It started with a mouse

What's causing us to get triggered so quickly? What can we do about it?

If we spoke in the last couple of months, I probably mentioned our mice infestation in the flat. Nine of these creatures were already carried out of the flat and released back into a faraway wild, and yet every morning, we see new signs of midnight partying, if not an actual sighting of these little devils It started innocently enough, when I came into the kitchen one evening, and imagined I could see the shadow of a mouse running across the counter. No way, I immediately concluded, but later, when I found chewed bags of something or other, I knew we had a problem. (I just never imagined it would turn into a 'more-than-9' kind of a problem!!

What very soon started to happen was that every time I went into the kitchen, I fully expected to see one of THEM running around, and I would go into the kitchen already ready to be disgusted and grossed out! It only took a minute for me to create this strong association in my brain that evening + kitchen = mouse sighting!

If it was so easy ('effortless', even) to create this silly association, what do you think happens in your brain every time you accidentally trigger your own association (call it 'trauma' if you like)?

Now imagine being a tiny person witnessing anything that made you feel unsafe (or unloved, or not good enough), my hunch is that it didn't all that long at all to create a new behaviour in you: avoidance, control, people pleasing, taking it all on yourself... whatever was needed to make yourself feel safe was good enough for that time.

Moving forward, and you are now an adult. When your brain notices the making of your old triggers, do you know what it does?

Well, I'll tell you, just in case.

Your brain's immediate response is to make you go through a flight, fright, or freeze situation, and only later, when the danger is over - only then will the logical part of why did I do what I did, or what made me respond the way I did come up.

Read this again if you need to, but to summarise, when your old trauma triggers are met again, your brain will look to protect first before looking for a more rational way to deal with the situation.

The 'more rational' way to deal with it would have to come when your brain no longer believes you are in danger. Only then will you be able to sit with the triggers and analyse what it was that got you to this state.

Experts call this PTSD but in my opinion, it is important to understand what is happening in our brains, so we can start rewiring them in a way that changes how we respond to the old triggers...

The question we all want answers to is - what can we do about it! So, other than some big therapies like 'EMDR' (eye movement therapy that helps dissociate from the events), and similar, here are some home-made solutions for you...

And before you read on, disclaimer - these suggestions are for mild trauma and PTSD. If you are in full shell-shock mode or feel fragile in any way then please walk away from the coming paragraph and we can convene at the next section!

Some things you can try to help rewire your brain (only if it feels right!)

1. Do the Swapsies
Many times we get triggered by one thing, but not another, even though they have very similar characteristics. For example, I didn't like the movements of the plane when I was flying, but then realise trains move much more violently, and if I wasn't scared in one, maybe I don't have to be scared in the other.

2. Get in there
The triggers you're experiencing are your brain way of taking you straight to the original event and getting you to feel the same fear and emotions. It is heightened, often, by the element of surprise. Try and find similar situations where, in a calm and no-surprises environment, you can experience the triggers from a non-reactive position. Then when the triggers come up again, your brain has more choices where to go other than the original emotions
For example, if you are sensitive to loud noises, you can get yourself in loud environments and show yourself all is well. When a loud noise triggers you next time, you may be able to more quickly tell yourself you are not in the 'controlled environment'. Only do this if you feel it is right for you.

3. Get into nature
We need to get your system to be more easily regulated, but many of us spend too much of our days in false environments filled with concrete, neon lights and funes. Getting yourself into nature will help you calm your system, meaning it will not be so easily triggered as other times.

4. Journal or art
When you journal, or when you art, you allow more areas of your brain to calm down. When you write, you offload subconscious stuff that created tension, and similarly, when you surround yourself with colours and shapes. It's another beautiful way of strengthening your calm neurons, helping you back when triggers come in
Meditation, by the way, is also a good way of doing this!
***

This week I interviewed Georges Cordoba about 'How To Heal Your Cancer Naturally' - the podcast to watch and share if you or a loved one is touched by cancer.

Today we're diving into an insightful conversation with our guest, Georges Cordoba, who shares his inspiring journey of overcoming cancer; from being a national junior tennis player and CTO in the tech industry to becoming a holistic health coach.
In this episode, we discuss the often challenging decision between natural and conventional treatment methods for illnesses such as cancer. Georges shares his personal experience battling melanoma, highlighting the powerful role of mindset, emotional healing, and forgiveness in his remarkable recovery.

Join us as we explore how faith, emotional cleansing, and a balanced approach can play crucial roles in overcoming chronic diseases and improving overall health. Stay tuned for Georges' valuable advice on nutrition, the power of visualisation, and the importance of self-belief. This conversation promises to inspire and empower you on your wellness journey.

