My Quest To Understand The True Power Of The Inner Mind

My quest to understand the true power of the inner mind and desire to support other people achieve the life they desire, drives my passion to explore at a deeper level on how we all have the potential to achieve amazing things in life, whether it be breaking personal barriers/limiting beliefs, dealing with phobias/anxiety, overcoming major illness/disability, business, sporting or any other achievement. This may also include financial goals leading up to the transition for retirement, which can provide amazing experiences if planned correctly...

In this detailed article I have focused on an assessment of the different methods used in today’s practices to support people of all ages and backgrounds on how to overcome anxiety and phobias, so they can pursue the life of their dreams.

The article is taken from a clinical essay I submitted towards my ongoing studies in pursuit to achieve an MSC in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and I make no apology for the length of the article, as I feel very passionate about the detail included with supporting medical journal references.

I wrote the essay to outline how various methods/practices used with clients can help overcome varying levels of anxiety whether young or old. I personally feel that anxiety is one of the major contributory factors towards ill health and even worse, I feel it can be the catalyst of what some call a Cytokine Storm, I explain in more detail further on.
If we, as a collective globally population can create more positive energy within not just ourselves, but also our surroundings, maybe we can support the development of a healthier evolved system. A big ask, especially with all that is going on in today’s world, but I do believe anything is possible!

I truly believe we all have the power within our mind to achieve the life, wealth and health we desire. If we understand how we have become conditioned, why we act or react in certain ways, to then be guided professionally on how to overcome mindset situations, people I feel are able to make the appropriate change to achieve the life they desire and achieve what I call true inner fulfilment.

Whilst some people have varying outlooks on life, different opinions of what is inner fulfilment and peace, or even varying coping strategies to get them through life, for some, understanding what I feel are basic principles of life, is a key step forward to achieving the life they desire.

Before progressing on to my article, I would like/ask you to take a moment and reflect on the 3 stages below, and see if you can relate to any behaviours or experiences that have occurred throughout your life so far.

Earlier I mentioned a Cytokine storm. If you’re not sure what a Cytokine storm is please let me explain. Smith (1991,1992, 1995), talks about how Cytokines are chemical messengers (i.e hormones) made by immune cells and certain other cells. When they are released into the blood, cytokines can affect the function of every tissue and organ in the body, including the brain. Extensive animal and human studies have clearly demonstrated that cytokines cause the symptoms and signs of disease. The symptoms and signs of traditional physical illnesses are due to cytokines secreted by an activated immune system.

Could a Cytokine Storm be created/given birth etc from an overloading period of anxiety/stress? The medical evidence found from research today supports this theory. The diagram shows how an influx of Cytokines can cause havoc on our bodies. This is one of the many reasons why I feel it is so important to find inner peace.

Part of my quest is to explore this area of expertise over time, so I can truly help others throughout the global community.

So, hopefully your still reading!

The following detail is an actual extract from my essay. I feel it’s important to understand whilst the essay was written from a clinical hypnotherapist view, I am also a Life Wealth Coach and take a holistic approach to supporting clients where each client's requirements are different. Not everyone requires all levels of clinical hypnotherapy, wealth or life coaching, but having the ability to understand and apply varying methods of therapy/coaching is what I feel makes me unique.

I hope you enjoy reading the detail and if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me at contact@lifewealthcoaching.com

My Kindest Regards

Jonathan
Always Believing Anything Is Possible

Following the increased medical and psychological problems associated with anxiety and stress related disorders, it is important to investigate the patterns that ground and cultivate for anxiety. The following will asses the efficacy of how Clinical Hypnosis combined with an eclectic mix of other psychotherapeutic conventional models, can empower individuals to overcome anxiety with a pluralistic approach. Through medical journals and an explanation on how anxiety is linked to stress resulting in more severe illnesses creating life-changing experiences for people, I look at how limited knowledge around the power of association leading to stressful thoughts within an individual's mind can create deeply rooted neural pathways over time, resulting in the clinical diagnosis of anxiety, which if not treated can lead to long-term health issues. Supported with a detailed breakdown of how an individual may associate a situation to cause concern, to method demonstrating techniques applied through Clinical Hypnosis to the application of Self Hypnosis, through eclectically and pluralistically the clinician can improve the efficacy to overcome anxiety in many ways, leading to a more controlled mindset during perceived challenging situations for an individual.

From an early age, we indirectly and directly program our minds to translate events/moments/ words and actions through a process of association. Over time our outer world influences our inner world influencing our mind and body, leading to our inner world ultimately affecting our external world. Failure to understand the neural pathway programming, and why we react leading to a state of anxiety, if not addressed can lead to worsening health, which over time becomes stress which then can contribute towards major illnesses given the body remains in a fight or flight state of mind! As I explore with a depth view of how Anxiety can be created with proven medical journal supported evidence, I highlight how Clinical Hypnosis can provide centred support whilst integrating various methods of practice ranging from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH), neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), behavioural therapy (BT), cognitive therapy, psychodynamic, patient centred and mindfulness. These techniques help an individual towards a person to becoming empowered with the inept ability to control how they deal with any situation that can cause a state of anxiety.

There are four key types of symptoms of anxiety, 1/physiological /semantic symptoms (heart racing/perspiring/tensed muscles and part of the fight or flight response), 2/ cognitive symptoms (patient may feel they have a heart attack or even dying), 3/ behavioural (this is where an individual may freeze unable to move until help is presented with supportive reassurance), 4/ emotional symptoms (a sense of dread or terror). Common symptoms could include a continuous feeling of tension/dread, a lack of ability to relax, disturbed sleep, fatigue, dizziness, increased heart rate.

Described in the journal Sarason and Sarason (1993), participants who suffer high levels of anxiety described their symptoms from when being bothered, having a thumping heart to being scared for no apparent reason. These levels motivate an elevation levels of continuous worry getting themselves down, feeling of exhaustion and fatigue, and difficulty making up their mind to often feeling they cannot overcome their challenges. Sometimes, once an individual makes a decision, the knock on effect can bring further levels of worry, which in turn can create potential panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders that are characterised by forms of anxiety.

J.Kiecolt-Glaser (2009), talks about how stressful and negative emotions influence the immune system, highlighting the impacts on an individual who may continue to suffer prolonged levels of anxiety could lead to levels of stress and worsening effects, which in turn could have dramatic adverse effects on an individual's immune system over time. J. Kiecolt-Glaser (2005), also goes on to talk about how our minds operate based on our habits, traits/personalities, and behaviour patterns can all be altered once we know how to manage our state of being. If we look at the memory system, more precisely on how each element is connected, this can support a clinician to apply a pluralistic approach from an eclectic mix of proven therapies to empower an individual to overcome their perceived challenge, but ultimately requires the individual to have the desire for change.

Anxiety can be formed from any past experienced if an individual is not entirely equipped with the mindset tools to support how they deal with any situation. Lipton (2005), explains how when you become stressed (how our outer world influences our inner world), our body receives internal signals from the mind which govern the proteins(which play a central role in the biological processes) that are required for your body to either grow or maintain a flight or flight mode, which is where our inner world(internal mind) controls our internal world(inner body). After a while in the flight or fight mode, the human body can become even more tired and become more susceptible to illness and altered external ability/behaviours(our inner world influences our outer world). However, when the body is found to be in a relaxed state, there is ever more evidence supporting how our cell make up can enhance our genes and thus empower our bodies to self-heal. Lipton, (2005) references how microbes, and how the human genes influence the genetics of the microbiomes (collective group of microbes), and the microbiome genes regulate genes in our cells (Saey, 2013B).

If we look closer within ourselves, it is important to understand that within the Proteins in our bodies, they have Receptors(those that receive stimulus), Effector's (life, sustaining response) and, Membranes receptors which are the equivalent of sensory and action generating nerves. When the fusion of togetherness occurs, the receptor-effector compound acts as a switch, translating environmental signals into cellular behaviour which allow integral membrane proteins to hook up with environmental signals to power the cells. In essence, our outer world influences our inner world.

The body then triggers histamine, a chemical initiated to the cell responses H1 and H2. H1 is the protection intervention, and H2 is the growth response. If the body is under anxiety/stress, then H1 histamines are triggered, and thus an individual's body will not grow due to being in flight or fight state. When applying relaxation, it is important to encourage a patient to be in a relaxed state for maximum output. If constantly in a state of stress/anxiety this could have long-lasting health concerns as the body may not work so efficiently.

When analysing the mind thought processes of a patient, understanding what causes the state of anxiety may require examination of some areas. Examining some of the key areas, the reflexive memory is how we associate to current situations by way of automatic instant associations, it is at this point that we can find anxiety may begin to evolve and then if not appropriately addressed can escalate. A consideration to explore further into the memory processes may involve examining the procedural memory, how we do things. This may outline any areas of lack of confidence and historical events that may have occurred that cause the anxiety.

For example, an individual may be driving past a monument in their adult life whilst going to work, and every time they see the monument, this brings an unexplained sickening feeling of nauseous without any warning. Understanding the process of why the visual experience of seeing such a monument could bring such discomfort could only conclude a historical experience from an early age. The therapist must be very careful not to assume. Identifying the process of memory and association to then applying appropriate therapy would help potentially eliminate any possible anxiety when driving near the said monument, because if not treated, the feeling of anxiety could be transferred to an association to travelling to work given the potential power of association that could arise.

