Compassion: A Different Way of Being With Ourselves and Others

It comes in different forms, acute pain, physical pain, emotional pain, chronic pain. It carries different messages, something is physically wrong with you, this demands your immediate attention, something else is wrong, you need to listen up or change or maybe accept and feel it as in grief. It can be your friend or your worst enemy. It can wear you down over time and take away your joy of living. It can have a simple explanation, you have broken a bone, it can defy all the medical tests and refuse to say why you have it. It can be a real mystery. Fibromyalgia is an example of this but it can also be just one area in the body for no apparent reason or pain that comes and goes or you feel it in one area of your body and later in another area. Have you been told that your back pain is caused by a degenerated or herniated disk or a scoliosis and yet there are many cases of people who have these conditions but do not have pain. I was told by a chiropractor that I would always have back pain from a degenerated disk and a scoliosis but apart from muscular pain if I overwork muscles that aren’t toned, I have not had any back pain for more than five years. What is going on? The answer lies in the interaction between our brain, specifically what we call the limbic or mid brain and our body. That part of the brain operates “under the radar” of our conscious mind. It performs many functions but an important one is to protect us and ensure our survival but it doesn’t have reasoning ability like our frontal cortex, so it doesn’t always get this right. When we injure ourselves the body sends a message to this part of our brain and it responds by sending a pain signal so we can get help. When something is not right in other ways, say we have unresolved emotional trauma from our childhood or our adult life or we have some conflict going on in our psychology that needs to be resolved parts of the limbic brain will send pain messages that present as physical pain in an effort to ensure our physical or emotional survival. If we don’t respond to those pain messages because we don’t get what they are connected to then the brain will continue to send the messages. Over time a neural pathway is developed and it becomes the path of least resistance, like driving on a dirt road where previous cars have worn a path for their tires. What can we do? In his groundbreaking book, Heal your back pain, Dr John Sarno taught that often just being aware of this neural habit and recognizing that there isn’t anything physically wrong, accepting that it is just our brain trying to protect us and switching our attention to something else can with some time form a new neural pathway that doesn’t have physical pain as its destination. That isn’t always the case and then it can still be resolved by addressing the trauma or conflict that we hold in our body and our subconscious mind. Kinesiology can be a very helpful tool for, with the aid of a practitioner, tapping into our subconscious mind and our body and understanding the emotions and beliefs that have been generated by traumatic experiences. They know what this is about. Modalities like Havening that I facilitate can also help to process and let go of these emotions so there is no longer a need for the pain signal. Energeticsbyrob.com.au

When you’re sensitive, you pick up on things others might miss. The subtle changes in someone’s tone, the energy in a room, the beauty in the little details. When the world is offering up joy or connection, we feel it deeply and it’s wonderful. But there’s a flip side too. When something negative happens, when someone says something hurtful or dismissive, we feel that deeply as well. We might want to block it out, push it down, pretend it didn’t affect us… but it lingers. Sensitivity means we carry things, sometimes long after they’ve passed. So What Can We Do? For me, the answer is this: feel into the pain, honour it, and then consciously choose to let it go. It’s a practice. Not something that happens overnight, but something we return to again and again. Over time, the energy starts to shift. It softens. Many of us have learned to put up walls to protect ourselves. But those walls don’t really stop the hurt. Instead, they limit our freedom. They disconnect us from others, block our natural flow, and leave us feeling confused or out of alignment. It’s also helpful to remember that sometimes, it’s not even about us. Often, it’s their pain being projected onto us. Can you see that? Can you hold compassion for them, even just a little? Can you recognise their struggle? In Buddhist teachings, there’s a practice called Metta, which means loving kindness. When I feel stuck, I send loving kindness to the person or the situation. I imagine that energy going out, softening what felt heavy or stuck. And if you’re finding it difficult to move through it, you're not alone. Sometimes old energy gets lodged deep, especially if it comes from early life experiences. If that feels familiar, come and see me. We can work together to gently clear what’s no longer serving you and create space for something lighter to come in.

