse control dramas when demonstrated by you or others. Over time, you will find healthier alternatives to obtaining energy such as tapping into the infinite supply of universal energy through meditation.

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
480-788-7140

Clear Communication Boundaries

When we instill and honor healthy communication boundaries, we cultivate healthy relationships based on honesty and integrity. Setting and honoring healthy communication boundaries goes beyond what we say to people and how we say it. It also encompasses how we listen to people and what communication vehicles we use to best support our message.

For example, if you wanted to discuss a personal and sensitive issue with someone, would an email or text message be the best vehicle? We run the risk of being misinterpreted and alienating a customer, friend or loved one if the communication vehicle we choose doesn’t match the sensitivity of the communication.

Gossip is a major communication boundary violation. Gossip fosters unhealthy competition, creates negative and hurtful feelings, and sows discord and unease thereby creating distance between people. There is an important distinction between gossip and clarification. Gossip is when 2 or more people talk about someone who is absent, and the absent person is equally distant from both talkers.  However, when clarification occurs, the absent person is generally closer to the talker than to the listener.  The outcome of gossip is that the listener is stimulated to some type of action such as spreading the gossip to others, shunning the absent person, or changing their opinion about the absent person.  A clarifying conversation leads to action on the part of the speaker such as taking advice from the person they are talking to that leads to a change.

Here are some communication tips that will help you create and maintain healthy relationships:

•       Set clear boundaries around gossip and put a stop to it immediately whenever someone attempts to engage you in it.

•       Pay attention to other people’s boundaries and acknowledge boundaries that have been set.  If you want people to honor your boundaries, then you must do the same.

•       Whenever you are asked an appropriate question, refusing to respond is a communication violation.  If you are not able or ready to respond, be sure to clarify that you need more information or time.  If you need more time to contemplate your answer, let the person asking know when you will follow-up with an answer.

•       If someone gives you an answer that sets a boundary you don’t like and therefore decide to ignore, you are creating a communication boundary violation.  You don’t have to like an answer, but you do have to respect the person’s boundaries.

•       If you have a strained relationship with someone and haven’t made an attempt to remedy it, it would be inappropriate for you to ask for a favor without first addressing the state of your relationship.

•       Similarly, if you make a request from someone that is unusual or inappropriate to the nature of the relationship, this is also a communication boundary violation.  Be certain to precede your request with an acknowledgment that it is unusual and an explanation of why you are making the request.

Deborah Perkins

LuminousTransformations

480-788-7140

How Powerful are Your Stories?

We all have stories embedded in our minds, whether we are consciously or subconsciously aware of them.  These stories, created from our life experiences and the learnings we received, define who we are. The stories we share with others can either have rich meaning, purpose and powerful lessons or they can simply bend someone’s ear. Do the stories you tell others expose a level of vulnerability to help people know that you are capable of empathy and understanding?

Story telling predates writing, with the earliest form being oral with gestures.  Modern day story telling takes many forms, among them fairytales, legends, folktales and extends itself to represent history, political commentary and evolving cultural norms.

As we move through our life’s journey, an important goal is to learn from all of our experiences—the good and the bad—and to share these learnings with others. This is how we eventually become wise elders. Are you on the path to becoming a powerful and wise elder?

Richard J. Leider and David Shapiro, authors of Claiming Your Place at the Fire: Living the Second Half of Your Life on Purpose, believe that in order to develop our wisdom and become powerful elders in the second half of our lives, we must claim our place at the fire at every stage of our life journey. We claim our place at the fire by making valuable contributions to our family and society. Powerful story telling is one important contribution, regardless of age.

How are you claiming your place at the fire as you move along your life journey? Here are some questions to help you craft wise elder stories: 

• Which events in your lifetime made a difference in the life you have led?
• What are the lessons you learned from the choices you have made?
• Were these choices in alignment or out of alignment with your values?
• With each of these major choices, did you follow or ignore your intuitions?

Practice telling your stories in a way that demonstrates your wisdom. We all have valuable contributions we can make through our powerful wise elder stories.

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
Google Voice: 480-788-7140

Creating and Honoring Healthy Boundaries

Do you find yourself saying “yes” when you really mean “no”?  Are there aspects of your life that aren’t going well but you aren’t certain what changes need to be made to bring them in better order?  Creating healthy boundaries is an important skill to cultivate in order to achieve a life of peace and joy.  At the same time, learning to recognize and honor other people’s boundaries is equally important for healthy and lasting relationships.

Boundaries provide a clear, moral compass.  They help us to align with our values, keep us on track with our goals and life, and they protect the important parts of ourselves like our energy, our physical body, our relationships and our time.

