By Carol Look, EFT Master
"WHAT IF" tapping is one of
my favorite EFT strategies to bring
clients (or myself) closer to their goals. As one of my
clients said, "WHAT IF? is a
fascinating question...it opens up so many possibilities!"
Fascinating indeed, and a powerful variation on the basic
EFT setup phrases. I have found that it
allows clients to pose questions without feeling too
threatened at the thought of releasing their struggles. It
does seem to leave the door open for new options, and any
time we feel freer and see more choices in front of us,
the healing momentum can begin.
The question, WHAT IF? allows
us to imagine the future, without too many strong
tail-enders getting in the way. When the tail-enders do
surface, of course EFT is the best tool
for neutralizing them. The WHAT IF
tapping strategy can be applied to either physical or
emotional challenges and conflicts. Below you will find
the 1st installment of 5 practical examples of
this application of EFT.
PERFORMANCE ANXIETY:
Let's say you are always anxious when you make your
professional or business presentations at work, or you are
an actor or musician struggling with classic anxiety and
performance issues. Here's how I would set up the
EFT statements using theWHAT IFroutine.
Even though I have always felt anxious when I
perform,WHAT IF I could be calm and
relaxed this time?
Even though I feel the anxiety just thinking
about my next meeting/performance, WHAT IF
I could allow myself to feel calm and confident?
Even though I feel nervous and anxious whenever
I have to make a presentation, WHAT IF
I could choose to be calm this time instead?
Then tap on the sequence of tapping points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I
could feel relaxed in front of the crowd?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF
I could recite my lines/speech feeling calm and
confident?
Under Eye: WHAT IF
this time marks the beginning of a new me?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I
don't have to suffer any more with this problem?
Chin: WHAT IF I could
be successful at this from now on?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I
have cleared this problem for good?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
don't need this anxiety any more?
Top of Head: WHAT IF
I am over this problem and can be calm and peaceful
whenever I perform?
If any "tail-enders" surface, use them in subsequent
rounds ofEFT. Perhaps you "heard" in your
head a phrase something like, "That's impossible to
get rid of this problem after all these years" as a
classic tail-ender. Your nextEFTround
would go as follows:
Even though I'm convinced it's impossible to
get rid of this anxiety because I've had it so long, I
deeply and completely love and accept myself anyway.
Even though I know you can't get rid of anxiety
that fast, I deeply and completely love and accept who
I am, including this anxiety.
Even though there's no way I could be free of
this anxiety so quickly, I choose to accept and
respect myself anyway.
Then tap on the sequence of tapping points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I
could feel relaxed and calm in front of the crowd this
time?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF
I could recite my lines/speech with confidence?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
CAN get over this anxiety this fast?
Under Nose: WHAT IF
my suffering is unnecessary going forward?
Chin: WHAT IF I could
be successful at this from now on?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I
have cleared this problem for good?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
don't need this anxiety any more?
Top of Head: WHAT IF
I CAN get over this anxiety this quickly and enjoy my
performances?
Carol Look
EFT Master
A word about pain control: We have been taught very
specific things about the course of action of pain and
illnesses. I believe these aren't set in stone, only set
in our belief systems. (Remember, we do not recommend
EFT as a replacement for following sound
medical advice, we recommend you use EFT
in conjunction with your doctor's advice and treatment).
PHYSICAL PAIN/ DISCOMFORT:
Let's say you have pain, discomfort or an ailment in
your physical body.
(1) Identify the specific problem.
(2) Identify exactly how you want to feel instead.
(3) Proceed with EFT as follows:
Even though I have this pain in my
___________(back, shoulder, knee...), WHAT IF
I could release it right now?
Even though I've had this pain for years,
WHAT IF my body knows how to get rid
of it and I can feel comfortable instead?
Even though I feel this chronic pain in my
___________, WHAT IF I could wake up
tomorrow feeling energetic and strong again?
Then tap on the sequence of tapping points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I
could feel comfortable and pain free today?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF
I could remember the emotional cause and move on
anyway?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
don't need the pain any more?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I
don't have to suffer with this pain from now on?
Chin: WHAT IF I could
feel young and energetic now?
Collarbone: WHAT IF
my body has already begun to release the pain and
discomfort?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
could feel joyful and pain free from now on?
Top of Head: WHAT IF
I have finally cleared this pain problem once and for
all?
Using the "WHAT IF"
statements as the affirmation phrases of the first set-up
statements is bound to trigger tail-enders (those
'yes-buts' that tend show up after saying something
positive). That's what we want, so we can get to the
bottom of limiting beliefs about human bodies. When these
"tail-enders" surface, use them in subsequent rounds of
EFT. Perhaps you "heard" a tail-ender such as"there's
no way to get rid of this pain, I've tried everything!"
