My nervous system was in a state of functioning freeze. I repressed a lot of emotions. I did not like conflict. I had a tendency to go into shut down. I tried to always be nice and a people-pleaser. I felt shame around feeling “negative” emotions. I was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 years ago and had a baseball size tumor removed. I chose to take a holistic approach to my healing, and a year after working with my doctor he recommended I have a second cancer test done that is very specialized. The results came back and the numbers barely changed. I started to cry. My doctor told me that I had done a great job with my diet and supplements but if he had to give me a grade for my stress level he would give me an “F”.
The test was done on September 21 2016 and I was blessed with an email about Irene’s 3-part video series and I started SmartBody SmartMind on October 4, 2016. Just today a friend who sees my same doctor asked me what do I feel changed for me after my doctor told me that I was failing in the stress department. I told her that hands down it was taking Irene’s 12 week program. Irene’s 12 week program provides information that is so valuable for understanding our nervous systems. The class is structured in a way that it is dosed out perfectly so that you never feel overwhelmed. I was impressed with the way the program was laid out. No matter your learning style Irene provided material to fit. I was able to read the lesson, watch a video and print off the transcripts. Brilliant!
I love that I can take this class as many times as I want, as I have a tendency to be an overachiever, but I felt for the first time with an online class that I could pace myself and if I did not complete the 12 weeks that it was okay. This took so much stress off me and it helped my nervous system. Irene provides exercises that are great tools. I found this to be so very helpful. So often people present theory but they do not share tools that can be helpful for self-empowerment and healing. I have greatly enjoyed the private FB group as well. I have learned so much from people’s posts and comments. I feel a real sense of community as a member of this group.
Now I have healthier relationships with people and I am so much more compassionate about what people are going through. Irene encourages us to honor our bodies plus she teaches us to self-regulate. That was huge for me since I have always had a tendency to shut down or rage. I feel like I have spent so much of my life out of my body. This program made me feel safe to be in my body and to appreciate it’s wonder from a whole new level.
