I’ve discovered that I have deep-seated fears and anxiety about money. Maybe you can relate. In fact, blogging about this fear causes anxiety and shame to rear up. I learned early that talking (or writing publicly) about money just wasn’t a good idea. In fact, no wise person would ever do that.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 is to Recognize and Name My Fears As They Arise. And then, to Release Those Fears. So, here I am.
I have finally recognized this fear. I’ve named the fear. Turns out, releasing the fear isn’t as easy as I hoped it would be. One thing I’ve learned after doing lots of therapy is that it’s important to actually feel the long stuffed down feelings. Turns out stuffing emotions takes more energy than just feeling the emotions as they occur.
I found a book on my shelf and I picked it up and started reading it in early January. Apparently my Guardian Angels were looking out for me when they guided my hand to a book I’d purchased a few years ago and never read, The Tapping Solution, A Revolutionary System for Stress-Free Living, by Nick Ortner.
Turns out, tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an excellent way to move fear, anxiety, stress or any difficult emotion, out of your being. For good. I started reading the book and on page 24 there was something called The Tapping Tree. I decided to draw a Tapping Tree of my own, related to my anxiety and fears about money and finances.
Then, because I made it to the end of the book, I got to take advantage of a few bonuses that the author, Nick, gives to those who make it that far. One of the gifts was a tapping recording designed for those who have money issues! Perfect for me. And that was the start of lots of tapping for me. Slowly and surely I am tapping my way through the leaves, branches, trunk and roots of my Financial Tapping Tree. Slowly, very slowly, but surely, I can feel profound shifts in my subconscious and my conscious self, taking place.
For one, I am actually acknowledging publicly in this blog, my money anxiety and fear. Secondly, I have signed up to get a Money Mentor.
And third, I am talking openly with my friends about my money issues. I can see the tiny, bright light at the end of the tunnel. It’s rather exciting!
Funny thing, I’m discovering that I have more energy. I was indeed spending a lot of energy clamping down on all my emotions, anxiety and fear related to money.
I also found a wonderful man who has lots of free videos on YouTube about tapping. His name is Brad Yates and here’s one I use related to money. I also use another one he has for when I have insomnia. Check these videos out, as it will show you how to do tapping!
Have you ever used tapping? If so, please leave a note here for me about it! I love hearing from you!
Mari–Thank you so much. I looked at tapping several years ago and kind of pooh-pooh’ed it’s potential. I’ve always regretted that and I appreciate you bringing the topic back into my universe. Also–I’d LOVE to know how to get a money mentor. Thank you for these great articles!!
Hi Ann!
You are very welcome! Glad you are allowing tapping back into your life. I’m sending you a private email about how to find a money mentor.
Be well!
~Mari
I actually found this book in the Free Little Library outside of my house and started reading it this month. It is an excellent and intriguing book. I have a friend who struggles with fears of being financially successfully so I will forward this link to her!
It’s indeed a great book. Glad you are reading it! Watching the videos is a great help too.
I go to a therapist who uses both EMDR and Tapping. Recently we have been spending more time doing meditation. The coached meditation is going really well for me. In the past I have gotten a lot of relief from tapping. Good idea to focus on an issue like fear and anxiety about money. I actually don’t have a lot of fear and anxiety about money because my wife has a good solid job and we are not struggling, but I do have a desire to be more independent in terms of earning my own money or money to contribute to our family and to causes I believe in. My wife and I both have type 1 diabetes.
Thanks Melanie for your insightful comments and deep sharing. I appreciate it! I too love meditation, and I practice that everyday. It’s super helpful to expand the tools we each have in our toolbox.
Actually, Mari, I’ve used tapping for several years, for both emotional reset and physical problems.
I’ve found it to be really effective for insomnia and restless leg syndrome (which is just horrible to experience).
A couple of therapists at Melrose (the eating disorder place in SLP) have their clients use it to “surge the urge” when they get an overwhelming craving.
Hi Kathy!
That’s so great that you use tapping!! Great to see all the different ways it can be used to support healing.