"We can face the challenges that life presents us with more ease if we can draw from the reservoir of love in our life. Contained in this wellspring are all the memories of loving and being loved, experiences with cherished family and friends from our past and present life. Even though we may lose contact with it, the love we have received never goes away. It continues to abide in our hearts. When we remember those who have given us this gift, it can sustain us throughout the course of our lives, through all the challenges our lives present us. This reservoir of love can be tapped in so that we are better able to make use of the gift. What follows in this chapter are many ideas you can use for tapping in the resource of love.
Those You Love
"One of the easiest ways to tap in love is to think of the people you love. By accessing memories and images of those you love, you can contact your soft, open heart — which can help when you are feeling anxious, unsupported, sad, lonely, or needing an infusion of comfort.
Tapping In Those You Love
"1. Take a few moments to go inside and quiet your mind. Find that still place within yourself, and rest there awhile.
"2. What people and/or animals from your past and present have you loved? You can go all the way back to your childhood, to parents, grandparents, nannies, friends, teachers, or pets you had. Did you have a pet as a child with whom you felt a special bond? You can focus on those who are alive and special to you now. Think of your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or your dog, cat, or horse. Do you have a close friend you love?
"3. If the people or animals are deceased and you feel sad when you think of them, see if you can put these feelings aside and focus only on your love for them. Remember that this love never dies. What they gave to you continues to be· a resource for you throughout your life.
"4. You might want to imagine a strong container into which you can put your grief, sadness, or any other painful thoughts or feelings you may have. The container can be a treasure box with a strong lid that you can open when you like. In the meantime, putting these feelings inside will allow you to focus on the good feelings.
"5. Now bring up an image of a person or animal you love or have loved in the past. Bring the person or animal to mind as strongly as you can. The image should evoke only positive feelings. For example, you might imagine your daughter as a little girl sitting on your lap as you read her a story. As you bring this image to mind, let yourself feel your love for her. Let the feeling of love fill your heart as much as possible.
"6. When you can hold the image and the loving feelings, begin to tap. Tap 6 to 12 times, or longer, provided that the feelings strengthen or remain positive.
"7. If it becomes negative in any way — if you find sad memories, regretful feelings, and so on — stop tapping. Bring up the image you began with, and try to find the loving feelings. If you find them, tap again, but only for a short time. If you cannot find the positive feelings, think of another person or animal for whom you have loving feelings, and evoke that image and feelings with tapping again. This time only tap a short while.
"8. You can repeat this process with many beings for whom you have loving feelings. Bring each one to mind, feel the feelings of love and affection, then tap to strengthen them.
"For example, you might begin with your child, then bring in your spouse, your best friend, and then your dog. Bring up the image of holding and rocking your child in your arms. Tap when you feel the feelings of love. Continue until it feels strong, integrated, and complete. Then bring up an image or memory of loving your spouse. Maybe it was when you were together on vacation walking hand in hand on the beach. When you feel that strongly, tap. Continue until it feels compete more fully embodied. Next, think of a time when you were close to your best friend. Maybe it was having lunch together at your favorite Thai restaurant, listening to one another, offering support and advice. Tap the image and love for your friend. Finally, imagine your loyal dog sitting at your feet gazing adoringly at you as you feel an upwelling of affection for him. Tap that in, continuing until it feels complete."
