Guest Blogger: Dorothea Hover-Kramer gives us five ways to practice presence in critical times

I have a special treat for you today! We have a guest blogger. Her name is Dorothea Hover-Kramer and she's been on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion all this month with book reviews, interviews, guest posts, radio appearances and even a book giveaway!

And...still had time to drop by with a wonderful guest post titled It's Boomer Energy Time! - Five Ways to Practice Presence in Critical Times. This is only an example of her talent with words. If you'd like to pick up a copy of her latest book online, Second Chance at Your Dreams, visit here!

It’s Boomer Energy Time!—Five Ways to Practice Presence in Critical Times

by Dorothea Hover-Kramer, Ed.D., RN, RC, DCEP

These critical times can actually be the Baby Boomers’ finest hour. We are survivors of many life challenges such as career changes, job loss, personal or loved one’s illnesses and shattering events such as death of parents and relatives. More than that, we are learning to thrive in difficult times and discovering ways to share our inner wisdom with others.

Staying centered and present in critical times is one of the Boomer’s greatest gifts. It brings us to the spiritual wisdom that allows our energy to flow from within to help others. We can be the caring presence for others in the center of the storm.

Energy psychology offers numerous easily learned tools to experience our very own center which is really as close as the next breath. Here are five steps you can use one at a time or all together as your time permits:

1) Take a deep breath and let go of the tension you feel after hearing an upsetting news item, diagnosis, report or trauma.

2) Note your emotion and acknowledge it directly by stating “Even though I feel___(state the feeling), I still deeply and profoundly accept myself.”

3) Touch or gently rub the heart area in the mid-chest while repeating the statement above. Repeat it as often as needed until you feel less caught up in the traumatic event and more connected to yourself.

4) Acknowledge your gifts and strengths by listing who you know you are and what you might offer to help the person who is in need or affected by trauma.

5) Choose to be present with your center intact when you approach yourself or a person in need. Listen to your inner voice of calm. Trust that you can attract the resources, including your patience and persistence, necessary to resolve the situation and assist with healing.

As you go through the steps, you may notice a shift in your perceptions. There may be room for more clear thinking and knowing what to do.

I recently taught a class to a group of Baby Boomers that included several who had recently laid-off adult children. The centering steps helped them to move quickly from fear for their loved ones to affirming their own and their children’s strengths. One participant observed with tears in her eyes, ‘“My daughter has already survived cancer, I know she can find hope and another job. I know I can actively support her in affirming her gifts and talents and in being present for her.”

Dorothea Hover-Kramer Ed.D., RN, RC, is a psychotherapist in private practice and the author of six books about energy therapies and her most recent is Second Chance at Your Dream (energy psychology press, 2009). You can visit her website at www.secondchancedream.com.