One of the advantages of journaling is that a journal doesn’t talk back. A journal patiently waits for whatever comes next. A journal doesn’t interrupt or distract us from our honest, heartfelt expression.
On the other hand a journal doesn’t really care. So, if we can find a friend with a caring heart and the patience of a journal, we open the door to healing.
The point here is that when someone really listens to us … patiently … we’re given the time to connect with ourselves in a meaningful way … and express the healing truth. When we know that we are really cared for and listened to, we shift gears neurologically, via the benefits provided by the Polyvagal Nervous System.
The old adage, ‘The truth will set you free’, has a neurological foundation. When we get in touch with what we really feel … especially the cloudy, fuzzy, and often not so pleasant felt truth of an issue, we actually create more order for ourselves neurologically.
Not only does speaking the truth diminish our emotional pain, but it helps to restore order to the nervous and subtle energy systems … resulting in fresh insights, new understanding, and better physical health.
This process was discovered during a study conducted at the University of Chicago in the 1960’s. It was observed that the individuals who were most likely to benefit from psychotherapy … were those who could allow their verbal communication to be an expression of what they directly sensed in their bodies.
This process was termed ‘Focusing’ and can be readily learned with a bit of practice. The original research showed that Focusing has a beneficial effect on brainwaves. My work with Heart Rate Variability measurements, confirms that Focusing has a balancing influence on the autonomic nervous system and ultimately on gene expression.
The key ingredient that allows for the flow of words to be healing has to do with … time. Taking time to allow the right words to come is the key. An equally essential ingredient is that the words express what we are experiencing directly in our body.
A patient, caring listener can really facilitate this powerful healing process.
Dr. Templin offers online courses and consultations, and sees patients personally in his office in Lakeland, Florida. You can learn more about his course Bio-Energetic Focusing: A Revolutionary Medical Model for Self-Healing! here.
Steven Templin, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, specializing in MindBody Medicine. He is a certified META-Medicine Health Coach and nationally certified acupuncturist. He shares the underlying science and more importantly, the practical tools for resolving the unconscious energetic and emotional roots of illness. In his online course Bio-Energetic Focusing: A Revolutionary Medical Model for Self-Healing! he provides training in Self-Regulation skills, that include Bio-Energetic Focusing, HeartMath and Energy Psychology techniques, Energy Medicine modalities, and Gastrointestinal repair for enhanced immunity, mood, and mental clarity. Dr. Templin is in private practice in Lakeland, Florida, at the Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland.
Steve is a retired Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and HeartMath Trauma-Sensitive Certified Practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience in Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, and Biofeedback.