We all define and set goals for ourselves, but do you always ensure that these goals align with your values and boundaries?  Are you at all times truly aware of your priority values? Think about the parts of your life that are working well, that have integrity.  This wholeness comes from the boundaries you have set to protect them.  Now think about the parts of your life that are not working so well.  What do you think you need to do to make these parts work better?

A boundary is like a membrane, similar to your skin, which keeps your organs intact.  A boundary is a limit that promotes integrity. By the limits that you set, you protect the integrity of your day, your energy and spirit, the health of your relationships and the pursuits of your heart.  We have many types of boundaries that we consciously, subconsciously and even unconsciously create in our lives:

• Friendship boundaries
• Time boundaries
• Communication boundaries
• Anger boundaries
• Intimacy boundaries
• Gender boundaries (prevent sexual harassment and promote equality in the workplace)
• Appearance boundaries (e.g., dress codes, make-up)

Boundaries are intentions we make to help improve the quality of our life and relationships. Pick an area of your life that isn't going well. Now, ask yourself if you have clear boundaries in place. If so, when and where are you not honoring your boundaries? If you don't have clear boundaries in place, define your boundary goals by asking yourself the following questions:

• What isn't working?
• What needs to be done to make it work?
• What needs to happen first?
• What will be the consequences if others don't honor these boundaries?

Once you have defined your boundaries, communicate them and note any improvements that occur with regard to the situation you are addressing.  If you don’t see improvements, review your boundaries and ask yourself if they are too rigid or too flexible.  Make adjustments and re-communicate as needed.  The more you practice putting healthy boundaries in place and communicating them appropriately to others, the easier it will become!

Deborah Perkins

Website:  Luminous Transformations

Facebook:  Luminous Transformations

Google Voice: (480) 788-7140

Healing with Flower Essences

Mother Earth has provided us with an abundance of natural healing remedies, but one of her most powerful of these remedies is flowers. Each variety has its own unique healing properties based upon its appearance, color, fragrance and energy. Flower essence therapy addresses specific emotional and metaphysical issues. These beautiful and natural remedies can help you move past grief, worry, fear, loss or indecision and allow peace and happiness to return so that the body can better heal itself.

Dr. Edward Bach, born in Moseley, England in 1886 was the creator of the original 38 Bach Flower Remedies. He began his career as a house surgeon and casualty medical officer at University College Hospital. After research in immunology, he developed an interest in homeopathy and then joined the laboratories of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in 1919. He believed that illness was the effect of disharmony between the body and mind and that the symptoms of illness are the external expression of negative emotional states. In 1928 he began work on his own homeopathic remedies from plants, each aimed at a particular mental state or emotion.

A flower essence is composed of the energetic properties of a single flower (individual essence) or group of flowers (composite formula) infused in water by sunlight or moonlight. It is most often preserved in brandy but can also be preserved in apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin for pets, children, or those who are alcohol sensitive. A few drops are placed under the tongue several times a day usually for a period of about two weeks.

Although the original Bach Flower Remedies are made from flowers in England, the Sonoran Desert has an abundance of natural wild flowers that have their own unique healing properties. For example, the agave flower helps you own your level of mastery and manifest your talents and strengths. 

So, instead of reaching for the tequila to help you overcome your fear of taking a risk, instead use the essence of the agave flower which will help you trust in your inner gifts and strengths so that you can manifest your heart’s desires.

Deborah Perkins

Luminous Transformations

Deborah@LuminousTransformations.com

Friday's Energy Medicine Tip

Friday’s Energy Medicine Tip: Have you ever been in an argument with someone and been so angry that you couldn’t think straight? Well, that’s because your body was in “fight or flight” mode and most of your energies were moving away from your brain and to your major muscles preparing you to duke it out or run. 

Here is a quick energy medicine routine you can do whenever you are upset that can help calm you enough to re-engage your brain so that you can move out of fight or flight and have a calm, rational conversation.

Step 1:  Tap your K-27 points (27th points on the Kidney meridian) as shown in the diagram to the left. Inhale deeply as you tap or deeply rub these point for 30 seconds.

Step 2:  Do some cross crawls for about 30 seconds. Just march in place while you touch your right hand to your left knee and then left hand to right knee. This exercise stimulates the right and left hemispheres of the brain resulting in increased brain function.

Step 3:  Sedate the triple warmer meridian by rubbing both temples. Then on an inhale drag your fingers up and over your ears. While exhaling continue to drag your fingers down your neck to the tops of your shoulders. End by giving yourself a brief shoulder rub and then drop your hands to your sides.

