Marilyn Devonish - Tranceformational Change Coach

Is Michelle Obama the Lady Diana of The White House?

Michelle Obama has apparently upset critics and fashionistas by flaunting bare arms in her first official White House photo.

Wearing a classic black dress and pearls, the First Lady of Fashion showed off well toned arms and her signature smile.

Her fashion philosophy is 'wear what you feel comfortable in'.  Already likened to Jackie O for her sense of personal style and ability to carry it off, I am more reminded of the late Lady Diana.

Diana caused ruffled feathers amongst the House of Windsor with her modern sense of style and penchant for sleeveless gowns and tops, figure hugging outfits and unconvential choice of colours and designers.

Given that both ladies are the face of a big House, I suspect this is a debate that will run and run throughout Obama's Presidency.

This is an exciting time for world politics, fashion, and the as yet undiscovered designers that Michelle Obama chooses to put firmly under the spotlight.  I had no idea that Steve Wonder's wife was a fashion designer but now the whole world knows after Michelle Obama wore one of her silk green dresses last week.

I think all we can say at this stage is "watch this space . . . . . . . . . . ."

Marilyn Devonish

Inspirational Speaker, TV Presenter, Freelance Writer, NLP Coach & Hypnotherapist

http://www.tranceformationslimited.com 

http://www.twitter.com/marilyndevonish 

Hypno Dieting the old new celebrity craze

Your Guide to Hypno Dieting by Hypnotherapist Marilyn Devonish

Lily Allen is looking good.  Much better than some of the pictures that have graced the press in more recent times, and it is said that she owes it all to Hypno-Dieting.  So, what is this new fangled therapy that is taking Hollywood and LA by storm?  It is, wait for it, dieting using hypnotherapy!!

Already a favourite amongst those of us in the Hypnosis, Time Line Therapy and NLP world, hypno dieting appears to be the new craze.  It uses a combination of past and future work to identify why people overeat and setting up new strategies for the future.

Many people feel that they are their own worst enemy and that their mind or sub conscious is working against them.

Hypno-Dieting In a Nutshell

Of course you would go into the process in more detail during a session, but below are some of the key steps involved in getting your mind and body to work together in achieving your health and slimming goals:

1. Identify your ideal size and weight.  
2. Visualise how  you want to look.  Think about how you want to feel. Imagine the clothes that you'll be wearing and how you will look and feel in them.  How will you be moving and carrying yourself etc.
3. Keep a record and note of what you eat so that you become conscious of the types of food and quantities.  Something that I do with my smoking cessation clients is to also get them to record what they were thinking, feeling and doing before, during and after their cigarette, so apply the same principles to food as this will help  you uncover any automatic triggers or emotional drivers.
4. Identify the underlying reasons for your overeating.  In Time Line Therapy terms we would call this the root cause.  What is it that causes you to eat and have things get out of control?
5. Get clear regarding your beliefs around food, your sense of self, how you look, and your sense of worth.  What you want to identify here are any limiting beliefs or negative emotions that might be sabotaging your progress.  For instance, if you ultimately don't believe you are worthy enough, why would you bother taking the time to eat healthily or really take care of yourself?
6. Set new programmes and patterns.  Once you've identified any patterns that might lead to self sabotage or unwanted behaviours resolve them.  This is where I would use a combination of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnosis to work with re-programming subconscious thoughts and creating new patterns, strategies and behaviours.
7. Change any negative associations.  Does the thought of exercising fill you with dread?  Does the sight of brocolli make you feel deprived or as though you are missing out?  Do you believe that you lack the willpower or motivation to really make lasting health changes?  This is a good place to do a sub modalities belief change and set a some physical anchors so that you start feeliing more positive and naturally energised when it comes to making changes.  EFT can also work well for breaking habitual cycles and patterns.

In addition, take it slowly and go for the little and often approach rather than attempting to do everything at once as this can simply lead you to a place of overwhelm.