Reiki, established by Mikao Usui in Japan during the 1920s, is a widely recognised energy-healing practice. It involves identifying and clearing energy blockages by channelling universal energy, promoting balance and harmony in the body and mind. While not formally acknowledged by Western medicine, many have found Reiki helpful for improving their overall well-being. If you’re searching for alternatives to Reiki in Brisbane, there are several powerful energy-healing modalities to explore. Each offers unique approaches to addressing energy imbalances and supporting emotional and physical health: 1. Havening Techniques Havening is an innovative technique designed to release emotional connections to traumatic memories stored in the brain’s amygdala. Through gentle touch and specific protocols, it helps soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote emotional resilience. Havening is particularly effective for letting go of past experiences that continue to impact your well-being. 2. Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) TRE is a simple yet effective set of exercises that activate the body’s natural tremoring mechanism to release tension, stress, and trauma. This process, used by mammals in nature, is a safe way to downregulate the nervous system and restore a sense of calm. Many people find that TRE helps them move from feeling overwhelmed to experiencing balance and control in their lives. 3. Kinesiology Kinesiology is a holistic modality that uses muscle testing to access the subconscious mind, uncovering hidden causes of emotional, physical, or energetic blockages. By addressing these underlying issues, kinesiology helps to align the conscious and subconscious mind, facilitating deep and lasting healing. 4. Other Energy-Healing Modalities In addition to these techniques, there are other energy-based approaches that focus on releasing stuck energy and enhancing overall well-being. These modalities are tailored to meet individual needs, addressing a range of challenges to help you achieve balance and harmony. If you’re exploring energy-healing options in Brisbane, these modalities provide alternative paths to wellness, each with its own unique benefits. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, resolving trauma, or simply aiming to feel more balanced, these approaches can support you on your journey. If any of these resonate with you, I’d love to help you work towards a more balanced, calm, and fulfilling life experience. Let’s take the first step together.

Havening is a science-backed somatic process that addresses trauma embedded in our nervous system. These deeply ingrained experiences often manifest as stress and difficulties in our daily lives. Havening can help not only to resolve past traumas but also to manage challenging events as they arise in the present. Furthermore, it can positively influence our future by reinforcing affirmations aligned with the life we desire or the person we aspire to be. Developed by Dr Ron Ruden, Havening is the product of years of research into the connection between the brain and body in healing trauma. Dr Ruden was inspired by energy healers who achieved significant results despite lacking scientific explanation. He embarked on neurological research to uncover how somatic techniques—methods involving the body—could facilitate healing from trauma. His findings revealed a process that effectively clears the emotional charge of traumatic memories stored in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing fear, anger, and other emotions. After a Havening session, individuals typically still remember the traumatic event, but the associated emotions—fear, anger, or shame—are neutralised. This allows people to move forward without the weight of these unresolved feelings affecting their current lives. The Science Behind Havening Havening works by leveraging the brain’s neuroplasticity, or its ability to rewire itself based on new experiences and stimuli. When a traumatic event occurs, the amygdala encodes emotional and sensory details, often attaching intense feelings to the memory. These feelings can resurface when triggered, creating stress and impeding daily life. The Havening process uses gentle touch combined with focused attention to signal safety to the brain. This disrupts the link between the traumatic memory and its emotional response, effectively "deactivating" the amygdala's reaction. As a result, individuals experience relief from the emotional pain tied to past events. Havening has been validated through thousands of case studies, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing traumatic memories, reducing anxiety, and fostering emotional resilience. How Havening Can Be Used Havening has diverse applications and can support healing and growth in several ways: Healing Past Traumas Many people carry the emotional scars of past events, whether from childhood, relationships, or major life upheavals. Havening helps process and clear the emotional pain attached to these memories, creating space for greater peace and freedom. Managing Current Challenges Life often throws unexpected challenges our way. Havening provides a way to address these situations as they arise, preventing them from becoming ongoing stressors. Shaping a Positive Future Beyond resolving trauma, Havening can help reinforce positive affirmations and intentions. By aligning your nervous system with your aspirations, you can cultivate resilience and confidence as you work towards your goals. Three Ways to Practise Havening There are three main ways to practise Havening, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for different needs: Practitioner-Led Havening In this method, a certified practitioner performs Havening directly on the client. This allows the client to fully relax while the practitioner guides the process for maximum effectiveness. Guided Self-Havening In this approach, the practitioner teaches the client to perform Havening on themselves during a session. This method empowers clients to take an active role in their healing journey. Self-Havening at Home After learning the technique, clients can practise Havening on their own at home. This makes it a valuable tool for ongoing self-care and stress management. Each method is designed to suit individual preferences and situations, making Havening a versatile and accessible process. Transform Your Life with Havening If you’re feeling stuck, weighed down by past experiences, or struggling to move forward, Havening offers a powerful pathway to healing and transformation. By addressing unresolved emotions that hinder progress, this technique can help you experience life with greater clarity, calm, and purpose. Working with a certified practitioner ensures you receive personalised guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. You’ll also gain the tools to practise Havening yourself, empowering you to continue the work independently and make it part of your daily routine. Ready to Start Your Havening Journey? If you’re ready to let go of past traumas, overcome current challenges, or create a brighter future, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll work to enhance the quality of your life experience, helping you feel more aligned, confident, and empowered. I can guide you through the Havening process and teach you how to integrate it into your everyday life for long-term benefits. Whether you’re seeking healing, growth, or both, Havening is a science-backed solution to help you thrive. Let’s begin this journey together. Contact me today to explore how Havening can transform your life.

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