More about Georges:
I am a stage IV melanoma with metastasis in the brain cancer survivor.
I fought the disease for ten years and had ten surgeries including four craniotomies. Pharmaceuticals nearly destroyed my body, so I took a leap of faith and went the natural holistic route to heal, and here I am, in my twelfth year, free of cancer.
Seven years ago, I took another leap of faith and transitioned from being a Chief Technology Officer to working in Health and Wellness. I work with people who are dealing with cancer or the threat of it, helping them transform their health and vitality.
I became a Holistic Health Coach, a Holistic Master of Transformational Coaching, a Functional Nutritionist, a Professional Speaker, a Rapid Transformation Therapist practitioner, a Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master—all of these to provide more value for my clients.
“I now see my survival experience as a blessing because God gave me a chance to sing the song I was born to sing, which is helping people live in wellness and purposely.”
I became an Amazon best-selling author for my book Beating the Odds – “My Journey Through Holistic Health to Overcome Advanced Cancer."
As an athlete, I played NCAA DIV 1 Tennis for New Mexico State University, enjoy competing in 10K and Half-Marathon races, and am an advocate piano player and music lover.

Social Links:
1) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heali...
2) Instagram: @coach.georges
3) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georg...
4) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georges-córdoba-768834275)
Website: https://www.qualevita.com/**

This week, I also invited my colleagues Ann Smets and Dr Michelle Greenwell to talk more about our unique healing collaboration project we call 'AME For Greatness'

Today, we're diving into the "AME for Greatness Project," a groundbreaking collaborative effort that blends diverse healing techniques to help individuals transform from illness to wellness. This podcast hosts the three practitioners behind the AME project: Dr Michelle Greenwell, Ann Smets, and host, einav avni.
Each brings their unique expertise to the table—Michelle emphasises the power of maintaining a high-frequency lifestyle, Ann focuses on bioenergetics and muscle testing, and einav specialises in alignment and energy healing.
We'll explore the essence of their holistic approaches, delving into the importance of investing in overall wellness, the transformative potential of energy work, and the significance of shifting mindsets for lasting change. Whether you're dealing with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or just feeling stuck in life, this episode offers invaluable insights into achieving personal empowerment and well-being.
Plus, don't miss out on upcoming events like the free webinar on October 20th and the new phase of their transformational program, designed to foster community healing and personal growth.

TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR ON OCTOBER 20TH: https://untangledhealing.newzenler.co...

More about the AME For Wellness Project:
A.M.E for Greatness is a unique project combining the experience, skills and expertise of three different practitioners, working together (yet separately) with individuals to heal or reduce their chronic conditions.

This project came from the understanding that sometimes collaboration of methods and approaches can be more beneficial for the person than having just one practitioner using just one kind of healing modality.

The project saw its initial beta phase starting earlier in the year with 5 individuals experiencing deep and transformative experiences. See some of the testimonials, below.

Phase 2 is now opening its gates to the public, and if you are someone who's been on a healing journey for a while with not much success, this might be for you.

What's included?

9 sessions (3 sessions with each practitioner)
3 practitioners
Once-monthly group sessions (meditation, movement, connections)
Online access to lessons, motivations, hints and tips
Accountability and intentions
And more...

More about Michelle:
Michelle gets to the heart of your goals and aspirations. She aligns your vision using whole-body movement activities and energy activators that you can use daily.
1) https://greenwellcenter.com/

More about Ann:
highly experienced Intuitive Energy Healer and Transformational Coach, using various techniques based on Traditional Chinese Healing Methods.
1) www.balanns.me

More about einav:
combines the Emotion Code, Body Code and Belief Code with Alignment Coaching to help people suffering from chronic issues to heal or reduce their symptoms.
1) https://untangledhealing.com

**
You may also be interested in...

If you've been feeling like you'll never find the right healing path for you, then this webinar might be just the thing for you!

Come and sample this approach previous participants titled 'profound', 'no brainer' and 'a must for anyone struggling with physical, mental or emotional conditions'

In the webinar you'll be able to witness and even try our methods for yourself, ask questions relevant to your specific situation, and connect with others going through similar journeys. (Please note though, that this is a 1:1 approach with a community element, not a group thing)
*
Find out more and register here. Please invite anyone you think may benefit to join, too!

Link to register: https://untangledhealing.newzenler.com/live-webinar/ame-for-greatness-project-live-webinar/register (or click on the image)

Dottie's Tip Of The Week

You can't see too well from this picture, but my HUUMMAAAN mummy helped me find the place I feel safe most - tucked away under her desk while she sits doing her studies (for the readers' benefit - this is not the person writing this on my behalf).
When you notice you are unregulated and in high stress, find a place (under the desk is good) and chill there until you find your rhythm again. There is no shame in looking after yourself. Please take a moment for yourself too!

Best Client's Quote This Week

People sometimes make a decision about what is possible to heal and what isn't way before we even speak!
Here is a quote to help remind you that there are no limits to the healing we can do!

I've worked with people to help them heal all sorts of medical conditions - mostly ones the doctors couldn't find drug-free solutions for. Examples?
- Fibromyalgia
- Psoriasis
- Enlarged Prostate
- Brain fog
- Cancer
- Colitis
- Chronic headaches /migraines
- Chronic back, neck shoulder pains
- Eczema
- Neuropathy
- IBS
- Sleep problems
- Thyroid problems
- Chronic Fatigue
- Long Covid
- Vertigo
- and so many more

To chat about your own conditions and how my methods can help, please book a chat using the link below: https://calendly.com/einav-4/c...

einav x