For more information about the tools and techniques outlined in this post visit www.tranceformationslimited.com 

About Marilyn Devonish

Marilyn Devonish is Certified Trainer of Hypnosis, a Certified Trainer of NLP, a Life & Executive Coach, Certified Trainer of Time Line Therapy and a Huna and EFT Practitioner.  She has been working with one to one clients for the past 8 years and offers both face to face and telephone coaching sessions.  Marilyn is also a Media Expert with Psychologies Magazine and regularly speaks at shows and appears on TV and radio.

Web: http://www.tranceformationslimited.com 

E-mail: marilyn@tranceformationslimited.com 

Tel: +44 1923 337282

What makes a grown man cry? - Life Lessons from Formula One

Oh my goodness, the tension, the drama, the dissapointment, the jubilation, the dashed hopes, defeat snatched from the hands of victory, and then grabbed back again, and that was all in the final few laps!  Even if you are not a Formula One fan, there are still valuable lessons that can be learnt from the events that have been unfolding on our screens over the past 2 years.

Lewis Hamilton is the Formula One World Champion!  Lewis, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!  On the F1 circuit a mere 2 seasons, in his rookie year he was just pipped to the post despite being a regular on the podium but today he took the title.  So what can we learn from his 'overnight success?' 

The first thing to realise is that what we saw today, and have witnessed in the last 2 seasons is the culmination of a lifetimes work. 

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT

If you have not yet seen the footage, take a look on UTube for Lewis driving the remote control car on Blue Peter.  The exhuberant presenter was no match for Lewis who refused to break his gaze and engage in childlike conversation when there was a race to be won!  He politely answered a few questions, but his focus was always on prize.  It's pretty rare for someone barely out of nursery school to have such a clear objective, indeed, the majory of my adult coaching clients come at a time when they are grappling with these very questions; What is their life purpose?  What were they born to do?  What should the next career choice be?  Where should time, energy and focus be directed? 

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE

Regardless of your age, the length of time in  your career, your age or gender, if time and money were no object what would you choose to do?  What's your passion?  What skills and talents do you possess?  Where can  you dominate in  your field?  What would you like to be known for?  You don't have to run off and start a whole new career, you can simply begin injecting some of that passion into your daily life.  Make it hobby.  Perhaps once or twice a month devote a few hours to whatever it is you have identified.  Maybe you could or should have started years ago.  No point dwelling on that now unless you have a Dr Who style time machine.  Just start  where you are so that when you look back over the next 1, 3, 12, 24 months you've actually made some progress.

GET SOME GOOD SUPPORT

Lewis didn't become World Champion alone.  He drove the car each race day, but each drive was supported by an amazing team, all focused on one goal, to be the best they could be, to support the drivers, and become world champions.

GET A COACH OR MENTOR

Right back in those early days Ron Denis spotted the potential of Lewis and made a decision to support his career.  The relationship has been invaluable.  When Lewis made his debut in 2007 he drove like a true, almost veteran professional, the years of wisdom and advice imparted by his mentor shining through.

KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE

I always say of Formula One, "it ain't over until the fat lady sings", and this weekend that couldn't have been more true.  I held my head in my hands as McClaren made the decision to switch to intermediary tyres, only to realise that the rain wasn't going to come as anticipated and he lost the vital 5th position 2 laps from the end, his world title bid seemed to be over.  One lap to go and he was several seconds away regaining 5th place and was desperately short of time.  Ferrari were celebrating.  Massa could feel the trophy in his hands, but unknown to the spectators Lewis hadn't given up!!  He was still racing right to the end and his determination and racing spirit meant that where others might have patted themselves on the back for putting in another good season and been resigned to just missing out, Lewis kept on going, kept on pushing, even when it seemed as though defeat was inevitable. 

So have you given up?  Have you accepted defeat too easily?  Can you re-focus and go that extra mile?

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE

My only slight sadness about the race was the fact that on what should have been an explosion of celebration for all of the history that has been made today and the statistics that are now re-written, was that Lewis was surrounded by a stadium of people boo-ing.  I am sure if he has come 2nd in the champtionship they would have been cheering and dancing in the streets.  Despite the hostilty Lewis remained focused, dignified and got the job done. 

Look around at your support network.  Do they float or sink you?  Are you surrounded by encouragement, or by people just waiting for you to make a mistake so that they can gloat or show their superiority?  Do you have people that you can count on to be there regardless of the outcome?  Are you putting yourself in situations that drain or nurture you?

