Recently I have been using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on myself for old deep-seated performance anxiety based on being a very good musician in a very competitive environment thirty-five years ago. Because I am playing flute in a local musical performance which very much highlights my solo playing abilities without anybody to “hide” behind, I decided that it was time to rid myself of the extra stress caused by this old anxiety. (For more information about this case go to: http://www.alchemistanne.com.)
On the day of the dress rehearsal for playing a local musical I did a few rounds of the typical EFT tapping protocol using various affirmations. The entire week was a very busy week with nightly rehearsals, daily business deadlines, and multiple meetings throughout, so there were definite signs of stress cracks for many reasons. Thursday’s dress rehearsal went well. I was relaxed and enjoyed the performance. On Friday I had a very busy day in the office with multiple deadlines. I felt so stressed that I thought I might burst. Just too much… and, the tapping from the day before just didn’t seem to be working very well. As the opening night performance got closer I got more nervous. Hmm. What was going on here?
Friday night all of the musicians and actors were on edge. (The play I Do! I Do! is a fun musical about the changing stages of a marriage, and it calls for just the husband and wife as actors. The musical score calls for two pianos and orchestra, so I played multiple orchestra parts on flute with the two pianists.) Was it the fact that we were all exhausted from a long week of work and rehearsals, or was it the fact that the entire performance depended on so few of us to perform non-stop for the entire play? Opening night came and went. The audience loved us even though we all could have done a better job.
I awoke on Saturday after a good night's sleep and refused to go near my office. My focus was on relaxing and allowing the EFT tapping to work. I took a long walk in the woods and just “chilled out”. I ate good food and thought about how easily I could play the music if the nervous emotional “static” were removed. My intention was to really ENJOY the process without stress or worry.
The next two weekend performances were totally different from opening night. The clearing had kicked in. I was relaxed. The music and camaradarie with the actors and other musicians was fun. The audience loved us, and we all loved the process. The music seemed much easier for me, and I truly believe it was because I had finally cleared the old emotional baggage I had been carrying about being judged when I played solos. I really didn’t feel criticized or judged, and didn’t feel the audience out there - I just played to hear how beautifully I could play as I followed the actors’ voices. This is how it is supposed to feel!!
As a practitioner, teacher, and facilitator of Emotional Freedom Technique I know the merits of modeling its use in my own life. As I clear myself of all old baggage and issues I will be able to help others clear theirs more effectively!
If you have interest in learning about Emotional Freedom Technique I am offering a Free Introductory Call next Wednesday, March 3, at 4:00 p.m. EST. To register for the free call and receive the call-in information you can go to this link: http://www.arielagroup.com/TAPshopintroreg/html.
First, I wanted to thank you for sharing that...I too had a great deal of anxiety/phobia of playing in front of people. I play the Native American flute myself. Before I knew about EFT I could not even play in front of my wife. Now, that is what I call real anxiety. I went to theropist and tried many things to get over this but nothing worked, if anything, it made it worse. I found out about EFT and this is the only thing that worked. I love playing the flute now, especially for my wife.
Also, I had anxiety around the golf course, driving range, or just whenever in the public eye, sorta speak. But this too is going away, just today, I tested myself at the golf range. I had set myself up so that people would notice me, which I thought would pressure me, but it wasn't there. The pressure was gone and I hit balls just like the pros. I even saw some of their jaws drop when I hit the pin at 130 yards, calling out each shot, stopping the ball 3-5 feet from the flag at 160 yards....and more. Some even thought I was there to teach the game of golf and you know what, I did just that. I never said I wasn't a golf instructor but as the evening grew, I helped at least 5 people improve their game. EFT4ME Always
Joe
To Freedom,
Joe Oliver, EFT-ADV Professional
www.MTTProfessional.com
Co-Founder of www.MTTProNetwork.
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