In private EMM sessions and group classes, one is guided through a process that results in
multiple benefits.
Healthier ways of responding to stress, and greater resiliency in stressful situations
Many of us habitually “run” when we are stressed. This leads to a vast array of avoidance behaviors. Many of us habitually “fight” when we are stressed. We get angry and then lash out at others, or turn the anger inward. Many of us habitually “freeze” when stressed. We feel helpless to take action on our behalf which then leads to a sense of hopelessness. In EMM, we transform these habitual responses to stress into spontaneous self-regulation and resiliency.
A more complete and expanded self-image
The image of ourselves in our brains is limited and distorted. Nonetheless, we behave according to this self-image. I am not speaking of the self-image that we see when we look in the mirror (although that might also be distorted). What I am referring to instead, is our subconscious self-image (the image that we have of ourselves that we don’t even know we have). So part of the EMM process involves completing and expanding this internal self-image. In the process, our behavioral repertoire expands and we increase the potential for more spontaneous behavior.
A transformation of one's habitual coping mechanisms
The basic premise here is that we learned “how to survive”, “how to cope in the physical world”, at a time when we were absolutely dependent (both physically and emotionally) on specific caretakers. We are no longer absolutely dependent in this way, but we often continue to behave as if we are. Therefore, we need to become aware of these habitual coping mechanisms, and transform them into something more appropriate and healthier for our adult, mature, self.
A greater sense of freedom and choice, more varied and spontaneous self-expression, and greater sense of connection to self and others
It is our habitual responses to stress, our limited self-image, and our habitual coping mechanisms, that limits our freedom and choice, that limits our self-expression, and that gets in the way of our ability to connect more deeply with ourselves and with others. So, as we transform our habitual responses to stress, as we expand our self-image, and as we transform our habitual coping mechanisms, the organic result is greater freedom and choice, more varied and spontaneous self expression, and a greater sense of connection to self and to others.
A reduction and, in some cases, elimination of chronic pain conditions as well as other stress-related conditions
Examples of other stress-related conditions include autoimmune syndromes, endocrine problems, anxiety/panic attacks, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems (including asthma), and environmental sensitivities.
An enhanced ability to maintain emotional balance, even in a moment of upset or even in the midst of ongoing difficult circumstances
Emotional balance is defined here as not reacting in an overly-dramatic manner, nor muting one’s emotional response and “shutting down”.
An increased ability to tolerate difficult and intense emotional states
(e.g., fear, grief, or anger) One learns to tolerate these difficult states rather than:
- “Acting out” or “acting in” (e.g., if the emotion is anger, lashing out at another or turning anger inward in the form of self-judgment).
- Subconsciously constricting and becoming symptomatic later (for example, getting a headache later in the day, or ending up with a chronic pain condition).
- Dissociating.
- Denying one’s emotions.
Enhanced emotional resilience
(i.e., an enhanced ability to regain emotional balance more quickly, even after emotionally overwhelming events)
An enhanced ability to pause before you act
So that you consciously respond to stimuli rather than react in a habitual manner
Enhanced self-awareness
On various levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual
A greater awareness of one's subconscious mind and how one's subconscious mind is influencing one's behaviors
(Usually nor in a very productive or desirable way)
A deepening of self-understanding
… which in turn leads not only to an increase in compassion and empathy for both one’s self and others, but also to more intimate and meaningful relationships