Contact me to schedule an appointment for an energy assessment and balancing session. I will teach you how you can optimize your body's energies so that you can lead a healthier and more joyful life.

Luminous Transformations
http://www.luminoustransformation.com/
Deborah@LuminousTransformations.com
(602) 697-5820

What is Energy Medicine?

Energy Chakras

Energy Medicine is the science and art of raising and maintaining balanced and optimal energetic systems so that our body can more effectively heal itself.

Energy, or chi/ki, is our body's life force. Our bodies are made up of energy centers (chakras) and energy pathways (meridians). When we eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, minimize our stress levels, and exercise regularly, our body's energy will vibrate at a higher frequency and keep our cells, tissues and organs healthy allowing us to feel more joyful.

When we eat poorly, live day-after-day in stressful situations, and don't get enough exercise, our body's chi or ki vibrates at a lower frequency making us feel sluggish or depressed and eventually leading to physical and/or emotional dis-ease.

Reiki touch

There are many forms of energy work. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" in order to raise the invisible (to most) life force energy that flows through us. Reiki was developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist, Mikao Usui.

Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) was developed by Donna Eden and is based on Touch for Health (TFH) which was created by John F. Thie, DC (1933 - 2005). TFH and EEM both draw on over 30 years of techniques in Kinesiology as well as thousands of years of philosophies and sciences.

EEM and TFH utilize Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing) to pinpointed energy blockages and then correct (or balance) them through a variety of non-invasive techniques such as body movement, tapping, massaging, pinching, twisting, or tracing the hand across the skin along energy pathways (meridians). These techniques encourage the body's healing mechanisms to kick-in thereby activating the healing process.

I have made it a practice to assess my clients' energy systems in every session. This gives me some insight into their current issue(s). What I have consistently found is that the majority of my clients come to me with a variety of energy issues but the two most common are: 1) Their body is in "fight or flight" mode where the triple warmer meridian is over-active and robbing energy from other energy pathways; or 2) Their energies are more prominent in the upper half of their body and not flowing through the entire body in a balanced manner--they aren't grounded. Once I correct these energy issues, they immediately feel calmer, more grounded and focused. Now, the work we do together is to pinpoint the life issues that are causing the energy system issues and determine an effective healing solution.

As a hypnotherapist, it is important that my clients are grounded and calm before I begin the hypnosis. Energy Medicine helps prepare my clients for a more successful hypnotherapy session and oftentimes helps reduce the number of sessions needed to achieve their healing goals.

I make it a point to teach my clients energy medicine because it is important to me that they have the tools needed to improve their health and well-being.

For more information, contact:
Deborah Perkins
Deborah@LuminousTransformations
(602) 697-5820
http://www.luminoustransformation.com/home.html

Fears, Phobias and the Power of Hypnotherapy

Almost everyone has an irrational fear or two: Fear of snakes or spiders, fear of flying, and even fear of failure are common.  Most fears are normal, and some of them are innate, built-in fears we are born with to keep us safe.

There is some debate about exactly how many fears we are actually born with.  Some experts say there are 5 common human fears: Fear of death; fear of embarrassment; fear of the loss of love; fear of rejection; and fear of falling (heights).  Some experts say that there are only 2 pre-programmed human fears: Fear of loud noises; and fear of falling.

It is normal, and even beneficial to experience fear when in dangerous circumstances.  However, a fear becomes a phobia when it poses little to no danger and yet a person has an intense, irrational reaction that inhibits their ability to function or live a normal life.  Common phobias include closed-in places (claustrophobia), heights (altophobia), highway driving (vehophobia), flying insects (entophobia), snakes (ophidiophobia), and needles (aichmophobia or belonephobia). However, we can develop a phobia of just about anything.

When I was young, I was so afraid of heights that I couldn’t even climb up a few rungs of a ladder, let alone go on a Ferris wheel or roller coaster.  I had this fear for many years but it didn’t become a phobia until I got a job at the Sears Tower (now called Willis Tower) on the 70^th floor. That was when I realized it was time to confront my phobia.

To treat my phobia of heights, I intentionally forced myself to climb ladders or sit in high places until my heart stopped beating fast and I was able to sit comfortably. Eventually, my phobia became a normal, healthy fear.  This is not the best, the easiest or a recommended way to treat a phobia. Unfortunately, at the time I treated myself, I didn’t know about hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for fears and phobias.  It can greatly reduce and even eliminate them. The number of sessions that it takes to reduce or eliminate a phobia depends on several factors, a few being; the intensity of the fear, the length of time the person has lived with the fear, the level of trust between the client and hypnotherapist, and the suggestibility of the client.

