This is Eliza’s ‘Why’
Eliza Hodge has written an excellent essay about overcoming serious problems and considering alternative ways to find happiness and security. Eliza suggests we look carefully at the implications of losing our self-awareness. She indicates that we can continue to work and enjoy life even though we have endured the cruelest events.
Eliza Writes
‘Last week, I reflected, twenty-one years ago I would have ridiculed the environment which has become my whole life. I began to think about my students, the meeting with Jill Frazer and the wonderful home I live in today. There are my supportive friends and interesting clients. Of course, there is my work which combines teaching and the incredible feeling of achievement when I watch my students prosper.
Training pupils at my holistic therapy school is my long-term future and security. There are few concerns within my life, although, as we age we all have daily twinges and small gripes, that’s fine it’s the reminder we are alive! One of my greatest lessons was illness, allow me to take you back a few years.
I am working in a harsh corporate world, I have been in this ‘hamster on a wheel’ environment for nearly thirty years. The successful woman in a man’s world is no joke. This is the reality of the era; women had to work exceptionally hard to succeed. I’m not complaining the rewards are excellent, although the pressure is relentless. The external pressure is now taking its toll. And little by little the ability to deal with stress becomes more difficult. There is a gray cloud over my daily routine, and it is becoming evident my body is exhausted.
By the way: The key signs of overwork, depression, and stress is the ‘recovery rate.’ If you find yourself waking up each morning and feeling in need of more sleep; I would suggest you look at your workload and external environment. Do not neglect the warning signs, if your memory is not as sharp as normal and you are taking longer than normal to accomplish tasks. If your mind is wandering and you lack concentration. That is the time to address the issues which cause the discord. Many of us ignore the accumulative effects of small worries. Excessive fatigue has many symptoms and is easily remedied with meditation and an hour of ‘slow time’ each day. If you don’t think you have the time, read the rest of my story.
The story continues: – I opened my eyes and the morning light seems a little fuzzy. I think to myself that my sleep must have been deep and I have laid on my side for too long because one side of my body feels numb. Initially, my doctors believed I have a virus, although I suspect a minor stroke and my suspicions are soon proven to be correct. Worse of all, family and friends seem to ignore the certainty of my illness. I had always been the one who family and friends called on when they were experiencing problems. Now I needed some reassurance there was none to be enjoyed.
The worse moment was when my sister commented about my stroke ‘Don’t be silly, you’re too young.’ I was still expected to carry other people’s problems and burdens. I foolishly ignored my body and continued to fight on. Three years later, I was near the end of my plight; I was feeling suicidal. This could not go on – Finally, I found the courage to talk to a friend, a conversation which was to change my life.
I laughed when she suggested I visit a spiritual healer, for three years I had undergone all available treatment (remember I am going back many years and acknowledge the major progress in modern medicine) what hope could a ‘healer’ offer me? Later I decided there was nothing to lose, and I felt an intuitive feeling that visiting the healer was a good choice to make.
Linda Wainwright looked just like any ‘normal’ human being. I did not know what to expect. I certainly did not expect the balanced and clear minded person who, after one treatment, lightened my existence. It was inevitable, after such a profound experience I would investigate complementary therapies. Reiki being my first encounter with the power of universal vibrational healing energy. Much more would follow!
The paralysis made me anxious that I would never recover, this anxiety turned to depression. One morning I realised my corporate career was over. Thirty years of continuous effort and determination to succeed was now over. Possibly one of my darkest days. Once we accept, and I mean accept our situation, no matter how difficult, life will turn around. My focus was now on my health and the future. As the months turned into years, my health and body began to repair. The more I became committed to my therapies and learning about the different aspects of healing, the healthier I became.
I am not saying the journey was easy. We all have unexpected hurdles to overcome. I am writing that life is sometimes uncertain, and accepting the situation is one of the ways to move forward. Today the way I view life has turned around. Anyone who feels trapped on a treadmill does have alternatives. When I train people in alternative therapies, there is an understanding that the students are becoming more aware of their whole life. The healer learns to heal their own life; this is an amazing experience.
While training to be a teacher, there was a moment when I realised my whole existence was being given a new beginning. Teachers give their fellow humans opportunities to better their own lives. And when the pupil becomes the master the cycle continues. My passion is to help people who are in the same situation I found myself in twenty years ago. I was at a crossroads, depressed, overworked and becoming ill. I was no longer aware of my inner-being and could no longer hear my inner voice. This is why during a lesson or course or even within a conversation with someone who feels lost, I talk about my journey and the opportunities which are waiting in the future. It is all about learning how to discover our true self, the spiritual journey helps us to accomplish this.