Whilst there are other areas of the memory system we can explore, understanding the state of dependent Memory enables researchers to access on the emotional or physiological state the individual was in where they first learned the information. For instance, music that recalls the event with any associated memories could support accessing areas of enhancement towards anxiety or phobia issues. If explored, understood and revalued in a dissociative manner, an individual can allow advancement to manage anxiety.

Khaikin (2012), looks at the theoretical issues of psychosomatics and how the psychobiological nature of cancer and mechanism of the placebo effect. Exploring the psychotherapeutic techniques used to access somatic diseases, primarily looking on attention around the procedure and hypnotherapeutic techniques. The article explains how the use of mindfulness can support the relaxed state within the body and mind. This was apparent in ancient physicians, and could be considered important to remember that the theoretical concept that positive emotions facilitate recovery and maintain health, while negative emotions facilitate disease and slower recovery. Khaikin (2012) goes on to say that it is a fact whether the emotion, be it positive or negative stimulates or depress the searching activity (Rotenberg V. S. and Arshavsky V. V., and is the primary factor that influences a human organism resistance to any disease-producing elements.

This can be demonstrated in the methods of D. Grove and P. Levin, whereby Hakomi (a form of mindfulness within centred Semantic psychotherapy relying on mindfulness of body sensations, emotions and memories) and Somatic experiencing can be referred to the methods of body-oriented therapy, with primary importance on visual metaphors of the body experiencing.

In the journal of P Kaiser (2011) childhood anxiety, it explores the ability to self-regulate an emotional state of mind. Sugarman (2007) explains how the hypnotic process can reify the faith into the therapist that the patient can be endowed with the resources to empower themselves. These resources can be utilised in many areas of the individual's life from being relatively passive or helpless state of feeling anxiety, to a state of being able to have a solid active coping strategy that can lead the individual away from situations of stress.

Research highlighting tension in an early age can escalate other anxiety disorders later on life. Curry, March and Hervey (2004), documented how a community of research samples showed that anxiety disorders have some of the highest levels of evidence of any psychological conditions in young people. Seventy-nine percent of those diagnosed with anxiety condition having comorbid anxiety disorders which are a collection of multiple disorders or co -existing (Kendall, Brady, and Verduin, 2001: Sweeney and Pine, (2004). It was stated in this journal that the prospective studies suggested other anxiety disorders and depression later in childhood (Feng, Shaw, and Silk, 2008) or even adulthood (Hirshfeld-Becker, Micco, Simoes, and Henin 2008). Harvard professor Ronald Kessler (2010) claims the results of a Mental Health study of 30 countries found three most prominent childhood disorders including specific phobias, separation anxiety disorders, and social phobia, predicted that adults could be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders even if the childhood diseases disappeared as an individual evolves with age (Butler, Symons, Henderson, Shortliffe, and Spiegel, 2005: Kuttner, 2010; Kuttner, Bowman, and Teasdale, 1988; Liossi, White, and Hatira, 2006).

When applying Clinical Hypnosis within a safe controlled environment, it is important to remember to create a safe and special place as well as embedding suggestions regarding positive expectancies for internal control. This can be applied through the supportive use of NLP techniques of mirroring, pacing and leading with a patient through a warm-up phase or pre-induction chat, and a consideration of applying breathing retraining can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often leading to a more relaxed calmer state. Working on the self-regulation, studies by Vasey and Macleod (2001), have indicated that fearful, troubled children demonstrate poor skills in areas of unrealistic appraisal of risk. As noted faulty thinking results in magnifying a situation out of proportion and pessimism, with reduced ability of internal coping resources, a demonstrative response of external locus of control with over focus of negative stimuli and a more focus on negative rather than positive information that may surround the individual.

Research within Barlow, (2002), explains that by promoting self-regulation is similarly critical to developing an internal locus of control, and more so in early childhood experiences combined with nonintrusive and on overprotective parenting, are key factors in fostering a child's understanding of their internal locus of control, and protect them from developing anxiety disorders.

It is important to understand how an individual may be positioned with regards to their locus of control. An internal locus of control is a potential resource, denoting that a person can influence and control events and outcomes in an individual’s environment (Chorpita, 2001). Whereas, external locus of control is evidenced by a belief that chance, luck or powerful others control the outcome of such situations and experiences.

Where a clinician and patient creating a bespoke hypnotic script to enhance ego strengthening, assessing and understanding the psychodynamics to overcome anxiety triggers can be developed through examples of metaphor questioning and discussion, discriminating appraisal of risk to understand their cognitive process and restructuring, compartmentalisation and strengthening of their internal locus of control, and can support an individual to understand, whilst creating a copying strategy with potential anchor points.

When analysing shift attention, installing ego strengthening to the mind can involve suggestions of utilising a stop sign in the patient's mind when the anxiety may arise, with a sign being applied to go onto something more pleasant. The thought of something pleasant could be the place of safeness, peace, relaxation and calmness, or even a visualised process of reflection of a positive outcome, which can be focused on before or even during a hypnotic process. A next stage level of progression may involve discriminating the scenario that creates anxiety through metaphors. For instance, things are always what they seem, to, what's the evidence, through to becoming aware of the resources to cope that can include age progression involving pseudo orientation through imagining being able to manage the situation in a controlled calm manner with a positive outcome. For some, it may include cognitive reconstructing of their thought processes. An example technique could involve imagining the brain as a computer control panel that can download right thoughts with more positive outcomes, rather than unhelpful worrying catastrophic consequences which can often be created through varying levels of anxiety. For some, compartmentalising and minimising through Milieu metaphors such as a magnifying glass, looking through binoculars or a telescope from a distance, thus creating a safe place to remain calm and collective during the period of anxiety, so the individual can build their self-confidence and mindset to be able to strengthen their coping strategies.

Focusing on the internal locus of control, using an individual’s interests, joyful activities and their ideas of self-empowerment can be a key area to develop their ability to enhance their desired outcome. It is also important to realise that positioning an individual to become too internal with their locus of control can result in the individual feeling responsible for the entire outcome if it is not a positive experience.

W Golden (2012), talks about how the acting clinician can pluralistically from an eclectic mix of therapies apply varying techniques utilising areas such as CBT, CBH used to behaviour therapy. The research have explores empirically supported impacts of negative self-hypnosis (NSH) -destructive self-hypnosis therapy of Systematic Desensitisation(SD) where fears, phobias relating to public speaking, social anxiety, and panic disorders can be overcome through a careful analysis and application of appropriate techniques. This involves incorporation of an In Vivo experience within a hypnotic trance. However, Golden also goes on to explain the use of SUDS(Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale) can help identify the ranking of disturbance so the application of systematic desensitisation can be applied.

Relatively, Cognitive Hypnotherapy, also known as CBH is utilised towards the treatment of anxiety disorders. W Golden (2012) claims within the research paper that CBH seems to be at least as effective as BT and CBT through the use of applying imagery and relaxation techniques. It is highlighted within the paper that more research is required due to lack of research comparing CBH with BT and CBT, while offering suggestions for further studies. CBT and Hypnosis have some commonalities that lead to a natural joining of techniques (Golden,1983, 1985; Golden, Dowd, and Friedberg, 1987; Golden and Friedberg, 1986).

Reflectively, CBT and Hypnosis, Wolpe (1958) created SD which is an imagery-based technique designed for treatment towards fears and phobias. Wolpe (1958) used hypnosis originally for anxiety issues during SD but switched to Jacobson's (1929) progressive relaxation technique due to some his patients objecting to becoming hypnotised, although Wolpe and Lazarus (1966) was stated to had used hypnosis for about one-third of their cases. Goldfried and Meichenbaum (Goldfried, 1971; Meichenbaum, 1972) highlighted that through applying coping skills within SD, the efficacy was improved through empowering the individuals to use relaxation and coping techniques for reducing their anxiety.

Araoz (1985) and Allladin (2007), believed negative self-hypnosis (NSH) is a negative type of self-hypnosis that involves self-suggestions that cause emotional disturbance to work with maladaptive thoughts. Beck and Emery (1985), refer NSH as automatic thoughts while Nolen-Hoeksema (1991), refer to rumination or brooding, and Ellis (1962), refer’s to NSH as a form of irrational self-talk. Within CBT, a way of altering maladaptive thoughts is applied through cognitive restructuring techniques, with similar methods traced back to another hypnotherapist (Bernheim, 1895; Prince and Coriat, 1907).

When treating anxiety disorders, there are a number of clinical applications that can be applied using CBH. Researcher journals highlight the efficacy when involved with job interview anxiety (Golden et al., 1987), test anxiety (Boutin, 1978), public speaking anxiety (Schoenberger, 1996), panic disorder (Golden, 1986b), post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). Other researchers like Alladin, (2008) and Cardena (2000) have traditionally explored for a range of options. The research highlighting the efficacy of Hypnosis being applied for anxiety disorders was documented in the research Chambles and Ollendick (2001). They identified SD to be an empirically supported therapy (EST) in treating phobias and fears, which also included such things as public speaking, social anxiety/phobias, and various other phobias. Chambles and Ollendick also identify CBT as an EST in the treatment area of agoraphobia, panic disorder, and PSTD when used in conjunction with exposure therapy. However, critically it is important to identify that within this research Chambles and Ollendick did not include hypnosis as an EST for the treatment of anxiety or phobias. Further research may bring a more in-depth comparable between the efficacy of CBT and hypnosis when treating certain aspects of anxiety/phobias.