Mind you, I still don’t relish heights, but I can now climb ladders without trepidation, experience the beauty of the Mogollon Rim and Grand Canyon, and even stand on the glass floor of the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada and look down to see a whole different perspective of the world.

Deborah Perkins
LuminousTransformations
(480) 788-7140.

Passion and Purpose

My blog article and Facebook posts this week are devoted to the topics, passion and purpose.  Have you ever asked yourself, "What on earth am I here for?".  If you haven't yet connected with your life's purpose, then consider this:  Passion and purpose go hand-in-hand.

I was recently at a dinner party and our host asked us to each take turns introducing ourselves and sharing what we are passionate about.  Most people said they were passionate about their significant others and children, which for me is a given.  A few others talked about their hobbies--sailing, painting, music, etc.  A few people mentioned being passionate about helping change some of the challenges in our community, country or world.  And some people said they couldn't think of anything they were passionate about!

If you are having difficulty connecting with your passions, just pick up a newspaper or watch the news, and notice what really appalls you, angers you, or amazes you.  Anger is just another form of passion.  As you read or watch the news, check in with your body and feel the level of anger you are experiencing.  Is your heart racing?  Does the reported issue bring you to tears or make you feel sick to your stomach?  The more intense your emotions, the more passionate you are about the issue.

Now, consider an issue that you feel the most passionate about and ask yourself, "What can I do to make a positive difference?"  Donating money to a cause is always helpful, but perhaps you have skills, talents and some time that you can contribute that will in some small way make a positive difference.  It isn't the big action from one person that creates the most change. It most often are the collective small actions from many individuals that create the biggest change.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  - Margaret Mead (1901 - 1978)

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
(480) 788-7140

Does your work week look like this?

Here are 3 common reasons for job dissatisfaction and some ideas on how to combat them:

1. I'm not paid enough for what I do: Don't be afraid to ask for what you feel you are worth.  Statistics show that women don't readily ask for what they want.  Remember, "Don't ask -- don't get!" Be prepared to validate your request with facts related to your performance and productivity levels.

2.  I have to do all of the work: Managers will pile the work onto employees that they know are capable. Make a list of tasks you do each day along with the time it takes to do them. Discuss this with your manager to see how you can balance the workload and ensure that what you are doing aligns with your job description and goals.

3. My job doesn't give me a sense of purpose: As we grow and evolve, what we are passionate about also changes. Careers that used to fulfill us in our 20's and 30's may leave us with a sense of emptiness in our 40's and 50's. Working our passion, whether it is a full-time job or even a hobby, can give us a sense of purpose and lead to a more joyful, healthy life.

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
(480) 788-7140

Release and let's go!

Releasing and letting go can often be an empowering albeit scary and difficult undertaking. We're creatures of habit who have an incessant need for control, and sometimes letting go can make us feel out of control.

Not only is it a good habit to assess our living spaces several times a year and release our attachments to material objects, but it's also a good habit to assess our physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects and determine what needs to be released.  Clearing away the clutter can help us focus, promote a more peaceful life, and move us out of stuck and stagnant thinking, habits and energy.

Try to take some time to holistically assess your life and see if there is anything you can release that would be of benefit.  You may have a need to release old emotional baggage, fears or limiting beliefs that are keeping you stuck in neutral.  You might want to release your attachment to certain people who are negative and emotionally draining.  Perhaps you want to release your ego self and step into your true authentic self.

Do a little spring cleaning and experience for yourself the many benefits you will receive.

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
(480) 788-7140

The Power of Imagination

Reading is one of my passions. A good novel can engage me to the point where I have no sense of time or surroundings. It activates my imagination thereby bringing the story and its characters to life.  Albert Einstein said, “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.  Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.”

If imagination is truly more important than knowledge, how can we harness its power to change and enhance our own lives?

In the book, The Art of Possibility, Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander refer to the familiar everyday world as the “world of measurement”.  They paint the picture that there is a “universe of possibility that stretches far beyond the world of measurement and includes all worlds: infinite, generative and abundant.”  They state, “Unimpeded on a daily basis by the concern for survival, free from the generalized assumption of scarcity, a person stands in the great space of possibility in a posture of openness, with an unfettered imagination for what can be.”

