Next Adventures, Hypnosis, and a Heartfelt Farewell to Thor!

Important Updates for Diaries of Fake Guru & A Scientific Review of Hypnotherapy

AI generated Klimt inspired paintings prompted with ‘hypnosis using golds, turquoise & pinks.’

Hey there, lovely friends,

I just wanted to drop you a note to catch you up on what's brewing in the world of "Diaries of a Fake Guru" for the foreseeable future!

So, here's the scoop: We were all set to embark on our grand adventure to Central America after soaking up the beauty of the Yukon for a while. But, as life would have it, a little curveball came our way – or should I say, it came my dog Thor's way? You see, my trusty sidekick, Thor, had a few medical surprises in store. The initial plan was to leave him in the Yukon with my folks, enjoy a few weeks of bliss, and then set off on our journey. But guess what? Life had other ideas. Thor decided to tango with a Yukon fireweed – those sticky little buggers that dogs just can't resist – and, well, let's just say it led to a three-hour retching showdown. Add to that three cancerous tumors, and you've got yourself an unexpected surgery party!

But fear not, we've conquered those bumps in the road, and we're back on track for our international escapade. But hold your horses, let's not skip over the Yukon chapter – next week, I'll be sharing a post that wraps up the entire adventure, complete with links to all the incredible places we explored, events we experienced, and mouthwatering dishes we indulged in. So, keep that email close, just in case you decide to take a journey to the land of the midnight sun.

Demystifying Hypnosis: A Scientific Review

But wait, there's more! I've been cooking up a little project that's got me absolutely buzzing. Some of you may know that I recently completed a year-long program to become a certified Hypnotherapist. Since then, I've had the privilege to collaborate with clients tackling a wide array of challenges, from imposter syndrome and the fear of failure to issues with weight management, addictions, emotional control, and creative roadblocks. During this time, I took a deep dive into my own blocks. In fact, this very newsletter is a result of me dismantling some of those pesky negative beliefs about my own worth.

As part of my ongoing journey with hypnotherapy, I'll be serving up a monthly treat right here – Direct Suggestion Therapy recordings. Initially, they'll be available to all you wonderful folks for free, but down the line, they'll be an exclusive delight for our paid subscribers. What's even cooler is that I'm tailoring these recordings to align with the themes explored in my essays. Remember my last essay, "The Unseen Program," where I delved into the programming that shapes our self-perception as we age? Well, my first hypnotherapy recording, "Embracing Your Timeless Self," is going to be like a warm hug for anyone grappling with those nagging doubts about their self-worth.

Now, let's chat about hypnosis, shall we? It's not all about folks clucking like chickens or chomping on onions, like those wild TV shows might have you believe. Those quirky stereotypes and flashy entertainment acts have given hypnosis a bit of a bad rap. But here's the real deal: There's a growing body of research and a bunch of savvy scientists out there who are singing the praises of hypnosis, shedding light on how it can be a powerful tool for positive change. According to Dr. David Spiegel, in a 2020 article in the American Journal of Medicine, hypnosis has some serious potential for tackling things like migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and anxiety. If hypnosis were a pill, it'd be a superstar in the medical world!

Hypnosis, you see, has quite the impact on how we perceive things, our symptoms, and our habits. When you're under the hypno-spell, your brain takes a little break in the dorsal portion of the anterior cingulate cortex (which, by the way, is like the control center for what's super important in your brain) and starts making friends between the prefrontal cortex and the insula (that's the hotline for your brain to talk to your body).

And here's the kicker – science is all over it! Thanks to data on how our neurotransmitters and genes do their dance, the mystery behind the brainy mechanics of hypnosis is no longer, well, a mystery.

I'm a true believer in the magic of hypnotherapy. I've seen it work wonders, helping people make profound, lasting changes in their lives. Through my monthly recordings, I'll be sharing suggestions to help you achieve a state of deep relaxation and break free from those limiting beliefs. The perks of hypnotherapy? Think brain boost, stress relief, improved sleep, a boost in confidence, and a whole heap of other positive changes.

So, that's what's cooking in my world right now! I'm also busy making arrangements for our upcoming international adventure. And today, it's with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to my furry baby, Thor. My emotions are all over the place, let me tell you. Picture my dog sitting by the door, patiently waiting for our return – it's enough to bring tears to your eyes. I've even tried a little hypnotherapy on him – yes, you read that right! I've been whispering in his ear that he's got a special mission: taking care of two families while we're away for the next five months. And you know what? He's totally on board. As for me, knowing that he's going to have a blast in the Yukon brings me immense comfort.

Thor and I, Tombstone Mountains up the Dempster Highway, Dawson City, Yukon

Our journey is set to kick off with a brief stop in Vancouver, then we'll be making our way to the Toronto area, and finally, we'll be soaking up the vibes in Central America.

Catch you soon!

Hugs and good vibes,

Ashley

You are reading Wannabe Wisdom, Diaries of a Fake Guru by Ashley Evans. I’m also on Instagram and Threads.