Once we work to strengthen our inner being and we learn how to build confidence, will power, and self-awareness we can enjoy life in our way. When I am teaching students, there is a constant reference to self-awareness. And as we become more aware of the world around us. We realise what and where we want to be. It is not long before we put our learned skills to good use. My world is enhanced by great friends and the successes of my students, what better way to live?
To think twenty years ago I would have laughed at myself in my present happiness. Within the ignorance was poor physical health and the darkness of depression. Which way of life is better? Only you can answer this question.’
Eliza Hodge
Eliza runs a successful holistic training school, her website can be found at this LINK
This essay will be of benefit to many people, if you have enjoyed it, share it to help others
This is Eliza’s When
Who is Jill Fraser?
Jill was a lecturer in Hair Dressing and Beauty Department at Grimsby College. She lectured for twenty-two years, and during her final years, she specialised in Reflexology and Aromatherapy. As you will appreciate, Jill had many years of teaching experience. She was able to demonstrate her knowledge in the most wonderful way, and became respected and loved by all who knew her.
In 2000 Jill was introduced to Suzanne Catty of Toronto, Canada who was lecturing at an I.S.P.A Conference in York. After the conference, Suzanne ran an in-depth workshop on the subject of the Canadian method of ear candling.
During the seminar, students enjoyed the therapy for themselves. Having suffered for many years with persistent itching and irritation to her ears, Jill was interested in testing the treatment. Afterward, she felt an instantaneous relief, and in the long term, there was no return of uncomfortable and painful symptoms. The evidence of the success of this gentle and effective technique was proven by the first-hand experience. The realisation she would no longer have to suffer the persistent discomfort, and regular syringing gave her complete faith in the treatment.
After completing the training, she began to treat many people. Very soon she came up against an unforeseeable problem. She searched in vain to finds a U.K supplier of the unique and high-quality Canadian ear candles. And attempts to import the candles from America and Canada were hampered by numerous problems. However, quality and cost were the factors which guided Jill to take another direction. She decided to design and develop her candles, based on the originals. After weeks of research and development, Jill produced a product which is proven to be a most effective ear candle.
Jill went even further; her years of specialist lecturing in Reflexology and Aromatherapy would take her work to a higher level. She combined an expert face and massage technique with the Canadian method; this specialist combination enhances the ear candling therapy. Of course, it would not be long before she worked out a syllabus for her technique. With over two decades as a lecturer and teacher, the course Jill created is the benchmark of ‘Ear Candle Therapy.’
Jill retired in 2007 and passed the running of the now well-established business and training to Eliza Hodge. Eliza continues in the pure spirit of Jill’s original ethos, and her workshops are an accurate reflection of the original quality of the course and the effectiveness of the now classic design of the candles.
Eliza comments:
‘We continue to thrive and train new ear candling therapists. Our training syllabus follows the time tested and unique course Jill developed all those years ago. It is rewarding to know many of our students prosper with their complementary businesses, and Ear Candle Therapy is often chosen as the primary treatment. The consistent quality of the product is demonstrated by the fact ‘Jill Fraser Qualified’ practitioners continue to use Jill Fraser Ear Candles; even though are cheaper products available. Our candles have the greatest purity and lowest carbon footprint, quality always entails a premium cost. Remember Jill Fraser Candles are handmade by Reiki Practitioners, the materials are 100% Egyptian cotton and Pure first strain beeswax, the best available. I’m justifiably proud we supply our candles to five different countries.’
Eliza’s years of work in the field of complementary health is evident when you meet her. She continues to follow the ethos, and original syllabus set out many years ago. Eliza will not compromise her teaching, or the standards required to be the best; this is the only way to attain the highest level of qualification. The ethos of the business and purity of the candles are paramount to continuing success. Eliza runs the courses from her training facility in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds.
Visitors can experience ear candle therapy at any of the shows Eliza attends, and of course, Eliza will be using the unique Jill Fraser Ear Candle.
Contact:
jillfraser.com
Tel: 01507 57 87 87
Our Well Being Events are made by our community. Every One of our Community has a story to tell and understands the why’s and how’s of life’s journey.
See you at Newark – Newark Show Ground – Cedric Ford Pavilion – 16 & 17 September