However, other studies explore whether hypnosis can enhance the effectiveness of BT or CBT. While this article is not geared to provide a full review of these studies, McGuinness (1984) concluded himself that the success of the treatment of phobias could be largely a result of enhanced imagery and relaxation, the motivation of an individual and the hypnotisability of an individual. Unfortunately, there also seem to be a lack of conclusive evidence to support these findings, with more research required to establish the efficacy of applying hypnosis with CBT.
In one study, it has been found that CBH treatment was more effective than an equal CBT treatment for anxiety (Schoenberger, Kirsch, Gearan, Montgomery, and Pastyrnak, 1997), whilst Schoenberger et al. (1997), claim CBT and CBH are the same. The only difference was in the labelling of hypnosis. It is important to identify that the relative effectiveness of SD with hypnosis has been compared to SD with relaxation in the treatment of animal phobias (Forbes, 2007). When the SD with Hypnosis was applied, it included a hypnotic induction and suggestions involving coping imagery, whereas, the SD without hypnosis included progressive relaxation instead of a hypnotic induction and excluded coping imagery. It was found that the individuals receiving treatment through SD with hypnosis were found to experience greater levels of reduction in anxiety compared to people receiving SD with progressive relaxation.

Spanos and Barber (1976), conclude that the aspect of a hypnotic induction that increases the efficacy of CBT, but the addition of fear-reducing suggestions, or coping imagery could be the reason for increased effectiveness of SD with hypnosis. They also went on to explain their conclusion relating to why ideas enhance the effectiveness of CBT techniques such as SD could provide the patient with a cognitive strategy. Fear reducing ideas alongside with cognitive self-statements are classed as cognitive strategies that patients can use to reduce levels of anxiety, and Boutin and Tosi (1983) found rational stage directed hypnotherapy is combining hypnosis and CBT strategies was more effective than just hypnosis applied on its own for the treatment of anxiety. This is a clear example of how working pluralistically from an eclectic mix of therapies with a patient can bring a more practical outcome. This was also identified (Alladin,2007; Alladin and Amundson, 2011). Lazarus 1973; and Shoenberger et al., (1997), evidenced a patient's positive expectations and beliefs about hypnosis demonstrating increased efficacy when undergoing labeled treatments know as hypnosis. Could this be a clear example of the power of an individual’s mind?

Golden (2012) explains the immense benefits of applying the practice of Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS) when establishing the anxiety hierarchy with a patient. This is shown to be a very practical example to enable the use of Ego Strengthening and positive suggestions with a hypnotic trance/session. It also enables a patient to understand how their NSH and painful experiences produce anxiety. Being taught on how to monitor and manage these cognitive behaviours will support the efficacy of reducing stress/anxiety.

An example of NSH could be someone having a fear of carrying out a presentation in front of an audience, with an individual having such a thought leading too thinking, maybe the audience will know I am a fraud, and I do not know have sufficient information. This case can lead to levels of anxiety at varying levels. An alternative approach that could be applied during a hypnotic session may involve ego strengthening to include a more confident thought process for example - I have always received great feedback when delivering presentations and clients often tell me they feel I am knowledgeable. The application of In Vivo Desensitisation follows the practical completion of a hypnotic desensitisation session, to then empowering the patient to face their fears within a self-hypnotic trance before the individual meets the real life situation. It is important to realise that In Vivo exposure alone is not sufficient for stress reduction. Whereas within CBH, where possible, graded exposure to a stressful situation is preferred where there is enough time. When time is limited, flooding, which is a BT treatment similar to desensitisation can often be adequate to support a patient managing their phobia. This may be suitable for when an individual if flying the next day and does not include a graded hierarchy, relaxation or coping strategy. This is often achieved by way of encouraging the patient to undergo high levels of anxiety during the flooding process and thus empowering the patient to be able to manage their stress levels. It is documented that a CBT version of flooding can be used to keep the anxiety levels manageable, where if relaxation and coping strategies were included within a flooding experience, it was found that this could be more effective, Golden, Geller, and Hendricks (1981).

For some patients, flooding may cause fear. If this is established with a patient, a consideration to applying realistic images are more likely to achieve a reduction in the levels of anxiety, Golden (1994) CBH version of flooding is called Rational Emotive Imagery (Maultsby, 1975) through a patient imagining through visualisation or mental rehearsal when presenting the technique.
In the study Golden (2012), Golden felt the efficacy of hypnotherapy should be considered for patients who have a moderate to high degree of artistic skills and for those who have positive expectations and beliefs about hypnosis.

Within the role of core self-evaluations in the copying process (CSE), long term effects of anxiety can tend to lead to a long-term tendency to remain in a negative emotional state, known as Neuroticism (A state of being neurotic). Explanations have been provided why for some people they are more able to adapt to a stressful situation. Other organisational behavioural researchers have tended to focus on self-esteem, locus of control, and emotional stability in coping (Cohen and Edwards, 1989; Gnaster and Schaubroeck, 1995; Spector,Zapf, Chen, and Frese, 2000). Cozzarelli (1993, p, 1224) explains that an individual's beliefs about their ability to self-control, and outcomes can reflect an individual’s perception of the world alongside his or her ability to adapt and function successfully in the world they live in. The article then goes on to discuss how a quantitive review of the correlations among self-esteem, locus of control and emotional stability including multiple aspects of coping. Results can be specific to avoidance, emotional focus and problem solving, concluding that relationships between traits and strain varied with a need for integrative meta-analyses (Cohen and Edwards, 1989). It was documented that individuals with high levels of CSE select activities that increase their control over their work environments (Judge, Bono, and Locke, 2000). While other researchers go on to explain that individuals prone to negative emotions have less hope that they can solve problems efficiently, and this lack of faith may reduce efforts to combat any stressors (Bolger, 1990; Bolger and Schilling, 1991).

Someone with a lack of confidence may inhibit their ability to implement relevant coping strategies, as Bolger and Zuckerman (1995) found the relationship between coping and alleviation of depression was far stronger with individuals at a higher emotional level of stability. Neuroticism is a reverse coding of emotional stability, a long-term tendency to be in a negative emotional state. When dealing with a patient, it is important to understand their appraisal of one's agency regarding problem-solving, emotional stability, self-esteem and locus control, as this could affect of the efficacy of treatment applied should the clinician not support a patient in strengthening their ego. Bonnano (2004) explored the importance of learning more about an individual’s capacity to maintain a positive outlook.

Mindfulness seems to play an integral and important role in supporting an individual to become calm and find a relaxed state within their mind. If a relaxed and strengthened mind can be encouraged to become more positive, this can hopefully empower emotional stability within an individual.

Selection implications of CSE (e.g., Judge et al., 2003) are favoured in organisational recruitment, but unfortunately not always applied due to time and money. If an organisation has a stressful assignment, selecting an individual with a higher level CSE and emotional stability may handle the job more efficiently.

Conclusion
Based on the evidence presented, one could easily agree that there a number of common models that have their level of effectiveness. However, a clinician with an established eclectic mix of therapies, when applying therapy in a pluralistic manner during a session of treatment to the said patient, can only be described as a competent therapist to enhance the efficacy of the desired outcome. It is important to realise that no one therapy is in it the most efficient, but the ability of the clinician to apply an eclectic mix of therapies to a patient ultimately enhances the outcome, with more research required to establish the actual efficacy of therapeutic models used in modern day treatment.

If you would like to know more, maybe discuss your queries, look through the various pages on my website, or why not email me at contact@lifewealthcoaching.com or visit www.lifewealthcoaching.com

Best Wishes

Jonathan Kattenberg DipPFS, Cert CII(MP), BSCH (Affil)

contact@lifewealthcoaching.com
Always Believing Anything Is Possible
Remember, Life is for enjoying…….

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How To Heal Personal, Workplace and Managerial Stress and Anxiety

Learning How to Heal Personal, Workplace and Managerial Stress and Anxiety

Decreasing Stress, Anxiety and Increasing Happiness, Productivity and Fulfilment is a key business/workplace challenge - facing almost every business owner, Director/Senior Manager - both in personal and workplace situations.  Financial circumstances are especially known to be a primary cause of stress and anxiety, which can become overwhelming and even debilitating - as well as causing major illness.  It’s possible to reduce and manage this common experience through the application of techniques derived from recent developments in fundamental human behaviour and psychology.

Understanding/Recognising the human being as a “whole” entity of mind, body, spirit is not a new concept in many circles, however the application of techniques to negate serious workplace and life-style stress are often overlooked.

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Life Wealth Coach, I have recognised the significant positive benefits that are derived from applying the specific methods to adapt the cognitive processes and shift an individual’s perspectives, aligned with appropriate person-centred action planning in both individual and work-place situations.  I am especially profoundly keen to share how the “inner-world” of mind and body function leads and controls actions which create the “outer-world” we call “life” and “success”. In exploring how to improve the quality of life and especially in relation to happiness, health and financial experience the human mind has to be considered as the primary source of pain or solution.

