The Hypnotist - "Been There...Done That..."
My personal transformation began with "The Battle of the Bulge."
(Scroll down to see my "before" picture)
Evaleen M. Ziemba
NGH Certified (National Guild of Hypnotists)
Master of Science (Canisius College, Buffalo, NY)
Bachelor of Arts - (Canisius College, Buffalo, NY)
The Battle Begins
Working as an educator for over 20 years, I understand how one's perceptions affect one's world, and how subconscious patterns we set up for ourselves truly impacts our lives. This realization was most powerful when I packed on extra weight quickly (within a few short years), and my world changed as a result. I was now self-conscious; I had no energy; I felt trapped in my own body. I tried weight-loss plans, but they always delivered a short-term fix. Once the initial momentum of my "new program" ended, I was back to my old ways. I am certain many of you can identify with this.
Finds Hypnosis - A Skeptic at Heart
In desperation, I decided to seek out a hypnotist; I attended a group session at a local hotel. The hypnotist used aversion therapy, which required me to think of one thing I want to eliminate from my diet (chocolate) and associate it with something vile. It is funny, I remember going into it as a true skeptic, with images of people in zombie-like trances in my head, but I wanted it. I was desperate for change; I couldn't take another day of that painful/life-limiting fat, so I endured, despite my initial fears and doubts.
Hypnosis Works!
Much to my surprise...and disappointment...I was completely aware of everything around me, hearing people coughing, hearing the door open and close a few times, etc. I do remember thinking, "This isn't working..." It is probably pretty obvious to you too that at that time, "quieting my mind" was not something that happened easily for me. However, still desperate for change, I ignored my concerns and distracted mind, and I always went back to the hypnotist's voice, making a strong effort to vividly picture the images he was describing, somehow knowing that the "magic" was in those images. Needless to say, my eyes never swirled like I thought they would; no transformation remotely resembling a zombie-like behavior took place. I never fell into a deep sleep. However, after the session was over, it was clear hypnosis did work; I no longer had the desire to devour chocolate! I was amazed!!!! I immediately became a believer in the power of hypnosis! I knew that despite the distractions, I still stayed with the hypnotist's voice, and I found success!
...BUT...
What I failed to realize is that one session was not the answer for me. True, I no longer wanted chocolate, and I initially lost 20 lbs as a result, but soon, I found myself replacing my chocolate addiction with a baked-good addiction. Why? The group session failed to look at the patterns and beliefs I had about myself in my life. Truly, over eating isn't just about the food. It is about how we deal with stress and other issues in our world.
When the hypnotist was back in town, I went back to another session; even though I didn't feel the need to secure my purse this time, the session sadly did not work. The hypnotist this time was trying to get her clients to avoid fast-food restaurants, well, as a vegetarian, I did not visit fast-food restaurants, and I couldn't relate to the images she was suggesting, as hard as I tried. That is the pitfall of a group setting...it is not tailored to each individual client, and I learned my lesson. Thankfully YOU too will benefit from the lesson learned. Each session must be uniquely tailored to the client...the client should not have to adapt to the session.
Finding My Own "Magic" Within
I then decided to explore hypnosis on my own...I wanted to figure out exactly how it works and apply it to my life. So my study began, and the pounds continued dropping off...all 45 of them. I became officially certified through the National Guild of Hypnotists, and all was fine…until a short time ago…
A Bump in the Road
Something strange begin happening to my body, seemingly random “issues” kept popping up. Despite working out on a regular basis and eating proclaimed healthy foods in correct portions, I was beginning to put on weight again! I was frequently cold, even in 70 degree temperatures. I developed allergies, which I never had before. I also developed migraine headaches, and they were intensifying each time I had one. Additionally, I was always so tired; coffee just wasn’t cutting it anymore, and my stomach was frequently upset and feeling bloated. My skin was breaking out in rashes; I was getting night sweats and nightmares; I was even experiencing mood swings. What was going on? Blood work determined I had a low functioning thyroid. On a seemingly unrelated note, I was also diagnosed with having mild cataracts…all this at the tender age of 42!
Even after being on medication for my thyroid for a year, I still felt like I was falling apart. I wondered how I could possibly help my clients if I myself couldn’t seem to help myself from putting on weight and feeling miserable. I went back to the doctor several times about these lingering health issues; each time I was told it must be related to my thyroid or my hormones; perimenopause is a term that I frequently heard. All I was experiencing was supposed to be “typical” symptoms of the aging process. Well, I refused to believe those theories. Deep inside I knew there had to be something more going on. So, I sought the help of a functional medicine doctor, someone who looks closely at all the symptoms and strives to trace them all back to the initial source.
