July 3, 2011 by Cathy Vartuli

Waiting For A Diagnosis… So Hard To Be Calm

Waiting For A Diagnosis... So Hard To Be Calm 1My doctors think I may have cancer. I’m waiting for the test results. I’m terrified and very anxious. Can I use EFT to help? –Lorraine

It’s so hard to wait, Lorraine.  We’re sorry.

When we are confronted with that anticipation of something that can effect our lives in a profound way, there is often intense anxiety and fear. Our primitive brain scurries around desperately, trying to find a safe way out, even though there isn’t enough data to make a decision yet. We are all geared up… with no place to go.

Tapping can sooth and help us remain as calm as possible.

Karate Chop: Even though my brain is racing and my heart is pounding, and I have several days to wait, I ask for moments of calm clarity, and I let my primitive brain know its okay to relax right now and save our strength.

Even though it seems impossible to relax, my system is geared for a life and death struggle (and I don’t even know what I’m fighting yet if anything!), I ask Source to bring me peace and gentle support to help me through.

Even though I am terrified, and this anxiety is tearing me up, I have so long to wait and I don’t yet have enough information to go on, I bring my attention back to NOW and relax each breath.

Top of the Head: How can I be calm?
Eyebrow: I am terrified.
Side of the Eye: I’m scared I might die.
Under the Eye: I’m afraid this will hurt.
Under the Nose: How can I plan for the future…
Chin: When my whole life is torn up?
Collarbone: I am tired and terrified…
Under the Arm: All at the same time.

Top of the Head: This is too big.
Eyebrow: It’s bigger than me.
Side of the Eye: And there isn’t much I can do but tap and pray.
Under the Eye: I ask the Universe to fill me with peace.
Under the Nose: To bring quiet to my heart.
Chin: To help me bear this now.
Collarbone: I don’t know what the results will be…
Under the Arm: But I can learn to love and accept myself no matter what.

Top of the Head: I want to think my way out of this.
Eyebrow: I want to claw and tear my way out of this.
Side of the Eye: I want to run and hide!
Under the Eye: Since none of those will work…
Under the Nose: I choose calm quiet.
Chin: Maybe I’ll only have moments of that,
Collarbone: And that’s the best I can do.
Under the Arm: That’s okay.
Top of the Head: I invite peace and love into my heart… right here, right now.

Take a deep breath.

How does that feel?

Humans often find anticipation worse than having something to deal with. When we have an action, we can focus and move forward. Learning to be still and quiet in moments like this is so very hard.

Waiting For A Diagnosis... So Hard To Be Calm 2Cathy adds: One thing that worked for me when I was waiting for information that could affect my life in a way that left me feeling powerless was to allow myself 30 seconds of calm, then 30 seconds of despair or whatever I was feeling.

I kept gently tapping as I felt drawn. I couldn’t stay in calm very long, but I sat and watched the second hand and listened to my heart beat. I reminded myself that in this exact moment in time, I was okay. Somehow, switching back and forth- not denying my feelings, but allowing them, then allowing quiet, helped me feel empowered. And after awhile, some of the intensity passed. I still hurt. I was still afraid. But I could breathe better. I hope this helps.

Whatever you do, remember to get support if that feels helpful. Sometimes we can withdraw in our fears. Having a caring ear to listen, shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold can make a tremendous difference. If you don’t feel like your friends and family can handle this, turn to clergy, a coach, therapist, or a group with strong caring members. You deserve it!

We’ll hold Good Thoughts for you.

  • Our primitive brain scurries around desperately, trying to find a safe way out, even though there isn’t enough data to make a decision yet. We are all geared up… with no place to go. Tapping can sooth and help us remain as calm as possible.

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