Medical journals have for many years explained how anxiety is linked to stress and can over time lead to more serious illnesses creating life-altering experiences for those involved. My research and experience shows how, in general, limited knowledge of the power of association (in western cultures) is potentially the root cause of individuals developing anxiety and stress.  Understanding this and how to adapt/modify the mental associations that an individual carries, is the key to unlocking years of worry, stress, fear and anxiety.   Of course, actions must also be taken along side, however the root issue is always what is occurring with the mind of the person involved.

Often misunderstood, Hypnosis is a well-known word describing a healing modality that offers significant, positive benefits in circumstances where stress and anxiety are causing a wide variety of problems.

Clinical Hypnosis can provide highly specific individually tailored support whilst integrating various methods of practice ranging from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT) & Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy(CBH), Neuro-Linguistic Programming(NLP), Behavioural Therapy(BT), Cognitive Therapy(CT), Psychodynamic therapy and Mindfulness, empowering a person with the ability to control how they deal with any situation that can cause a state of anxiety.

There are 4 key types of symptoms of Anxiety: - 

1/ Physiological /semantic symptoms(heart racing/perspiring/tensed muscles and part of the fight or flight response). 

2/Cognitive symptoms (patient may feel they are having a heart attack or even dying). 

3/ Behavioural (this is where an individual may freeze-unable to move until help is presented with supportive reassurance). 

4/ Emotional symptoms (a sense of dread or terror)

Common symptoms could include a constant sense of tension/dread, An inability to relax, disturbed sleep, fatigue,dizziness, increased heart rate.Constant worry about potential problems

How Life Wealth Coaching and Clinical Hypnosis Can Reduce Stress  

From an early age the human mind is both indirectly and directly programmed to translate events/moments/words and actions through a process of association. Over time, the individual’s environment and surroundings influences the mind, creating deeply held belief systems (paradigms) that form the persons understanding of life and what is normal and acceptable to them. It also affects how they respond to new situations. When experience and circumstances occur later in life that are in conflict with the persons expectations/understanding, these deep-programmed beliefs can be the cause of harmful stress and anxiety.

We cannot separate the individual’s past personal experiences from how they respond to current situations, which is what may be leading them to experience stress and anxiety, however by taking steps to understand the person and then provide transformational support, this can greatly reduce and potentially eliminate specific circumstantial stress.

An example of anxiety leading to stress on the human bodily system is explained in The Biology of Belief - Dr Bruce Lipton Phd. He described how when stress is experienced, the affect is at a whole-being cellular level. DNA strands “tighten up from an early age” and impact the function of “histones” which govern the proteins required in order for the body to either grow ,or maintain a fight or flight mode. 

After a while in the flight or fight mode, the human body becomes fatigued and potentially more susceptible to illness. However, when the body and mind is in a relaxed state, or more so when “In Love”, there is ever more evidence supporting how cell make-up enhances genes and empowers the body to self heal, as researched and detailed with the book Why Love Heals - Dr Dean Shrock Phd. Negative thoughts and beliefs influence stress.  These can be changed - even later in life, resulting in the possibility of deep, positive and lasting transformation of the person. 

Symptoms ranging from having a thumping heart, becoming suddenly scared for no apparent reason, high levels of continuous worry, feeling depressed, suffering exhaustion and fatigue, and difficulty making decisions are all common signs of stress and anxiety that are not only detrimental to health and longevity, but also out-put, performance and overall engagement and interaction. 

Sometimes, once an individual makes a decision, the knock on effect can bring further levels of worry, which in turn can create potential panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders which are characterised as forms of anxiety.

Recognising the plasticity of the human brain and the capability to create new neural pathways through choosing to think and behave differently at any age* (subject to condition/fundamental health) means that there are very exciting possibilities to change and create new life circumstances  and also positively impact the workplace.

Naturally there are ethical considerations connected to hypnotherapy in certain situations, and this should always include personal choice and individual advocacy, however the evidence in favour of its success and impact are overwhelming, and whilst the clinician may play the leading therapeutic role, it is ultimately the choice of the patient who desires to make the change and to relieve themselves of stress, anxiety and debilitating experiences

Further benefits of the impact of hypnotherapy and positive psychology are that someone with a lack of confidence may inhibit their own ability to implement relevant coping 

strategies, as Bolger and Zuckerman (1995), found the relationship between coping and alleviation of depression was far stronger with individuals in a higher emotional level of stability. So the higher the level of emotional stability an individual, the higher the possibility of being able to cope effectively with a given situation.

Money and Lifestyle - the Source of Stress and how they can be addressed;

As a Life Wealth Coach and Clinical Hypnotherapist with a lengthy, highly successful career in life planning and wealth management, I have seen first hand in many cases what is possible when a person is willing to make decisions in order to:

1. Create clarity on desired life style and longer term goals
2. Understand in greater detail the financial possibility of current circumstances and, if appropriate, what is required to facilitate a different financial capability.
3. Explore and address the thought processes around money and/or other aspects that are causing them stress and anxiety.

Summary

The impact of addressing an individual’s stress and anxiety at their most fundamental level where they are created - in the mind - can lead to profound all-round improvements, which then have a positive impact on all aspects of life - including workplace interaction and productivity.

If you feel that establishing peace, alignment and inner fulfilment within a role that motivates and inspires, don’t delay and contact now.

Individuals looking to enhance/develop their careers and personal life, yet find themselves repeating habits/behavioural patterns resulting in the same output/results whilst becoming ever frustrated, stressed and diss-heartened, can now look to change, transform and regain control with confidence and achieve results.

Business owners, looking to achieve optimum output, delivered results in business productivity with both a clear building and exit strategy, not only for themselves, but also for their fellow team of employees to bring a more fulfilled team who are mentally focused both for business and personal life leading to increased productivity, employee retention and development, together we can create a bespoke development program to meet your needs.

If you would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at contact@lifewealthcoaching.com for a consultation.

If you wish to read a more detailed report about the impacts of stress/anxiety can have on the human body and how proven medical evidence supports my field of expertise, visit www.lifewealthcoaching.com/blog for the blog release on January 15th 2017.

Why this Approach to Wealth Management is Life Changing

It’s an interesting topic this one!

Many people benefit from working with a Life Coach, who’ll help you break through barriers, break habits, make lasting change and create new aspects to life that you really desire to change. Indeed, as you know, elite performers all have coaches to help them achieve their goals and the value and impact is becoming more and more recognised in business and life in general to have a coach.  

A coach isn’t a “paid friend”, they are a professional resource you’re investing in to help you achieve something really significant, understand your reasons/big why and able to challenge to help you grow.

One thing that I feel especially passionate about, is incorporating wealth management and wealth creation with Life Coaching.  Wealth is one of the facilitators of your lifestyle for every day, not just for retirement.

Far too often I hear people talk about their experiences of financial professionals who are product focussed - not truly client focussed, so I want to provide you with some free guidance/tips to support your planning:-

Being encouraged to invest into areas that you know nothing about, nor the tax implications if you select the wrong environment is quite concerning, please be careful.

So I hope the following guidance helps.

Step 1

If you start at the beginning, and map out your goals, once you decide what your specific goals are and you have agreed the relevant timescales, then you can plan the financial structuring.

Step 2

This is where you need to establish the actual monies required, and also take into account inflation. £50,000 today may not necessarily have the same buying power in 10 years time, nor 20 or 30 years! please bear this in mind.

Step 3
Whereever you decide to invest into the markets or deposit funds, ensure you are investing with a strategy to achieve your desired outcome in line with your goals. If for example you need to achieve a 5% return, look for markets that constantly provide this level of return over long periods.

Its a good idea to ensure that you are not investing on the crest of a market that is about to undergo a market re-adjustment - basically a market crash however great or small. This could take a number of years to recover which could impact on your timing/expectations of returns.

Step 4

Be sure that you structure your investment choices in line with your desired returns which also meet with your tolerance to volatility.  It’s all very well having a top performing fund/tracker, but you need to understand how this fund will fluctuate and whether you can handle and accept fluctuations.

Ensure you know which is the most tax efficient area. In the UK, Individual Savings Accounts (ISA’s) offer great tax efficiency with relative easy access subject to the timing of any encashment you may make in the future. It can also provide tax efficient income at a later stage should you require.

However, if you want to plan for your retirement years from age 55 onwards, pension wrappers offer great tax advantages. You get tax relief on your contributions and the fund grows tax efficiently.  It’s important to understand the rules of encashment are slightly different, but given the recent changes, they offer great flexibility, and if you're looking to build large amounts of wealth, then a pension wrapper can offer tax efficiency in line with your Inheritance Tax Planning.

Having a combination of the 2 investment vehicles can compliment your tax efficiency with your overall portfolio of savings.

Remember, a Life Wealth Coach is not going to tell you how to live your life, but will support you in creating the life you desire by sharing knowledge, mindset skills, motivation where required along with financial capability to help you fund your dreams.