THINK LIKE AN F1 DRIVER

Identify whatever the prize is for you.  Set your focus.  Get yourself a dream team.  Build your support network.  Find a great mentor.  Hone your skills.  Practice your craft.  Put yourself out on the circuit of life.  Explore and live your passion.  Celebrate your successes, and remember to enjoy the ride!

Marilyn Devonish, Life & Performance Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Formula One Fan

www.tranceformationslimited.com

Jade Goody Cancer News - Do you believe in the Mind-Body Connection?

I first contaced Jade Goody's agent on 28th January 2007 to ask if she would be interested in doing some Coaching around the Celebrity Big Brother fiasco which surrunded Jade and Shilpa.

I work as an NLP Trainer and Trainer of Time Line Therapy so have been working with people for the past 8 years in enhacing their communication skills and facing up to and resolving negative emotions and unhelpful patterns, beliefs and behaviours from the past.

My offer was declined but I remained curious about the longer term effects of the public backlash from an energetic and health point of view.

In health circles, it is commonly known that cancer tends to manifest 18-24 months after a significant emotional event or some kind of trauma if there is no proper resolution around the event(s). Given that I contacted Jade's agent exactly 19 months ago, this pattern seems to be holding true.

Cancer of the uterus and surrounding area is often related to self devaluation.  Given the harsh public backlash that erupted 19 months ago, I suspect that Jade wasn't feeling quite so great about herself.

What can you do to resolve your emotional stuff?

1. The first thing to do is pay attention to this issues which are still hanging around well beyond their 'sell by' date.  It's natural to be upset about an unpleasant event, but if you find that months later it is still metaphorically 'eating away' at you, resolve it.

2. Identify the root cause and limiting beliefs that support the problem.  What are is really going on?  What do you believe about yourself in relation to the problem?   What's the purpose in still holding onto the negative emotions?

3. Get what you need to learn from the event and make the necessary changes in your life, behaviour, mindset or approach to ensure that you don't just keep repeating the same patterns.

When I am working with clients we would typically use a mixture of NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, Huna, DNA Theta Healing and EFT to resolve long term emotional issues.

Self forgiveness is also important, however, this can only truely come about when you have gained a sense of perspective and made the necessary changes.

I wish Jade a speedy recovery.

Marilyn Devonish, NLP Trainer, Life & Executive Coach, Hypnotherapist, Certified Trainer of Time Line Therapy, Hune, Theta Healing, Reiki and EFT Practitioner

www.tranceformationslimited.com

Geri Halliwell hears 'Voices'

Wow, Gerri was looking great in the media recently as she posed in her swimsuit for Hello Magazine.

As well as sharing her natural insecurities about wearing a bikini for the press for the first time after a 7 year cover up, she also spoke about the warring inner voices which would rise up and erode her confidence: "that voice is always there waiting to tell me, "You are not good enough, do better," but I'm more conscious of it. 'It used to be the loudest voice in my head but now I just tell it, "Shut up..."

If we are honest, there are times where the internal voice and inner dialogue seems to take hold. Often, it creeps up at the most inappropriate times, when you are feeling most vulnerable, and seems to take control.

People often describe it as being another 'part' of themselves or as though there are 2 opposing forces, one which supports you (usually the quieter and weaker of the 2), and the other that is determined to tell you just how much of a failure you are and erode your self confidence or make you doubt your decisons.

So what can you do to banish it??

From a Time Line Therapy point of view, a common intervention is to do a Parts Integration.  We would determine exactly why the voice is attempting to sabotage you, and integrate it with the positive, supportive, encouraging voice.

Coaching Tips

1. Identify where the voice is located (for those of you already practicing NLP do a Submodalities elicitation) and identify all of the key characteristics.
2. Identify the characteristics of the supportive or encouraging voice.
3. Start changing (or mapping across) the characteristics so that the supportive voice becomes the most dominant.

Also do some work to identify any limiting beliefs that fuel the negative voice.  Once you resolve those, the power behind the voice is easily diminished.  Things to look out for a beliefs such as:

• I'm not good enough
• I can't do it
• I'm not worthy
• People like me will never be able to do that

Shelving the inner voice.  Thanking it for it's opinion, and exploring it's purpose can also help you regain control.