A Plan of Action
After I met with my new doctor, and tests were performed, it was determined that all of my issues were connected to the food I was eating! I was shocked! I thought I was eating healthy foods like soy products and cereals marketed as being protein fortified, healthy, and made with “natural products.” It turns out, these foods were wreaking havoc on my system, causing many issues within my “gut.” I learned just how much of an impact the health of one’s gut has on one’s entire body, affecting so much more than I would have ever guessed. I learned about the “healthy” foods I was consuming, and I realized how much the food industry tricked me into buying into their claims. Yep, the hypnotist was hypnotized by “big food!” My “healthy” foods were made with genetically modified foods (GMO’s), foods that are essentially made with pesticides. (Did you ever hear of Agent Orange? Well, the same company that invented that chemical is also responsible for creating the foods I was consuming on a regular basis.) No wonder I was experiencing problems! I shudder to think what the outcome would have been if I ignored my body’s warning signs.
I was put on an “elimination diet,” which allows consumption of foods that are considered “safe” for most people. I had to completely eliminate eating eggs, dairy, corn, soy, onions, and wheat. If any of those ingredients show up on the ingredient list, it was not an option for me. In time, I was able to slowly able to add each food back into my diet – one at a time – and listen to my body’s response to it. If my body experienced any adverse reactions to the newly added food, I had to remove it from my diet once again. If I had no reaction, I could keep it in my diet. (I still stay completely away from GMO’s.)
A Blessing in Disguise
Needless to say, it was a struggle shifting my eating habits and finding new recipes and foods I could eat, but it allowed me to again recall what it feels like to walk away from “habit food” that is causing one’s body harm, which helps me better identify with my clients’ experiences. It also allowed me to further research food and the effects it has on the body, especially the effects of genetically modified organisms and wheat. I learned so much!
It also created wonderful changes in my body. Even though I no longer consume caffeine, I now have more energy than I could ever remember having in my life. Headaches are now a thing of the past; I am not freezing cold and impossibly tired every second of the day. My allergies have completely disappeared. I am sleeping well, and my general outlook on life has improved. Finally, my weight went back to normal, and all of my clothes fit comfortably once again. Following the new eating plan for only two months, I lost the 12 pounds I gained, losing 3% body fat and gaining 3% muscle! Gaining muscle at 42? Losing belly fat at 42 instead of gaining? Yes, it can be done! You do not have to believe what the media and others tell us is typical of the aging process.
Transformation Complete!
So, I went from an overweight, self-conscious teacher to a happy, confident and informed teacher and hypnotist. I experienced a “bump in the road” in the process, but I am grateful for that experience. It has provided much wonderful insight to help my clients with their personal transformations.
NGH Certified (National Guild of Hypnotists)
Master of Science (Canisius College, Buffalo, NY)
Bachelor of Arts - (Canisius College, Buffalo, NY)
The Battle Begins
Working as an educator for over 20 years, I understand how one's perceptions affect one's world, and how subconscious patterns we set up for ourselves truly impacts our lives. This realization was most powerful when I packed on extra weight quickly (within a few short years), and my world changed as a result. I was now self-conscious; I had no energy; I felt trapped in my own body. I tried weight-loss plans, but they always delivered a short-term fix. Once the initial momentum of my "new program" ended, I was back to my old ways. I am certain many of you can identify with this.
Finds Hypnosis - A Skeptic at Heart
In desperation, I decided to seek out a hypnotist; I attended a group session at a local hotel. The hypnotist used aversion therapy, which required me to think of one thing I want to eliminate from my diet (chocolate) and associate it with something vile. It is funny, I remember going into it as a true skeptic, with images of people in zombie-like trances in my head, but I wanted it. I was desperate for change; I couldn't take another day of that painful/life-limiting fat, so I endured, despite my initial fears and doubts.
Hypnosis Works!
Much to my surprise...and disappointment...I was completely aware of everything around me, hearing people coughing, hearing the door open and close a few times, etc. I do remember thinking, "This isn't working..." It is probably pretty obvious to you too that at that time, "quieting my mind" was not something that happened easily for me. However, still desperate for change, I ignored my concerns and distracted mind, and I always went back to the hypnotist's voice, making a strong effort to vividly picture the images he was describing, somehow knowing that the "magic" was in those images. Needless to say, my eyes never swirled like I thought they would; no transformation remotely resembling a zombie-like behavior took place. I never fell into a deep sleep. However, after the session was over, it was clear hypnosis did work; I no longer had the desire to devour chocolate! I was amazed!!!! I immediately became a believer in the power of hypnosis! I knew that despite the distractions, I still stayed with the hypnotist's voice, and I found success!
...BUT...
What I failed to realize is that one session was not the answer for me. True, I no longer wanted chocolate, and I initially lost 20 lbs as a result, but soon, I found myself replacing my chocolate addiction with a baked-good addiction. Why? The group session failed to look at the patterns and beliefs I had about myself in my life. Truly, over eating isn't just about the food. It is about how we deal with stress and other issues in our world.
When the hypnotist was back in town, I went back to another session; even though I didn't feel the need to secure my purse this time, the session sadly did not work. The hypnotist this time was trying to get her clients to avoid fast-food restaurants, well, as a vegetarian, I did not visit fast-food restaurants, and I couldn't relate to the images she was suggesting, as hard as I tried. That is the pitfall of a group setting...it is not tailored to each individual client, and I learned my lesson. Thankfully YOU too will benefit from the lesson learned. Each session must be uniquely tailored to the client...the client should not have to adapt to the session.