If you want to retire at a certain age, ask yourself for what reason? When you start to ask yourself the real reasons behind why you want to achieve the goals you set out, you can often take a different approach and potentially a different set of decisions.

Don’t spend thousand’s of pounds going to various seminars which may promise “Getting rich quick schemes”. Some find themselves entering into pyramid schemes, buying into property portfolio arrangements, or even becoming an overnight share expert.  Each one bringing daunting and in some cases devastating financial consequences to innocent people who have not spent the time to be coached in appropriate financial planning in accordance with their personality and how they want to live.

During my 19 qualified years as an experienced financial wealth coach, I’ve coached High Net Worth Individuals,  business owners understanding their exit strategy, not just on the understanding of financial planning, but actually spending more time on helping them achieve their life goals and living their life to the fullest.

My delivery of care and attention means helping you to identify exactly how you want to live your ideal life and have the resources to support it. I’m a fan of believing big and looking at ways to really optimise wealth which is outside of the traditional “box”.

I have created some new coaching opportunities for clients to discover what they really want in life and show them how to fund it. 

If you’re really committed to achieving your financial goals to support your ideal life and want to make changes, wondering why you can’t quite get there/reach your goals, then please get in touch because I can help you. 

Don’t settle for anything other than what you really want. Decide to make a change and have the right support to help you achieve.

Some of the areas I cover are:

• Detailed evaluation of your current situation.

This brings a clear, full understanding where you are in life, what has brought you to this point.

• Highlight and explore possible areas of change with you to improve aspects of your life.

This will help you understand ways of improvement, possible change of direction and much more.

• Resources and knowledge supporting various ways to make sustainable change to your life.

Dependent on your unique needs and requirements, whilst you are busy focusing on your everyday things, I research the market to find the appropriate resource you need if I don’t already have the information in my toolkit.

• Knowledge and Skill Set to strategically plan ahead whilst you focus on dealing with your current situation.

Once we have researched, we work out a strategy that is both measurable and achievable to your needs with benchmark identifiers.

•  Support you in identifying areas of improvement.

Discuss  and explore in depth your concerns, historic trends, reasons for change to help you, acknowledging why you feel you needs improvement.

• Provide financial knowledge and experience for you to study and make your own informed judgement without paying excessive seminar fees.

This has helped many people understand what financial planning options are out there on the market and make the right informed decisions without excessive costs.

• Provide intensive 1-1 transformational daily sessions

Many clients want to take action straight away and have a full day taking on the planning. By having focussed 1-1 coaching, we can review, explore and plan together with measurable and achievable strategies and

goals put in place.

• Monthly ongoing coaching by Phone, Skype, FaceTime, Email or Face to Face meetings

Having regular meetings is important to keep you on track.

• Ongoing support to ensure you remain accountable to fulfil your action plan so that you can achieve your goals.

Being held accountable for your actions means you have the best possible chance to create everything you really want in life.

• Bespoke Holistic Coaching Packages

Your needs are uniquely yours. With detail of your historic and current financial position, a bespoke package is created to meet your needs.

If you want to make change and achieve the life you really want to be living, supported by the wealth that enables you to enjoy it to the full, don’t delay your future. Get in touch and let’s explore further.

Kindest regards

Jonathan Kattenberg DipPFS, Cert CII(MP)

contact@lifewealthcoaching.com

From Thoughts to Action

18 months ago, I set my sights on what is deemed by many as “The hardest foot race in the world”.  My Goal - to compete in the Marathon Des Sables having been told by many loved ones and friends around me, don’t do it you're crazy, you’ll get hurt, you could even die, what if you get lost in the desert and what have you got to prove!

My reasons were very simple. I wanted to see how the human body can go from zero to being an ultra marathon runner and compete in the hardest foot race in the world at what is deemed to be at a competitive level. The target - to finish within the top 50 out of 1,350 competitors.

A huge challenge I agree, but one that I was prepared to take on and embrace with everything I’d got to give. 

I’m a firm believer that if you can visualise yourself achieving something great, raise your game and set high expectations of yourself, then you can achieve amazing things in life. Just to complete the Marathon Des Sables is deemed to be an achievement in itself, never mind top 50, but I wanted to prove to myself and people around me what you can achieve.

As I started to carry out my research 18 months ago, I found the first hurdle was getting your application accepted. Some had said it took them a few years to just get in the race and had to wait because of the limited places available. This became my first sub goal. I set out to meticulously bombard the organisers with emails, phone calls and messages, expressing my interest, being creative and going down to the Marathon Des Sables expo events to get my name known. I’m sure the organisers were absolutely fed up with me at times. Each time I tried to get confirmation prior to the application date I was declined. Each time with an apology explaining that it wouldn’t be fair on any other applicants if I were to be accepted, but they appreciated my enthusiasm. I can understand their response and respected each reply. I still kept on pursuing my interest and never stopped sending messages asking. 

I also wanted to fund raise for a charity. I’d paid for the race out of my own  savings but figured I could utilise the whole experience for a worthy charity. At the time I also wanted to create an orchestra and choir of 60 young people with the music I had written, and show it could be done without the use of music score, plus, create an enterprise with young people to show what is truly possible. As I looked around, I spoke with Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind. They highlighted that they need to raise £75,000 for various essential stuff. I prosed a strategy and business plan which after several meetings, they said they would like to progress and get things going. It would involve making money for the charity, the children and Reality Productions, and everyone seemed happy with the outline. Everything was clear and transparent, but what I wasn’t aware of is that the charity would change their mind just as we launched the program with a few of the members. Their hearts were clearly not in the project any longer and they decided that they would not continue allowing the usage of the premises. Whilst I was not put off by this, I decided to try and find alternative premises, even though this came to a further cost to myself. As I searched and also started buying musical equipment, I was faced with parents starting to get greedy, making demands and happy for me to waste money, but when people start demanding money for something they haven't created, this soon became a simple decision to stop the project. I believe you can lead a horse to water, but they must be able to drink for themselves!

As the time came closer to the application submission date, I got an email confirming the time I had to make my application online. It was on a first come first served basis and the time was 10am on a beautiful  Spring morning. I sat waiting at my computer for 10am. As the clock turned 10am, I had all my information ready and inputted the data required with card payment.  A very nervous and anxious moment, I can tell you. 

The fact that I had never run more that 10K on a treadmill didn’t concern me, my concern was getting the application accepted. As I waited I saw the email, Congratulations, we confirm your application for the Marathon Des Sables has been confirmed and you have a reserved entrance subject to following conditions being met. 

I did it, I’d got my application accepted and filled with joy beyond words. As I expressed my excitement to Dawn (My Good Lady), I could see the worry in her eyes. Please be careful Dawn replied. It was hard to hold back my excitement with my smile stretching from one ear to the other. 

I quickly sat down with a cup of tea, realising I had now achieved my first sub - goal and needed to move on to the next sub goal. The reason why I’m talking about sub goals is due to the fact I had broken down what I needed to achieve in order to take on the main goal - Competing in the Marathon Des Sables. Some call this Chunking in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, it helps you break down the challange/goal into sub sections that can be achieved and become measurable over an agreed period. It’s used quite a lot in management, to coach and help team members achieve specific results.

I needed a solid training program, so I did my research and found a coach who had run the Marathon Des Sables 11 times. I figured he’d got enough experience and made the phone call. If I’m being totally honest, his approach didn’t wow me to start with, but he provided a wealth of knowledge explaining how to run in such an extreme event. His knowledge was good enough for me and I engaged with a 12 week initial training program. The program was designed to enable me to run a marathon with a target Sub 3:30 hour marathon by September 2014. The program even involved running over 120 miles in a single week. To be honest, this didn’t phase me, it was a gradual build up.

As the weeks passed by, I was seen running around the Wakefield area with a back pack on and 2 water bottles attached to the front straps. Up at 5am some mornings and running late into the evening. 

Part of my training program was reduce my body weight to 75-77kg from 84kg. I’d trained so hard to build the muscles in my body, this took some time and effort at the gym. How could I reduce my muscles I’d trained so hard to achieve and still be effective? Simple response from the coach. Reduce the amount of food intake I was advised with an analogy that we are getting a Ferrari to travel the same distance with a full tank of fuel, but on just a thimble of fuel. I understood the theory and so ran with it!

It wasn’t long before I was getting very faint and light headed. A slight adjustment was required to increase the food intake, but not by much due to needing to reduce the body weight. Still the light headiness continued with close encounters to actually passing out, but I pursued with the plan.

As I approached the the Wolverhampton Marathon day, the target of a 3:30 hour marathon was clearly in my sights. 

As I stood at the start line, the unsettled feeling within my stomach began, pre-race nerves was a positive thing. The starting gun went off and I began to run. Watching my pace hit a sub 5 min/km. I felt great and before I knew it, I’d reached the half-way point. 1:39:23 hours was my time. This meant I was on track for a sub 3:30 hour marathon and a smiled as I ran past the official clock. However, as I hit the 16 mile marker,  the cramp kicked in on my hamstring area. Every mile or so I would have to stop and stretch off. Slowing my pace down in the hope of reserving my energy and legs, I accepted people overtaking me. As each mile past, I edged myself closer to the finish line. As I entered the final straight, I could see the official clock showing 3:43:00 minutes. I ran as fast as I could seeing Dawn at the side line. I finished my first marathon in 3:43:42 hours and although I’d not achieved the sub 3:30 hour marathon, I was truly happy considering the cramp issues I had just experienced. I knew I had given it everything.