Proceed with your next EFT round as
follows:
Even though I've had this problem for too long
to get better now, I deeply and completely love and
accept my whole body.
Even though I've tried everything and nothing
works on me, I deeply and completely love and accept
myself anyway.
Even though my pain/ailment is "chronic" and
isn't supposed to go away, I love and appreciate my
whole body anyway.
Then tap on the sequence of tapping points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF my
pain could be relieved quickly?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF
I just haven't been trying the right techniques for
it?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
don't need the pain any more and can enjoy my body?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I
don't have to suffer with this pain the way I thought
I had to?
Chin: WHAT IF I could
feel young and energetic from now on?
Collarbone: WHAT IF
my body has already begun to release the pain and
discomfort?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
could feel strength and stamina in my whole body
again?
Top of Head: WHAT IF
I have finally cleared this pain problem once and for
all?
If you "heard" even more tail-enders, continue using
EFT until you can actually say out loud
"What if I could be pain free from now on" and
believe this is possible!
Thanks,
Carol Look
EFT Master
Again, with addictions, no one is suggesting that you
leave your current treatment or leave your 12 step
programs if they are working well for you. I am suggesting
you use EFTto alleviate some of your
suffering and some of your long standing beliefs about
what is possible in your life.
___________________
Suppose you have suffered from food, cigarette or
alcohol cravings for years, and can't seem to change the
pattern of over-indulging in one substance or another.
While there are entire protocols for these problems and
the many layers of feelings that fuel them, (see my Weight
& Smoking programs at
http://www.CarolLook.com) I recommend that you add
this variation to your daily routine.
(1) Identify the exact feeling you have when around the
substance, or the feeling you have when you are unable to
get/use the substance.
(2) Identify how you wish to feel instead.
(3) Proceed with the WHAT IF
tapping as follows:
Even though I've had these cravings for years and
they don't seem to be helped by anything, WHAT IF
I could release them and this addictive pattern right now?
Even though I'm sick and tired of these cravings
ruling my life, WHAT IF I could allow
myself to be free of them?
Even though I can't stop eating/drinking/smoking no
matter what, WHAT IF I could suddenly
feel free of the underlying anxiety that drives these
ferocious cravings?
Then tap on the sequence of EFT points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I could
let go of these powerful cravings right now?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF my
unconscious mind is already healing me of this problem?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
don't need the cravings to cover my feelings any more?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I
could release the cravings and finally enjoy my life?
Chin: WHAT IF I could
feel free of the cravings starting right now?
Collarbone: WHAT IF all
this tapping has started to release the cravings on a very
deep level?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
could allow myself to feel my feelings without needing to
eat/smoke/drink too much?
Top of Head: WHAT IF I
have finally neutralized the underlying anxiety (feelings)
and can feel completely free now?
Again, you probably "heard" a few tail-enders based on
your belief system about addictions and cravings and how
hard it is to get rid of them. Identify your significant
tail-enders and incorporate them into your next few rounds
of EFT.
Even though I've had these cravings for years so I
don't believe they will go away, I deeply and completely
love and accept myself anyway.
Even though these cravings are just a part of my
life and I have to deal with them, I choose to accept and
respect who I am anyway.
Even though I haven't been able to stop
eating/drinking/smoking no matter what, I deeply and
completely love and accept myself anyway.
Then tap on the sequence of EFT points using
the "WHAT IF" phrases as follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I could
let go of these powerful cravings right now?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF this
tapping could relieve me of my cravings?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
don't need the cravings to tranquilize my feelings any
more?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I
could release the cravings and enjoy my life starting
today?
Chin: WHAT IF I could
finally feel free of the cravings?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I am
releasing these cravings on the deepest levels of my mind
and body?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
could feel my feelings and feel safe without needing to
eat/smoke/drink too much?
Top of Head: WHAT IF I
have finally released my anxiety and can feel completely
free?
There may have been other tail-enders that surfaced,
again, due to our preconceived notions of addiction and
how "impossible" it is to be free of cravings. But
WHAT IF...
Stay tuned for the remaining 2 installments in this
series on the following topics:
(1) Relationships, and (2) Attracting Abundance.
Keep tapping...
Carol Look
EFT Master
Let's say you are looking for a partner, and you have
become quite discouraged. (Maybe you should talk to
someone I know who met her first boyfriend at age 84!!)
Here's how I would set up the EFT
statements using the WHAT IF
routine.
Even though I haven't found the "ONE" yet,
WHAT IF he/she is just around the corner?
Even though it's probably too late for me now,
WHAT IF I could allow myself to feel
optimistic and eager?
Even though I feel convinced there is no hope for
me to find the right partner, WHAT IF I
shouldn't give up just yet?