We have the ability to use the power of our imagination to invent and create new worlds of possibility.  Dreams and their ultimate manifestations stem from these new worlds, accessed by anyone at any time.  However, we are more likely to be successful at manifesting our dreams if we remove the chains of limiting beliefs and participate joyfully in the creation process.  There is no magic to this formula for it is based on the law of cause and effect.  Resources that can help us realize our dreams are more likely to come to us in greater abundance when we are optimistic, passionate, joyful, appreciative and generous than if we are pessimistic, impatient, discouraged, fearful and controlling.  It is also much easier to access the power of our imagination when coming from a place of peace and confidence than if we are in an environment that promotes fear and negativity.

As a coach and hypnotherapist, I facilitate and witness healings and manifestations that take place from the power of imagination.  For those who are relaxed and willing to engage their imagination during a hypnotherapy session there is a higher probability  that they will reduce or eliminate their fear, pain, grief, obsessions, cravings, anger or limiting beliefs.

How often do you engage the power of your imagination to help you release limiting beliefs and create new worlds of possibility?

Luminous Transformations

(480) 788-7140

The Wild Woman

There is a wild woman inside every woman.  She is the woman who dances with abandon, free from any constraints.  The wild woman exemplifies passion and courage for she is a force of pure and powerful energy.  Most women have locked away their wild woman usually from a misconception that she is an unacceptable expression of the feminine aspect.  This could not be further from the truth.

When in balance, the wild woman is deeply rooted with the wisdom of the earth.  She connects us with our passions and instills us with creativity and courage.  She is deeply in-tune with her self-healing power. There are many arrays to our feminine nature, and it is essential that we allow the full spectrum and depth of our expression to come forth in balance, without shame or fear.

During a time when our world is in desperate need of transformation on many levels, it is important to unleash our wild woman.  She will guide us, through passion, to the place where we can make the most significant contribution and then fill us with the courage to take action.

If you are having difficulty connecting with passion and life purpose, call forth your wild woman nature.  Be spontaneous, dance with abandon, and laugh aloud until the tears stream down your face.  Then, take a new look at the world with the eyes and heart of the wild woman who will help you connect with passion and purpose.

Luminous Transformations

(602) 697-5820

Love Like a Dog

You know that old saying, “work like a dog,” which means to work very hard?  Well, I think whoever came up with that saying got it all wrong.  I have 2 dogs, and I sure don’t see them work very hard.  On the contrary, I see them play hard, sleep hard, and love hard.  I walk in the door and they both greet me with genuine enthusiasm and affection, tails wagging and tongues lapping out of their mouths anxious to give me kisses—even when I’m gone for only a few minutes!

Animals can teach us valuable lessons, and the best lesson to learn from our dogs is the lesson of unconditional love.  Provided we care for our dogs and don’t abuse them, they will time and time again demonstrate their unconditional love for us.  They don’t place many expectations on their love for us (other than food, shelter and occasional attention) as we tend to place on our love.  Even when we ignore them or push them away because we’re too busy to give them attention, they easily forgive and forget reaching out to us again and again to demonstrate their loyalty and love.

It is said that unconditional love is the greatest, purist and most cherished love we can give and receive. Who doesn't want to be loved unconditionally despite our faults and shortcomings?  Yet, unconditional love can be so difficult at times for us to demonstrate.  The fact is, if we want more unconditional love in our life from others, then we have to demonstrate more unconditional love to others.

Let’s learn this important lesson from our dogs.  Love hard, love often, and love just for the sake of loving—without expectations.  Let’s just love and allow those we love to be who they are, in whatever place they’re stuck, and without judgment.  In other words, let’s love like a dog!

Deborah Perkins

Luminous Transformations
(480) 788-7140

Transformation

There is no doubt that our world is in serious need of transformation in many areas.  In his book, The Return of the Mother, Andrew Harvey points out: “The tragic imbalance of the masculine has brought humankind to the point of disaster, and unless we recover the feminine power of the psyche, the power of intuition, patience, reverence for nature, and knowledge of the holy unity of things, and marry in our depths these powers with the masculine energies of rule, reason, passion for order and control, life on the planet will end.”

Notice that Andrew Harvey does not recommend that we ignore the masculine energies of “rule, reason, passion for order and control”, but instead encourages us to call forth our feminine aspects and marry them with our masculine aspects. This is how he envisions we will achieve balance and transform our personal lives and our world.

When we need to change a circumstance in our life, our bodies will call out to us in the form of emotional or physical pain. If we ignore the call, the pain often intensifies until we can no longer ignore it.

Perhaps our world is calling out to us now, begging us to pay attention and become the facilitators of positive transformation. What aspects of your nature could be more balanced?  What action can you take to transform your life, family, community and world?  Where can you make a difference?

Deborah Perkins
Luminous Transformations
Deborah@LuminousTransformations.com

(602) 697-5820