As the coming months past, I entered the Druids Challenge, 84 miles over 3 stages in winter conditions and across the countryside. This would become my next challenge and with the aim of mastering my cramp issues.

As I started on the Druids challenge which is organised by XRNG Energy, I ran my heart out, and only to find whilst running 29 miles on day 1, cramp would once again affect me. What I did find out is that on day 2, the cramp disappeared and left me able to run day 3 without any issues whatsoever. A pattern had occurred which I knew would help me understand my body.

One month before, I eased off my training and focused on just heat acclimatisation. Everyone knows the Sahara Desert is extremely unforgiving, but I’d never really experienced such hot weather. So this was unknown territory. As I regularly sat in a Sauna with the thermometer showing 100 degrees plus, I eventually was able to sit for 45 minutes. Regular headaches and drowsiness would always follow shortly after and a feeling of tiredness. But I continued with my plan.

The week before flying away became quite an emotional experience for Dawn with regular tearful moments. I found myself holding back my excitement for fear of bringing further upset to Dawn, family would express their concern and fear of the worst, and all I was focusing on was the joy of succeeding.

It became a task in itself to remain focused on the amazing outcome I had planned for so long and now it was time to make reality happen. All I knew, felt and understood, would be that I will succeed and complete the Marathon Des Sables with my expectation of achieving top 50. 

Still, I found people saying that “It can’t be done”, “Just focus on completing the race”, “You’ve paid so much for the race/experience, just enjoy it and finish”. 

I find it hard to comprehend that people don’t push themselves to see what they can actually achieve in life, and that they are very comfortable telling others who strive to push themselves way beyond the average person to ease off and just be average. Even more frustrating is how people who don’t do anything extraordinary can have the audacity to try and direct your outcome and limit your own achievement. It seems a common practice in society by many people because they’re scared of coming out of their comfort zone. What does it take for people to realise that some of us in this world truly embrace life and push for the impossible to happen whilst not fearing whether or not we actually achieve our goals. All I knew is that even if I didn’t achieve top 50 finishing position, I will have gone to the Marathon Des Sables and given it everything I could possible give, even at the risk of not finishing due to pushing myself so hard throughout the race. This is what I call being of a state of mind where you are prepared to risk everything, and feel very proud to have such a mindset.

If you’re going to do something in life, make sure you give it everything you’ve got to give. The coach I used at the time often expressed - “Jonathan, you’ve paid so much money to enter this race, don’t be one of those who come back on the plane without a medal, just focus on achieving the medal and finish the race, it’s not about what position you finish, it’s about just finishing the race”. 

I couldn’t disagree any harder with the remark I often heard. How can someone guide you into just being average and playing it safe. This was not for me and I had clearly made my mind up. I would get on the plane and give it everything each day, no matter how hard it was, how drained I felt, how much it hurt to stand walk or run. Even if I had to come out of the race due to injury or medical issues, which was often the case when people pushed themselves. I had everything to prove to myself and no one else and nothing was going to stop me.

Setting off to the Marathon Des Sables

As I arrived at Gatwick Airport, I met my fellow bivouac pals for the week. It was a mixed bunch of people ranging from Sir Ranulph Fiennes, a sports coach, 2 film crew, musician, company owners and graphic designer. All different characters bringing something unique to the table. We all got on great from the start and I knew it would be a fab atmosphere between us. 

The plane journey was quick, and before I knew it, we had landed in Ouarzazate. As I looked around, I could see the Atlas mountains in the distance horizon and remained focused. As we got on the bus, we were informed that there would be an approximate 6 hour bus journey to the desert and a picnic would be provided en route.

Having read National Geographic on a regular basis, you get to see third world environments, but never had I seen it with my own eyes. As we drove past what seemed to be derelict dilapidated buildings, soon became apparent that people lived in them. The only way of describing the buildings was mud shacks ready to fall down at any given moment. Yet, when you saw the people and kids, everyone looked happy.

As we stopped for a toilet break, the outside world became the toilet and all levels of privacy ceased. There were no bushes, just desolate land with scattered stones. If you were lucky, there was a tree. Across the road was a camel shepherd, his smile amazed me as he looked at the volume of western people and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to have a photo with him

We eventually arrived at the camp site and my first experience of organised chaos during the event. The organisers were trying to find a way of controlling 300 plus competitors barging their way through to select which bivouacs they desired. The reason being, once you chose your bivouac, the position of the tent would remain yours throughout the event at each stage. 

Rory and Ran had arrived earlier and we knew they would have a bivouac ready for us. As we arrived at bivouac 113, we were treated by a confrontational situation where 2 army lads had decided that they would commadier the other half of the bivouac despite it being explained the area was reserved for us. As the organisers explained to the army lads that the tent had been reserved, they expressed that because they were army lads, they were entitled to command any space they desired. After a while they moved on. I felt a little disappointed that they could use such an emotional tool to try and command what they wanted. Everyone was deemed equal in the bivouac village and no one got any special treatment. 

We settled in for the night and enjoyed the evening meal which had been prepared for us. 

The bivouac was just big enough for 8 blokes, and quickly we established our own little zones. This would be home for the next 8 days. As the wind blew through the bivouac during the night, the excitement filled me within.

Saturday morning and it was check in time. We had to ensure everything we would use during the next 8 days was either on us and in our back packs. Everything else had to be packed in our suitcases and handed in. Once we handed in our suitcases, we then waited to have everything weighed, checked and approved, with ration stamp cards provided which confirmed our water rations for each day and stage, plus medical cards to highlight what medical services we used. The only thing that stuck in my mind was, if you need to have an intravenous drip, then you would receive a penalty of 2 hours added to your overall time. If you had the drip 3 times, you were automatically out of the race.

We were given over 140 salt tablets. “You must chew these and then swallow for them to be effective.” Chew salt tablets, this would be a whole knew experience for me and one I’ll never forget. It didn’t taste anything like the salt we use at home, but regardless of the taste, they had to be used if I were to survive the event.

Many people had spoken about the water supply provided. Some would say it wasn’t enough and some would dehydrate. This played on my mind even though I was told that it was sufficient. I decided that I would just go with the flow and drink everything I could get my hands on.

As I went through the check zones, I was given the all clear and I headed back to the tent. From this point on, I was now living in self sufficiency mode and rationed water supplies. The only way I can describe the feeling would be that of a refugee camp. Everyone became focused with their back packs and water bottles. When you were given water bottles, they were marked with your race number. If you didn’t put the empty bottles in the bin, you received a 1 hour penalty!

Sunday 5th and it’s the big day. The energy in the air is electrifying. I knew I was ready both in body and mind and ensured I was near the front of the starting pack. My aim was to break myself in and finish around the top 100 for the first few days, but had no idea of the pace of the other runners. 

This year was the first year the event had become part of the World Ultra Marathon Tour, so there were a lot more high end competitive athletes. I wasn’t deterred by this, I actually embraced the atmosphere and looked at the amazing athletes that surrounded me. As I looked to my left, I could see Mohammed Ahnsal and his fellow competitors, all ready to provide their worthiness to being the champions. Such a buzz and everyone cheering to Highway to Hell by ACDC.

My concern over the actual route and directions became a distant thought. I’d looked at the map briefly and figured there should be enough runners in front of me and sufficient signs. Only a couple of points where you alter the direction, apart from that, at each check point to basically headed in one direction, and that was straight on. 

As we set off I calmed my pace, focusing on the ground beneath so that I didn’t suffer an ankle injury, monitored my water intake and set my sights on sub 5 hours. The scenery was breath taking, yet the heat could be felt under your feet. Before I knew it, check point one and two had been achieved and I felt amazing. As I crossed the finishing line on day 1, I found I finished 106th in 4:30:20 hours. I was over the moon feeling quite humble. I knew I was in sight of achieving my goal and the realisation of a top 50 finishing position could be achieved. I just needed to ensure I had plenty of energy for day 4 - The Double Marathon Day - 55 miles non-stop!

I headed back to the Bivouac and enjoyed a recovery drink, poured cold water into my freeze dried meal and laid it out in the sun to warm up. As I lay in the bivouac, I watched others come in, and my tent buddies arrived one by one. Each person looking rather pleased with themselves, and quite rightly as well. It was an awesome experience.

Monday 6th April, As I headed to the start line, my focused was now on getting under the top 100 hundred by the end of the day. I’d enjoyed the first day, not over exerted myself and felt amazing. Now it was time for Aerosmith to be played at the starting point. It felt great to hear some of my favourite music being played. Before I knew it, we were off, my pace quickly settled and I found myself neatly placed amongst the top 100 running very smoothly. Today was a favourite for me out of all the days because there were some interesting Jebels and ridge runs. It reminded me of being on Crib Goch in Wales without the technical sections. The view was just amazing and I found myself holding a rather pleasing pace. Before I knew it, I’d crossed the finish line and to my excitement finished 82nd. 

