We all have it. That feeling of dread, of fear and panic, that sick sensation in our bellies. I've been there, you're there — but together we can take back control. So stay with me for ten minutes and find your moment of calm within the storm.
Today is about the things you still carry from before: the regrets, the mistakes, the anchors that hold you to a past you cannot change. We settle into the almost hypnotic rhythm of the rise and fall of every breath, and then imagine that feeling of letting go as a colour — an aura of light and comfort spreading out from the chest with every exhale, cascading through every fibre of your being. You can find more of this in Anchored, the app I've just brought out. It's free, it's on iOS, and Android follows next month.
This one is unscripted and recorded in a single take — the old style, just me and the microphone. Hosted by clinical hypnotherapist and former paramedic Martin Hewlett. I'm here on the end of a microphone, but whenever I record, whenever I talk, I truly believe you are right there with me, and that we will get through this together.
The script
Transcribed from the audio, so the odd word may be off. Tap any line while it plays to keep the words in step with Martin's voice.
We all have it, that feeling of dread, of fear and panic, that sick sensation in our bellies. I've been there, you're there, but together we can take back control, so stay with me for ten minutes and find your moment of calm within the storm. Hi there, I'm Martin, this is calming anxiety. I'm a clinical hypnotherapist, a former paramedic, and I use these sessions to take back control over the negativity and the darkness of my past.
You can find more in the app that I've just brought out, it's called Anchored, it's free, it's on iOS and then Android next month. If you're a regular listener, please do download it, leave it a review, that way Apple pushes it to more people who may just need that moment of calm. Now find your quiet place today my friend, somewhere comfy to sit or lie down where you won't be disturbed and if it's safe, close your eyes. And within this moment now, I want you to tune in to the almost hypnotic rhythm of the rise and form of every breath.
To truly, mindfully appreciate the shifting sensations as you breathe in, to be aware of how your rib cage rises, expands, and you draw deep within the space of your lungs, every life giving breath, every moment of ambition, of self-worth, and then between the in and the out breath. You allow all the negativity, the moments of panic and fear to flow from your thoughts into the space so that as you exhale, you release the tension, the darkness, the anchors that hold you to the regrets and mistakes. Within, feel it, hold, breathe out and release and open your mind to the joyous sense of relaxation.
Focus maybe on one spot on your chest to be aware completely the difference between the in and the out. And I wonder if you could imagine that feeling of letting go as a color and then see it spreading like an aura all over your chest with every out breath, that sense of release increases, that aura of light and comfort. It covers all of your chest before cascading outwards throughout every fiber of your being, to cover your whole body in a protective aura of care and control. Relax deeper and deeper and deeper with every out breath.
Feel the weight of the chair or bed beneath you and truly allow yourself to sink ever deeper. Relax and unwind. Feel the in breath, pausing for a moment and unwind on every exhalation.
Just melt into the surface below. Save and secure within the sanctuary of your consciousness. Deeper and deeper and deeper now so that within this moment of time this gift from yourself to your soul. We can visualize these beautiful words to heal to grow stronger with every day, with every thought because simply put, you truly are worthy.
So relax and in your mind's eye, visualize these words repeating them silently afterwards.
I am in control of all that I am.
My negative thoughts do not define me.
I can love myself now and let go of the regrets and mistakes of my past.
I am worthy of happiness and success.
I am here. I am now. And I am safe. And then drift even deeper, more calm and more at peace.
Relax now my friend. Imagine a hug deep to the soul. Relax and unwind. And then once more within the beauty of your mind's eye, visualize and repeat.
I am in control of all that I am.
My negative thoughts do not define me.
I can love myself now and let go of the regrets and mistakes of my past.
I am worthy of happiness and success.
I am here. I am now. And I am safe. Drift now, further and further.
Feel your breathing once more in this intimate state of connection as you reunite mind, body and soul. Within this moment of calm, of self-reflection, of self-empowerment, here at a day's three daily caring tips. One, do not define yourself by the mistakes or regrets of your past. We are all allowed to move on.
Two, when negativity crops up, stop the thought. Think of something positive about the event or whoever you are with and reframe how you view the past. Three, when panic or anxiety strikes, be kind to yourself afterwards. We all have them, you are not broken.
Drink a glass of water and get two minutes of outside time. Now slowly. When you are awareness back within the space around you, wiggle your fingers and your toes. Take a deep breath in now, hold at the top and as you breathe out, stretch out the arms, there you go.
And then when you are ready and no rough, gently open your eyes. And thank you for taking care of you today. I am here on the end of a microphone, but whenever I record, when I talk, I truly believe you are right there with me and we will get through this together. So take care of you today and please, without getting down on my knees, do consider if you are on iOS, download the app.
You don't have to buy anything, just try it out, tell your friends about it. You get four free sessions a day on the free plan. There is nothing hidden and a review would be wonderful. It helps spread the word of all the work I have done over the last four or five months.
Thank you. But more than that my friend. Empower you. Don't give up.
Even I have my own duvet days where life just gets a little bit too hard. But I bounce back. I understand we're fragile, but we'll get there. Take care.
May your God go with you and in everything be kind.