Then tap on the sequence of tapping points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I felt
patient and knew he/she is on the way?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF I
could just relax and KNOW it's about to happen?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
could FEEL as if it is already happening?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I
don't have to fear this any more?
Chin: WHAT IF I could be
successful in my relationships from now on?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I
have cleared this problem for good?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
don't need to worry because it's all about to change?
Top of Head: WHAT IF I am
over the doubt and can feel peaceful and eager?
If any "tail-enders" surface, use them in subsequent
rounds ofEFT. Perhaps you "heard" in your
head a phrase something like, "My relationships never
work out, I doubt there is anyone out there for me..."
as a tail-ender. Your nextEFT round would
go as follows:
Even though I'm convinced it's impossible to find
someone because I haven't so far, I deeply and completely
love and accept myself anyway.
Even though I have such doubts about finding
someone for me, I deeply and completely love and accept
who I am anyway.
Even though I'm convinced I will be alone forever,
I choose to accept and respect myself anyway.
Then tap on the sequence of tapping points as
follows:
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I could
feel relaxed about finding a mate?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF I
could feel a new sense of confidence about what I have to
offer?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
could find someone soon?
Under Nose: WHAT IF my
beliefs are old and outdated?
Chin: WHAT IF I could be
successful in relationships no matter what has happened in
the past?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I
have cleared this challenge of finding a partner for good?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I
could release the doubts for good?
Top of Head: WHAT IF I
CAN find the perfect partner for me?
Again, if you "hear" additional tail-enders such as
"There aren't enough men/women...it never works out for
long..." then use these phrases for your next rounds
of EFT.
Stay tuned for the 5th and final installment of this
series on my favorite topic, Attracting
Abundance.
The topic of Attracting Abundance
is my specialty and my favorite because I have seen so
much progress in this area for myself and clients once we
get to the limiting beliefs. All those programs that
promise abundance are missing the same thing: the tools to
neutralize the resistance or limiting beliefs about wealth
and abundance. This tool of course is EFT.
The topic of "abundance" can be applied to health and
relationships as well. It is not meant as a focus solely
on financial abundance. But since we covered health and
relationships in parts 2 and 3 of this series, this
installment is about money.
ABUNDANCE BLOCKS:
Suppose you are convinced that abundance and wealth are
for those "other people" and not you. This is a classic
"limiting belief" that can be successfully neutralized
with EFT.
Even though I don't believe I deserve abundance and
wealth, WHAT IF I have been wrong all
along?
Even though they taught me that I'm not worthy of
abundance, WHAT IF they were wrong and I
DO DESERVE wealth and abundance after all?
Even though I'm convinced wealth is not for me,
WHAT IF it IS for me and I am about to
attract a lot of it?
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I have
deserved abundance all along?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF I
inherited someone else's false beliefs about abundance?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I
don't need to believe in scarcity any more?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I am
releasing my abundance blocks right now?
Chin: WHAT IF I DO
DESERVE abundance and wealth as much as they do?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I am
already on my way to clearing the blocks?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I am
attracting wealth and abundance right now and all I need
to do is relax?
Top of Head: WHAT IF the
tapping has shifted my energy so much that I am already
attracting more success?
Again, using the WHAT IF
statements as part of the original set-up affirmation
phrases above is bound to trigger very loud tail-enders
for you. What I am suggesting with the WHAT IF
statements is probably outside of your current comfort
zones and belief system about financial wealth and
abundance. Identify the significant tail-enders and
incorporate them into your next few rounds ofEFT.
Maybe you heard a tail-ender such as"This is a joke, I
don't have what it takes (and I never will) to become
financially wealthy." Your next EFT
round would go something like this:
Even though I don't believe I have what it takes to
become wealthy, I deeply and completely love and accept
myself anyway.
Even though they I've never known how, so what
would be different now, I choose to love and accept all of
me anyway.
Even though I'm still convinced I don't have what
it takes to make a lot of money, whatever that is, I
deeply and completely love and accept myself right now.
Eyebrow: WHAT IF I do
have what it takes and always have?
Side of Eye: WHAT IF I am
as deserving as everyone else?
Under Eye: WHAT IF I my
belief in "lack" is just a silly belief?
Under Nose: WHAT IF I can
release any abundance blocks with this tapping?
Chin: WHAT IF I DO
DESERVE abundance and wealth as much as they do?
Collarbone: WHAT IF I am
clearing those blocks right now?
Under Arm: WHAT IF I am
attracting wealth and abundance right now and all I need
to do is relax?
Top of Head: WHAT IF I do
have what it takes and abundance is already on its way to
me?
I have enjoyed writing this series very much, I hope it
will help you in your journey.
Carol Look