This placed me 87th overall by the end of day 2. I was feeling so proud as I walked back to the bivouac with my 3 bottles of water cuddled in my arms. Quickly I fell into the routine of getting my recovery shake in me and preparing my freeze dried meal. Today it was Spaghetti Bolognese. A few salted Macadamia nuts and jelly babies was all that I had from a ration point of view. I had to make them last the evening.

An average chap probably needs around 2,500 calories a day. I was rationing myself to 2,185 calories a day. It was obvious to me that at some point, I would start losing body mass and muscle. I’d already dropped to 79kg and I wondered how I would look by the end of the week. 

Once again, I watched people come into the tent village, some would walk smoothly and some would already be suffering injuries. The run on the Jebels had made it’s claim on my feet as well. Blisters had started to appear underneath the palms of my big toes, but most worryingly of all, I’d kicked many stones with my left foot causing damage to my toe next to the big toe. You can see the effects of swelling and damage on the left hand photo. Even though I took Anadin Extra and Ibuprofen, the pain remained. It clearly looked and felt broken but I just had it strapped up and put up with the pain.

I was also starting to struggle with the confined space in the bivouac and focused on relaxing each day. I was feeling on top of the world regardless on the slight injuries I picked up.

Tuesday 7th April.

Up at 5:30am and time for food. 40g portion of oats with my wheatgrass and panela mix with some water was my breakfast. As I ate my food, I quickly focused my attention on my toes, ensuring they were strapped and protected from any other blisters. The heat when running impacted so much on my skin, but I just got on with it. 

By 6am, the bivouac workers were taking down the covers and regardless of whether or not you were dressed or ready, the canopy tops were removed and you were just left sat on the carpet. Oh what a great feeling it would be if the carpet were actually a flying carpet!

I was starting to feel a little concerned this day with regards to the heat, Yesterday I felt the increase in the warmth and didn’t want to overheat. I decided that when given 2 x 1.5 litre bottles of water at a check point, then I would carry the bottle in my back pack. This would mean an increase in my overall time for the days run and risk dropping places, but I figured the extra comfort of having surplus water would pay dividends.

This proved to be a costly exercise as I lost quite a few places and ended up finishing 140th on the day. I’d dropped to 105th overall, but knew I could pull it back the next day. 55 miles non stop with 7 check points and I would recover my strategy to be within the top 75 by the end of the double marathon stage.

As I fuelled myself on the evening, I meditated, focusing on my outcome. I knew in my heart that I had not been eating enough and could feel the impact on my body. I wasn’t going to give in, nor accept defeat in any way. I had only one option and that was to achieve my desired outcome.

Wednesday 8th April.

There was a feel of nervousness in the air, many people hobbling around, I myself had been to the notorious Doc Trotters to have my feet seen to the day before and enjoyed the re-assurance that they had been dressed ready for action. I added a few more protective coverings to my toes. I wanted to be proactive instead of reactive and applied extra padded underneath the palms of my big toes.  I'm second from the left on the photo to the right as I take one final look at my feet..

As I tried to put on my shoes, I had to remove the insoles to allow room. I was running on sandy ground, so the cushioning effect wasn’t so important.

As I stood at the starting line, I felt very nervous in my stomach, a feeling of emptiness with limited food, yet, I was also filled with excitement, joy, proudness for the undertaking I was experiencing, and not matter what outcome came of this experience, I knew I had given it everything within me. I felt so proud it brought a lump to my throat on the starting line.

Off we went and I focused my pace of a steady 7min/km with the view of 55 miles to go over what can only be described as extremely warm, desolate, energy-sapping, sandy ground. I felt great and relaxed quite quickly and comfortably. As I passed through the first check point, the support workers cheered with lovely genuine smiles. They were great to see as they smiled so much and naturally provided me with fresh bottle water. 

I’d never really appreciated the actual taste of clean bottled water until now. When the back of your throat is so dry, you gasp for water, the taste is so beautiful and calming. Quickly filling my water bottles, I continued on my way. I was starting to feel a slight discomfort with taking my gels and electrolytes. Over time I took a drink, my stomach churned and before long I struggled to take in any gels or electrolyte mixture. All of a sudden this put a whole new experience on the race. At 30k I could feel my energy disappear and as I searched for everything I had within me, I had very little to give. By 30.5k I knew I was in trouble, I had resorted to just walking and set my sights on the medic vehicle positioned on top of one of the dunes. As I approached, the medic 4x4 I walked to the right and sat down on some stones. A feeling of exhaustion and disappointment filled me within.  How could this happen to me at such an early stage of the double marathon day, I knew the risks of pushing myself, but fell to the overpowering heat and conditions. As the medic walked over to me, she could see that I was struggling and ask me to come over to the vehicle where I could take shelter in the shade. They were so lovely towards me and provided a shelter away from the blowing sand.

As they asked me several questions about my condition, I explained I felt sick and struggled to take in my gels and electrolytes. I always chewed my salt tablets, regardless of the disgusting taste, but knew they were essential to my survival. 

As the kind lady doctor took my pulse, she became concerned. I asked what was wrong, she replied - “well, your pulse is 100/60” Awesome I said with a cheeky smile. She looked bemused for a few seconds and asked why? I immediately put my hand in my bag and extracted my ECG and medical details, I’m normally 110/70, here have a look I said. She smiled and said she understood why and that everything was ok. “Please take this tablet, it’ll stop you feeling sick” A small pink tablet which soon took residence in my stomach. Minutes passed by and I was counting the amount of people passing me. I could see the hard work ahead to regain my position and wanted to get back up and running. You must wait and rest the doctors said. After 20 minutes had past, they eventually let me carry on. I knew there was a huge Jebel in the distance that I would need to climb and off I went. I made sure they knew how thankful I was for looking after me and praised them for their support. Smiling, I went on my way, it was so hot but I was so determined to succeed.

To my delight I saw a check point in front of me, Check point 2 and 49th position on the day. As I arrived, one of the organisers came straight to me and said please follow me, you need to see the doctor. What about my water and stamping of my card I asked? I didn’t want a penalty. Don’t worry Jonathan he replied, we’ll stamp your card but please come to the Doctor. The doctor took one look at me and asked how I felt. You must take 4 salt tablets right now and rest. I was gutted, I could see the amount of people passing me and my placement getting worse. As I sat in the shade, feeling slightly drained, all I could do was rest and wait. Eventually after 1/2 an hour, the doctor allowed me to carry on. I jogged along the path, gradually picking away at the runners ahead of me to be faced with an almighty Jebel. Each foot I placed in the sand seemed to go backwards and before I’d even got a 1/4 of the way up the sand section, I was absolutely drained. Never before had I needed to stop walking up a mountain, but this time I had been beaten. More and more people passed me and they inched their way up. I could see a rocky section with a rope to hold onto. This became my target, for I knew once I hit the rocks and rope, my upper body strength would play an integral part. As I eventually arrived at the rocky section, I found my second wind and maintained my position to the point I actually over took a few people. It felt great as it seemed to be natural ground for me. Reaching the top was such a joy and I cherished the moment. As I came down the other side, you had to calm your pace given the rocky terrain and the last thing I wanted was a broken/damaged ankle. As I overtook a number of competitors I cooled myself with water being poured down my head and back. Oh what a fab feeling it was. 

I arrived at the next check point to find I was struggling once again. I had nothing left to give and had only just gone past the 48k point. This meant I had another 42k to run before the day was over. I knew that my 12 hour target was gone, but I could still aim for a sub 13 hour. As I pressed on, I slowed down to try and reserve what energy was within me. It was such a struggle, but one which I would not give in to. 

At a further check point a fellow bivouac pal saw me taking shelter under a resting area. "Are you alright Jon?" "No I’m beat, can’t take my gels, nor my electrolytes." "Have you got any skittles?" he replied. "Nothing I said." We traded some skittles for an energy gel and off he went. I had approximately 35 skittles which I planned to take over the next 2 stages. Whilst taking a further rest period, I realised my focus was now on just completing the day and the time became secondary. I had no energy, but refused to quit.

As I reached checkpoint 6, it was approximately 72k and there was a live band playing. The evening darkness had set in and my head torch was on. All I had to do was have some food and push for the next 20k or so. I saw another biviouac buddy who was surprised to have overtaken me. He was just setting off as I filled my freeze dried Chicken Tikka meal with water. I’d planned to eat the food on my way. Off I went holding my food bag. As one of the leading lady runners came through the check point, she glanced towards me with what can only be described as a concerned look. I was clearly looking rather beat, but determined to succeed. My walk became a stumble at times and I knew there was 12k to go to check point 7. I watched my GPS as I moved every 0.5k closer to my target, still kicking stones with my left foot, the pain grew stronger each time.

By the time I had reached check point 7, I had hit an absolute low, had quite a few emotional moments and lost track of the amount of times I kept kicking large stones with my left foot. The pain was so excruciating at times, I gave up selecting the swear words and allowed myself to freely express verbally. Often drifting on my own towards the check point, I found myself walking through a sand storm late at night. The terrain was very slow moving and as I entered the final checkpoint, the support workers congratulated me with the reply that there was only 6k to go. 