Finding My Own "Magic" Within
I then decided to explore hypnosis on my own...I wanted to figure out exactly how it works and apply it to my life. So my study began, and the pounds continued dropping off...all 45 of them. I became officially certified through the National Guild of Hypnotists, and all was fine…until a short time ago…
A Bump in the Road
Something strange begin happening to my body, seemingly random “issues” kept popping up. Despite working out on a regular basis and eating proclaimed healthy foods in correct portions, I was beginning to put on weight again! I was frequently cold, even in 70 degree temperatures. I developed allergies, which I never had before. I also developed migraine headaches, and they were intensifying each time I had one. Additionally, I was always so tired; coffee just wasn’t cutting it anymore, and my stomach was frequently upset and feeling bloated. My skin was breaking out in rashes; I was getting night sweats and nightmares; I was even experiencing mood swings. What was going on? Blood work determined I had a low functioning thyroid. On a seemingly unrelated note, I was also diagnosed with having mild cataracts…all this at the tender age of 42!
Even after being on medication for my thyroid for a year, I still felt like I was falling apart. I wondered how I could possibly help my clients if I myself couldn’t seem to help myself from putting on weight and feeling miserable. I went back to the doctor several times about these lingering health issues; each time I was told it must be related to my thyroid or my hormones; perimenopause is a term that I frequently heard. All I was experiencing was supposed to be “typical” symptoms of the aging process. Well, I refused to believe those theories. Deep inside I knew there had to be something more going on. So, I sought the help of a functional medicine doctor, someone who looks closely at all the symptoms and strives to trace them all back to the initial source.
A Plan of Action
After I met with my new doctor, and tests were performed, it was determined that all of my issues were connected to the food I was eating! I was shocked! I thought I was eating healthy foods like soy products and cereals marketed as being protein fortified, healthy, and made with “natural products.” It turns out, these foods were wreaking havoc on my system, causing many issues within my “gut.” I learned just how much of an impact the health of one’s gut has on one’s entire body, affecting so much more than I would have ever guessed. I learned about the “healthy” foods I was consuming, and I realized how much the food industry tricked me into buying into their claims. Yep, the hypnotist was hypnotized by “big food!” My “healthy” foods were made with genetically modified foods (GMO’s), foods that are essentially made with pesticides. (Did you ever hear of Agent Orange? Well, the same company that invented that chemical is also responsible for creating the foods I was consuming on a regular basis.) No wonder I was experiencing problems! I shudder to think what the outcome would have been if I ignored my body’s warning signs.
I was put on an “elimination diet,” which allows consumption of foods that are considered “safe” for most people. I had to completely eliminate eating eggs, dairy, corn, soy, onions, and wheat. If any of those ingredients show up on the ingredient list, it was not an option for me. In time, I was able to slowly able to add each food back into my diet – one at a time – and listen to my body’s response to it. If my body experienced any adverse reactions to the newly added food, I had to remove it from my diet once again. If I had no reaction, I could keep it in my diet. (I still stay completely away from GMO’s.)
A Blessing in Disguise
Needless to say, it was a struggle shifting my eating habits and finding new recipes and foods I could eat, but it allowed me to again recall what it feels like to walk away from “habit food” that is causing one’s body harm, which helps me better identify with my clients’ experiences. It also allowed me to further research food and the effects it has on the body, especially the effects of genetically modified organisms and wheat. I learned so much!
It also created wonderful changes in my body. Even though I no longer consume caffeine, I now have more energy than I could ever remember having in my life. Headaches are now a thing of the past; I am not freezing cold and impossibly tired every second of the day. My allergies have completely disappeared. I am sleeping well, and my general outlook on life has improved. Finally, my weight went back to normal, and all of my clothes fit comfortably once again. Following the new eating plan for only two months, I lost the 12 pounds I gained, losing 3% body fat and gaining 3% muscle! Gaining muscle at 42? Losing belly fat at 42 instead of gaining? Yes, it can be done! You do not have to believe what the media and others tell us is typical of the aging process.
Transformation Complete!
So, I went from an overweight, self-conscious teacher to a happy, confident and informed teacher and hypnotist. I experienced a “bump in the road” in the process, but I am grateful for that experience. It has provided much wonderful insight to help my clients with their personal transformations.
No Looking Back
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I look at this picture of me from 11 years ago, and I almost don't even know who this person is anymore.
I do vividly remember how I felt; I will never forget that pain. I especially remember how embarrassed I was at how I slowly did this to myself, and I always remember trying to hide myself from the world, so I would usually cloak myself in black and try blending into the background whenever I could, a spectator in life...no longer participating. . The breaking point began when I became quite winded one day while walking up a short hill; I was starting to realize just how much my own body was limiting me from living a full life. Soon after, both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer; my mom already had type 2 diabetes; I then realized I HAVE to do whatever I can to take care of myself. I truly gained a new understanding of how precious life is; I will never take it for granted again! Hypnosis helped me get my life back...in so many ways! I truly look forward to helping you on your journey to a better you...a transformed you. |