Marilyn Devonish, TraceFormational Mind Coach, Hypnotherapist & Certified Trainer of Time Line Therapy

www.tranceformationslimited.com

Janet Jackson blames junk food lover for weight gain

Janet Jackson's long running battle of the bulge has reared it's ugly head again, this time blaming her music producer boyfriend for having too much junk food in the house.

Of course having access to and eating foods which offer little nutritional value has a part to play, wouldn't necessarily be the sole cause.  If it really did boil down to simply having access to food, we would be an entire Nation and World of heavies.

The root cause for constant weight gain and yo-yo dieting often runs deeper than access to a well stocked fridge.

When I am working with clients with long term issues around food, we would start by exploring key issues such as:

• What does eating get for them or allow them to do?
• How do they feel and what do they believe about themselves?
• What does food mean to them?
• When did they decide that food was the answer?
• What patterns have they noticed occuring?

Depriving oneself of food simply puts focus on the very thing that you are trying to avoid.  Anyone with children will know that as soon as you make something out of bounds, that which is denied becomes the often obsessive focus of attention.  The adult brain isn't much different, and the more you focus on 'not eating' or avoiding certain foods, the more strongly from and NLP point of view it becomes anchored in your mind.

In the life that Janet leads, there will always be an abundance of food available so it may be time to tackle the underlying issues so that food becomes somthing that she uses for nutrition but she can take it or leave it once her basic needs are met, and create a healthier relationship with food.

Marilyn Devonish, Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Diamond Minding Specialist

www.tranceformationslimited.com

Are you terrified of Presenting or Public Speaking? Five top tips to improve your delivery

Those of you in the UK who watched the final episode of The Apprentice would have seen Lee (despite a few miscalculations on his CV) win the coveted position with Sir Alan Sugar.

I was a little worried when I was watching him prepare for the final presentation and was willing him on from the sidelines.

As an ex-public speaking phobic, I thought I'd share with you a few tips about how to feel more calm and relaxed when delivering a presentation or speaking in public:

1. Steer clear of thinking about what you don't want - many people spend a lot of time 'hoping they won't mess it up' or telling themselves 'not to be nervous'.  In focusing on not messing up or being nervous, that's exactly where you attention goes and as soon as you think about such things, neurologically your body starts to respond.
2. Focus on your ideal outcome - Focus on being calm, relaxed, in control, eloquent, funny, knowledgeable, or whatever you want to convey on the day.  In the same way that you can divert your focus and fixate on what  you don't want, the same is true for the reverse, so keep your focus firmly on everything that you want to experience and your mind and body will start to respond appropriately.
3. Relax your breathing - It sounds simple enough, but many people literally hold their breath during a presentation.  This then has the effect of them stumbling over their words, or blurting out several sentences in between breaths.  When you relax your breathing you keep your brain fully oxgenated and this automatically allows you to think more clearly.  It also has the effect of pacing and regulating the rate at which you speak.
4. Centre your energy - If you are a fan or martial arts or meditation you will know that both have a focus on the solar plexus (the area where your 6-pack should be located!).  When you stand up to do a presentation, take a few moments to focus your energy and attention here to keep you grounded and centred.  When people have their energy all over the place this is where they tend to sway or nervously pace the stage.  Grounding your energy creates a real presence and allows you to feel more focussed and solid in your peformance.
5. Get peripheral - Generally you can either be in tunnel vision or peripheral vision.  When you are in tunnel vision your focus is out in front and you are working from the sympathetic nervous system which is the fight or flight response, not an ideal state when you are presenting.  Instead, get yourself into peripheral vision as this naturally invokes the parasympathetic nervous system which is the body's natural relaxation response.

Play around with these quick tips and let me know how you get on.  I do all of these things before going out on stage and now absolutely love presenting, which is in stark contrast to the times where even speaking to small groups was enough to make me lose my voice.

On a future blog we'll discuss how to structure your presentation to ensure that you can connect with your entire audience regardless of their preferred learning or thinking style.

Happy presenting!

Marilyn

www.tranceformationslimited.com