“I need rest and warmth” I replied. I was shivering with what could only be described as mild hypothermia at this point. I asked if there was somewhere I could lie down and rest. “But you’ve only got 6k to go” the young lady said. "Can you not see I’m shivering" I replied! Where can I rest. The young lady took me to a bivouac and said, you can lie in there. As I lay with my sleeping bag over my shoulders and an emergency heat blanket over my legs, I looked up to find a Camel Spider only a couple of metres away from me on the roof. I knew it wasn’t a pleasant spider to be around, but I was shaking and tired. I lay motionless for what seemed to be 20 minutes.

The shivering was getting worse and I dragged myself up. I walked over to the girl and at the check points and explained that I needed a medic. They couldn’t understand English to which I expressed Medic/Doctor. They immediately understood and took me over. As 3 medics stood around me, I explained I couldn’t stop shaking, My body felt like it was freezing and I could not get my emergency blanket and sleeping bag on. They helped put the blanket over me and then put my sleeping bag over as well. It took 3 of them to lay me down I was shaking that badly. Hypothermia had started to take effect. “ You will lay there and rest for a while” the Doctors replied. As I lay shaking, I could feel the warmth of the blanket and sleeping bag warm my body.

3 hours later I opened my eyes to see 17.5 hours had gone since starting the race and I felt such an urge to get up and move. I was furious with myself for falling asleep. As I gradually shoved everything into my back pack, I set off in a stumbling motion. Still kicking stones with my left foot, the pain kept me wide awake and alert. I tried to run but there was nothing inside me.

To my delight I could see the finishing line ahead. I was truly exhausted, yet proud of the dark place I had come from and as I walked over the line I reached for my mint tea. It tasted so refreshing I quickly drank it and headed for the bivouac. It was still pitch black and 4 of the tent buddies had arrived back safely. I slumped into my sleeping bag and fell asleep knowing I just had to get up in the morning and focus on recovering. My pride had taken such a beating but I didn’t care.

I can honestly say, that I don’t know how I managed to get through the day. What should have been a 12 hour experience, turned out to be a mammoth 19.5 hour epic journey of a true test of what I am about. It didn’t matter from this point what happened, as far as I was concerned I’d won my race because of what I went through and how I had managed to get through the 55 mile journey. However, I had still to refuel and had the whole of Thursday to recover ready for the Marathon on Friday. 

During the morning I went over to see what position I had actually finished. I sighed with disappointment, I came in 512th which put me 288th overall for the week. Gutted with a sense of damaged pride I went over to the Doc Trotters for them to repair my feet and toe. They were absolutely killing me. Every step felt like I was walking on Razor blades and the slightest touch on my left toe meant excruciating pain travelled throughout my whole body and lasted for what seemed 5 minutes each time.

As I lay on the floor with my legs in the air whilst the medic strapped up my toe, he looked in astonishment and said how did you manage to continue with this toe! I need to protect it before it gets any worse and then we’ll work on your blisters. “It Will Hurt” he said with a cheeky grin! I laughed and grated my teeth. Such strong pain, yet I was filled with joy having pushed myself way beyond any comfort zone I could ever imagine.

It would be very easy to allow others to criticise me for losing out on achieving the Top 50, but they didn’t experience what I had just gone through, nor even attempted to take on such a challenge with no real ultra marathon experience. I glowed with joy as I hobbled back.

Barney(one of my tent buddies) found it quite amusing in a sincere way that my feet were strapped up in the manner they were and felt he needed to remind me which was my left and which was my right foot.

Barney is an ex cage fighter, a very hard man with a huge heart of gold. We had some great banter and he was a great sport.

As the day passed by, we all focused our attention on Rory and Ran as they had not arrived back safely. We had tracked their progress to find they would make it in time, but until they had passed the finishing line, we felt on edge for a period. At last, they arrived early evening and what a relief. Just one more day to go and the whole bivouac would have succeeded the Marathon Des Sables. As Ran approached the finishing line, he noticed me and shouted across,” How did you do Jon? Did you get Top 50?” "No" I replied. I felt I had let the team down and stepped back into the chaps around me.

Friday 10th April

It was the final Marathon Day and I was determined to give every last drop of energy to pull back some places. As I stood in the crowd, I waited for the start. We were off, and I gradually picked my way through the back of the pack. Focused on getting a great result, I was still feeling very wary and gentle with myself, I could still feel the effects of Wednesday. 

As I settled into a steady pace, the pace proved fast and I steadily made my way through. I’d broken the race into 4 quarters, each being 11k each and imagine myself running my normal routine back home which was 10k. This I could relate to and spent most of the race imagining myself running to the roundabout and back where I live. 

I also carried the thought of the 3 people in my life, Dawn Lewis and Mitchell. They had been my inspiration throughout the whole week and especially during the double marathon day. I kept having some emotional moments which put a few lumps in my throat, but I powered on with my run. Before I knew it, I was at the final check point and only 11k to go until I got my medal from Patrick Baur the organiser himself. 

I could see the finish line with everyone cheering all the finishers. I did it, I crossed the line and filled with joy. Marathon Des Sables had not won me over! It had been brutal, unforgiving, drained me of every little bit of essence, yet, I stood strong throughout the whole week and beat the challenge. I finished 260th overall and felt very happy with myself. I could have quite easily dropped out at certain points on the Wednesday, but refused to quit and pursued my goal with all I had.

To finish was such an amazing achievement, I knew I would be going on the plane home with my medal. I felt so proud and no one can take that away from me.

Throughout the week, many had been forced to drop out, been stopped, suffered major injury and subjected to bacterial infection. They call the Marathon Des Sables the hardest foot race in the world and I can clearly see why. It’s not just about the running in the extreme 50 degree plus heat, its about the survival and living conditions as well you endure throughout the whole experience.

The day after we set off on a 11k charity walk, to which followed a lengthy bus journey for over 6-7 hours back to Ouarzazate and the Hotel Berbere Palace. Throughout the return journey, I saw all kinds of sights, slums, shepherds and modern living. Yet, the one thing that will always stick in my mind, is the children begging for food whilst we stopped at the roadside. We had a picnic provided which seemed heavenly considering I’d just spent the last 8 days on freeze dried food. Bread, Salami, cheese spread, prunes, nuts, Apple sauce and an orange juice. It may not seem much, but at the time it was heavenly. 

When we eventually arrived at the hotel, having my first shower in 8 days was such a pleasant experience, I quickly got changed and rushed to get some food. It was paradise, hot and cold buffet with so much fish, fruit, cooked meats, pasta and rice and fab desserts. I even enjoyed a cold beer for the first time on many months. Everyone was smiling with such joy and by midnight, I was ready for my bed. Clean sheets, soft mattress and no sand! Even the ability to go to a toilet felt such a pleasure.

As I lay in bed, the reality of what I had just experienced still couldn’t sink in yet and I lay motionless before slipping into a deep sleep. As morning broke, I found myself getting ready for 7 am to go to the research team to get checked out.

I’d dropped to 76.5kg, 11% body fat and clearly needed to pay another visit to the Doc Trotters. The toe that had become broken had clearly gone sceptic around the toe nail area and treatment was definitely needed. As I jumped in the taxi, I hesitated for a second as the old man tried to start his car. It was definitely a 30 year old car and as he tried to start the engine, you could feel the whole car shake. I sat back and relaxed whilst enjoying the experience. It felt great! As I arrived at the organisers hotel, I headed for Doc Trotters and I was quickly attended to. The young lady looked at my feet and said we need to focus on the toe and that I must have some medication. She spent quite a while preparing my feet and getting the right medication. “ You must hand this letter to your Doctor when you get back she replied. As I got back, I put my flip flops on and allowed my feet to air.

I then walked into the centre and looked at the shops. A Moroccan chap said, have you got any old trainers or medication? Ibuprofen, Anadin or anything like that he said. I will gladly trade anything in my shop. I knew I wasn’t going to use my trainers again, and I had plenty of Ibuprofen in my back pack that I had brought. So I walked back, got my stuff and headed back down. 

40 minutes later, I had my flying Berber Carpet. It had been a lovely experience bartering. Yes, I had to pay the chap a little extra money, but I didn’t mind, it was worth every penny to me.

When I got back, I enjoyed the best bottle of beer by the pool for what seemed an eternity, as I basked in the sun chatting to the fellow tent mates.

The realisation of the last 9 days was only just sinking in and it felt so amazing inside, I still find it quite hard to express in words.

Whatever your challenge may be, I always encourage clients to ensure they have set their target/goal that can be measurable and certainly achievable, but most of all, that it will challenge the client achieving their very best. Even if a client doesn’t achieve their desired outcome first time, they can always try again.

The Marathon Des Sables confirmed to me that I have a level of tenacity, stamina, drive and desire to achieve even more than I realised before taking on the adventure, and I feel very proud, privileged and grateful for my ability to pursue such a goal.

I believe we all have choices in life and no matter what our background may be, we can all make a positive change to our lives at any age.

If you would like to no more about achieving the life you desire, or even read our book Dream to Reality, please feel free to get in touch and email contact@lifewealthcoaching.com where we can discuss your thoughts confidentially or click on the link to buy our book which is helping people achieve the life they desire.

http://www.realityproductions.co.uk

Kindest regards

Jonathan